The Basement

Address: 10a-12a Broughton Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH1 3RH, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 131 557 0097
Website: view The Basement’s website
Door: Open door
Style: Gastro bar
Food: Set menu

Review

Yup, The Basement is just that and to quote their website, "If you find yourself sunbathing outside some fancy bar/bistro with wicker patio furniture and waiters in long aprons, remember who looked after you in the long cold, winter months" Just remember how many days of sunshine Scotland has in a year and you'll soon know which side your bread is buttered on.

Fortunately, many locals do and this wonderfully unpretentious, atmospheric underground bunker of a bar is seemingly always busy - even when the sun is out.

Scrap Yard Challenge-style fonts dispense a beer range which extends beyond the Euro lagers plus a choice of 18 bottled beers. The cocktail list is short but adequate while the spirits selection, listed with tasting notes, is close to fabulous.

The Basement follows the industrial design school but with a huge mural painted by Johnny McGowan, one of the resident bartenders, covering one wall. The bar splits the space into two with the far side set aside for diners. A daily changing menu, which covers both gastro pub grub and Mexican, is well regarded by locals.