It seems odd to be writing about a bar opening in the middle of a pandemic, but for Jane Nolan and her new venture, The Mother Superior, it's now or never.
Housed in the former Bar Brig on Leith Walk, The Mother Superior will be a whisky bar with the aim of making the drink accessible to all.
The name has a double meaning, it's the name of the iconic drug dealer in Trainspotting but also means a woman in charge, and Jane Nolan is certainly that.
The bar will opening when Scotland moves into phase 3 of lockdown (you'll catch Jane dishing out whisky cocktail slushies prior to that for takeaway customers) and Edinburgh Live has been given a sneak preview of what Leithers can expect when it properly opens.
The decor is described as "traditional Leith with a modern twist" and features beer taps made from scaffolding poles.
The back bar so far features 45 bottles from Jane's personal collection but The Mother Superior is aiming to have a whopping 600-800 bottle of the good stuff on offer, with something for everyone's tastes.
Jane told us: "I'll be selling my personal collection at the price I paid for them despite the raise in cost over the last couple of years - I really want whisky to be accessible and for non-traditional whisky drinkers to learn more about it.
"There'll also be 20-40 drams monthly at reduced rate as our version of ‘malt of the month.’"
And it's not just about the drink - The Mother Superior's kitchen will be dishing out a small 'when it's gone it's gone' menu featuring Louisiana soul food with a Scottish twist, expect Scottish seafood given the Louisana treatment.
The bar also features a music venue downstairs - where punters can enjoy busker sessions, jazz, funk on a cozy small scale.
The space will also double as an area for those working in the hospitality industry, providing a space for training sessions and mental wellness classes.
“I have been really lucky start doing business with Billy Ross - my landlord who also owns the Movement House opposite us - he’s taken a chance on me. It's amazing that someone is still willing to give the little guy a chance and I'm excited to bring my dream to Leith Walk," explained Jane.
"Obviously it’s harder given the current climate but people are rooting for me and so supportive and it feels good, we're looking forward to meeting you all when things blow over."
The Mother Superior 96-98 Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH6 5HB
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