Lady Libertine, Midlothian Travel Guide

Overview

Lady Libertine occupies a prime location at 25 West Register Street within The Edinburgh Grand, a prestigious building housed in the former Royal Bank of Scotland premises. This stylish two-floor venue combines contemporary sophistication with Art Deco elegance, creating a destination that appeals to both cocktail enthusiasts and food lovers seeking a refined yet vibrant experience in Edinburgh's city centre.

Ground Floor: Wine Café

The ground floor wine café presents a pared-back contemporary aesthetic with show-stopping windows overlooking St Andrews Square. This space functions as an aperitivo bar where guests can enjoy lighter mezze dishes and classic cocktails reimagined with creative twists. The checkerboard flooring and bright, airy design create an inviting atmosphere ideal for pre-dinner drinks or casual gatherings. The wine selection is curated to complement the food offerings, with staff knowledgeable about pairings and recommendations.

Basement: Art Deco Bar and Restaurant

The basement level features dramatic Art Deco styling with monochromatic colour schemes, luxurious textures, and atmospheric dim lighting that creates an intimate yet energetic environment. This space transforms into a vibrant social hub on weekends with DJ performances and live music, featuring carefully curated playlists ranging from Manhattan-era disco to contemporary hip-hop. The basement includes the historic bank vault, now repurposed as a distinctive dining and drinking space. Despite the sophisticated design, the hard surfaces and lack of soft furnishings can result in acoustic challenges during peak hours.

Culinary Experience

The food menu emphasizes layered fresh flavours with Mediterranean, Persian, and North African influences. All dishes are designed for sharing, encouraging a convivial dining approach. Signature items include lamb shawarma on soft flatbread, pork souvlaki gyros, halloumi fries with red tahini, and hummus topped with crispy onions and pine nuts. Mezze selections showcase vibrant presentations and complex flavour profiles, though some diners note that individual dish definition can be subtle. The kitchen continues to develop dessert offerings, with cocktails serving as the preferred sweet conclusion to meals.

Cocktail Programme

Lady Libertine has established itself as a premier cocktail destination with an extensive menu of signature creations and the flexibility to craft bespoke drinks upon request. Staff demonstrate genuine expertise and enthusiasm, readily preparing off-menu classics such as French 75 or Negroni. Signature cocktails include the Négligé Rosé with apple brandy and sherry, and the Mrs Evans with gin, Cap Corse Blanc, and cantaloupe melon. The wine programme complements the cocktail offerings with thoughtfully selected bottles and competitive pricing.

Venue Facilities

Lady Libertine offers multiple spaces for different occasions. The mezzanine level overlooks both the restaurant and bar action, providing an elevated vantage point. The Vault, an exclusive private dining room, features Art Deco styling and can be hired for intimate dinners or group celebrations with optional private bar service. The venue accommodates groups and events with professional event coordination. Dress code is smart casual with no trainers or hoodies permitted.