Andy Gemmell's drinks cabinet: Nauticus
What is it? It took four months of hard graft by three of Edinburgh’s most exciting bar operators to transform what was The Parlour Bar in Leith into Nauticus. Their vision was to create a showcase for all things Leith and Scotland in a great bar. The result is a classic pub interior with deep green and gold along with many quirky and fun touches, from the three classic pub mirrors with old gold writing spelling out the names of the three owners to the old diver’s helmets attached to the walls that you can pop your head into for those essential Instagrammable moments.
Verdict: It has taken me far too long to visit this place since it opened last year. Kyle Jamieson, Iain McPherson and Sam Chapman are big names in the bar world in the capital, so I was pretty excited to see what they had came up with. I wasn’t disappointed – a strong concept with great attention to detail, knowledgeable, passionate and friendly staff, great food and drink offering, all in comfortable and interesting surroundings. As soon as you walk through the door you know you are going to be taken care of and have a good time. They have elevated a classic pub vibe with an innovative and hospitality-driven focus to create a great modern community pub. This is a more than welcome addition not just to Leith but to Edinburgh as a city.
Drink: Scotland is going through a golden era when it comes to producing spirits and this pub’s mission is to showcase them. My advice would be to get a seat at the bar and let the team take you on a drinks voyage of discovery through Leith’s rich history and its importance to global trade throughout history. The added bonus is that the drinks are absolutely delicious.
Food: A simple and locally sourced bar menu that offers charcuterie from the East Coast Cured Meats Company on Restalrig Road, pork pies from local piemaker Pie Dolly and cheese boards from Old Town-born IJ Mellis. Pretty much everything you’d want while have a few drinks.
Prices: All in line with the Leith area, although the old locals from The Parlour may get a wee fright.
Children: Adults only here.
Perfect for: This will now be a must visit for me if I am entertaining people on their first visit to Scotland. There are many great pubs in the capital but here you get the modern version that really showcases the best of what Scotland has to offer.
Avoid if: you don’t fancy going all the way to Leith for a drink – although you will be missing out. I’d just bite the bullet and book that Uber immediately.
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