Edinburgh restaurant opens new 'secret gin garden' as part of revamp which will include brasserie

Stac Polly in Edinburgh's Dublin Street is one of them.

Owner Mark Galloway has just opened what he describes as a "secret gin garden" which seats customers outside in their basement level and on tables in two outdoor 'islands' upstairs.

He said: "People are already enjoying it as it gives more individual space and isn't packed, and people want to get out and feel safe at the same time."

Mr Galloway says each of the islands upstairs has a four-person table and the downstairs area can seat up to about 20.

As well as a range of Scottish gins, customers will be able to choose from an extensive wine list or enjoy a glass of beer, including Edinburgh Beer Factory's Paolozzi on draft.

Wooden decking has been revamped at the basement level, which was previously used as a smoking area for customers, and tables topped with gin bottle vases are spaced out in line with social distancing guidelines. Colourful flowers have also been draped from the stone walls outside.

Mr Galloway says he also plans to open the upstairs area - previously a gin and wine bar - as a brasserie with a more "casual and relaxed" feel where people can enjoy more small plates and nibbles.

In time, he hopes to reopen their traditional restaurant downstairs and offer more fine dining.

Stac Polly opened up their new gin garden on Thursday night and Mr Galloway says customers can just pitch up to get a table.