Review: Old Poison Distillery Bar, a cocktail bar in Leith

Old Poison Distillery Bar recently opened its doors on Portland Place near the Newhaven and Leith border. As the sister location to Bittersweet, this new venue serves as the cocktail outlet for local Edinburgh distillers, Old Poison. I visited during its first few days of operation to test the cocktails, sample the bites, and evaluate its self-described speakeasy experience.

A Hidden Distillery Atmosphere

From the outside, the venue presents a humble, unassuming exterior. The narrow windows and fogged-up door make it easy to walk right past. Peering through the glass, however, reveals a luxury neon setting juxtaposed with skulls and brewing equipment. Inside, rows of spirits, kegs, and barrels sit under a glowing purple neon skull sign. The atmosphere strikes a delicate balance between a hidden local secret and a highly professional cocktail bar.

The service perfectly matches this tone. I was greeted warmly, sat at the bar, and enjoyed a good conversation with the friendly staff about my stubborn whisky preferences. They provided exactly the right level of service, attentive without ever crowding me.

Inventive Serves and Cured Meats

The food here operates strictly as a snack menu rather than a sit-down dinner. You can order oysters, Toscana, or aperitifs. I opted for the Italian cured meats for around £15. It was an excellent, high-quality selection that paired beautifully with the drinks.

The drinks are the main event, and the menu showcases impressive creativity. The Truffle and Pecorino Old Fashioned at £13 blends bourbon, Leith bitter Rosso, truffle pecorino chestnut, sweet oak, and sugar. The Coconut Yoghurt Daiquiri mixes rum, Leith Bittersweet, and coconut yoghurt. My favourite was A Teacake Time, featuring Mara Vodka, marshmallow, and Leith Bittersweet. True to form, it came served with a complimentary, physical tea cake on the side.

This Portland Place corner is rapidly developing into a formidable hospitality destination. Sitting right by Alby’s and Dogstar, the addition of Old Poison proves that a rising tide lifts all ships. If you are visiting Edinburgh and want to stay nearby to explore these things to do in Leith, reliable local accommodation options include Malmaison Edinburgh and the Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Leith Waterfront.

Overall

Old Poison Distillery Bar is a fantastic destination for low-key business drinks with out-of-town clients or a mood-lit date night. It earns a solid 4.5/5 stars for its exceptional service, sensory atmosphere, and inventive drinks. It is a highly recommended addition to the far end of Leith, and you’ll need to book a table soon as word gets out.