This episode we chat with Kilted Donut co-founder Lena about all things sweet, sticky and doughy! 


This local business can be found on Great Junction Street, with selection of indulgent and ever-changing flavours. These freshly-baked donuts are an absolute treat, as was chatting to Lena.

Plus, for the first time ever, all listeners can nab 15% off at The Kilted Donut online shop!! Just use code HIDDEN15 at the checkout. 

This episode, we speak to mother and son duo Paula and Stevie, part of the family who have set up Sabzi on Ferry Road. Their Punjabi street food pop ups are wonderfully delicious, with a changing menu weekend to weekend. They're looking to open the shop up properly in July, and took the time to tell us a bit about the story behind their business!

From green grocers to refillable shopping stores, sustainable deliveries to workers co-ops, Edinburgh's eco, ethical, sustainable business community is growing from strength to strength.

We spoke to four local business owners about their experiences – and why they believe it is important to invest local, and think global. 

Thanks to our guests The Edinburgh Tool Library, Weigh-to-Go, The New Leaf Co-op, and Easter Greens!

And a huge thanks to our wonderful sponsors for this episode, Farrout Deliveries.

Show Notes:

Taimi has set up Courageous Co-operation to support other co-operatives set up and thrive - through offering co-op relevant training, facilitation and mentorship.

You can find out more at www.courageouscooperation.co.uk

In this Hidden Trax Chat, we speak to Mrs Boon, owner of Tanjore - a well loved South Indian restaurant in Edinburgh’s Southside. Famous for their delicious dosas and distinct curries, this family-run local business is held in a special place in many hearts. 

Mrs Boon’s infectious positivity, friendliness and passion for South Indian cuisine seeps through Tanjore - and her storytelling is definitely not something to miss. 

This episode we spoke to Giselle, co-founder of Bellfield Brewery. Specialising in great tasting gluten-free, all vegan, craft beers, their range can now be found across Edinburgh, and beyond – including in their own taproom! 

In this chat, we got to find out more about the Bellfield story and their journey as a local independent business in Edinburgh...

In this #hiddentraxchat, we speak to Machina Co-Founder Steve Glencross about how he started the business, what’s stands out about Edinburgh, and what’s to come in the world of speciality coffee.

The Dunsmores. the family behind the wonderful Paolozzi lager, run this local, independent, family-run brewery in Edinburgh. Their aim? To make beer beautiful. Their hugely popular range has been a huge hit over the past five years, and we loved catching up with Kirsty Dunsmore and finding a bit more about the story behind the brewery. 

"The beauty of Edinburgh and Glasgow is the fact that there are communities within the cities.. you've got the culture of a big city, and even more small shops than a village or a small town."

Iain Mellis founded his cherished cheesemongers back in 1993, when he first set up shop on Victoria Street. Over the last two decades, the family business has expanded to multiple premises and supplies wholesale to restaurants all over town. This local, independent business has kept Edinburgh (and Glasgow) well stocked with the finest Scottish dairy about. 

We loved hearing the Mellis story, and hope you enjoy! 

(Apologies for any audio blips - remote recording in the age of COVID/Zoom is a challenge!)

In our next #hiddentraxchat, we bring you this gem of a conversation with the managing director of Valvona & Crolla – Francesca Contini! We get to grips with her incredible family history, and Valvona & Crolla's life in Leith since 1934! This isn't one to miss...

And a huge thanks to Francesca! 

"Its about helping people discover what's around them, and make the choice to shop local...every time."

Tom Harries set up the Edinburgh Lockdown Economy in a weekend, at the start of lockdown. His mission? Helping Edinburgh residents choose to shop locally, by listing independent businesses in one, accessible place. In a matter of months, his tiny team of mostly volunteers have created a website which now promotes over 800 local businesses. 

We grabbed a quick chat with Tom, to find out a bit more about what he does – and he does it!