Looking for a new cocktail bar in Edinburgh? Try Understory!
After a dinner date in a restaurant around the corner, the server recommended us Understory, a new cocktail bar that opened August 2026. It lies below the prominent Ghillie Dhu on the West End but promises a much different atmosphere than the busy pub above. It is reminiscent of a speakeasy – as we walked down the stairs, we wondered if we had gone the wrong way. Opening up the door and entering the bar, we faced signs that told us “You should probably leave,” as well as low but ambient lighting.
There were a few different rooms. We chose a room that slightly resembled a classic British living room: variations of armchairs, a small fireplace, and tasteful floral wallpaper – which only made sense as we were handed the leather-bound menu. The menu boasted a variety of house and classic cocktails, wines, and a few beers and spirits.
We ordered from the house cocktail menu: a unique twist on British nostalgia. I ordered the Sgroppino – an Irn Bru float made with “many dessert wines,” Irn Bru, a peach aperitif, and a scoop of tonka bean sorbet. My partner ordered the Marmalade Sandwich which was described as “a daiquiri meets a butter croissant meets paddington bear.” I tried both drinks; both were delicious, but the Marmalade Sandwich was my favourite.
Unfortunately, we only ordered one drink each but the drinks that stood out to me were the Tispy Filou, containing the iconic Petit Filou yogurt many of us in Britain had growing up, the Parkside Bucky, and the Cheeky Vimto. For those who have tried the original drinks, the cocktail versions sounded much more pleasant…
If you’re looking for a new date night spot or a few drinks with friends, pop into Understory!
Images supplied by Jennifer Millar for The Student
