Good weekend? We had a cracker, thanks.

And we predict more like it when we get round to visiting these new and imminent Edinburgh venues.

Liquid poetry

On the North Mound, The Crafter’s Barn has become the Makar’s Rest.

The address has seen a lot of turnover in the last few years but it has a more permanent reputation as having once been the home of Robert Burns.

As y’all know, the makar is the Scots national poet hence the name for this new venture.

With its mention of locally trapped haggis, the menu has one eye on the substantial number of tourists who pass by the address.

It also espouses local sourcing with Tweed Valley rib-eye steak, Scottish langoustines, Puddledub buffalo and North Sea mackerel appearing on the menu.

The beer list is strong on local names with Stewarts, Williams Bros and Innis & Gunn among the brews on offer.

Beer, food, fun

Speaking of Innis & Gunn, their Beer Kitchen Bar opens on Lothian Road at the end of this week. We’ll report back once the doors are open and the beer is flowing.

We also hear that the Drake & Morgan bar and restaurant group  has confirmed Edinburgh as the site for its first outlet outside of London.

Pencilled in for the autumn of 2016, the new biz will be in the planned £75-million office development at St. Andrew Square.

Leith Walk strikes the right note

Thanks to our chums at the STV city apps, we have also got wind of a new music venue, bar and restaurant which is taking shape on Leith Walk.

The old Meridian Pub is becoming the Leith Depot.

The new owners say, ‘We will be serving quality local produce, guest beers and quality wines and spirits. We will also have a fit for purpose live venue upstairs which is to provide a platform and employment for local musicians and creative’s alike. We expect to be open in the middle of August.’