Review: Bramble Bar
As mentioned earlier in the week, cocktails are a great way to put a splash of colour and decadence into a dreary winter. And once of the best places in Edinburgh to do just that is at Bramble Bar.
The Atmosphere
Bramble is one of those bars that defies description – you need to go there to see it for yourself. It reminds me sort of I would imagine an old-fashioned gentleman’s club in New York City – nice, comfortable leather furniture, very very low lighting (it’s almost dark, hence the lack of photos in this review!), ambient music that is exciting but also very chillout. Everyone’s speaking in hushed tones, huddled away in the various rooms, nooks, and crannies.
The walls have old-fashioned posters featuring concerts and other miscellany. There’s a unisex toilet, and each stall is a different neon colour – one of those places where just going to the loo is an experience in itself.
But there’s nothing pretentious here or off-putting. It’s good old fashioned clean fun, where the focus is not about being en vogue. No, bramble makes it clear their focus is on one thing: making amazing drinks, and making sure that customers are enjoying those concoctions. There’s a huge bar but nothing too fancy or crazy going on behind it.
Speaking of the bar, there’s the staff: all friendly, polite, and swing into action the moment you order. They are also well trained in looking out for those who need a fresh beverage without hovering or intruding in conversation. It really is like the perfect, modern-day version of a speakeasy.
The main downside is that this place isn’t very big. The nooks and crannies are fun but if you don’t get there early, you can’t get a seat. Cocktails, at least for me, are best enjoyed sitting or standing at the bar, and sometimes it is just a little too busy in here.
The Drinks
So yes, these amazing drinks. Let me warn you: you’re paying for the experience and for a good hefty glass of goodness. Most drinks are in the £5-£7 range. If you think paying that much for a drink is ridiculous, you might as well stop reading now.
As you can imagine, these guys cater to everyone: beer, wine, whisky, vodka, gin – you name it, they’ll find it. But of course the highlight is their extensive selection of cocktails; it takes several minutes to read through everything, let along make a decision. Cocktails are hard to recommend as everyone is different, but here’s a couple to highlight:
- The Bramble: sort of the ‘house’ drink considering the name, it has gin, lemon juice, and creme de mures. I don’t drink gin so I can’t tell you if it’s good, but judging by the smiles on my friends’ faces, I think it is a safe bet.
- The Saint: this, for me, is heaven in a glass. peach bitters, Elderflower liqueur, and prosecco. It’s fizzy, sweet but not too sweet, and goes down a little too well.
They have, of course, your typical options like a mint julep or event a vodka tonic if you’re looking to play it low-key, but with all the choice why not have some fun?
The Essentials (e.g. finding it)
Bramble is at the corner of Queen and Hanover Street. To be specific, it is down a set of stairs on the southeast corner. It is very easy to miss, actually, but just keep looking – it’s more on Queen Street than it is on Hanover.
Website: www.bramblebar.co.uk
