New basement cocktail bar, Understory, is to open this September, promising to bring a five-star-dive-bar experience to Edinburgh’s West End.
The bar, housed in the vaults of the historic Rutland building, is part of a £100,000 investment by Edinburgh-based Signature Group.
It will be led by former Bramble manager Sam Baxendale and the Rutland Hotel’s head of bars James Grant.
The debut menu - Batch 01: Halcyon Days – will be the first of a series and draw on British childhood memories through colours, flavours and aromas in “contemporary but approachable” drinks.
The décor will see “rich and opulent colours and textures; and a dash of maximalist design with modern ambient lighting and neons”.
Baxendale, GM for Understory, said: “We want Understory to become a part of Edinburgh’s hospitality culture - to be on people’s list when they think of what places to recommend.”
Mike Lewis, director of The Rutland, (including Understory), said: “We’re incredibly excited to be launching Understory after six months of developing what has been a real passion project for us.
“We describe it as a ‘five-star dive bar’ - incredibly modern, innovative drinks without the fuss, underpinned by what we believe is the sometimes-forgotten art of genuine hospitality.
“We’ve brought together an amazing team to create something exciting and different for Edinburgh’s West End, and I genuinely believe Understory will be one of the most exciting new bars in Edinburgh to open in 2026.”
Understory, which is located at 1a Rutland Street - a short walk from Princes Street and George Street - will be open seven days a week from Tuesday 15 September, 4pm to 1am (3am on Friday and Saturday).