Meet the local: Daniel Smith
As part of our Insider's Guide series, we caught up with Daniel Smith of Studio Smiddy, a furniture maker and Leith local, to give us an insight into his favourite spots in Leith.
1. Tell us a bit about your background?
The path to furniture making has been a fun one. After a (very) brief stint studying languages at Glasgow University I realised that the world of academia wasn’t my calling. I joined the circus so to speak by spending the majority of my 20s touring internationally with Fringe and Comedy festivals working within the press office and as an artist liaison. Though being surrounded by creativity on a regular basis, exploring my own version of that within design and making wasn’t an obvious conclusion untill Covid when, like many, I decided I needed a big life change.
2. What attracted you to furniture making?
I’ve always been cursed with an expensive eye paired with a ‘work in the arts’ budget so the process of designing and creating my own work was a big draw. That, and I matched with someone on a dating app who quit his job to do a furniture making course and it sounded like a great idea.
3. Tell us about Studio Smiddy?
I started Studio Smiddy after completing the professional course at The Chippendale International School of Furniture. The aim has been to create bespoke pieces that act as a focal point in a space whilst still remaining fundamentally functional. I’ve focused on curvilinear designs and endeavour to create dopamine inducing dream furniture. Now two years into setting up my own business, I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved so far. I’ve recently been stocked in an interiors shop in Chelsea and I’m wearing gorgeous Kiltane cashmere so I think that’s indicative of it going in the right direction.
You can follow Studio Smiddy on Instagram HERE.
4. What is your favourite piece that you have created?
My wavy bench brings me an immense amount of joy though the process of veneering increases my cortisol levels to a life-shortening degree. I’ve always been in love with undulating shapes and interiors, the rigidity of a 90 degree angle doesn’t do a huge amount for me so I’m more than happy to go to an early grave to create the curve.
5. We hear you have recently moved to Leith, what do you like most about living there?
The shore, the locals, the food and the aesthetically pleasing locals.
6. Which restaurants in Leith would you recommend?
Now this is one of the best bits about living in Leith! The plethora of food options is truly next level. Some highlights would include Mirin (the smoked haddock dumplings), Ardfern (the full scottish), Eleanore (literally anything on the menu) and last but absolutely not least is the 24 hour bakery Storries for their shouldn’t-be-good-yet-somehow-exceptional lasagne pies.
7. Where are the best bars in Leith?
Newbarns Taproom - a true 10/10, not just because I sling pints there a couple of nights a week but it’s cosy, has a beer garden for the rare glimmers of sunshine and the food pop ups are unreal. Malt and Hops down The Shore is the perfect blend of old mannys, millennial hipsters, an open fire and a great selection of local beers and ales. The Tourmalet - it takes a brave soul to frequent the toilets downstairs but you’re rewarded with a fun night, a smorgasbord of locals and, if it’s your birthday, one of the worst pickled eggs you’ve ever eaten (in a good way).
