The Alchemist to make its Scottish debut next month

The new bar and restaurant will be located in Edinburgh’s St James Quarter following a £1.5m investment. The 170-cover, 6,091sq ft venue will have a lobby featuring star sign projections as well as what is described as ‘an immersive elevator experience’ to the fourth floor.

The company announced its intention to open in Scotland​​ back in 2019 but the project was delayed because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

“From ancient alchemists to modern mystics, Edinburgh’s association with alchemy spans thousands of years and the city has long been described as a hotbed for spirituality - what better place to open our first Scottish site?” says Jenny McPhee, The Alchemist brand director.

“We know we’re going to feel right at home here and look forward to welcoming Scots seeking an unconventional drinking and dining experience to The Alchemist Edinburgh at St. James Quarter.”

The Edinburgh venue will be the 20th site for The Alchemist, which operates five bars in London, three in Manchester and two each in Birmingham and Leeds as well as in places such as Portsmouth, Nottingham, Cheltenham and Newcastle.

At the tail-end of 2019 before the pandemic hit the award-winning group ​​opened its biggest site to date​​, a 6,200sq ft venue in London’s Canary Wharf.