The Blackbird in Tollcross sings again after a £100,000 makeover opposite the King's Theatre

One of Tollcross's favourite neighbourhood bars has had a glow-up. The Blackbird on Leven Street unveiled a £100,000 makeover this summer, timed to coincide with the reopening of the King's Theatre just across the road.

The new look features plaster-pink, terracotta and blue-green interiors, new tiling, globe lighting and pop-art touches. The bar's garden, described as a green urban oasis in the city centre, remains a big draw, and the investment is the first stage of a series of developments planned during 2026, with a second phase due later in the year.

There is a new cocktail list too. Highlights include the Joggling Board, made with rum, orange liqueur, sweet Italian vermouth, grapefruit and turmeric, along with the tequila-based Kingston Dove, a frozen house martini and a range of alcohol-free cocktails, beers and ciders.

The kitchen has also been refreshed with a new all-day menu. Dishes include burrata with honeydew melon salsa and prosciutto crisps, pork belly with curried cauliflower, and fried chicken with peach hot sauce.

The Blackbird is operated by Big Red Teapot, an Edinburgh bar and events company. Managing director and co-owner Colin Church said the team were excited to show off the bold new look in time for the Festival and the grand reopening of the King's Theatre. He said the investment was about elevating the customer experience with a new interior and new food and cocktail menus, and that the bar looked forward to welcoming back neighbourhood regulars as well as festival-goers and theatre audiences.

The bar describes itself as a neighbourhood cocktail bar and garden and has been serving the area since 2012, with an ever-changing cocktail offer alongside wines, beers and street food. The garden stays open until 10pm. With the King's Theatre open again, it is well placed for a pre-show cocktail or a post-show catch-up, and the garden is open into the evening.

The Blackbird is at 37-39 Leven Street and is open seven days a week from noon until late, with food served from noon to 9pm. More details are on The Blackbird website.