Proud Scot? Then this is the bar for you
The Piper’s Rest has just opened to great reviews at Hunter Square, just off the Royal Mile, and while it’s going to tick a lot of boxes for visitors seeking a real Scottish experience, it’s also the very place for locals to go to celebrate being able to call the best wee country in the world ‘home’.
The Piper’s Rest embraces all things Scottish, even down to our brilliantly wry sense of humour, love of a good toe-tapping tune, our sporting heroes and our sense of national pride.
And for anyone craving good Scottish scran, just like granny used to make, there’s a whole menu of traditional delights that will bring the memories flooding back; from tasty beef stovies to potted heid, the old-fashioned name for meaty potted hough which is delicious smeared across a crumbly oatcake.
Even better, the menu features almost entirely Scottish sourced ingredients, so diners will get a true flavour of what makes Scotland’s larder the best in the world.
That means ‘fill your boots’ Scottish fry ups made with sausages that come from Fife’s highly-acclaimed Buffalo Farm, Stornoway Black Pudding and, of course, plenty of haggis.
Perhaps the star of the menu is the homemade steak pie, piping hot and made to order with rich flaky pastry and baked in individual pie skillets with mashed tatties on the side – or chips.
According to those who have sampled it, it’s the best in town.
While the food is set to draw crowds seeking a genuine taste of good Scottish food – including deep fried Mars Bar and locally-made Luca’s ice cream – the rest of the bar will serve up a fine dollop of Scots’ culture.
There’s live music from local artists seven days a week and tunes on tap from Scottish favourites the rest of time – from Big Country to Lewis Capaldi, Love and Money to Gerry Cinnamon.
If that’s not enough to convince you that this is a Scottish bar through and through, a fascinating – and incredibly detailed – exact replica of the Declaration of Arbroath takes pride of place on the wall alongside pictures of Scottish personalities, sporting heroes and scenes from favourite Scottish movies, while the rustic style has echoes of a highland bothy and the bar is stocked with Scotch whisky, Scottish-made gin, locally-crafted beers and Scottish themed cocktails. Listen out for Billy Connolly, who’ll keep you entertained when you visit the rest rooms!
While The Piper’s Rest is Scottish through and through, it’s definitely no cheesy theme bar. General Manager Frazer Henderson said: “Forget shortbread and Brigadoon, we’re celebrating real Scottish life, culture, food and heritage – all the things that make Scotland great.”
Although it takes its name from a centuries’ old story of a ghostly young piper who vanished in a tunnel below Edinburgh Castle, The Piper’s Rest is right up to date, with supersize television screens so drinkers and diners can keep an eye on live sport.
Special events and offers are also planned – head to The Piper’s Rest during the Six Nations to see Scotland play, and you’ll receive a free pie followed by a free pint should they win.
Keep track of what’s on, check out the all-Scottish menu and book your table at the bar’s Facebook page.