New Venue Openings: Edinburgh, October 2019

The Scotsman Picturehouse

Tucked away in one of the capital’s most opulent hotels lies an equally luxurious hidden treasure. The Scotsman Picturehouse is Edinburgh’s newest cinema, a boutique 48-seater with all the old world charm you could expect from the unique Edwardian interior. Expect ornate cornicing and wood panelled splendour. Expect lamplit ambience, sumptuous leather armchairs, and a cocktail bar even Gatsby would be envious of. The Scotsman Picturehouse harks back to a bygone era when cinema was all about the glitz and glam, only this time you don’t have to be rich and famous to get through the door. 20 North Bridge, scotsmanpicturehouse.co.uk

Basils

At long last, life has been breathed into the space once occupied by The Annfield. Big shoes to fill, we know, but if first impressions are anything to go by, it seems Basils are up to the mark. Striking a dandy balance between friendly neighbourhood local and swanky cocktail bar, the menu here has plenty to delve into, with an entire section dedicated solely to the mighty burger. Throw in eye-catching 60s interior, inspired by Scottish architect Sir Basil Spence (hence the name) and some seriously tasty cocktails, and you’ve got yourself a tempting mix indeed. 9-11 Annfield, Newhaven, basilsedinburgh.com

Old Tolbooth Market

With its sea of street performers and perhaps-unhealthy number of proprietors willing to stock tinned haggis, it’s easy to forget that Edinburgh’s Royal Mile was once one of the city’s key trading districts. The Old Tolbooth Market takes us back to a time when street vendors reigned supreme. Tucked into an industrial space just off the main thoroughfare, what started late last year as an experimental community project is fast becoming one of the city’s most popular indie markets. Art curated by IR11, various events, and food stalls from the likes of Haggis Box, MaRoberts and JamRock Jerk. 179a Canongate, oldtolboothmarket.com

Café Ink

After an extensive £11m fitout, it seems only right that the new Fountainbridge home of Edinburgh Printmakers at Castle Mills comes complete with an equally impressive cafe. Café Ink blends into its artistic surroundings well, with its upcycled furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a (sometimes) sunny courtyard. The creative vibes are continued in the menu, with light brunch options, scrummy cheese scones and deceptively simple lunches. Canalside loveliness to kick back in after a day at the gallery. 1 Dundee St, heritageportfolio.co.uk/cafes/our-cafes/cafe-ink-edinburgh-printmakers

Damm27

Fun things are happening down on Causewayside. Taking the place of the late Victoria Pub and smashing its way to the top of the list of places to eat in Newington is Damm27, a bar/bistro with a focus on European flavours. The former traditional boozer is barely recognisable, with its newly exposed stone walls, timber beams and deep dark walls. Serving up cracking brunches, express lunch deals and dinner, Damm27’s menu takes diners on a culinary journey across the continent. Cured meats from Spain? You got it. Austrian Schnitzel? Done. Moules Mariniere? We’ll take a bucket. 27 Causewayside, damm27.com

Alby’s

We live by a hard-and-fast rule here at The Skinny. If you name your cafe after your dog, we’re probably going to take notice; throw in a BYOB policy and we’re sold. That’s exactly what dynamic duo Natasha Ferguson and Matt Belcher have done with their new Leith-based sandwich joint, Alby’s. Eagle-eyed Edinburghers might recognise Matt Belcher’s name from his contributions to the city's club scene, as founder of record label Lionoil and co-founder of local community radio station EH-FM. The duo's ambitious flare shines through in the menu, which promises big sannies with big flavours, to stay or to go. 8 Portland Pl, Leith, www.facebook.com/albysleith