Reviews of The Bon Vivant's Companion. (Liquor Store) in Edinburgh (East Lothian).

The Bon Vivant's Companion

188 Reviews

96 Comments

Liquor store

Liquor store

51 Thistle St, Edinburgh EH2 1DY, United Kingdom

Description

Information of The Bon Vivant's Companion, Liquor store in Edinburgh (East Lothian)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

Map

Open hours of The Bon Vivant's Companion

Popular times

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Reviews of The Bon Vivant's Companion

J. M. G.

Absolutately marvellous service, the lady who worked 09/09/22 in the evening recommended me a few different beers. I wanted to buy only 2 but I bought 5 instead. I have never experienced anything like that. Very professional and super nice service. The way she speaks about beer makes you want to buy it and check it out. I'm not a connoisseur (definitely) but i have to admit beer is really relly good :)

T. H.

Great little place to pick up wines, fizz and craft beers. They carry a wide variety of things including a selection of bitters, whiskey flights and chilled champagnes. We stopped in to pick up some bitters as amateurs curious to start making mixed drinks and cocktails at home like old fashioned's. The person working was very friendly and helpful. Would definitely visit again!

J. C.

Brilliant choice of wine, fun cocktails, beautiful food and a lovely atmosphere, this place is perfect for a date. The absolute best service is offered here by really good staff. The wine list is extensive and well considered. The menu is updated regularly and while it always includes one option of lamb, pork beef and vegetables it never gets old. The small bites are an excellent option for sharing and the pork belly that I had tasted amazing - like you read about in books but don't think is real. The seating is well organised and comfortable, the bar is well stocked and the lighting is perfect. There is little that could be improved here and even the prices are reasonable considering the nearby options. 10/10

P. M.

Situated midway down Thistle Street, the Bon Vivant is excellent for both food and drink. The venue is part bar, part restaurant with a great range of drinks available. The food is fantastic, with a rotating menu daily. For starters you have the option of choosing multiple item from the menu, which will be delivered on a single plate, a great idea! The main courses are incredible, with imaginative food pairings, good portion sizes, and are very, very tasty! The staff are one of the major selling points of this place, very knowledgeable and attentive. One of my favourite Edinburgh spots for lunch.

L. P.

I was visiting Edinburgh for three days and stopped in to Bon Vivant on the first night after failing to find a place to eat closer to my hotel. I ended up enjoying it so much that I went back for lunch the next day and afternoon drinks the day after. The food is absolutely superb, the staff are friendly, and the atmosphere is delightful, but the drinks are something really special. Their cocktail menu includes an excellent range of recipes, from old classics to more experimental modern ones, including some sublime barrel-aged tipples. All the drinks are executed by bartenders who clearly know what they're doing and are capable of making good suggestions. Bon Vivant is an essential stop for anyone who cares about high quality mixed drinks.

m. s.

We came here for after work drinks and it was very busy (always a good sign!) We stood by the candle-lit bar and enjoyed the ambience. Very chilled and everyone seemed to be having a great time. The cocktail menu looked interesting, as did the food menu, but we'll have to go back to eat another time!

F. M.

One of my most favourite hang outs in town. Staff friendly and relaxed, but attentive and really go above and beyond for their customers. You can tell that they really genuinely love good honest food and drinks. Also just love that everything on the menu is offered as a £1 "bite" perfect for tapas style dining or to have a dessert that is just the right size.

C. H.

Late night cocktails and good chat! We had some fantastic cocktails here and a great catch up. The inside is a bit dark and can get a bit loud but who cares with martini's and bar bites this good!? I am definitely a fan and have sent many people along. They also do some great tasting events where you can choose the wines on the list - all the details are on the boards.

A. W.

The bar staff at The Bon Vivant really know their cocktails. One of the best Old Fashioneds I've had in town (and I've had many)! Their food is excellent too, and the light bites menu menu is great for sharing tapas style with friends. Dark and cosy inside, it's a lovely place to while away a cold winters evening. Attentive service when dining too.

A. G.

Good selection of beers, wines and spirits. Staff is helpful and willing to assist in finding something for your taste and/or budget. Central location if you work nearby or walking past, but I wouldn't imagine going there on purpose due to difficulties with parking in the area. One thing I felt underwhelmed about this shop is their prices - even relatively common whiskies were 20-30% more expensive then main street shops (Tesco etc). I appreciate the challenges of running a small scale business yet not convinced these prices are justified

L. P.

We were looking for somewhere a bit different for some cocktails and the Bon Vivant came very highly rated. The cocktail selection isn't large but you will find some great tasting and well thought out cocktails. Flavour combinations are amazing and offer something a bit different. There is a big selection of spirits as well as other drinks.

A. P.

Amazing atmosphere - it feels very cosy. The food menu offers a good range of tasty items. The cocktail and wine menus are also wide ranging and appealing. Sometimes it felt that the music was louder than was necessary for the clientele who were in the bar for drinks. Overall it was a very pleasant place to have food and drinks.

B. V.

Scottish pub meets gastronomy is the lovely combination of this place. Great tasty food in small -but exactly sufficient- portions are best enjoyed by candlelight in this uniquely cosy atmosphere. The music and crowdiness can get a bit noisy though. But in the end a culinary experience for a price that was in keeping of the quality.

C. R.

Excellent wine list, the beers are not as good (just Guinness and a few lagers on tap). We came here for pudding after dinner across the street, the chocolate tart was really rich and tasty. It's not a huge interior so larger groups may want to go elsewhere.

K. M.

I once rated this place 5 stars unreservedly and for good reasons, but since then, the place has changed staff too many times for such a rating. It's still an overall good place to buy interesting spirits, wines, and beer, but I think the ownership is starting to have a negative and eroding effect on the atmosphere of the place. The owner unreservedly has a knack for making excellent venues across the city but since he's such a prick he manages to repel the excellent staff he initially attracts - guess I should thank the man as loads of great fellas and ladies are now spread throughout the city at other separate excellent venues thanks to his jackassery. Visit at your discretion.

R. S.

Must be one of the best wine and cocktail bars in Edinburgh, charmingly dark with a vintage feel. The staff are professional and knowledgeable, our last visit was a busy Friday evening and they were still happy to talk through the wine list and bring tasting samples to our table.

E. “. R. C.

Just wow!! Not a big menu selection but they do what the have very very well. I had the venison and my wife had the duck and they were both superb. It's a bit like a pub interns of decor by a little bit more angled towards art deco I think. I strong suggest coming here for a beautiful dinner and lovely drinks. It's around £20 for a main and £5 a side and you'd want at leave one side with a meal. It's not cheap but it's very good food and tasty.

K. S.

Food was excellent and so was the service. I really liked the idea of "Scotish Tapas" as well. Very tasty and welcoming ! I got a recommendation from a friend living in Manchester who found this place to be a perfect fit for a anniversary dinner with his wife. Highly recommended !

L. S.

Fab cocktails and tasty food! It's got a small seated area at the back of the bar, so it's recommended to book if you want something to eat. As well as proper courses, they do small pinchos type plates which are great to try their selection.

S. M.

A lovely bar on Thistle street. The dark paint and french-style decor instantly makes it seem very cosy and romantic. Good wine list and cocktails, if a little pricey. A good range of food, as well as little tapas-style plates (though some of which sound slightly more interesting than their presentation).

K. H.

The Bon Vivant is one of my favourite Edinburgh bars. Why? Because it is sultry, sexy and well, it won the Oscar’s of the cocktail world for being the Best International Restaurant Bar at the Spirited Awards. So it has got to be good hasn’t it? The food is great too!

J. P.

Pretty much end up in here every time I'm waiting for a table in El Cartel across the street, although the food's definitely worth a look here too. Great cocktail list and a bar team who really know their onions - check out the bin ends board on the wall for winey bargains.

M. H.

A little bit dark and mysterious. Bon V is the perfect spot for getting cosy with a cocktail or two, expertly made by the fun loving staff. Also on offer is fabulous food without any pretentious formality. Some damn fine dishes that will have you immediately thinking about when you can plan your next meal there. The menu changes as often as the wind but if you see the Sea Trout, snap it up quickly. Bites start at £1 and prices remain reasonable from there. I will probably be back next week.

A. C.

A beautiful selection of booze, rare elixirs and delightful staff. Can't wait to go back!

K. D.

Never enough seats but if you're lucky enough to get one then huddle round a candle and order a carafe from their great range of wines from all over. Served at perfect temperatures from bartenders who are friendly and professional. Becoming an edinburgh favourite of mine..and their winestore companion is worth a visit too.

E. R.

Amazing selection of wines with enough info attached to each that chatting to the staff about recommendations was just for fun. My new go-to for a fancy bottle!

R. H.

An eclectic but welcoming of lficense hidden away on Thistle Street with a vast range of wines, imported and local beers and a serious spirit selection alongside all sorts of unusual cocktail implements. Very knowledgeable staff who are happy to take the time to chat to the customer and make sure you get the drink you want

Z. P.

Tucked down Thistle Street, The Bon Vivant is a sophisticated little bothy for the cocktail aficionado. The drinks menu changes regularly at this bustling bar but my favourites are: a punchy Ginger Tommy’s, a tart The Matinee (a mix of Bacardi, Vermouth, lemon juice, vanilla sugar and lime leaves) and the citrus Dutch Courage (made with Cointreau, lime and pineapple juice). Fancy something lighter? Ask for the Gin and Elderflower – a delicate blend of gin, elderflower cordial, soda and fresh lime. Yum.

P. V.

Excellent for cocktails and spirits, huge selection of gins and bourbons that you're unlikely to find elsewhere. Beer selection not quite as good. Very attentive and knowledgeable bar staff

A. C.

Great service and incredible food. The duck and truffle & Parmesan chips were heavenly. My only complaint was not having more to eat. Delicious well deserving of a 5* rating.

M. v.

the Bon Vivant is an atmospheric hidden cocktail den. You can't get away from the "rustic and raw" feel decor, blended with a more sophisticated and laid back approach to cocktail and casual dining. A nice wee surprise on Thistle street.

C. D.

Haven't actually eaten here, but it is a great place to go for a drink. The staff obviously know their stuff and each cocktail we had was impeccably made. Would definitely go back.

y. l.

Delightful place! Very good worldwide wine, tasty bites, and they wonderfully accommodate your requests in terms of cocktail. Lovely staff!

P. G.

Excellent cocktail and wine bar, with a good restaurant at the back. Atmospheric lighting, excellent decorations and delightful staff make this one of the best bars in the UK.

N. C.

One of our favourite spots for a late night bite or cocktail. The atmosphere is very trendy but but also warm and the staff go out of their way to make it a special night.

P. M.

Just been to The Bon Vivant off-licence next door to the main bar/restaurant. Amazing knowledgable service from petite be-spectacled girl who's also a sommellier. In-depth chat and charm on any kind of drink we asked about. Give that girl a raise! A bit out of the way tucked away on Thistle Street, but deserves to be your No. 1 stop for a different class of drinks. You'll feel like a Bon Viveur after just one visit.

C. M.

Absolutely lovely shop with an amazing collection of drinks, reasonable prices. The atmosphere was a happy one and staff members suggested the right drinks. Great service.

A.

Nice shop and staff, not the biggest range, I'd like to be more sure I can go and find the type or similar wine I like rather than be disappointed sometimes.

S. d. M.

So happy to find a store that carries Lillet in Edinburgh - and they had 3 varieties: white, rose and red! Very courteous and helpful staff: Saara :)

J. K.

Nice bar. Nicely lit and well decorated. Well worth a stop in at the end of a night if you fancy a cheeky wee whisky before home time.

G. B.

One of the greatest selection of booze in the city. Knowledgeable staff and very helpful. They DO HAVE barrel aged Campari!!!

T. G. f. L.

This place is always busy but yet always seem to have a table for walk ins. Tasty, small notes food menu, a great selection of drinks, attentive staff and a cosy atmosphere

L. T.

Visited here with a friend and we had delicious bar snacks (the grilled halloumi sticks out in my mind as being fantastic) and went with a glass of wine recommended by staff which was perfect.

A. D.

Delicious food and drinks, with impressive service to boot. Couldn't recommend this gem any more highly. A great selection for vegetarians on my visit also.

M. S.

This is a real find in Thistle Street, knowledgeable and friendly staff, fantastic selection, of spirits, wine & beers... some exceeding rare. A must visit for anyone who loves gin!

D. W.

Good cocktails. A little expensive though. Reservations are recommended. This place is always packed.

s.

Love it here, one of my favourite bar/restaurants in Edinburgh, well worth a visit

M. P.

Attended a brilliant wine tasting event in the basement here, was very impressed with the range, knowledge and passion of the staff. Can't wait to go back!

M. M.

Some more unusual wines as well as more regular ones. Good for natural and organic too. Worth a look.

O. P.

Proper cocktails made properly! Reasonably priced for central Edinburgh.

J. P.

Amazing cocktails with quite romantic atmosphere. i would say its Edinburgh's hidden gem

M. M.

Delicious French themed food and lovely cocktails - excellent serving staff and good atmosphere

G. T.

Excellent savoir faire as to making cocktails, friendly service in a casual setting... One of my favourites in Edinburgh.

k. o.

This place has a fine selection of gins....good god im trying to work my way through them...its a dirty job but someone has to do it...great staff too

K. K.

Great for a drink, bar staff often seem quirky but that adds to charm.

I. H.

Really good cocktails, good food, good service and the truffle chips were fantastic

M. K.

Phenomenal experience. Every bite of the meal was memorable! I recommend eating here.

I. M.

Great atmosphere. Fab selection of beers and Find. Worth a visit

L. M.

Staff always help full. Restaurant only 2 star. Great ambience food poor.

T. R.

Great service knowledgeable a local business great for different wines/beers

D. F.

Good luck with a a seat, but the atmosphere makes up for it, as do the drinks.

J. M.

What a great shop! So much to choose from and some really great bottles!

K. W.

Some of the BEST veggie food in Edinburgh and incredible cocktails!

K. M.

Really good selection of drinks. The place to go for something unusual.

e. G.

Great food, friendly staff, good cocktails.

C. N.

Great menu, atmosphere, and cocktails. A serendiptous find.

M. K.

My favourite cocktail bar. Cosy and atmospheric

B. S.

Great place, creative cocktails and lovely service!

C. S.

Excellent experience, the duck and the ox cheek were absolutely delicious!

D. K.

An exotic range of beers and spirits

R. M.

Great atmosphere, a lovely place to grab a glass of wine.

K. M.

Great knowledgeable staff. Amazing food and Gin.

I. J.

A cosy and friendly bar, that's very popular after work with locals.

C. W.

Great food, cool vibe. Worth a visit.

P. N.

One of my favourite places to visit in Edinburgh.

J. H.

Nice bar with wide selection of beers and wines.

C. A. L.

Excellent food. Tapas style menu.

W. W.

Lovely bar, friendliest staff ever

J. C.

Great selection and very knowledgeable staff!

G.

Best place to buy wine in Edinburgh

C. T.

Great place for a cocktail and a catchup

C. E.

excellent food descent prices

C. W.

Great food and good service

W. B.

Cheerful staff and good food

A. D.

Pretty expensive wine and food

C. P.

Perfect place to eat and drink

B. T.

Excellent

A. W.

Superb lunch!

M. Z.

Wonderful for food and drink

S. N.

Excellent value and service

C. b.

Nice cocktails

P. M. S.

Tolle Bar mit ausgezeichneten Cocktails (£ 8.50) und unüblich-innovativen Bar-Snacks. Der Speisebereich des Lokals ist abends oft ausgebucht trotz eher kleinen Karte und stolzen Preisen, wir "mussten" daher auf die Bar ausweichen. Nette Barkeeper, die den Frauen gefallen. (Translated) Great bar with excellent cocktails (£8.50) and unusually innovative bar snacks. The dining area of the restaurant is often fully booked in the evenings, despite the rather small menu and steep prices, so we "had" to switch to the bar. Nice bartenders who please the women.

K. L.

A. C. M.

(Translated) Well (Original) Bueno

A. s.

(Translated) Ok !!! fantastic it is. (Original) Ok!!!fantastic to jest.

C. B.

Contact

Photos