First look at Leith Wine Kitchen as new 'cosy' neighbourhood bar moves into Leith Walk
A new neighbourhood wine bar and kitchen has opened on Leith Walk, taking over a prominent site vacated just last month.
Leith Wine Kitchen officially opens its doors on Thursday, moving into the space previously occupied by Abode.
Abode previously announced that it would be closing its doors in March after almost seven years serving customers on Leith Walk.
Leith Wine Kitchen owners Louie Clark and Callum Gare, both 25, are moving into the space and ready to offer up their new business to Leith patrons.
Speaking to the Evening News, Louie said: “I come from a family of hospitality owners back down in Manchester, where Callum and I are originally from.
“It was them that introduced me to that side of the industry. I’ve been working in that side of the industry ever since.”
Callum, who first made the move to Scotland seven years ago, said: “We’ve been mates since school and we’ve been talking about doing something like this our whole life really.”
Louie added: “The opportunity presented itself. We found this venue, we took the leap, and now Leith Wine Kitchen has been born.”
Leith was a no-brainer for the duo, with Callum saying that they were attracted to the site because of the neighbourhood’s sense of community.
He said: “Leith is very community-based. Everyone is just so friendly and it is a community which we want to land ourselves into.
“It’s been lovely so far. People have popped in for a chat, spotting the posters over the past few weeks.”
Callum and Louie are under no illusion that wine can often be intimidating for those who don’t know much about the drink, but they are aiming to make Leith Wine Kitchen a place where every kind of drinker can enjoy a glass of their favourite tipple.
Louie said: “We’re not wine experts. I don’t think we claim to be and I don’t think we want to set that expectation either.
“We just like the social element of drinking wine with some friends, enjoying a nice glass of wine without the specialist knowledge around it.”
While wine is the main offering, Leith Wine Kitchen will also offer up beer from local brewery Barney’s, a curated cocktail list, as well as non-alcoholic options for those looking to avoid alcohol but still take in the ambience.
Louie added: “It’s a neighbourhood bar. It’s wine-forward but hopefully we’ve got something for everyone.
“What we’ve tried to do is create a neighbourhood spot that has great quality products but also is affordable, cosy, and a place where you can come in and relax, chill out and get great service and conversation.
“That’s what is important to us and that’s hopefully what Leith Wine Kitchen is.”
As well as serving up drinks, Leith Wine Kitchen will also be offering small plates to its customers to help soak up some of the wine.
The “wine-friendly” food options will include things like cheese plates, cured meats, and fresh bread from local bakeries.
Louie said: “We’re trying to offer a food menu that compliments the drinking side of Leith Wine Kitchen, so we’ll have things like small plates, sharing items, and platters.
“That way you can come in and enjoy some great food as well as some great drinks.”
Newly-opened on Thursday, April 8, Leith Wine Kitchen will be serving customers from 3pm until 11pm on Wednesday and Thursdays, 3pm until 12am on Fridays, and 12pm until 12am on Saturdays and Sundays.