‘We are literally on our last legs’
The owners of a beloved Edinburgh cafe have described their business as a “time warp” after serving the capital for decades.
Sea Breeze Cafe first opened 30 years ago on Leith Walk before Sam and Weam took over in 2007. In that time, the family has earned a loyal clientele and have kept the space in its original form despite so much changing around them.
They describe their business as a “classic, greasy spoon” and they don’t want to be anything else. The interior has a vintage feel with traditional elements. Wood panelling is a key aspect of the space with a visible kitchen and early 90s decoration throughout.
The meals are served on white plates with a small pattern detail and a Biscoff biscuit is provided with every fork and knife wrapped in a napkin.
The cafe has remained the same for 30 years
However, in an emotional update to customers, the family admit they have faced some “very difficult challenges” over the years, but are committed to remaining open for a further six months after the business was listed for sale last month.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live, owner Sam said: “The struggles started last year when the cost of food just kept getting higher and higher but we didn’t put our prices up.
“We should have though because it’s put us in a really difficult situation because now we are struggling to keep the cafe open.
“I think there are obviously so many cafes in the area and ours doesn’t look the most inviting from the outside – it’s like it’s stuck in a timewarp.
Weam
“Everyone around us is serving matcha, fancy coffees, paninis etc. We are like a classic, greasy spoon cafe – that’s who we are and we aren’t trying to be anything else.
“We have always kept everything exactly the same. We are going to keep going for six months to see if there is anything we can change or anything the customers want in particular.
“We are literally on our last legs and if we don’t start getting more customers in, we will unfortunately have to close down.”
The cafe serves classic brunch grub including full breakfasts, baked potatoes, grills, omelettes, soups and snacks.
The landlord has agreed to let the family stay longer if the cafe does well. Many customers have brought the team flowers and cards after learning of their sad closure.
Customers have showed their support
Sam added: “If the cafe does do well, the landlord is more than happy to extend the six months but if it doesn’t then we will have to let someone take over.
“We have tried to change things in the past to see if works – we are originally from Iraq so we did try and introduce Middle Eastern foods but the customers wanted us to stick to all day breakfast and bacon rolls.
“We’ll do everything in our power to try and keep it going for as long as possible, but if we can’t afford to keep going, then something will have to be done.
“It’s really, really sad because our customers have been amazing and so supportive – this is all we have ever known. We have created a community and customers come from all over the city including Gorgie and Granton.
The cafe has a vintage feel
“We came from very humble beginnings. We had to leave Iraq because of the war. It was such a big milestone for us to take over our own cafe on Leith Walk.
“We want to do everything in our power to keep that dream alive but so much is changing around us so it will be hard for us to remain authentic.”
Posting an update social media, the Sea Breeze Cafe team said: “We have some important news to share with you all.
“As many of you may already know, we have been facing some very difficult challenges here at Sea Breeze Cafe. But thanks to the incredible support you have shown us over the years, we are not ready to give up just yet.
“We are committed to keeping the cafe open for the next six months, and we are fighting hard to ensure that Sea Breeze remains a part of this community for as long as possible.
“Now, more than ever, we need your loyalty. Every cup of tea, every breakfast, every visit truly makes a difference to us. You are the reason we open our doors every morning, and you are the reason we are determined to keep doing so.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Thank you to every single one of you who has walked through our doors, pulled up a chair, and made Sea Breeze the special place it is. Your support over the years has meant the world to us, and we will never take it for granted.
“Please come and see us. Bring a friend. And know that every visit helps keep the dream alive. “
