New in Food: Beer Zoo, Hippo Taproom & more

Looking for new restaurants and cafés in Edinburgh and Glasgow? We've got you covered. This is our new column on the notable new food and drink openings across Scotland, from craft beer bars to charming cafés. Opening a new food and drink venue in Edinburgh or Glasgow? Let us know – send the details to peter.simpson@theskinny.co.uk and we may include it in this column.

Topolobamba

The latest in a spate of Mexican-inspired openings and rebrands in Edinburgh in recent months, Topolobamba is a swish and slick addition to Lothian Road. Beyond the nice lighting and lovely fonts, a menu of Mexican street food classics and small plates designed to be shared among friends awaits. If you haven't time for a big ol' sitdown, or just hate the thought of sharing your food, the lunchtime special Torta sandwiches (packed to the gunnels with all manner of Mexican goodies) will be right up your street. 93 Lothian Road, Edinburgh.

Vino

The fourth outlet from Vino sits next to the train station at the New Waverley Arches, with the customarily huge selection of wine and beer on offer. Vino also gets two big thumbs-up straight away for its exciting by-the-glass wine selection and its astroturf-clad front porch which is that rarest of things – a genuine Edinburgh suntrap which isn't surrounded on all sides by solid brick walls. East Market Street, Edinburgh.

Daylight Robbery

Spit/Fire is no more, but in its place has risen Daylight Robbery. You'll easily spot it by the bright frontage and more of that aforementioned astroturf, while inside the food menu has been expanded and the drinks menu refined to provide something for everyone. The 2am weekend closing time also seems to have survived – we approve. 26B Dublin Street, Edinburgh.

Beer Zoo

Portobello is, as the kids say, 'having a moment', and Beer Zoo is the latest in a string of exciting new spots by the seaside. An off-licence sporting beers from across the UK, Europe and beyond, BZ's Facebook page is basically a list of delicious hoppy things that you'll want to drink immediately. Expect it to join the regular beer rotation when you're hunting for a hard-to-find bottle, while their 'Big Bottle Saturdays' will be a chance to sample exciting brews from far and wide. 219 High Street, Portobello.

Shilling Brewing Co

Opening its doors last month, Shilling mixes high-ceilinged grandeur with craft beer loveliness. A brewpub with three of its own house beers on tap all year round and an experimental eye (evidenced by their recent nettle ale), Shilling also features delicious pizzas crafted using the brewer's yeast featured in the beer. Tasty beer, tasty pizza, big room; what's not to like? 92 West George Street, Glasgow

The Hippo Taproom

New from the team behind West End bottle shop Hippo Beers (and the annual Great Scottish Beer Celebration), Hippo Taproom brings craft beer right to the heart of Sauchiehall Street. Across from the ABC, the basement bar features a rotating cast list of great beers on cask and keg, and a food menu packed with spicy Mexican goodies. 323 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow.