Under The Stairs

This basement bar and restaurant underneath George IV Bridge can be found by descending twisting stone stairs from Merchant Street. Pass by twinkling fairy lights to enter the dimly lit venue, where there’s local artwork on exposed-stone walls and a well-stocked bar beckons in eager swill seekers. Sip on seasonal wines or, if you’ve a penchant for the peculiar, go for one of the quirky cocktails – the 40 Thieves pairs black pepper-infused vodka with limoncello, saki and bay syrup, while the Blackflip is a combination of whisky, espresso liqueur and a liquorice reduction.

Address: Under The Stairs, 3a Merchant Street, Edinburgh EH1 2QD

Telephone: +44 131 466 8550

Website: underthestairs.org

BRAMBLE

This basement bar in the New Town is a favourite date spot among locals. Hidden below a functioning clothes-alteration shop on Queen Street, it has understated interiors that allow for well-deserved attention to be given to the bartenders’ innovative drinks. On the menu, classic cocktails are interspersed with creative and complex additions – go for the bar’s namesake for a traditional blackberry-infused gin hit, or opt for one of the nouveau spice-infused whisky mixes that often appear on the list.