Emma Mykytyn Blackbird Edinburgh Review: Cocktails, Food and a Hidden Beer Garden in Tollcross
Are you looking for a bar and restaurant near the King’s Theatre or Cameo Cinema in Edinburgh, or simply just somewhere for cocktails and food in Tollcross? The Blackbird on Leven Street is a long-established neighbourhood favourite that has recently emerged from a substantial makeover with a fresh look, a new food menu and an updated cocktail list.
The independent Edinburgh bar has been part of Tollcross since 2012, but a £100,000 refurbishment has given the venue a noticeably more polished feel while retaining the relaxed atmosphere that made it popular in the first place.
The 2026 refurbishment has brought in new banquette seating, a wider bar and plenty of colour. Checkerboard flooring and exposed brick remain, but these are now mixed with plaster pink and terracotta shades, colourful furniture and playful pop-art touches.
There are several different areas too, so it works equally well for a quick drink, a date night, a meal with friends or a larger gathering.
Food at Blackbird Edinburgh
The refreshed menu moves well beyond standard pub grub. Current dishes include whole burrata with honeydew melon salsa and prosciutto crisps, alongside pork belly with curried cauliflower, green apple and honey. There is also fried chicken served with house peach hot sauce and fermented pineapple relish.
Vegetarians and vegans haven’t simply been left with an afterthought either. One of the newer vegan dishes is the Spa Salad, combining broccoli, strawberry, avocado, chickpeas and kale.
For our visit to Blackbird Edinburgh, we tried a mixture of smaller plates and mains, which gave us a good look at the style of the new menu.
We started with the monk cheek scampi which was to served with a green olive tartare. Or so the menu said! The tartare suspiciously tasted like normal tartare, if a tasty one! The cheeks were plump and juicy with a deliciously crisp coating.
We also ordered the confit duck with mango, watercress and maraschino cherries. The combination of rich duck with sweet fruit makes this one of the more unusual dishes on the menu. We are big fans of duck and liked the mango, peppercorn and duck combo. We have however, still to locate the maraschino cherries!
Saying that, we would happily return just for these dishes
For something more substantial, we tried the beef and pork burger, served with Cheddar, bacon, house pickles, burger sauce and fries. There was plenty going on in this bun. Crisp pickles, a meaty burger and lots of flavour.
Our other main was the flat iron steak frites, served with skinny fries and red chilli cowboy butter. Steak and chips is always a tempting choice, and the chilli butter gives Blackbird’s version a little extra kick.
Cocktails at Blackbird
Cocktails remain one of the biggest reasons to visit. The list is playful without disappearing too far into the world of obscure ingredients and drinks that need a five-minute explanation before you can order them!
The Red Right Hand was a dark and herbal cocktail blending Glenfiddich 12 Year Old with Yellow Chartreuse, Averna Amaro, Cucielo Rosso Vermouth and Punt e Mes. Rich, complex and bittersweet, it was one for slow sipping. In contrast, the brilliantly named Rhubarbara Streisand was tart, bright and refreshing, combining Glendronach 12 Year Old and Glengoyne 12 Year Old with rhubarb, lemon and soda. The sharp fruit and citrus lifted the whisky beautifully, making it an easy-drinking cocktail.
The hidden Blackbird beer garden
Then there is Blackbird’s not-so-secret secret weapon. Walk through the bar and you’ll discover a surprisingly large hidden beer garden in Edinburgh city centre. The garden has been freshened up as part of the refurbishment, with pastel green furniture, striped cushions and plenty of planting creating a colourful outdoor space tucked away from Leven Street.
It’s one of those gardens where you could easily forget you’re only a short distance from one of Edinburgh’s busiest junctions.
The terrace is open throughout the year, and the venue has previously used it for everything from parties and launches to barbecues. The garden currently opens from noon until 10pm.
If you’re searching for the best beer gardens in Edinburgh, especially around Tollcross, Bruntsfield and the Meadows, this is one to have on your list.
A good bar near the King’s Theatre Edinburgh
Blackbird’s location makes it particularly useful for theatre-goers. The King’s Theatre Edinburgh is only a couple of minutes away, making Blackbird an easy option for drinks or food before a performance. It’s also convenient for Bruntsfield, the Meadows, the Cameo Cinema and the wider Tollcross area.
Foodie Explorers verdict
Good for: Cocktails, casual dining, pre-theatre food, dates, groups and sunny afternoons in the beer garden.
We liked: The colourful new interior, interesting cocktail menu, relaxed atmosphere and that excellent hidden garden.
Would we return? Definitely one to keep in mind when we’re looking for somewhere around Tollcross where you can eat, drink and settle in for the evening rather than having to move between several venues.
Blackbird Edinburgh – useful information
Address: 37–39 Leven Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9LH
Area: Tollcross / Bruntsfield
Bar: Monday–Sunday, 12pm until late
Kitchen: Monday–Sunday, 12pm–9pm
Beer garden: Monday–Sunday, 12pm–10pm
Opening times can change, so it’s worth checking with the venue before making a special journey.
