3 Blind Mice & The Burrow: a double-decker delight on Blackfriars Street

Moments from the madness of the Royal Mile - where there’s so often a very shouty street performer, and thousands of tourists needing you to “bear with” for a quick selfie - these Bitches have discovered an oasis of calm. Its name: 3 Blind Mice, a modern pizzeria boasting fabulous decor, saucy cocktails, and truly exceptional thin-crust pizza.

Even better, go one floor down and there’s a gorgeous speakeasy bar where inspired mixology, rare whiskies, and wonderfully ambient lighting will soon put a safe and stylish distance between us and the merest hint of sobriety. But let’s start at the beginning … 

Crémant & Carbs

Namely, a rather lovely Crémant d’Alsace, plus a joyful celebration of carbs: House-made focaccia with faultless seasoning, garlic and rosemary; along-side triple-cooked patatas bravas with cherry tomato & chilli sauce, and lush garlic mayo. 

Add to this a super fresh, generously proportioned Avocado salad, and drumroll please … the official winner of our first round: Fried Meatballs with pork, parsley and sun-dried tomato. A pleasing crunch, oh-so-moist, and utterly addictive. DING DONG!

As for the actual pizza, there is MUCH to choose from: Smoked salmon with mascarpone, dill and lemon zest; Siracaha chicken; Mushroom porchetta; and the absolute joy that is nduja: soft, spicy, spreadable sausage from Calabria. Ooosh!

But our fave has to be the Pepperoni, with oodles of mozzarella, and the epic addition of naga chilli honey - bringing both heat and a wonderful sweetness to the party. We’re also seriously loving the dough btw: charred, crispy and thin, but not TOOOOOO thin.

Its perfect companion, at least two bottles of the Te Kano, a Pinot Noir from New Zealand’s Central Otago region. Full of dark cherry and fresh acidity, it’s a delight to savour, then follow with the knowing words: Marlborough schmarlborough.

Dessert meanwhile is feast of deconstruction. Ganache sans tart, cream cheesecake with pancake base, and so forth - all of which you’ll find a pairing for on the delightful menu of sherry. Something we VERY much approve of.

Downstairs at The Burrow: Velvet, Whimsy & Mixology

Then, finally, it’s downstairs to The Burrow … and wow, what a delight.  A quirky mix of jungle wallpaper, animal print, tassels and plush velvet that would have David Attenborough feeling a tad over-excited. There’s even a Banksy! 

The vibe is both effortlessly cool and totes chilled, making us surer than ever that flamboyant eveningwear was definitely the smart choice. But more importantly, the cocktail menu is just as well put together.

Our favourtites thus far: the Vincenzo Gami with rum, pineapple, chestnut, and punt é mes

[ bittersweet vermouth ]; a Fresca Mule of tequila, yuzu, strawberry & pink pepper; and the dazzling Pyrus Sour which introduces whisky to pear, honey & timur berry.

Though of course, and as always, these indulgent Bitches are just getting started! 

3 Blind Mice - 19 Blackfriars Street, Edinburgh EH1 1NB - 0131 290 3333

Pizza seven days a week until 10 / 10:30pm

Meanwhile The Burrow’s open Thurs - Sun, until 12am Fri & Sat