£100,000 Investment Creates 15 Local Jobs in Historic Vaults
A new cocktail bar, Understory, has opened its doors on Rutland Street, shaking up Edinburgh’s West End. Located beneath the city streets, the new venue brings an innovative ‘five-star dive bar’ experience to the capital. The bar is led by former Bramble manager, Sam Baxendale (39), and Rutland Hotel’s head of bars, James Grant (27).
Understory takes its name from the hidden layer beneath the forest canopy, a place described as where life quietly thrives below the surface. The interior design features rich and opulent colours and textures, alongside maximalist design with modern ambient lighting and neons.
Carved into historic vaults, the cocktail bar includes an on-site lab where the team crafts many of the ingredients for the drinks menu from scratch. The rotating cocktail menu concept is built entirely around nostalgia, with the debut chapter, ‘Batch 01: Halcyon Days’, drawing on British childhood memories. This menu reimagines the colours, flavours, and aromas of penny sweets and half-remembered summers through contemporary drinks and aims not to take itself too seriously.
General Manager Sam Baxendale commented on the launch, stating: “Understory is officially open and welcoming guests. Some have asked how we’ve managed to turn this project around so quickly? It’s down to the hard work, dedication and excitement of the team. We hope this is felt when you visit us!”
A bold and punchy small plates menu complements the ‘five-star dive bar’ vibe. This menu includes beef tartare and caviar served with crisps, barbecue corn ribs, and chicken tenders served with Champagne.
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Situated a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle in the heart of Edinburgh’s eclectic West End, Understory is housed within the vaults of the historic Rutland building. The classic Edwardian building is also home to other venues, including The Rutland’s boutique hotel rooms and apartments, The Huxley bar and Kyloe steak restaurant.
Following a major £100,000 investment by Signature Group, Understory now supports 15 local jobs. The bar is located at 1a Rutland Street, a short walk from the West End tram stop, Princes Street, and George Street. Understory is open seven days a week, from 4pm until 1am Sunday to Thursday, and from 4pm to 3am on Fridays and Saturdays. More information is available at understorybar.co.uk and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/understory.bar.
