Whirlybird, a new addition to Edinburgh’s bar and restaurant scene, will open on Victoria Street on Monday 18th May

It is led by experienced operator Ash Bairstow, who has created an all-day modern tavern that combines quietly Scottish food with an innovative drinks list and thoughtful interior design, set in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The name derives from the Scots nickname for the spinning sycamore seed in a nod to the building’s heritage and playful, relaxed atmosphere. 

The kitchen is led by chef Lucia Gregusova, formerly of Hawksmoor, who brings to Whirlybird a menu that celebrates quality, Scottish ingredients. An all-day venue, Whirlybird will offer coffee and pastries each morning, followed by a menu of modern takes on classic bistro dishes, using produce sourced from local producers including Freedom Bakery, Castle Game, Scottish Seafood Co. and Milk & Honey ice creams. Starters include Whipped Crowdie with heritage radish, pumpkin seed crackers and fermented spiced honey, or Smoked mackerel, marinated new potatoes, sherry vinaigrette and smoked almonds.

To follow, main dishes range from Whole grilled fish with brown butter, caper and lemon; Seared flat iron steak slices, rocket, parmesan and aged balsamic, and Shetland mussels with fries or focaccia. Guests can then round off the meal with the likes of Date and brown butter madeleines with toffee sauce or Burnt cheesecake with vanilla-poached rhubarb. 

To drink, Whirlybird offers a signature cocktail list curated by Head of Drinks Jono McDowell, formerly of Panda & Sons. Serves include the Freezer Martini with Tobermory gin, Cocchi Americano and seasonal extra virgin olive oil; the Summer in Spey with Tapatio tequila, Lucky grapefruit, Cocchi Rosa, yuzu cordial, lime, Bon Accord grapefruit soda and tajín; the Whirlybird Highball with Woven whisky, Lucky bramble, maple, citrus and soda; and the West Bow Coffee with Glasgow 1770 whisky, Crossbrew coffee and ginger wine-spiked oat cream.