Imagine this, a place where you can immerse yourself into a theme, enjoy cocktails and have space to chat with friends.
Now, open your eyes and follow me Down the Rabbit Hole to ‘Somewhere by Nico’ in Edinburgh’s west end.
At the reception giant poppies signal a whimsical experience ahead and make me smile. Then we go to our table where our host ‘Flinn’ explains the adventure. Somewhere by Nico, a spin-off of the popular Six by Nico restaurant chain from Nico Simeone, pins immersive cocktail experiences to a theme; this is Alice in Wonderland.
My friends and I are excited to tumble down the hole but the first cocktail fails to deliver. ‘Down the Rabbit Hole’ includes a light gin with a dill and chive infusion with a complementary side of carrots and hummus. For me, this savoury food and drink combo lacks magic but hang in there.
The second cocktail is fun and memorable. Eat Me, Drink Me’ again has a base of Porters Modern Classic Gin but with a nutty Pandan infusion, earthy Matcha and a punch of citrus; a sweet quirky potion of ‘unicorn dust and mock turtle tears’ balances the sour lemon sorbet. Then a tiny savoury cupcake leaves you desiring more. Now, we are talking!
A theatrical mushroom-shaped contains a playful ‘Who Are You’, a tropical Brazilian spirit mixed with mint, citrus and crème de mure. Appropriately, activities are introduced here with a ‘Can You beat ‘my nonsense’ Poem?’ It is a giggle.
The Queen of Hearts arrives next. Immaculately presented, this cocktail has Birch Botanical Vodka, cucumber, basil, coconut-washed strawberry and a berry espuma and is my favourite; its fun flavours tease out the fantasy of Lewis Carroll’s literary classic. We play cards too.
This is a five-course cocktail ensemble but ‘Cheshire Cat’ is optional, and dangerous! Pensador Mezcal, Apple & Beetroot Shrub, Ginger is described as ‘trippy’ and will make you grin.
Mad Hatter’s Tea Party is a dramatic finale. Porters modern Classic Gin with Cranberry Apple Riot Tea is served in a teacup with dry ice and is an Instagram-perfect cocktail.
Complementary nibbles and activities alongside themed cocktails make this tasting experience a fun adventure for a night out with friends, couples, very unmerry birthdays or make up a reason! No one will judge.
The menu runs until January 5, 2025. Prices start from £45 per person.
Somewhere by Nico 39A-40A Queensferry Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4RA
Bookings online: https://somewherebynico.co.uk/
