The Bon Vivant

Words by Difford's Guide

Address: 55 Thistle Street, New Town, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH2 1DY, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)131 225 3275
Website: view The Bon Vivant’s website
Door: Open door
Style: Restaurant bar
Food: Set menu
Established: 2008

Review

Defined as "a person who enjoys the good things in life, especially food and drink," Bon Vivant is co-owned by Stuart McCluskey - enough said.

Lying on one of the quaint narrow streets between George and Queen Streets, this was, many years ago, formerly a small pub called The World, better known for its karaoke than good food and drink.

Stuart and friend Brian Caithness did much of the refurbishment work themselves, stripping back the back-bar to reveal original red brickwork. They have done a great job and Bon Vivant is a charming little place with the feel of an old-fashioned tea shop but without the hushed atmosphere and paper doyleys. Candles flicker on every table and nook while the lights above the bar came from the St Ouen flea market in Paris.

A lovingly put together wine selection includes some 35 wines and eight champagnes by the glass. There are some 30 odd malts to choose from and some brilliantly executed cocktails.

Truly a bar for Bon Vivants.