The Empress of Broughton Street

With a name inspired by Maud Wagner, The Empress of Broughton Street – a sister pub to Lioness of Leith – offers another excellent local outlet for the small batch, craft beer boom. Maud was an aerialist and contortionist who worked the American travelling circus scene during the early 1900s. A proto-punk of sorts, Maud also held a penchant for inking her own skin and is considered the first female tattoo artist in the United States.

A figure like Maud very much suits the hipster aesthetic of The Empress, which slots nicely into the myriad of craft beer and cocktail bars which have been popping up with increasing fervour as of late. The Empress offers much to make it stand out from the crowd however, with a beautiful, minimalist décor, a great selection of craft beers and cocktails and a whisky shelf to die for.

It is also a great spot for a bit of casual dining, offering a wide variety of well-prepared and eclectic food which surpasses the category of pub grub in its quality and, I’m sure, will cater to most tastes. Located only a stone’s throw from The Playhouse, it is also the perfect place for those all-important pre-theatre meals or drinks. Prices a reasonable, the atmosphere friendly and the aesthetic interesting making it well worth a visit.