New Cocktail Bar - Understory - for Edinburgh

A new cocktail bar is set to shake up Edinburgh’s West End when it opens its doors to the public on Tuesday 15^th September.

Located beneath the city streets, ‘Understory’ is bringing an innovative ‘five-star dive bar’ experience to the capital, led by former Bramble manager, Sam Baxendale (39), and Rutland Hotel’s head of bars, James Grant (27).  

Sam has over 21 years’ experience leading some of Edinburgh’s top venues, including Monteiths and Bon Vivant, as well as five years running ‘World Top 50’ bar, Bramble.

James has been at The Rutland for four years and was promoted to head of bars in 2026. He has competed in many UK-based drink competitions, including coming second place in UK Italicus and finalist in the NcNean, Jamesons, Sipsmith and Kilchoman cocktail competitions. 

Understory takes its name from the hidden layer beneath the forest canopy; a place where life quietly thrives below the surface.

Expect rich and opulent colours and textures; and a dash of maximalist design with modern ambient lighting and neons. 

The cocktail bar is carved into historic vaults, with an on-site lab where the team will craft many of the ingredients behind the drinks menu from scratch. 

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A rotating cocktail menu concept will be built entirely around nostalgia. The debut chapter, ‘Batch 01: Halcyon Days’, will draw on British childhood memories. The colours, flavours and aromas of penny sweets and half-remembered summers will be reimagined through contemporary but approachable drinks and a menu that doesn't take itself too seriously.

Sam Baxendale, general manager for Understory, said:

“We want Understory to become a part of Edinburgh’s hospitality culture - to be on people’s list when they think of what places to recommend.”

James Grant, head of bars at The Rutland, said:

 “I’m excited to see this project come to life and share it with people. It feels like we’re making a bar for the right reason.”

A bold and punchy small plates menu has been designed to match the ‘five-star dive bar’ vibe, complete with beef tartare and caviar served with crisps; barbecue corn ribs; and chicken tenders served with Champagne.

A stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle in the heart of Edinburgh’s eclectic West End, Understory is housed within the vaults of the historic Rutland building. The classic Edwardian landmark is also home to a range of other venues, including The Rutland’s boutique hotel rooms and apartments, The Huxley bar and Kyloe steak restaurant. 

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Following a major £100,000 investment by Edinburgh-based Signature Group, Understory is expected to support 15 local jobs when it opens to the public in September.

Mike Lewis, Director of The Rutland, which includes Understory, said:

“We’re incredibly excited to be launching Understory after six months of developing what has been a real passion project for us.

“We describe it as a ‘five-star dive bar’ — incredibly modern, innovative drinks without the fuss, underpinned by what we believe is the sometimes-forgotten art of genuine hospitality.

“We’ve brought together an amazing team to create something exciting and different for Edinburgh’s West End, and I genuinely believe Understory will be one of the most exciting new bars in Edinburgh to open in 2026.”

Understory is located at 1a Rutland Street, just a short walk from the West End tram stop, Princes Street and George Street.

Understory will be open seven days a week from Tuesday 15th September. 4pm to 1am Sunday to Thursday, and 4pm-3am on Fridays and Saturdays.

For more information about Understory, go to understorybar.co.uk and follow on Instagram www.instagram.com/understory.bar