First sing along piano & cocktail bar in Scotland

On 24 July, Scotland’s first sing-along piano & cocktail bar – “Downstairs at Betty’s” will launch in Edinburgh.

Article Source: Downstairs at Betty’s
Last Updated: 22 July 2024 13:17

On 24 July, Downstairs at Betty’s will make its debut in Edinburgh’s West End. The five-star, sing-along piano & cocktail bar is being transported by its founder, Matt Colagiuri, from its original home in Lisbon to 15 Charlotte Lane making it the first New York-style bar of its kind in the country.

Musical theatre actor and fine artist Matt adapted the concept when he moved to Lisbon in the late 2010s. Missing the camaraderie and community of the Broadway piano-style bars he loved inspired him to open his own in the Portuguese capital. Named after his adored, whimsical grandmother Betty, who gathered the family around the piano for holiday sing-alongs in her downstairs den, the bar quickly became a five-star attraction on Tripadvisor. With a motto of “no microphone, no spotlight, no judgment” Downstairs at Betty’s is a place where people can come together to connect and sing to their hearts’ content and where the pianist plays requests.

Fast forward to 2024 and Matt, motivated by the music-loving Scots who visited the bar, decided to uproot the concept to Edinburgh where he has teamed up with leading bartender, Stefan Creran who has headed up some of the city’s best cocktail bars including Nightcap and Lucky Liquor, where he was tasked with running the venues, continuing to develop their creative reputation and pushing the boundaries within the industry.

The bar, largely designed by Matt, will exude a retro mid-century aesthetic with a playful turquoise colour palette; inspired by similar bars in the Big Apple Matt visited during his theatre career. The focal point of the piano will be at one end of the lounge with seating and booths stretching to the far end, enabling guests to choose how involved they want to be in the sing-alongs. Matt’s vision is to bring people together through a love of music and proper cocktails, so importance has been placed on bar seating and a “bartop” designed around the piano to ensure conviviality and connection between customers, musicians and staff. Extending this co-operative spirit, the bar will curate a community arts noticeboard for guests and arts lovers to share news and opportunities.

Stefan’s drinks list shares the top billing with the music, ensuring that the quality of the drinks reflects Edinburgh’s status as home to some of the best cocktail bars in the country. Stefan has a special interest in crafting drinks based on sustainable and ethical foundations, ensuring minimal waste and harm to the planet whilst creating beautiful, modern cocktails. His drink style is minimalist and clean, favouring complexity of flavour over presentation, adapting a less is more aesthetic attitude.

Original creations on the opening menu include FLORA - Boatyard gin, Fair chipotle, Liqueur de Grandmont, lychee; EL CAPITÁN - NY Distilling Ragtime Rye, Aba pisco, Lucky Liquor Smoky Cherry, Cocchi Torino, black walnut; METEORA SUNRISE - East London Gin, Port of Leith White Port, raspberry, olive; NAKED, FAMOUS & REGRETFUL - Vegan-butter washed Pensador mezcal, Aperol, Liqueur de Grandmont, super lime. In addition to Stefan’s mixes there is a wide selection of classic cocktails, wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks. A small snack menu will also be available featuring local cheese from Ian Mellis and charcuterie.

Downstairs at Betty’s will be open Wednesday – Sunday, 5pm – 1am, with a pianist performing 6.30pm – midnight over two shifts.
https://sites.google.com/downstairsatbettys.com/home/

Downstairs at Betty’s, 15 Charlotte Lane, Edinburgh, EH2 4QZ

For table reservations call +44 (0) 7946 424 489 or email enquiries@downstairsatbettys.com.
@bettys.edinburgh

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Rare Visayan spotted deer born at Edinburgh Zoo

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo is celebrating the birth of an adorable endangered Visayan spotted deer.

Dobbies offers free festive inspired workshops in November

Dobbies Garden Centres will host free festive-inspired events, giving people of all ages the chance to create garden-inspired gift ideas and Christmas decorations through fun, hands-on activities.

Build your confidence with Edinburgh Open Workshop

Edinburgh Open Workshop has launched a scheme to support new makers keen to start their woodworking journey and build their confidence and skills working with tools and machinery.

Huge Charity Partnership Between Cash For Kids and Three Major Seasonal Events

25p from every ticket sold for Fawkes Festival, Starry Nights at Dean Castle and the brand-new Starry Nights experience at Beecraigs Country Park will be donated to Cash for Kids.

Become a ghost hunter as VisitScotland reveals the most haunted castles

The spooky season has arrived and VisitScotland reveals the most haunted castles and shares expert tips for capturing real ghosts.

Manahatta Edinburgh is now Open

The wait is over! Manahatta, the stylish bar and restaurant inspired by the glitz and glamour of New York City, is now officially open in Edinburgh.

Raise a glass to autumn craft beer festival in the Grassmarket

Edinburgh’s iconic Cold Town House has announced plans to host a new autumn beer festival in the city’s Grassmarket on Saturday 9th November.

Roxy Leisure launch Christmas Offers

Roxy Leisure, ‘The home of booze & ball games’, has announced the launch of this year’s exclusive Christmas offers, to enjoy across their Roxy Ball Room and Roxy Lanes venues.

Tickets go on sale for the largest wedding showcase in Scotland

Following a successful event at the SEC last weekend, tickets for the 2025 Scottish Wedding Show are on sale, giving brides and grooms-to-be the chance to secure tickets to the upcoming event.

World Opera Day 2024 Edinburgh Playhouse Welcomes Two Stand-Out Operas

Award-winning producer Ellen Kent returns in March 2025, presenting two stunning traditional productions of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and La Bohème at the Edinburgh Playhouse.

rEDOLENT wins The Scottish Album of the Year Award

rEDOLENT ‘dinny greet’ was last night announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award in Stirling’s Albert Halls.

People of Scotland invited to have their say on priorities for heritage in Scotland

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is looking to the people of Scotland for input on draft plan to help country’s heritage deliver real, lasting benefits for all.

Leap Into World Lemur Day with Five Sisters Zoo

Join us in celebrating World Lemur Day at Five Sisters Zoo on Friday, 25th October with a special Instagram Live session!

Christmas arrives in Edinburgh as St James Quarter unveils festive activity

St James Quarter switches on the festive spirit with a seasonal parade and a host of extravagant events.

Edinburgh charities supporting young people invited to apply for funding

Ansvar Insurance is delighted to launch its search for three outstanding charities to support, offering a generous donation of £75,000 to each over the next three years.

Day Trips from Edinburgh without a car

Scottish Government campaign encourages people in Edinburgh to help tackle the climate emergency through individual lifestyle changes, such as changing the way we travel in our everyday lives.

Pubs in Edinburgh and Glasgow to sell limited edition glasses for Poppy Appeal

Marston's and The Royal British Legion have partnered to create brand new, poppy-themed glasses to raise vital funds for veterans during this year’s Poppy Appeal.

Plans unveiled for first Edinburgh city centre public garden in 200 years

World renowned landscape garden designer, Tom Stuart-Smith to support The Royal High School Preservation Trust’s ambitious garden project on Calton Hill.

Johnnie Walker Princes Street marks one million milestone

Johnnie Walker Princes Street is celebrating a massive milestone this week, having now welcomed over 1 million visitors from 141 countries just three years since opening.

New winners announced for the 2024 Specsavers Scottish Music Awards

With just over a week to go until the sold-out 2024 Specsavers Scottish Music Awards at Barrowland Ballroom, the prestigious awards ceremony has announced its latest winners.

All aboard as Somewhere By Nico presents Murder on the Midnight Express

Now open for bookings until 24th November, guests are invited to indulge in the new and thrilling cocktail experience inspired by the classic game of suspense.

Edinburghs Hogmanay expands to Portobello and Leith with live music programme

Organisers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay have today revealed a stellar line-up of live music events taking place across Scotland’s capital throughout 2024/2025’s New Year festivities.

Scottish Institute prepares to welcome the next generation of performers

The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film & Television is preparing to open its doors on 31st October, inviting potential future students to explore its state-of-the-art facilities.

Further casting announced for major UK tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Michael Harrison is delighted to reveal further casting for the second tour of the acclaimed London Palladium production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat coming to Edinburgh Playhouse.

Positive Stories for Negative Times: Season 4

Positive Stories for Negative Times, presented by Wonder Fools, is an international participatory project culminating in 4 major youth arts festivals in 2025.

Scottish community pubs to collect advent calendars for communities in need

17 Scottish community pubs are asking their customers to donate advent calendars this year so everyone gets a treat in the lead up to Christmas.

One week until Paisley Halloween Festival returns

Paisley Halloween Festival which comes back to town next week with some exciting event changes to celebrate its 10-year anniversary... here's everything you need to know!

SAY Award unveils bespoke glass prizes and Ceremony performances

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has revealed a first look at the remarkable sculpted glass prizes this year’s Shortlist will receive.

Celtic Connections to shine bright this winter as 2025 programme unveiled

The world’s leading folk, roots and world music festival Celtic Connections has unveiled its ambitious, multi-faceted programme for 2025.

Literary honours and sensational singing take centre stage at the Royal National Mod

Greats of the Gaelic literature world are being honoured at the Royal National Mòd today before the very best singers go head-to-head in the Gold Medal Final this evening.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

First sing along piano & cocktail bar in Scotland

On 24 July, Scotland’s first sing-along piano & cocktail bar – “Downstairs at Betty’s” will launch in Edinburgh.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings