Heads and Tales
Heads and Tales
1a Rutland Place
Edinburgh
What is it: This, along with the Devil's Advocate, has been the most hyped bar to open in Edinburgh this year. Following the global trend this is a gin bar but they have taken things to a new level by actually creating the spirit in the bar itself with two working stills which they have named Flora and Caledonia. Located below The Rutland Hotel, Heads and Tales is hard to find which makes it all the more alluring for Edinburgh's movers and shakers. What was a pretty run of the mill nightclub has been transformed into a cool-looking cocktail bar. The bar is built around the beautiful stills which are behind windows; no expense has been spared on the decor with flashes of copper, exposed brick, luxurious leather seating and dim ambient lightning giving the venue a old-school gentleman's club vibe with a modern twist.
Interesting fact: The Port of Leith in Edinburgh has a rich history of distilling and when gin became the fashionable spirit in the 19th century, Edinburgh distillers produced a gin which was a direct copy of Dutch jenever.
Verdict: There is something special about sipping a G&T while it is being made in front of you. This area has being crying out for something with a bit of class and now they have got it.
Drinks: A small but perfectly formed cocktail list with some great innovative gin serves. I enjoyed a Rendezvous with Bombay Dry gin, bitter orange & cherry for £7. The bar folks are on the ball and you could find yourself sampling a lot of different drinks … so be prepared.
Food: There is a tapas-style menu which is perfect for when you just want to concentrate on the gin. I didn't get time to eat but it did look very tasty.
Price: Not bad at all, with cocktails from £7 and a Edinburgh Gin at £2.50.
Alfresco: No outside area.
Children: Just for the grown up juniper lovers.
Avoid if: You are looking for a sun trap.
Perfect for: Taking friends to this hidden treasure and making yourself look hip in the process.
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