It was laid out in the 19th century as the gateway to London, flanked by some of Edinburgh's finest architectural splendours including the Old College of Edinburgh University and the Surgeon's Hall. But heavy traffic and changing trends saw the capital's thoroughfare between South Bridge and Minto Street decay into a series of streets better known for their litter, souvenir shops and takeaways. Now the area is undergoing a renaissance, with Glasgow-based delicatessen Peckham's set to open a new restaurant and cafe on South Clerk Street.
