Fruitmarket

Nice independent gallery accessible

When I visited the Fruitmarket Gallery, there was not even an exhibition on and yet I felt refreshed and inspired just from visiting the shop, the café – and the toilets of course. Before I even entered, I was drawn in by the colourful display in the shop window and soon enough I was inside, surrounded by pretty designs, cute accessories, fun trinkets and interesting books. Even though the exhibition spaces were closed as they prepared for something new, I still got to see some art: there is a mini-exhibition on the wall opposite the bathrooms and even the water fountain in the café is a work of art! Right opposite the entrance, you can also pick up some information about art outside of the gallery: a video walking tour and a leaflet about the Scotsman Steps. I won’t be climbing the steps anytime soon, but this way I can still see what it’s all about! I didn’t stay to have anything in the café, but I’ll be keeping it in mind for the future, as it is bright and spacious and the staff were very friendly. The downside to the lovely high ceilings is that it gets quite noisy, so if I were coming to work or have some peace, I would definitely bring my headphones!

Very good toilet. Small drawback is the clothes rail limiting access to open the door fully.