Tucked away in Edinburgh’s Old Town, 56 North is Scotland’s original gin bar, kitchen, and working distillery - an essential stop for gin lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Since opening in 2008, it has been a pioneer in the city’s gin scene, serving an extensive collection of award-winning gins alongside a menu of crowd-pleasing dishes. More than just a bar, 56 North is also home to the working distillery of South Loch Gin, meaning you can sip a G&T while watching the magic of distillation happen before your eyes. Whether you’re stopping by for a meal, drinks, or a deep dive into the world of gin, this welcoming spot has something for everyone.
Food-wise, 56 North delivers a solid selection of classic dishes with a Scottish twist. Starters include golden haggis bon bons served with a rich peppercorn sauce, or satay-marinated chicken skewers topped with sesame seeds and sour cream. Mains range from a Peroni beer-battered Scottish haddock with skin-on fries and chippy sauce to a perfectly seared 8oz sirloin steak, air-dried for 28 days and served with fries and a side of peppercorn sauce. If you’re the kind of person who always checks the dessert menu first, the sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream or the indulgent Oreo sundae with marshmallows, chocolate, and toffee sauces should do the trick.
The drinks menu is as much of a draw as the food, with classic brunch cocktails like Bloody Marys (spiced to your liking) and mimosas, as well as an extensive gin selection. For those keen to take their gin appreciation to the next level, 56 North’s gin experiences are a must. From self-guided tastings to expert-led distillery tours, there’s plenty to explore. Their Scottish gins and cheeses experience, pairing local gins with carefully selected cheeses, is particularly popular - so booking ahead is advised.