Hidden funfair-themed bar from 'Scotland's best bartender' announces shock closure

Home Food Restaurant Reviews Recipes Drink Distilleries Whisky Gin Craft Beer Locations Scran Podcast The award-winning team behind a hidden cocktail bar have announced that it will close later this year. An Edinburgh speakeasy style bar is set to close after a change in ownership of the building in which it is located. Hoot the Redeemer, which is owned by Iain McPherson - an multi-award winning bartender and bar owner - will close its doors this autumn.

The dive bar, which is located on Hanover Street through a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it doorway between Oliver Bonas and Bella Italia, is themed around a New Orleans vintage funfair and has retro video games, a tarot-based cocktail menu and boozy ice cream, Señor Scoop. Hoot the Redeemer opened in 2015 as a ‘little sister’ to Panda and Sons , which was named one of the top 50 bars in the world in 2023. Speaking to Class Bar Mag , owner McPherson said: “I tried my best over the past 18 months to try and keep it open, but the new landlords have plans for the whole building and in the end there was nothing I could do.



I apologise to everyone connected that I somewhat failed in that sense. “It's a really gutting feeling, as we had created something really unique and the team have been absolutely brilliant. Telling the team the news was probably the hardest thing I've had to do in my 10-plus years as a bar operator.

“Please pop in while you still have time, as there will never be a bar and bar team similar to Hoot. Hoot .