Understory opens its doors to the public on Tuesday 15th September 

Located beneath the city streets, Understory is bringing an innovative five-star dive bar experience to the capital, led by former Bramble manager, Sam Baxendale and Rutland Hotel’s head of bars, James Grant.  

Sam has over 21 years’ experience leading some of Edinburgh’s top venues, including Monteiths and Bon Vivant, as well as five years running ‘World Top 50’ bar, Bramble.

Sam Baxendale and James Grant

James has been at The Rutland for four years and was promoted to head of bars in 2026. He has competed in many UK-based drink competitions, including coming second place in UK Italicus and finalist in the NcNean, Jamesons, Sipsmith and Kilchoman cocktail competitions.  

Understory takes its name from the hidden layer beneath the forest canopy; a place where life quietly thrives below the surface.

Expect rich and opulent colours and textures; and a dash of maximalist design with modern ambient lighting and neons. The cocktail bar is carved into historic vaults, with an on-site lab where the team will craft many of the ingredients behind the drinks menu from scratch.  

A rotating cocktail menu concept will be built entirely around nostalgia. The debut chapter, ‘Batch 01: Halcyon Days’, will draw on British childhood memories. The colours, flavours and aromas of penny sweets and half-remembered summers will be reimagined through contemporary but approachable drinks and a menu that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

A bold and punchy small plates menu has been designed to match the ‘five-star dive bar’ vibe, complete with beef tartare and caviar served with crisps; barbecue corn ribs; and chicken tenders served with Champagne.

A stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle in the heart of Edinburgh’s eclectic West End, Understory is housed within the vaults of the historic Rutland building. The classic Edwardian landmark is also home to a range of other venues, including The Rutland’s boutique hotel rooms and apartments, The Huxley bar and Kyloe steak restaurant.  

For more information about Understory, go to understorybar.co.uk and follow on Instagram www.instagram.com/understory.bar