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A magician’s hat. A fortune teller. Illusion. Levitation. Popcorn and magic. Is it a circus? Perhaps – in this case, though, it’s the circus-themed drinks at the theatrical new bar, Somewhere by Nico, in Edinburgh’s West End.
The concept is to create a tasting menu centred around cocktails, pairing them with small plates. The theme changes every six weeks, with the latest being, you guessed it, a circus (22 July to 1 September), after an opening run featuring the Land of Oz. And it’s certainly creative – a chance for mixologists to become storytellers, adding in a double shot of drama for good measure.
Restaurateur Nico Simeone has made a name for himself with Six by Nico (six dishes revolving around a theme or destination, which changes every six weeks – lots of sixes in there). So this journey into cocktails seems a natural one. The menu follows a similar format: five pairings (for £60) with an optional sixth cocktail (a palette cleanser for an additional £10). Each course has a vegetarian option and a non-alcoholic version.
Here’s a taste of what you can expect.*
The big top
The cocktail: El Jimador Blanco tequila, artichoke, marmalade and lemon, complete with a giant ice cube branded with “circus” lettering.
Paired with: Presented in a pink circus tent lined with green-and-gold stripes, each of the three layers includes a different offering – popcorn oyster mushroom at the bottom, a corn dog drizzled with saffron emulsion and ketchup in the middle, and truffle and smoked cheese churros at the top.
The illusionist
The cocktails: this duo is pretty nifty. There’s one cocktail on either side of a mirror – the magic? The pina colada (Havana 7 rum, pineapple, lime, coconut and milk) is dark, while the espresso martini (coffee, JJ Whitley vodka and cacao blanc) is light.
Paired with: barbeque beef short rib, malt extract, burnt onions and black garlic.
The great escape
The cocktail: brandy, popcorn, oat milk and egg yolk. Earlier in the evening, you’ll be given an edible tarot card. All we can say is, hold off eating it until this final course …
Paired with: peanut butter parfait, raspberry, candy floss and golden peach.
*We should note the concept is cocktail-based so the focus is on the drinks, although it’s all, in Six by Nico style, delicious. A special occasion to be enjoyed every six weeks to see what’s new.
Opening hours
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 4:30 pm to 11:45 pm
Friday to Sunday: noon to 11:45 pm
Contact
39A to 40A Queensferry Street, Edinburgh EH2 4RA