Whirlybird, a new addition to Edinburgh’s bar and restaurant scene, will open on Victoria Street on Monday 18 May. It is led by experienced operator Ash Bairstow, who has created an all-day modern tavern that combines quietly Scottish food with an innovative drinks list and thoughtful interior design, set in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The name derives from the Scots nickname for the spinning sycamore seed in a nod to the building’s heritage and playful, relaxed atmosphere.
The kitchen is led by chef Lucia Gregusova, formerly of Hawksmoor, who brings to Whirlybird a menu that celebrates quality, Scottish ingredients. An all-day venue, Whirlybird will offer coffee and pastries each morning, followed by a menu of modern takes on classic bistro dishes, using produce sourced from local producers including Freedom Bakery, Castle Game, Scottish Seafood Co. and Milk & Honey ice creams. Starters include Whipped Crowdie with heritage radish, pumpkin seed crackers and fermented spiced honey, or Smoked mackerel, marinated new potatoes, sherry vinaigrette and smoked almonds.
To follow, main dishes range from Whole grilled fish with brown butter, caper and lemon; Seared flat iron steak slices, rocket, parmesan and aged balsamic, and Shetland mussels with fries or focaccia. Guests can then round off the meal with the likes of Date and brown butter madeleines with toffee sauce or Burnt cheesecake with vanilla-poached rhubarb.
To drink, Whirlybird offers a signature cocktail list curated by Head of Drinks Jono McDowell, formerly of Panda & Sons. Serves include the Freezer Martini with Tobermory gin, Cocchi Americano and seasonal extra virgin olive oil; theSummer in Spey with Tapatio tequila, Lucky grapefruit, Cocchi Rosa, yuzu cordial, lime, Bon Accord grapefruit soda and tajín; the Whirlybird Highball with Woven whisky, Lucky bramble, maple, citrus and soda; and the West Bow Coffee with Glasgow 1770 whisky, Crossbrew coffee and ginger wine-spiked oat cream.
Whirlybird also offers both a concise core list of world wines and a rotational selection of handpicked hidden gems, all offered at exceptional value. These sit alongside a selection of local beers from Pilot, Newbarns and Thistly Cross breweries, and an extensive whisky offering of drams from across Scotland. General Manager Matt Donaldson, formerly of The Kitchin Group, leads the front of house team in offering a relaxed but high-quality guest experience.
Situated in the centre of Edinburgh, Whirlybird offers a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of Victoria Street, for locals and visitors alike. Split across two levels and four interconnected rooms, Whirlybird seats up to 100 guests, including a standalone bar area for counter dining, apéritifs and nightcaps, seating up to 15 guests. In homage to the 250-year-old building’s heritage, many of the original features have been retained, including a listed spiral staircase, curved stone arches and statement wooden doorways.
These have been mixed with modern design features including velvet and leather banquettes, an expansive wooden counter, brass accents and bespoke carpentry by local craftsmen. Large windows overlooking Victoria Street flood the space with natural light during the day, while statement pendant lighting brings a warm, intimate feel to the space after sunset. A semi-private dining room is available, seating up to 16 guests.
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Of the launch, Ash Bairstow said:“We’re delighted to bring this historical building back to life. The Old Town is such a magical place to be, and we cannot wait to share our take on modern hospitality with our Edinburgh audience.”
Whirlybird will open on Monday 18th May at 36-38 Victoria Street. It will be open from 9am until late, seven days a week. Reservations are now open at whirlybirdedinburgh.co.uk.
