An Evening in Leith

First stop - Vintners Rooms Leith
I had heard about the Vintners Rooms when I first arrived in Edinburgh and have read about it since but, have never had the opportunity to visit. Tucked away beneath one of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society's numerous Edinburgh venues it is housed in an old wine merchant's auction room in the Vaults warehouse, a beautiful historic building.

The wine list is extensive with some unusual options from less than £20 per bottle through to the higher end of people's budget. We hop onto one of the high bar stools, joining the people sitting around the impressive zinc bar. The patterned carpets on white walls give it a slightly Moroccan feel. There's a large fireplace at the far end which would certainly be inviting on a winter's night. Background music is played softly, soothing tunes to relax to.


The wine list
There's lots of older vintages on offer. Under Italy, Piemonte Number 345 states:
"Barolo, older vintages available, please ask!" starting price £95.00.

There's a very good selection of half bottles at the back of the list
No. 382 - Chardonnay, McLaren Vale, Tyrells, Pkolbin, Hunter Valley, 2002

The new world is certainly in the minority but it's good to see a Martinborough NZ being represented.

There are many delights on the wine list but we have a table booked at Skippers so by the glass it is.

I opt for - Chenin Blanc, Porter, Mill Station, Swartland, South Africa - pale yellow in colour and served at just the right temperature (not too cold). White fruits, peach & pear. Mouth watering acidity with an added lemony touch on the palate.

My companion opts for - Pinot Biancom Kellerel, Terlan, Alto Adige - pale yellow, quite neutral on the nose as expected and clean and fresh on the palate, length falls a little short.

Next time we'll stay for dinner to sample the dinner menu and a bottle of something interesting, but tonight we have a table booked at Skippers fish restaurant around the corner.

If your looking for a venue for that special occasion, that's elegant, traditional and away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, then the Vintners Rooms will fit the bill perfectly.

http://www.thevintnersrooms.com/