The Blackbird

The Blackbird, located on the border of lively entertainment area Tollcross and the little more tranquil bistro ambiance of Bruntsfield, attracts a hip-young-thing audience who produce a not-uncomfortably-busy atmosphere most nights of the week. Both the food and drink menus reflect the customer base: beers are typically continental or craft, and the food selection includes a few admirably adventurous veggie-friendly options (not least a caramelized pear and cashew salad, which carnivores can upgrade with chicken or tiger prawns for £4, or the oven-baked aubergine, zucchini, and spinach cake with goat's cheese).

The cocktail menu is also well-curated, with edgier titles like Shotgun Shoes and Unorthodox Behaviour complementing the more conventional mojito, daiquiri, and cobbler crowd. If all of that gets to you, there's still the peaceful, soft-lit beer garden to go to, tucked away from the hectic Tollcross traffic. The service and staff are excellent.

Detailed Information:

Address: 37-39 Leven St, Edinburgh

Phone Number: +44 131 228 2280

Website: http://theblackbirdedinburgh.co.uk/

Open hours: Mon-Thur: 12:00–00:00, Fri: 12:00–20:00, Sat: 22:00–01:00, Sun: 22:00–00:00