The sibling-owned 'cosy' cafe that's opening in hectic Edinburgh location this spring

We need the boost to propel us up those steep hills and assist us in scurrying through vennels.

Now, we have another new coffee shop to add to the roster. Bono will be opening towards the end of March, when the cherry blossom will be appearing in the nearby Meadows and everything will be optimistically springlike. This spot has taken over a former language cafe on South Clerk Street in the city’s busy Southside.

We asked one of the owners to tell us a bit more.

Who is behind Bono?

My name is Alejandro Castillo. I’m originally from a small town in Mexico, and I’ve been living in Edinburgh for the past two years while completing my master’s degree. I arrived here as a student and very quickly fell in love with the city - its warmth, its creativity, and how international it feels. Coffee has always been a big part of my life. I love how versatile it can be, from a comforting sweet latte to a delicate, floral pour-over, I’ve always been fascinated by the diversity of the coffee world.

Together with my sister, Daniela, I had the idea of opening a coffee shop that wasn’t just about serving great coffee, but about creating a welcoming community - a space driven by diversity, creativity, and connection.

What's different about what you offer?

With Bono, we want people to instantly feel comfortable, like they’ve found a second living room somewhere in Edinburgh. Speciality coffee is at the heart of what we do, and quality will always come first, but we’re not interested in being “coffee snobs”. We’ll offer exciting, seasonal drinks alongside our core menu, and we’re very open-minded about how people enjoy their coffee. If someone wants a beautifully dialled-in espresso, amazing. If they want a latte with sweet cold foam on top, that’s just as welcome. Our goal is to create a space where no one feels like they don’t belong just because they’re not into ultra-traditional speciality coffee.

Why did you choose that location?

We wanted a spot that felt neighbourhood-focused - somewhere people could genuinely slow down, rather than just grab a coffee and rush off. The location felt right for that kind of atmosphere, being close to the Meadows while also surrounded by many other local shops. It aligned perfectly with the idea of Bono as a place to linger, connect, and feel at home.

What have you done to the interior?

The space was previously a café, but it had already been closed for over a year by the time we got the keys, so we never saw it in operation. We’re doing a complete refit with commercial interior architects Splintr, aiming for a cosy, warm, and welcoming feel - lots of warm tones, soft lighting, and a slightly moody atmosphere. Splintr felt like a natural choice for us. A lot of people in Edinburgh have spent time in spaces they’ve worked on, often without even realising it, and some of my favourite spots in the city were designed by them. The brief was simple: make it feel intimate, relaxed, and lived-in - somewhere you want to stay a little longer.

Anything other than coffee?

Coffee will always be the main focus, but we’ll also be offering tea and matcha as well as pastries and sandwiches to complement the drinks. The idea is to keep things thoughtful and high-quality - things that pair well with coffee and encourage people to settle in rather than rush. The menu will evolve seasonally, and we want it to feel fun and flexible rather than restrictive.

Who do you think will be your average customer?

I imagine our average customer as someone who wants to take their time - someone who appreciates quality, enjoys slowing down, and sees coffee as more than just fuel. Whether they’re working, chatting with friends, or simply enjoying a quiet moment, Bono is a place for people who value the experience as much as the drink itself.

Do you have any other favourite Edinburgh businesses that you've taken inspiration from?

When it comes to inspiration, Edinburgh has so many great coffee shops, but the ones I keep coming back to are Cafen, Cult, and Beatnik. There’s just something about the atmosphere in those places that makes you feel welcome, on top of serving extremely good drinks. Outside of coffee, places like Singapore Coffee House and South Queensferry’s Dune Bakery never fail to impress me with their food - simply exceptional.

Are you excited or nervous about the opening?

We’re incredibly nervous, but just as excited to begin this new chapter in Edinburgh. This city has given us so much - opportunities, friendships, inspiration, and a real sense of belonging - and Bono feels like our way of giving something back. We don’t see it as just opening a coffee shop, but as becoming part of the everyday rhythm of the neighbourhood. We hope Bono can add value to the city in a meaningful way, not by trying to be the loudest or the trendiest, but by being consistent, thoughtful, and genuinely caring about the people who walk through the door. If someone leaves feeling a little more relaxed, a little more connected, or simply like they’ve found a place they want to return to, then we’ll feel we’re doing something right.

For more information on Bono (88 South Clerk Street, Edinburgh) and its opening date, see Instagram @bono.edinburgh

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