Bramble bar is a revelation. Totally hidden down a tiny flight of stony steps, this boutique bar is known for its exciting and innovative cocktails. Dimmed lighting and concealed cushioned seating areas make this a cosy place to hang out. On a Saturday afternoon the venue was calm and chilled but apparently crowds and cramming is to be expected later on as darkness descends.
A charming bar manager came to welcome us and advise us on suitable drinks for our tastes. Named after the eponymous gin cocktail, Bramble offers a variety of gin based drinks amongst other unique concoctions. The gin theme will be continued at their new bar opening on 1st May in Stockbridge called ‘The Last Word’. Both bars celebrate the heritage and history of gin in Scotland and Britain, developing and creating special cocktails that show off this classic spirit.
My dad and brother knew exactly what they wanted immediately, I was more of a nightmare customer eventually asking for ‘anything… make me something I’ll like’. Turns out this is always the best thing to say in a good cocktail bar as the waiter will return with an absolutely magical mix; in my case the ‘Butter-Scotch Cocktail’ a genius mix of homemade Butter-washed Monkey Shoulder Whisky, Aperol, Oloroso Sherry, vanilla sugar, ginger jam and Peychaud’s Bitters. A tangy sweet dessert cocktail with wonderfully conflicting and contrasting flavours with a soft warm caramel hint from the butterscotch.
My brother tried the famous ‘Bramble’ cocktail made with Plymouth Gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar syrup & Merlet Crème de Mures: it was served long and very cold, light and refreshing, very easy to drink and garnished with delicious plump blackberry, and fruit syrup. The final cocktail we tried was ‘The Saint’ a twist on the classic bellini with St Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Fee Brothers Peach Bitters & Prosecco dei Colli Trevigiani. This was a sophisticated and subtle sparkling drink with a hint of perfumy elderflower. The perfect cocktail to have before a meal out.
If you live in Edinburgh a visit to Bramble is a must.
Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled with East Coast Trains to Edinburgh. East Coast operates 46 services each weekday between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh. Customers travelling First Class can enjoy East Coast’s complimentary food and drinks offer plus unlimited Wi-Fi. Advanced return fares, booked online at www.eastcoast.co.uk: start from £33 Standard Class or £95 First Class. Times and fares can also be found via 08457 225225 or from any staffed stations.