Smoke & Mirrors
Quirky Leith cocktail haven where magic-themed vibes meet masterful mixes in an intimate, colourful escape from Edinburgh's everyday.
Tucked away on Constitution Street in Leith, Smoke & Mirrors is a captivating cocktail bar blending quirky magic-themed decor with inventive drinks and cosy intimacy. This vibrant spot draws locals and visitors with its striking aesthetics, creative cocktails, and lively evening atmosphere in Edinburgh's dynamic Leith district. Open from 5pm daily until late, it offers a perfect escape for craft beverage enthusiasts seeking unique flavours amid colourful, whimsical surroundings.
A brief summary to Smoke & Mirrors
- 159 Constitution St, Edinburgh, Leith, EH6 7AD, GB
- +441314670402
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 5 pm-1 am
- Wednesday 5 pm-1 am
- Thursday 5 pm-1 am
- Friday 5 pm-1 am
- Saturday 5 pm-1 am
- Sunday 5 pm-1 am
Local tips
- Arrive early to snag a cosy nook and watch the bartenders craft their signature illusions in liquid form.
- Opt for a schooner of local beer to savour Leith's brewing scene in a perfectly portioned pour.
- Pair your cocktail with a pizza slice for a satisfying, casual bite amid the vibrant decor.
- Visit midweek for a more relaxed vibe before the weekend crowds bring extra energy.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
Smoke & Mirrors location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about Smoke & Mirrors
Leith's Hidden Cocktail Gem
Nestled on Constitution Street in the heart of Leith, Smoke & Mirrors stands as a beacon of creativity amid Edinburgh's bustling portside neighbourhood. This cocktail bar captivates with its intimate scale and bold personality, where every corner whispers tales of illusion and mixology mastery. The venue's name evokes the enigmatic world of magic, reflected in its playful decor that transforms a simple drinking spot into an immersive experience. Leith, once a independent burgh famed for its maritime heritage, now pulses with independent bars and eateries. Smoke & Mirrors fits seamlessly into this revival, offering a space where patrons can unwind with meticulously crafted drinks after exploring the area's historic docks and street art.Whimsical World of Illusions
Step inside and you're enveloped by a kaleidoscope of colours and quirky elements that define the bar's aesthetic. Vibrant murals, mirrored accents, and theatrical lighting create a sense of stepping into a magician's lair, blending retro charm with modern flair. The intimate layout encourages close conversations, with cosy nooks perfect for date nights or small gatherings. The bar's design draws inspiration from classic magic shows and jazz lounges, featuring eclectic furnishings that mix velvet seating with neon highlights. This visual feast sets the stage for the real stars: the cocktails, each one a performance of flavours from smoky infusions to floral elixirs.Craft Cocktails and Local Brews
Smoke & Mirrors excels in its drinks menu, showcasing bartenders' artistry through inventive recipes that balance bold and subtle notes. Signature cocktails incorporate local Scottish spirits, fresh botanicals, and unexpected twists like spiced syrups or house-made bitters. For beer lovers, the selection highlights regional brews, served in schooner glasses—a two-thirds pint measure that nods to efficient sipping. Beyond cocktails, the bar offers simple bites like pizzas, complementing the beverages without overshadowing them. The focus remains on quality over quantity, ensuring every pour tells a story of precision and passion.Evening Rhythm in Leith
Opening at 5pm each day until 1am, the bar aligns with Leith's nocturnal energy, peaking as the sun sets over the Water of Leith. The atmosphere shifts from relaxed early evenings to buzzing later hours, with dim lights and ambient sounds fostering a lively yet intimate vibe. It's a place where the hum of conversation mingles with the clink of glasses, embodying Leith's unpretentious cool. This rhythm makes it ideal for transitioning from daytime explorations of nearby galleries or shoreside walks into nightlife, all within a welcoming, unhurried setting.Community Pulse and Creative Edge
As one of Leith's newer additions, Smoke & Mirrors contributes to the area's reputation as a hub for creative expression. Its Instagrammable corners—from glowing bar tops to artful drink presentations—invite lingering gazes and shared moments. The venue's claimed status hints at a dedicated team passionate about curating memorable nights. In a city rich with history, this bar represents modern Leith: innovative, approachable, and full of surprises, much like the smoke and mirrors of its namesake.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Queen Victoria Statue
0.1 km
A commanding bronze tribute to Queen Victoria and Leith’s Boer War heroes, standing proudly at the foot of Leith Walk since 1907.
Water of Leith Walkway Finish
0.4 km
Edinburgh’s scenic 13-mile riverside trail ends at Leith’s historic waterfront, blending nature, heritage, and urban charm.
Robert Burns Statue
0.5 km
A striking tribute to Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, set in the historic maritime district of Leith, Edinburgh.
Scottish Merchant Navy Memorial
0.8 km
A solemn sandstone column in Leith honoring the bravery and sacrifice of Scotland’s merchant seafarers lost at sea in war and peace.
Queen Mary's Bath House
2.0 km
A rare 16th-century Tudor pavilion near Holyrood Palace, steeped in royal mystery and linked to Mary, Queen of Scots.
Burns Monument
2.0 km
Edinburgh's classical tribute to Scotland's national poet, a Neo-Greek temple with commanding city views.
Forth Lock
2.0 km
Historic Forth Lock in Leith, Edinburgh, blends maritime heritage with vibrant waterfront life and scenic canal views.
Dugald Stewart Monument
2.0 km
A neoclassical tribute to philosopher Dugald Stewart, offering iconic views over Edinburgh from historic Calton Hill.
Scottish-American Soldiers Monument
2.2 km
A unique Edinburgh memorial honoring Scottish soldiers who fought in the American Civil War, symbolizing liberty and transatlantic heritage.
Martyrs of Reform Monument
2.2 km
A towering 27m obelisk in Edinburgh honoring five radical reformists who shaped Britain’s fight for democratic rights in the 18th century.
Robert Fergusson Statue
2.2 km
Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Scottish poetry with the Robert Fergusson Statue, a joyful tribute on Edinburgh’s historic Canongate.
The Centre of Edinburgh
2.3 km
Historic Georgian landmark transformed into a modern, sustainable office hub in the heart of Edinburgh’s vibrant city centre.
Earl of Hopetoun Statue
2.3 km
A distinguished bronze statue honoring John Hope, 4th Earl of Hopetoun, set amidst the elegant Georgian surroundings of Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square.
Edinburgh World Heritage
2.3 km
Explore Edinburgh's architectural wonders and rich history at the Edinburgh World Heritage, a hub for conservation and education.
Duke of Wellington Equestrian statue
2.3 km
Historic bronze statue of the Duke of Wellington on horseback, a commanding symbol of British military triumph in the heart of Edinburgh.
Unmissable attractions to see
Wonder World Soft Play Edinburgh
0.2 km
Edinburgh’s largest indoor soft play and party venue offering thrilling slides, go-karts, and dedicated toddler zones for endless family fun.
Leith Links
0.4 km
Historic green oasis in Edinburgh’s Leith district, birthplace of golf and witness to centuries of Scottish history.
Leith
0.5 km
Historic Edinburgh port transformed into a vibrant waterfront district famed for Michelin-starred dining, lively pubs, and cultural charm.
The King's Wark
0.6 km
A centuries-old Leith gastropub serving seasonal Scottish seafood and classic pub fare in a cosy waterside setting.
Shore
0.6 km
Historic waterfront district in Leith blending maritime heritage with vibrant dining, bars, and scenic river views.
Custom House Leith
0.6 km
Historic Georgian Custom House in Leith, evolving into Scotland’s first fully digital museum and vibrant cultural hub.
Lind and Lime Gin Distillery
0.7 km
Discover Edinburgh’s artisanal gin heritage with interactive tours and tastings at Lind and Lime Gin Distillery in vibrant Leith.
Leith Citadel
0.7 km
Explore the enduring 17th-century fortress guarding Edinburgh’s historic port in the vibrant Leith waterfront district.
Teuchters Landing
0.7 km
Waterside freehouse on Leith’s Shore — wide whisky range, rotating ales, dockside beer garden and roomy conservatory for all seasons.
0 Water of Leith Walkway
0.7 km
A tranquil 12-mile riverside walkway weaving through Edinburgh’s nature, history, and art, perfect for peaceful strolls and cultural discovery.
The Leith Mural
0.8 km
A monumental mural in Edinburgh’s Leith district capturing decades of community history and maritime heritage through vivid street art.
Leith Walk
1.0 km
Leith Walk is Edinburgh’s vibrant, historic street linking city centre buzz with the lively maritime charm of Leith’s waterfront.
Ocean Terminal
1.2 km
Edinburgh’s premier waterfront shopping and leisure destination, blending retail, dining, cinema, and maritime heritage in vibrant Leith.
Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage
1.2 km
Discover the heroic history of Scottish firefighting through vintage engines, interactive exhibits, and authentic stories in Edinburgh’s city-centre museum.
Port of Leith Distillery (entrance)
1.2 km
A poignant memorial in Leith honoring the valor and sacrifice of the Royal Marines 43rd Commando during World War II.
Essential places to dine
Tapa
0.4 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant flavors in the heart of Leith at Tapa, Edinburgh’s celebrated tapas bar and restaurant.
Heron
0.4 km
Michelin-starred modern Scottish dining in Leith with innovative seasonal menus and scenic waterside views.
Nobles Cafe Bar & Restaurant
0.5 km
Leith's historic gastropub where Scottish seasons meet craft drinks, roaring fires, and port-side charm in a dog-friendly haven of flavor and vibe.
Roseleaf Bar Cafe
0.6 km
Eclectic family-run bar cafe in Leith serving fresh Scottish classics, inventive cocktails, and a quirky, artistic atmosphere.
Kezban Mediterranean Restaurant
0.6 km
Authentic Mediterranean flavors and warm hospitality on the vibrant shore of Leith in Edinburgh.
Domenico's
0.6 km
A cozy, authentic Italian restaurant in Leith serving fresh Sicilian-inspired dishes with warm hospitality and generous portions.
The Kitchin
0.7 km
Experience refined Scottish cuisine with a French touch in Edinburgh’s iconic Michelin-starred restaurant nestled in historic Leith.
The Shore Bar and Restaurant
0.7 km
Cozy waterfront dining in Leith offering superior seafood and modern European cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Fishers
0.7 km
Historic 17th-century watchtower turned seafood haven in Leith, serving fresh Scottish fish with a relaxed, waterfront charm.
The Walnut
1.2 km
Cozy and unpretentious, The Walnut offers seasonal Scottish dishes with creative flair and excellent value on Edinburgh’s vibrant Leith Walk.
The Gardener's Cottage
1.6 km
An intimate Edinburgh dining gem blending seasonal Scottish produce with rustic charm in a historic garden cottage setting.
Down The Hatch Edinburgh
1.7 km
Bold Canadian comfort food and lively vibes meet in the heart of Edinburgh’s Antigua Street for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
L'Escargot Bleu Restaurant and Wine Bar
1.9 km
Authentic French bistro in Edinburgh blending classic cuisine with fresh Scottish ingredients and a cozy wine bar atmosphere.
Taisteal
1.9 km
A Michelin-mentioned Edinburgh gem where Scottish ingredients meet global flavours in a warm, intimate setting.
Fhior
1.9 km
Experience innovative Scottish fine dining with seasonal tasting menus in a minimalist, elegant setting at Edinburgh’s acclaimed Fhior.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Logan Malloch Ltd
0.1 km
Edinburgh's Leith gem: artisanal gifts, art prints, witty cards, books & Scottish crafts in a charming shop on vibrant Leith Walk.
Destined for Home
0.3 km
Discover unique gifts and personal service in the heart of Leith at Destined for Home, Edinburgh’s charming boutique for distinctive treasures.
TBCo | Tartan Blanket Co.
0.5 km
Discover sustainable tartan magic in Leith: touch lambswool blankets, customize with embroidery, and carry home Scotland's cozy soul from this Edinburgh gem.
Georgian Antiques
0.5 km
Explore 50,000 sq ft of Scotland's finest antiques in Leith's historic heart – from Regency cabinets to gilded mirrors in one vast warehouse.
ScotClans
0.5 km
Authentic Scottish clan and tartan products crafted with heritage and pride in the heart of Leith, Edinburgh.
Flux
0.6 km
Curated cards, artisan homewares and design-led gifts in a compact, maker-friendly shop on Bernard Street, Leith.
Wee Leith Shop
0.9 km
Quirky novelties and charming gifts await in this cozy Leith Walk gem, capturing the neighborhood's independent spirit with playful treasures for every home.
The Leith collective
1.1 km
Discover upcycled artistry and sustainable treasures from 65+ Leith makers in this eco-heartfelt shopping gem at Ocean Terminal.
Retro Clothing Outfit
1.1 km
Dive into decades of style at Retro Clothing Outfit in Leith's Ocean Terminal—vintage gems await in Edinburgh's creative coastal enclave.
Build-A-Bear
1.2 km
Craft your own cuddly companion in Leith's lively workshop, where stuffing hearts and dreams creates lifelong memories for kids and families alike.
Britannia Gift Shop
1.2 km
Discover exclusive royal souvenirs and nautical treasures at the Britannia Gift Shop, where the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II's yacht comes alive in every carefully curated item.
Planet.A Boutique
1.3 km
Discover Edinburgh’s stylish and sustainable gift shop offering unique local treasures and eco-friendly finds on Easter Road.
The Cats Miaou
1.5 km
A vibrant Leith gift shop bursting with quirky, pun-filled designs and ethically sourced handmade treasures in Edinburgh.
Meadowbank Shopping Park
1.5 km
Edinburgh’s vibrant shopping park offering diverse stores, extended hours, and a welcoming atmosphere for all your retail and dining needs.
The Dragonfly
1.8 km
Discover unique gifts and local charm at The Dragonfly, a stylish boutique gift shop in Edinburgh’s vibrant Broughton Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Smoke & Mirrors
0.0 km
Quirky Leith cocktail haven where magic-themed vibes meet masterful mixes in an intimate, colourful escape from Edinburgh's everyday.
Leith Dockers Club
0.0 km
Leith's 1946 social heartbeat: massive bar, function suites, beer garden, and community spirit for gatherings big and small.
The Lioness of Leith
0.1 km
Leith's quirky gastropub haven for gourmet burgers, craft cocktails, and electric vibes since 2013—where quality bites meet lively nights.
Three Marys
0.4 km
Leith's stylish cocktail gem with smoked margaritas, eclectic decor, and shareable plates in a historic portside nook—perfect for inventive sips and cozy evenings.
Malt & Hops
0.5 km
Historic Leith pub since 1749, pouring real ales and whiskies by a roaring fire amid maritime charm on the Shore.
The Barologist
0.6 km
A characterful Leith pub-cocktail bar mixing inventive drinks, rustic plates and quirky interiors for relaxed nights and small celebrations.
The Vine Bar
0.9 km
Experience the warmth of Leith at The Vine Bar, a cozy spot offering a delightful selection of local drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.
The Street
1.9 km
Casual cocktail bar by day, energetic late-night bar and small club by night — Picardy Place’s go-to spot for social evenings and weekend parties.
The Alchemist St James Quarter
2.2 km
Experience Edinburgh’s vibrant cocktail theatre and unique dining at The Alchemist St James Quarter, where drinks come alive with magic and flair.
Nightcap
2.2 km
Intimate New Town speakeasy with whisky-led cocktails, reclaimed-wood warmth and attentive, bespoke service for relaxed late-night evenings.
The Voodoo Rooms
2.3 km
Edinburgh's clandestine Victorian lair of cocktails, cabaret, and live tunes in opulent, hidden chambers.
The Cocktail Geeks
2.4 km
Edinburgh's arch-hidden gem for themed cocktails, geeky immersions, and masterful mixology in a cozy, ever-changing vault.
Cask
2.4 km
Discover Cask: Edinburgh's rooftop cocktail bar offering stunning views, innovative drinks, and delectable small plates in a vibrant atmosphere.
The World's End
2.4 km
Discover the charm of The World's End pub on the Royal Mile, where history meets hearty Scottish cuisine and local brews in Edinburgh.
Bramble Bar
2.5 km
Edinburgh's speakeasy legend: masterful cocktails, dim-lit nooks, and beats that linger until 1am in a Queen Street basement hideaway.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Unique
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Retro Vibes
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Cultural Heritage
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
