Emma Mykytyn The Blackbird Edinburgh unveils £100k summer makeover
Popular Tollcross cocktail bar The Blackbird has unveiled a £100,000 refurbishment, bringing a colourful new look, fresh cocktails and an updated food menu to the Edinburgh neighbourhood favourite.
The makeover comes just in time for the busy Edinburgh Festival season and coincides with the grand reopening of the King’s Theatre, which sits directly opposite the bar on Leven Street.
A new look for The Blackbird
The £100,000 investment has transformed The Blackbird’s interior with a contemporary design inspired by mid-century style.
Expect plaster pink, terracotta and blue-green colour-drenched walls alongside new tiling, globe lighting and playful pop-art touches.
The refurbishment is only the first stage of plans for the venue, with a second phase of improvements scheduled for later in 2026.
One thing that hasn’t changed is The Blackbird’s popular garden terrace. Hidden away behind the bar, the leafy outdoor space provides a welcome escape from Edinburgh’s busy streets and is particularly popular during warm Festival evenings.
New summer cocktails at The Blackbird
The bar team has also introduced a new summer cocktail list to accompany the refreshed surroundings.
New drinks include the Joggling Board, combining rum, orange liqueur, sweet Italian vermouth, grapefruit and turmeric.
There is also the tropical Kingston Dove, made with tequila, guava, pineapple, lime and sparkling water.
Martini lovers can try the new frozen house Martini, while a wider selection of alcohol-free cocktails, beers and ciders means there are plenty of options for anyone choosing not to drink.
New food menu
The Blackbird’s new all-day menu also brings several summery dishes to Leven Street.
Highlights include whole burrata with honeydew melon salsa and prosciutto crisps, alongside pork belly with curried cauliflower, green apple and honey.
A particular favourite among the team is the fried chicken with house peach hot sauce and fermented pineapple relish.
Vegan diners haven’t been forgotten either. New plant-based dishes include the colourful Spa Salad, combining broccoli, strawberries, avocado, chickpeas and kale.
Perfect for pre-theatre food and drinks
With the King’s Theatre directly across the road, The Blackbird is particularly handy for pre-theatre drinks or food in Edinburgh.
The location also places it within easy reach of many of the city’s Festival venues around Tollcross, Bruntsfield and the Old Town.
Colin Church, managing director and co-owner of Edinburgh bar operator and events company Big Red Teapot, which runs The Blackbird, said the team was excited to reveal the venue’s new appearance.
He said the investment was designed to improve the experience for local customers while also welcoming Festival visitors and audiences returning to the King’s Theatre.
Visiting The Blackbird Edinburgh
Address:
37–39 Leven Street
Edinburgh
Opening hours:
Open seven days a week from 12pm until late.
The Blackbird is located in Tollcross, directly opposite the King’s Theatre and within walking distance of Edinburgh city centre.
For menus, bookings and further information, visit theblackbirdedinburgh.co.uk.
