
Never Really Here
“Cozy tavern with a speakeasy vibe, offering classic & creative cocktails in old-fashioned glasses.”
Quick info
About Never Really Here
Never Really Here is a cocktail bar at 89 Rose St N Ln in Edinburgh, and guests get in by knocking a brass knocker on the door. It runs as a speakeasy, and the team asks each guest what drinks they like before making cocktails personalized to those tastes. The drinks span classic recipes and original creations, served in old-fashioned glasses. The space is small, with limited room inside, and a wait is common to get in.
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention personalized custom cocktails, brass knocker entrance, pickle spritz and single bartender running bar.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention personalized custom cocktails, brass knocker entrance, pickle spritz and single bartender running bar.
Customer Review Summary
Most reviewers come for a cocktail built around their own tastes, made by a bartender who often runs the small room alone. Diners describe a "Pickle Spritz" invented on the spot, five different drinks personalized for one group, and very boozy cocktails they would never have thought to ask for. Several credit her humour and warmth for the atmosphere, and one left with the recipe for a drink. Reviewers mention finding the door by banging the brass knocker, and a few suggest approaching the drinks with an open mind and some patience. Two reviewers were far less happy. One says knocks went unanswered, then the bartender sat drinking with other tables while their couple was never served, and they left. Another describes a long wait for drinks that looked like a premixed jug poured into each glass with a splash of spirit, after being told fizzy and fresh fruit drinks were off the table. The happiest accounts still close on a round of drinks that suited every person in the group.
Customer Review Summary
Most reviewers come for a cocktail built around their own tastes, made by a bartender who often runs the small room alone. Diners describe a "Pickle Spritz" invented on the spot, five different drinks personalized for one group, and very boozy cocktails they would never have thought to ask for. Several credit her humour and warmth for the atmosphere, and one left with the recipe for a drink. Reviewers mention finding the door by banging the brass knocker, and a few suggest approaching the drinks with an open mind and some patience. Two reviewers were far less happy. One says knocks went unanswered, then the bartender sat drinking with other tables while their couple was never served, and they left. Another describes a long wait for drinks that looked like a premixed jug poured into each glass with a splash of spirit, after being told fizzy and fresh fruit drinks were off the table. The happiest accounts still close on a round of drinks that suited every person in the group.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“Such a brilliant place! Excellent vibe, delicious cocktails and hilarious staff. Special shout out to Donald and Katie for making our night so much more fun! Highly recommend!”
- Google user
“Do not waste your time or money. We went along thinking it would be somewhere different from the usual. And it definitely was different. Whilst the person behind the bar was lovely it was a complete con. Everyone in the room was asked what drinks they liked and after being told they didn’t do any fizzy drinks, fresh fruit drinks, the list went on, she then took half an hour to make all the drinks but basically watched her pour a jug of premixed drink into each glass along with a drop from any type of booze bottle to hand. My other half got a less fruity version of what I had …… no idea what it was but cost £14 each for the privilege. If you want something quirky made by someone who is basically winging it like she’s in her kitchen at a house party then this place is definitely for you. If on the other hand you’d like a decent cocktail I’d give this place a wide berth and go somewhere else”
- Google user
“Brilliant experience at Never Really Here! Shaarai is hands down the most magnificent bartender I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. She totally nailed exactly what I was after, friendly, charismatic, and genuinely passionate about creating something special. On the spot, she invented a "Pickle Spritz" for me, and somehow it was exactly what I'd been craving. It absolutely nailed the brief and may have genuinely changed my life. 😂 The drinks, the atmosphere, and the service were all outstanding, but Shaarai really made the experience unforgettable. 100% worth a visit if you're anywhere nearby. Fantastic experience from start to finish, 10/10, can't wait to come back!”
- Google user
“Great speak easy, once located. Give the brass knocker a bang, you will be greeted by 2 lovely, friendly young ladies who will rustle you up a great cocktail based on your tastes, we had 2 great cocktails each, got the recipe for one of them, highly recommend, great ambience, definitely visit again when in Edingburgh. Fantastic”
- Google user
“If you have no patience and need groveling to, this place ain't for you. If you can wait a few minutes, you will be rewarded. The new manager is kickass and makes drinks to your preference. Even if it isn't your preferred flavor profile, *chef's kiss*. Shaarai is a one woman show, making us feel at home and serving up the best flavored mixed drinks I've had in recent memory. Kudos!”
Location
Cocktail bars near Never Really Here
- Copper Blossom4.51,4420.1 mi£10–50
boozy brunch, creative cocktails, mocktails and NA options
- The Burrow4.9510.7 mi£20–30
creative cocktails, cocktail presentation, cozy decor
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Never Really Here | 4.6519 | — | — | personalized custom cocktails, brass knocker entrance, pickle spritz |
| Copper Blossom | 4.51,442 | 0.1 mi | £10–50 | boozy brunch, creative cocktails, mocktails and NA options |
| The Burrow | 4.951 | 0.7 mi | £20–30 | creative cocktails, cocktail presentation, cozy decor |
The 2 nearest cocktail bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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