Celebrating our local bars: Victoria Bar
Catching up with our local bars in Edinburgh is always a treat! We recently did a music and martini-maker night with the team at Victoria Bar in Leith. After plenty martini making and a sing-song we caught up with their bar team.
Line Wamberg- Bar Team
How many years have been bartending for? And, what’s your favourite part about being a Bartender?
Almost 3 years, meeting people!
Almost 3 years, meeting people!
What’s your favourite drink to make?
Bloody Mary
Bloody Mary
Is there a firm cocktail favourite from your menu? If yes, what one?
Bloody Boda
Bloody Boda
Pickering’s Gin is the house pour at Victoria Leith, what do you like about Pickering’s products?
It’s just the most tasty gin I’ve tried! Always ask for it if I go out.
It’s just the most tasty gin I’ve tried! Always ask for it if I go out.
Do you feel Boda Bars and Pickering’s Gin share similar fans/ customers? If yes, why?
I would say yes! Mainly because both companies are Edinburgh based and loved by locals.
I would say yes! Mainly because both companies are Edinburgh based and loved by locals.
What do you think gin’s future looks like in the trade?
Good! It’s probably still the most popular mixer we serve.
Good! It’s probably still the most popular mixer we serve.
Cameron Gillies- Bar Team
How many years have been bartending for? And, what’s your favourite part about being a Bartender?
3 years & chatting to punters
What’s your favourite drink to make?
A pint!!!
Daniel Hatton- Bar Team
How many years have been bartending for? And, what’s your favourite part about being a Bartender?
Not long, 2 or 3 years I think it is. I worked as a chef before and decided that what I missed from the job was customer interaction, which happens to be my favourite part of it.
How many years have been bartending for? And, what’s your favourite part about being a Bartender?
Not long, 2 or 3 years I think it is. I worked as a chef before and decided that what I missed from the job was customer interaction, which happens to be my favourite part of it.
What’s your favourite drink to make?
Probably our Swedish Martini, it is so satisfying when you get the froth just right! Most often though it is just a tasty, tasty gin and tonic. Pickerings of course 😉
Probably our Swedish Martini, it is so satisfying when you get the froth just right! Most often though it is just a tasty, tasty gin and tonic. Pickerings of course 😉
Is there a firm cocktail favourite from your menu? If yes, what one?
Probably the Margarita, choosing it is always a good choice!
Probably the Margarita, choosing it is always a good choice!
Pickering’s Gin is the house pour at Victoria Leith, what do you like about Pickering’s products?
The branding, the bottle, the fact that it is made in Edinburgh in various garage-like rooms and that it is freaking delicious. Always my go-to gin!
The branding, the bottle, the fact that it is made in Edinburgh in various garage-like rooms and that it is freaking delicious. Always my go-to gin!
Do you feel Boda Bars and Pickering’s Gin share similar fans/ customers? If yes, why?
Definitely, you notice it when the customer says "Oooh yes!" when I mention that Pickering's is our house gin, which in my eyes seems to solidify the fact that we have similar fans.
Definitely, you notice it when the customer says "Oooh yes!" when I mention that Pickering's is our house gin, which in my eyes seems to solidify the fact that we have similar fans.
What do you think gin’s future looks like in the trade?
Exciting, with various local Edinburgh gin brands to try and new gins constantly popping up, it is hard to keep a track of what your favourite gin is. As long as gin companies keep on experimenting and releasing new gins, the less my liver will thank me.
Exciting, with various local Edinburgh gin brands to try and new gins constantly popping up, it is hard to keep a track of what your favourite gin is. As long as gin companies keep on experimenting and releasing new gins, the less my liver will thank me.
Marc Zwetsloot - Manager
How many years have been bartending for? And, what’s your favourite part about being a Bartender?
Around 6 years now.
The best part is definitely the people you meet. The interactions you have with people from all walks of life. Being that ear/council for people that possibly have no social circle.
What’s your favourite drink to make?
The best part is definitely the people you meet. The interactions you have with people from all walks of life. Being that ear/council for people that possibly have no social circle.
What’s your favourite drink to make?
I really enjoy making Bloody Mary’s.
Is there a firm cocktail favourite from your menu? If yes, what one?
Is there a firm cocktail favourite from your menu? If yes, what one?
From our menu, I’d have to pick the Loke. Fruit and refreshing!
Pickering’s Gin is the house pour at Victoria Leith, what do you like about Pickering’s products?
Pickering’s Gin is the house pour at Victoria Leith, what do you like about Pickering’s products?
I love Pickering’s because they’re just a small, simple, grass roots company. Everything is made with care, to a very high standard, by a very small team.
Do you feel Boda Bars and Pickering’s Gin share similar fans/ customers? If yes, why?
I think we do. We all appreciate small local business. Being a Leith bar, there’s a strong sense of community, and in turn, I feel we have a community with local businesses such as Pickering’s. We all look after each other.
What do you think gin’s future looks like in the trade?
Do you feel Boda Bars and Pickering’s Gin share similar fans/ customers? If yes, why?
I think we do. We all appreciate small local business. Being a Leith bar, there’s a strong sense of community, and in turn, I feel we have a community with local businesses such as Pickering’s. We all look after each other.
What do you think gin’s future looks like in the trade?
I think gin has planted itself firmly as a popular staple in the trade. I believe it’s become slightly oversaturated in the last year or two by small, quick-cash start-ups, but the quality of Gin coming out of Scotland has been exceptional.
