Secret Arcade, Edinburgh

Venue Review by Esme Jones | 06 Jan 2008

INSIDE: The downstairs bar (The Arcade) serves as an old man and tourist haven, while the new upstairs area (Secret Arcade), with two rooms and aimed at a younger crowd, appears to have had a Friesian cow explosion. With funky and innovative artwork, intimate tables, candlelight, open decks and projector screen there is plenty to keep you occupied, while in the back room you can be left to your own devices.

CLIENTELE: As a Polish vodka bar, the clientele is unsurprisingly predominantly Polish, especially with DJ Jacek Zamoski being a regular at the weekend. But open decks nights and movies on a Sunday mean that the crowd can be a range of students and locals alike. Only open in the evenings, the Secret Arcade guarantees a level of pleasant rowdiness.

MAGIC MOMENT: Being able to find a seat when the rest of town is rammed. Sampling strange and flavoursome vodkas (well-priced, they stock over 80) that warm you to the ends of your fingers and toes. Also, coming in through the back alley (Jackson Close) and feeling like you're smuggling in a back door gives a sense of secret satisfaction.

OPENER: "Często pan tu bywa?" ("Do you come here often?")

Secret Arcade, off Cockburn Street, Edinburgh
0131 220 1297