Savouring the balanced flavours of a perfectly poured concoction can be a true delight on its own, readily available in many bars around Edinburgh. However, what if we told you Edinburgh has a cocktail bar “like no other” right in the heart of the West End: Somewhere By Nico, offering a five-course cocktail experience.
The Six Company has announced opening two restaurants for 2024, with a two-million-pound investment that includes a new Six by Nico in the West End and the cocktail experience Somewhere By Nico.
Opened in June, 2024 on Charlotte Lane, Somewhere By Nico has brought a brand new bar concept to Scotland, probably not available anywhere else.
The spot is currently transforming into a nostalgic Christmas wonderland, boasting a five-course cocktail experience that will warm up even the coldest of hearts (not that Edinburgh needs it). Expect holiday mischief, cocktails inspired by our favourite presents like Yankee Candles and Lynx Africa (yes, an actual cocktail in a shower gel they named Linkx), Lush bath bombs, as well as an Argos-inspired catalogue to choose our festive treats from.
Secret Edinburgh got the chance to take a peek for ourselves in to the new experience, and we were blown away by the creativity behind the concept. When you walk in, you also get to fill out a wish list for Santa with your options, as well as lots of cocktails to choose from. My favourite was Course 2, served in a glass that looks like a candle – the Slopeside Spritz is a true banger, and is made with Tequila Blanco, Lime, Pink Peppercorn and Pink Grapefruit.
The immersive cocktail experience includes some canapes, as well as five unique cocktails with generous measurements, as well as a Christmassy atmosphere with all the tinsel and sparkles one can ever need.
Now That’s What I Call: Christmas Cocktails is on between November 19 and December 31, and you can book your table here for £45 per person.
On the new bar, restaurateur Nico Simeone said: “For me, my childhood memories are the most influential in approaching creative menus and making connections. The development of new ideas, dishes and cocktails is often done when everyone is chatting about ‘what they remember’.
We will always draw inspiration from the philosophy of Six by Nico when creating new experiences – but this is something completely different. After 19 months of development, I am excited to see this innovative concept is finally taking shape and coming to life.
Our drinks create a new world of possibility where our mixologists, designers, marketing team and chefs collaborate closely as storytellers to create new worlds every six weeks. But Somewhere is about more than just cocktails; it’s about the entirety of the experience. Food and drink combine to take guests on an immersive journey.”
He added: “We really wanted to raise the bar for ourselves. People are looking for more than just a drink; they want an experience. We believed that to be true and that’s been vindicated; we’ve been blown away by how popular this has proved to be. The venue is exactly what we dreamt of. It has an exclusive members’ club feeling, something I think the city needed but is definitely more than ready for.
It’s drinks-led, but we’ve put as much attention on the alcohol-free menu – while it feels exclusive, this experience is designed for everyone.”