Reviews Lucky Liquor Co.

Last week, we went to Hush Hour. Hush Hour is a monthly event at Lucky Liquor in Edinburgh where books, cocktails and people who love both equally come together.

When I’m not eating and boasting about it, chances are I’m either reading or writing. Books are not just sources of information or escapism for me, but wonderous objects, little windows on different worlds. I liked the idea of Hush Hour from the very first time I heard about it. A good book and a good cocktail: what’s not to love?

I consume fiction any way I can – as audio, using e-readers and reading physical books. For this quiet get-together, I thought a book was the most appropriate. Which was handy since I was half-way through Att inte vilja se by Jan Guillou, the fourth in a series of historical novels telling the story of the 20th century. This installment covers the second world war and I was worried about Dresden. Bad things were to come and I couldn’t wait.

Lucky Liquor is on Queen Street, tucked in at street level just around the corner from Frederick Street. When we walked in, on a cold and blustery night, the calm and warmth of the space embraced me. Quite a few tables were already taken up with readers. The black and white checked floor was scattered with teal chairs and little tables forming groups along the light gray tweed banquettes. We found a quiet corner and perused the drinks menu.

Matching drink to book

Christopher was reading Solo by William Boyd. He decided to match it with a glass of white wine. I wanted something a little stronger, something that suited the content of the book. I decided on a herbalist, a delicious, but heady, cocktail with O.P. Anderson it its core. It came in a very pretty glass and a spring of rosemary. Scent, colour and taste reminded me of Swizz throat lozenges, but without the menthol flavour. It was just the thing. The cocktail menu changes every quarter so there’s always something new to try. And, to my great delight, Lucky Liquor offers a seasonal negroni.

So we read, and enjoyed our drinks, and kept very still and quiet until the hour was up and the word was free.

At this point you have two options: leave or join other readers for a chat about books. We joined organiser Blythe (our good friend from Lunch Quest) and a friend and compared books.

Hush Hour is a very civilised way to spend an hour, and I like that you have the option of being sociable after reading. And with a cocktail on the table. It’s a perfect evening.

In a cocktail climate where everyone is trying to do everything, Lucky Liquor does more with less.

A deliberately restricted drinks palette is rare in bars, usually it's more practical than purposeful. Here they have what they have, and it's all they need for their regularly-changing 13 drink menu of specials, each of which will be worthy of attention. Whether it's served in a light bulb, with 'disco sherbet' on the rim, or as an interactive drink experience, the result will be potent and unique. Also, having some water on the side really helps.

The staff are hugely knowledgeable and helpful. When asked to make a drink off-menu I was told that although they didn't have exactly the right ingredients they could subsitute and see what happens. In the end it was a twist on the original but just as pleasing.

It's not cheap, but it is special.

Love their innovative concept of a signature cocktail menu that changes every 1-2 months. The cocktails I've had there have been nothing short of outstanding. Each drink is a work of art, and the flavours are out of this world. The cozy ambiance and friendly staff only add to the charm of this place.

Best cocktail service, got excellent staff super quick and amazing drinks. Black girlfriend felt very welcomed and comfortable don’t usually get the best service in the Uk but this place goes above and beyond. Great atmosphere, lovely seating and music. Perfect place for a night out with the lads or to bring a date, I honestly would come here by myself after a hard work day. I’m not much of a cocktail person I got old fashions but really glad we found this beautiful bar

This was the first cocktail bar we went in Edinburgh 🍸 It was a nice chill place with balanced cocktails 🍹 They got good suggestions for other spots too ✨ I forgot what we got but you can see our choices from the photos 🤍

Stumbled across this delightful bar! The menu threw us at first, but we sat at the bar, and the bartenders were more than happy to discuss the drinks with us. They were so welcoming, and the menu combinations are just amazing. They really are cocktail genius'. I highly recommend checking it out. We can't wait to come back and try a new menu.

Absolutely loved this place. I went in early and had the place to myself. The staff is super friendly and were really nice! When I told them I am on the hunt to try best cocktails in Edinburgh, they literally gave me a list of bars to visit! I had a couple of cocktails and they were perfect. I would highly recommend this place if you want to have a well-made cocktail.