"No microphone, no spotlight, no judgment”
On 24 July, Downstairs at Betty’s will debut in Edinburgh’s West End. The five-star, sing-along piano & cocktail bar is being transported by its founder, Matt Colagiuri, from its original home in Lisbon to 15 Charlotte Lane making it the first New York-style bar of its kind.
Musical theatre actor and fine artist Matt adapted the concept when he moved to Lisbon in the late 2010s. Missing the camaraderie and community of the Broadway piano-style bars he loved inspired him to open his own in the Portuguese capital. Named after his adored, whimsical grandmother Betty, who gathered the family around the piano for holiday sing-alongs in her downstairs den, the bar quickly became a five-star attraction on Tripadvisor. With a motto of “no microphone, no spotlight, no judgment” Downstairs at Betty’s is a place where people can come together to connect and sing to their hearts’ content and where the pianist plays requests.
Fast forward to 2024 and Matt, motivated by the music-loving Scots who visited the bar, decided to uproot the concept to Edinburgh where he has teamed up with leading bartender, Stefan Creran who has headed up some of the city’s best cocktail bars including Nightcap and Lucky Liquor, where he was tasked with running the venues, continuing to develop their creative reputation and pushing the boundaries within the industry.
The bar, largely designed by Matt, will exude a retro mid-century aesthetic with a playful turquoise colour palette; inspired by similar bars in the Big Apple Matt visited during his theatre career. The focal point of the piano will be at one end of the lounge with seating and booths stretching to the far end, enabling guests to choose how involved they want to be in the sing-alongs. Matt’s vision is to bring people together through a love of music and proper cocktails, so importance has been placed on bar seating and a “bartop” designed around the piano to ensure conviviality and connection between customers, musicians and staff. Extending this cooperative spirit, the bar will curate a community arts noticeboard for guests and arts lovers to share news and opportunities.
Stefan’s drinks list shares the top billing with the music, ensuring that the quality of the drinks reflects Edinburgh’s status as home to some of the best cocktail bars in the country. Stefan has a special interest in crafting drinks based on sustainable and ethical foundations, ensuring minimal waste and harm to the planet while creating beautiful, modern cocktails. His drink style is minimalist and clean, favouring complexity of flavour over presentation, adapting a less is more aesthetic attitude.
Original creations on the opening menu include FLORA - Boatyard gin, Fair chipotle, Liqueur de Grandmont, lychee; EL CAPITÁN - NY Distilling Ragtime Rye, Aba pisco, Lucky Liquor Smoky Cherry, Cocchi Torino, black walnut; METEORA SUNRISE - East London Gin, Port of Leith White Port, raspberry, olive; NAKED, FAMOUS & REGRETFUL - Vegan-butter washed Pensador mezcal, Aperol, Liqueur de Grandmont, super lime. In addition to Stefan’s mixes, there is a wide selection of classic cocktails, wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks. A small snack menu will be available featuring local cheese from Ian Mellis and charcuterie.
Downstairs at Betty’s will be open Wednesday – Sunday, 5 pm – 1 am, with a pianist performing 6.30 midnight over two shifts.
For table reservations call +44 (0) 7946 424 489 or email enquiries@downstairsatbettys.com.
@bettys.edinburgh
