Several exciting new restaurants and bars are opening in Edinburgh over the next week. Black Ivy is first to open its doors.

A hotel, restaurant and bars, Black Ivy launched last night on the former Links Hotel site on Alvanley Terrace in Bruntsfield.

The premises have been changed beyond all recognition. The building is now home to two bars, 22 guestrooms, a ping pong room and a heated terrace with fire pits.

Black Ivy is the latest venture from Edinburgh entrepreneur Billy Lowe.

Billy Lowe: shaped capital’s night time economy

His previous projects, which include Le Monde, Angels Share and Espionage, have helped shape the capital’s night time economy.

Black Ivy is a result  of Billy working with long-time collaborator Chris Hines of Redhouse Design and a new partnership with creative agency Saved By Robots.

They have created a unique, vibrant venue. The decor contrasts neon art with vintage chandeliers. There are street art murals by international artist Rone and wood flooring salvaged from 19th century French train carriages. There is even a floor made entirely from American nickels.

The guiding ethos behind the development is what Billy calls ‘local luxury for all’.

Fresh Innis & Gunn tank beer will be poured in the Drafthouse bar. Marshmallows will be toasted over fire pits on the Terrace. And scores will be settled over games of table tennis.

Sharing boards and comfort food will be washed down with cocktails in the Drafthouse bar, the Taproom or the Conservatory.

Black Ivy: neighbourhood venue for Bruntsfield

Commenting on his latest venture, Billy says, ‘I am genuinely excited to open my first neighbourhood bar. I have always had properties in the city centre, in both The Old Town and The New Town. Here, I feel we have the opportunity here to create something iconic and special. Black Ivy will be a great addition to many of the fabulous businesses already established in the area. Our aim is to provide local luxury for all and a destination venue worth visiting.’

Billy adds, ‘From Jazz brunch to cocktails on the Terrace, we will create our own magic in Bruntsfield… We’re delighted to have created over 30 new jobs here in the city… Our new team are really buzzing to open the doors and meet the locals. Honestly, I think it might be the best thing we’ve ever done.’

As well as afternoon tea and brunch until 5pm seven days a week, the venue will offer afternoon teas, and both daytime and evening menus.

The menus offer classic bar dishes such as steak and ale pie or fish and chips. These sit alongside superfood salads, baked Camemberts and twists on much loved dishes like the Sriracha king prawn cocktail.

The 5pm Dining blog wishes Black Ivy every success.