by Lindsay Law (
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I'm a working mum writing about life in Edinburgh (and anywhere else we go) with two curious, adventurous, and imaginative children. Visit my blog at www.linzertortes.blogspot.co.uk. Follow me on Twitter: @LinzerLaw
Every week when my youngest daughter is at ballet I walk a well-worn path to Starbucks. Today I decided to try something different, and Josie (my elder daughter) and I stopped at Sprio, an Italian deli and latteria.

Sprio Deli and Latteria
The menu is a mix of classic Italian fare prepared from the deli's fresh produce, but also with some Scottish influences.

The groceries section of the deli.
Because I was feeling breakfasty, I chose Focaccini di Patate, which is two Scottish potato scones sandwiching Italian herb-flavoured cream cheese and a touch of parmaggiano. I don't like to drink coffee so instead I had a freshly-squeezed citrus mix, while Josie had a vanilla milkshake. The citrus mix was sharply, sweetly, and deliciously refreshing.
The interior is pleasantly chic, with clean lines in white and black with accents of red and orange.

We sat and watched the world go by through the window.
There's an interesting selection of art and fashion magazines, so you can get some inspiration for a shopping trip in the boutiques of Stockbridge. On the shelves that divide the interior of the shop you can browse Italian groceries and sweeties. My daughter was excited by the tiny packets of Italian Tic-Tacs in unusual flavours and colours.

She's wondering whether I'm going to buy her any sweeties before ballet class.
Then, once you've picked your groceries and ordered your coffee, then why not sit in the window and people-watch on one of the most eclectic streets in Edinburgh!