New in Food: Primal Roast, South Pour & more

Our pick of what's new in Edinburgh and Glasgow's food and drink scene, from bubble tea in the east to Belgian-inspired craft beers in the west...

Feature by Peter Simpson | 22 Mar 2016

Ever have trouble keeping up with the new restaurants and cafés in Edinburgh and Glasgow? Don't worry, it happens to the best of us. This is our new monthly column on the notable new openings across Scotland, from craft beer bars to charming cafés to ping pong-powered nightspots. Opening a new food and drink venue in Edinburgh or Glasgow? Let us know – send the details to peter.simpson@theskinny.co.uk.

New venues in Edinburgh

Tempo Tea Bar

The latest in a string of venues bringing Taiwanese bubble tea to the capital, Tempo features a terrifyingly extensive menu of hot and cold variations on the drink. Nestled in one of the recently-renovated arches by Waverley Station, the interior is a mix of industrial fittings and snazzy neons, while the breadth of options on the menu mean you'll be able to come up with a drink to match wherever you're off to next. Waverley Arches, East Market St.

South Pour

Joining a clutch of nicely kitted-out bars in Newington, South Pour features a nifty drinks list and food from breakfast right through to the evening. The space is a bright and pleasant mix of rustic and industrial touches (ind-rust-rial, anyone?) and the bar's regular Meet the Maker sessions, starting this week with Harvieston Brewery, make it entirely possible that you might learn something as well as having a lovely time. Win-win. 1-5 Newington Rd. 

The Mousetrap

Sister bar to Newington's Dog House, The Mousetrap promises to be an all-action spot. There's the retro artwork adorning the walls, the extensive drinks list, then the trump card – classic arcade and pinball machines. Come for a relaxing pint, stay in a futile attempt to beat the high score on Donkey Kong. 180 Leith Walk.

New venues in Glasgow

Primal Roast

A cafe that aims to be healthy and fun? Primal Roast manages the tricky double feat with excellent coffee from Glasgow's own Dear Green Roasters, an ever-changing range of cakes to suit near-enough every dietary requirement, and a food menu that's packed with exciting ingredients and interesting combinations. 278 St Vincent St.

6 Degrees North

The north-east brewpub's first venture in the central belt, 6 Degrees North features more than 30 draught taps showcasing both the brewery's own Belgian-inspired beers as well as a rotating cast of guests. If that's not enough beer to choose from, there's also a 100-strong bottle list to pick through, as well as an extensive European beer designed to complement the many, many drinks on offer. 566 Dumbarton Rd.

Poco Havana

Situated on the former site of Burger Meats Bun in the city centre, Poco Havana is a Mexican and Cuban-inspired basement bar. Poco follows through on the theme with an eclectic food menu, and a drinks list pleasingly heavy on spirits and beers from across the Americas. 48a West Regent St.


In need of a new favourite spot? Read the results of our 2016 Food & Drink Survey

Festivals, tastings and one-offs – find out what's on in our Food News column

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