Where Folklore Meets Mixology: Mythical Legends at Bar Prince

Building on the success of last year's Connected Icons, Bar Prince at The Balmoral unveils its latest immersive cocktail concept, Mythical Legends, a menu inspired by Scotland's rich folklore and legendary creatures.

Since ancient times, folktales have passed down lessons, preserved the stories of lands and civilisations, and entertained generations. We grow up on tales of giants, dragons, powerful witches, princesses and kings, and they never quite leave us, inviting us to keep dreaming of worlds filled with magic. Some people still hesitate to swim in Loch Ness, "just in case", while others know to beware the shape-shifting spirits said to lurk in Scotland's rivers. And, if you didn't know, a dragon supposedly sleeps beneath Arthur's Seat, so tread softly on your next walk. Stories like these help shape a nation's identity and fire its imagination.

Overseen by Head Bartender Mattia Rovaris, Mythical Legends continues the storytelling ethos established by Connected Icons. Guests are encouraged to uncover the tale behind every drink, creating a journey through Scotland's mythical past, one cocktail at a time. 

Mrs Bite and I visit on a bustling Saturday afternoon and immerse ourselves in a world of magic and mixology.

On arrival, we are handed the menu: a green book adorned with golden detailing, resembling a treasured fairy tale volume. As we browse, each story unfolds alongside a list of ingredients that, like a potion, brings spirit to a glass.

• 

• 

• 

For our first round, we choose The Dragon's Tale, inspired by the legend of Arthur's Seat, and The Lost Princess, which references the creation myth of Islay; both are gin-based cocktails. The former combines dragon fruit and a Campari foam reminiscent of an Americano cocktail, while the latter blends nori, rosemary and lemon cordial to evoke the minerality and freshness of the sea.

To accompany our drinks, we order a selection of bar snacks. Delicate lobster rolls deliver sweet shellfish flavours with a subtle fennel-like finish, while prawn toast topped with crisp shards of prawn skin provides a more indulgent contrast.

Our second round brings The Shape-Shifter, inspired by Scotland's legendary kelpies, and Messy-Nessy. The former is a bright, citrus-led blend of tequila, mezcal and Campari, while the latter combines Japanese whisky with pine needle cordial, capturing the freshness of an early morning mist drifting across the Great Glen.

• 

• 

• 

As Mattia Rovaris explains:

"Building on the success of Connected Icons, Mythical Legends gave our team the opportunity to tell a new chapter of Scotland's story through the lens of folklore. Each cocktail has been created by a different member of the bar team, making the menu a true collective of ideas, creativity and personal interpretation. Paired with bespoke illustrations and scent, we've created an experience that invites guests to discover something new with every serve."

This is a five-star mixology experience, elevated by impeccable service, consistently excellent cocktails, an elegant setting and a remarkable level of creativity.

Mythical Legends is available now at Bar Prince, The Balmoral, 1 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ.

For reservations or further information call 0131 556 2414, email barprince@roccofortehotels.com or visit the Balmoral website. Bar Prince is open daily from 12pm until midnight.