Nauticus
Duke Street, Leith
What is it - It took four months of hard graft and vision by three of Edinburgh’s most exciting bar operators to transform what was The Parlour Bar in Leith into Nauticus. Their vision while ripping out the pub was to create a showcase of all things Leith and Scotland through the medium of a great bar. They managed to retain a few of the old features such as the cornicing and fireplace dur-ing the refurbishment but it was the work of the team that added the detail to the overall feel of the bar. The result is a classic pub interior with deep green and gold along with many quirky and fun touches throughout the pub from the three classic pub mirrors with old gold writing that don the names of the three owners to the old divers 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 after owning and run-ning some of the cities best venues, so i was pretty excited to see what they had came up with down in Leith. I wasn't disappointed, Nauticus ticks a lot of boxes in my list of what makes a great bar. 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 here you know you are going to be taken care of and have a good time. The have elevated a classic pub vibe with a 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, Nauticus’s mis-sion is to showcase them, with the majority of their brands of a Scottish origin. My advice would be to get a seat at the bar and let the bar team here 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 Scottish 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 that have not been to Scotland before. 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 - Leith is just to far out for you to visit, although you will be missing out so i would just bit the bullet and book that Uber immediately.
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