Holyrood Distillery's Courtyard Bar is set to return with a range of carefully selected drinks from local independent brewers and distillers and a delicious food menu.

The Courtyard Bar, which ran for the first time over the summer of 2020, will open on Monday 26thApril, at Holyrood Distillery: the first single malt distillery in Edinburgh for almost 100 years. The area outside the striking distillery, just off St Leonard's Lane, will be transformed into a relaxed al fresco bar and bistro space for a summer social.

Visitors to the bar will be first in line to try new drinks from the distillery, including their latest release to celebrate the end of lockdown: HolyXXXX Gin. Designed by Distillery Manager Marc Watson, HolyXXXX Gin is pared back to just one botanical and two other unusual ingredients, to deliver a very distinctive, daring and delicious flavour profile – and one that the distillery is inviting you to describe in your own words on the bottle!

Alongside drinks from Holyrood Distillery, the bar will also support other local businesses emerging from lockdown by showcasing the best in independent brewing and distilling: including draught pints by Pilot, Barneysand Crossborders, gin from Electric Spirit Coand Port of Leith,and some of the best new whiskies from across Scotland, including Kilchoman and Nc'Nean.

Award-winning Edinburgh caterer Hickorywill be providing a unique menu with dishes including Hickory's signature sandwich and salad, chicken tenders, and chili cheese fries, as well as hot drinks. An ice-cream tricycle will also be serving up scoops. 

A covered and heated seating area will also be available.

Opening on 26thApril, the Holyrood Distillery Courtyard Bar will be a safe space for families and friends to come together. Children will be welcome with their family group until 7pm.  The bar will be open daily from 1pm to 8pm in the first week, and then on Thursdays to Saturdays from 1pm to 9pm, and on Sundays 12pm-6pm. Service will initially be table-service only, with contactless orders via an online app. Tables will seat a maximum of 6 people, with an overall capacity of up to 120. Pre-booking is highly recommended: details can be found at www.holyrooddistillery.co.ukalongside full opening hours.

The Distillery Shop will also reopen from 26thApril. Here visitors can get first dibs on Holyrood Distillery's new gin, HolyXXXX, alongside a selection of local craft beer and spirits.  Draught pints, growlers and G&T picnic packs will also be available to takeaway – perfect for enjoying at home, in Holyrood Park or after climbing Arthur's Seat.

Holyrood Distillery's Brand Home Manager, Debs Newman said:

“We are absolutely delighted to be able to reopen our Courtyard as a sunny, safe and social space; for friends, families and neighbours to come together again. After a massively challenging year for everyone, and a particularly tough time for the hospitality industry, I know the distillery team will all be very emotional to see people back here again, enjoying the space, sipping our new gin, and supporting the other small distillers and brewers that we are showcasing”.

Recently recognised as 'Visitor Attraction of the Year' at Icons of Whisky 2021 Awards, Holyrood Distillery's Tours and Experiences will reopen in June. Tickets can be pre-booked at www.holyrooddistillery.co.uk.

Pre-booking for the Courtyard Bar is recommended and Holyrood Distillery asks all visitors to adhere to government guidance and onsite direction.

Find out more about the Holyrood Distillery Courtyard Bar at https://www.holyrooddistillery.co.uk/courtyard-bar/

Holyrood Distillery, 19 St Leonard's Lane, Edinburgh EH8 9SH. 0131 285 8977

www.holyrooddistillery.co.uk

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