"Thirsty? Are you hungry? Out of coins?" Every person who spends time in the city has had to answer these questions while walking the chill stone alleys between the castle and Waverley Station. Vending machines, those tireless food sellers, have become ever-present helpers all around the city. There they are, full of snacks, treats, and the odd sandwich that might surprise you, by the bus station, within hospitals, and even under modern office buildings. Read more now Royal Vending.
Edinburgh's first vending machines only sold chocolate bars and sodas. But over time, the city's vending machine stock grew. You can get fresh fruit, coconut water, and even sushi. Your nan would raise a brow. And don't even get me started on the machines serving hot drinks. Whoever put a cappuccino button in at midnight—cheers!
One anecdote comes to mind: I'm roaming the medieval streets, the sky is a dull Scottish grey, and my fingers are numb with cold. I see a vending machine stuck between two tourist shops. It has Irn-Bru, but behind it is a row of unexpectedly good vegan wraps. A group of school kids is fighting over which bag of chips tastes less like cardboard. The machine clunks, whirs, and finally delivers, which is met with cheers like those at a football game.
Let’s discuss the advancements. Yes, cash still works, but tap-to-pay changed the game. You may now have coffee and chocolate with only a tap. No more searching for that hard-to-find pound coin at the bottom of your luggage. And what about librarians worried about the sound of crumpling crisp packets? Don't worry—there are silent snack machines in the hallways with snacks that won’t interrupt your reading when you eat them.
It’s not just about the cuisine. You might see vending machines that dispense chargers, masks, and rainy-day gear. Locals joke that you may get drenched only to discover shelter in a vending box. They are the unsung heroes of Edinburgh’s bad weather.
Of course, nothing is perfect. Sometimes you find yourself gazing blankly into a case of snacks and wondering why this is your Tuesday night. Do you kick it and accept your fate? Or swear off vending forever?
Don’t forget about these compact marvels if you're visiting the city. Half snack bar, half history box, they are. Every time you walk by, you may find an unexpected treat, because local businesses are always coming up with fresh mixes and nibbles. You never know: a random snack could turn your mood, even if you weren’t planning to stay long.