Mike Aikman and Jason Scott, the brains behind Edinburgh’s Bramble Bar and Lounge, have just opened a new bar diner on St Stephen Street in Stockbridge. Called The Saint, it has taken over the basement premises once occupied by Cozi and it aims to be a traditional pub with a twist.
On the drinks front, this means lots of wines by the glass, a global beer selection and a head-spinning variety of whiskies. Bramble scooped armfuls of awards for their cocktails but The Saint is side-stepping the cocktail list and offering more unusual beers like the Zeitgeist, the dark lager from the maverick Brewdog company.
Locally produced British dishes are at the heart of the menu created by chef Ryan Turner who previously slaved over the hot stoves at the rather yummy Rutland Hotel restaurant. Typical dishes include a steal and ale crumble, battered hake and chips and, you don’t get much more seasonal than this, soft-boiled duck eggs with asparagus.
The Saint’s British food will float a lot of boats but if you fancy something a little more Med then 5pm members in the immediate vicinity include Rafael’s and Zanzero.