As we noted in a blog a few days ago, there are changes afoot at G&V Royal Mile Hotel Edinburgh.

In that blog, we told you about the new look Cucina restaurant.

Following on from last week’s launch party, here’s the gen on their gorgeous new bar – Epicurean.

In its old guise, the bar at the hotel was open to the lobby. It has now been separated off to form a separate, more private and more dimly lit space. Handy for those of us no longer in the first flush of youth.

Flowers and herbs

Replacing the old island bar is a stunning new marble bar to the left of the entrance. The gantry is backlit and the bar is piled high with assorted citrus fruits, flowers and herbs.

It looks like a cross between a snazz cocktail lab, the herb counter in a posh deli and a high end florist. Which is fairly close to how it operates.

Epicurean’s USP is that their cocktails use lots of herbs and flowers grown in their own EvoGro hydroponic system which sits in the revamped lobby.

As well as being used in the kitchens at Cucina, the herbs and petals are made into infusions, shrubs and garnishes for the bar staff. In addition, the bar and kitchen also incorporate honey from hives on the hotel’s roof into their food and drink.

As it turns out, the cocktail menu is inspired by the Scottish Colourists and is designed to ‘take guests on a Scotsman’s journey of botanical Europe’.

For example, the Still Life cocktail is inspired by a study which the Scottish Colourist Samuel John Peploe made of some apples.

It combines French apple brandy, Spanish, French and Portuguese fortified wines plus sage and quince.

Now, I get that many readers will be rolling their eyes at the thought of cocktails inspired by 20th century Scottish painters.

Vibrant colours

It is much more convincing when you see the vibrant colour of the cocktails.

Edinburgh is not short of creative, innovative cocktail bars but Epicurean’s use of herbs and flowers make it stand out from the crowd.

As well as an all-day dining menu with Mediterranean snacks, there is also an extensive mocktail list made with hand-pressed juices.

Last but not least, local florist Snapdragon has made its new home in the refurbished lobby.

Visitors are able to book florist master classes, complimented with Epicurean cocktails.

Epicurean is open until midnight, Sunday to Wednesday, and until 1am, Thursday to Saturday.

Afternoon tea is served daily, 2.30pm-5.30pm.

These pics say more than I can.