What’s the vibe?
Tucked away on Thistle Street in the New Town, the Bon Vivant has the external look of an informal eatery, and an internal décor dominated by warm, soft wood and candlelight: ersatz trad where no one really cares about the ersatz element.
It feels comforting, the bistro-style menu is a major part of the experience and the venue has none of the aesthetic stridency associated with some twenty-first century cocktail vendors. But it does have kick-ass mixologists handling the spirits, should you wish to pop in for a drink, and they can make anything you want, as long as they have the ingredients to hand.
What should I order?
Although Bon Vivant staff can knock out any of the classics, their cocktail menu changes regularly and represents an adventure in taste combinations. One of their award-winners is the utterly remarkable Wing Tip involving single barrel Kentucky bourbon, an Italian bittersweet liqueur (featuring orange, peppermint and gentian flavours), Venezuelan rum, fig liqueur and bitters.
What are the prices like?
Pricey but not the priciest you’ll find in the city, with most cocktails ranging from £10-12. Overall it’s a winning formula and since opening way back in 2008 a Bon Vivant mini-empire has grown across the city; Bon Vivant’s Companion, the second to open in the city, was the most recent branch to appear on the World’s 50 Best.
This review was fact-checked and updated in 2024.
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