About Us
Our Story
Nestled at *186 Causewayside*, Gilded Stone was born from a passion for bringing people together over exceptional food, specialty coffee, and warm Scottish hospitality. Designed as a seamless day-to-night retreat, we transition effortlessly from a vibrant morning café into a sophisticated evening haven for artisanal dishes, milk teas, and botanical drinks.
The name Gilded Stone reflects our philosophy: taking the raw, foundational beauty of Edinburgh’s heritage and elevating it with refined, handcrafted touchpoints. Whether you are grabbing a quick morning flat white, working over a specialty brew, or unwinding with friends over evening small plates, Gilded Stone is your home away from home.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) POLICY
At Gilded Stone Café, we believe that true luxury lies in thoughtful stewardship. As a business rooted in the heart of Causewayside, our Corporate Social Responsibility framework rests on three key pillars
1. Environmental Sustainability & Waste Reduction
* *Local Sourcing:* We prioritize local Scottish suppliers to reduce food miles and support local farmers and artisans.
* *Eco-Friendly Packaging:* All our takeaway cups, food packaging, and bags are double-wall insulated, 100% compostable, or recyclable.
* *Responsible Sourcing:* Our specialty coffee beans are ethically sourced through direct-trade partnerships that guarantee fair wages and sustainable farming practices for coffee growers worldwide.
2. Fair Work & Community Wellbeing
* *Living Wage Employer:* We believe in investing in our team through fair wages, comprehensive training, and a positive, respectful work environment.
* *Ethical Operations:* From our ingredients to our equipment, we maintain full transparency and ethical standards across our entire supply chain.
3. COMMUNITY-FOCUSED BUSINESS POLICY
Gilded Stone is more than just a café; we are an active, caring member of the Edinburgh community. Our doors are open to everyone, and we actively use our platform to make a positive social impact.
✦ “The Mason’s Table” — Free Meal Initiative
We believe access to a warm meal and a moment of dignity is a fundamental human right. Through our *Mason’s Table Program*, we ensure that no one in our local neighborhood goes hungry:
* *Daily Warm Meals:* Every evening, we prepare freshly made, nutritious hot meals available free of charge to individuals experiencing homelessness or severe food poverty.
* *Suspended Coffee & Meal Scheme:* Our guests can “pay it forward” by purchasing an extra coffee or hot meal on their bill. These contributions directly fund warm food and drinks for those in need in our community.
* *Zero Food Waste Allocation:* Unsold fresh pastries and artisan breads at the end of the day are donated directly to local shelters and community food distribution networks.
✦ Supporting Local Culture & Connection
* *Community Hub:* We offer a welcoming space for local groups, neighborhood meetings, and cultural pop-ups.
* *Local Artists & Artisans:* Our space proudly displays work from local Edinburgh creators, fostering a creative and connected neighborhood atmosphere.