Keeping it local – the community pub that sources everything from Scotland

New Leith establishment The Nauticus champions food and drink from north of the Border

Leith’s trading heritage is at the heart of new community pub The Nauticus which has opened in the former Parlour pub on Duke Street.

Iain Mcpherson, co-owner of two of Edinburgh’s top cocktail bars, Panda & Sons and Hoot The Redeemer, is one half of the duo who have brought a flavour of Leith’s past into the present.

He has teamed up with friend and fellow industry connoisseur Kyle Jamieson to launch the bar, where the anchor is Scottish produce.

Drawing on Leith’s trading heritage as a key port and taking inspiration from the spice trade, the gin craze, wine and sherry importation and the more recent whisky boom, The Nauticus has sourced almost 90 per cent of its menus from Scottish-made or Scottish-owned brands including Cross Brew coffee liqueur, made in Edinburgh, and Electric Spirit Co gin from Leith. Even the barstools are upholstered in Harris Tweed.

Kyle said: “The pub is a real celebration of the history and local community of Leith. We’re delighted to have the chance to be able to showcase and support so many local suppliers and we are really looking forward to seeing the reaction of our customers.”

Iain said he has never worked in a community pub before and has been bowled over by the welcome it has received from locals.

“Leith is the most evolving area of Edinburgh at the moment and we wanted to highlight seasonal Scottish food and drinks.

“We are surrounded by a good community and it’s been great meeting so many neighbours and getting really good feedback – some have even been in every day since we opened.”

Championing local suppliers, The Nauticus serves Scottish charcuterie from the East Coast Cured Meats Company on Restalrig Road, pork pies from local piemaker Pie Dolly and cheese boards from Old Town born IJ Mellis.

Iain said: “The whole way through our menu it is all Scottish products or Scottish-owned companies – that’s how we worked it.

“We have carefully sourced even our soft drinks so there is a Scottish link.”

The pub’s wine menu will also feature links to Scottish producers.