Cold Town - Rooftop Bar in Edinburgh Grassmarket

Strawberries N’ Cream

Cold Town is an Edinburgh-based microbrewery, and their bar, old Town House, can be found at the edge of the Grassmarket in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle. This summer, their coveted rooftop terrace has been revamped courtesy of the Scottish whisky cream liqueur brand Magnum.

Magnum Cream Liqueur combines Speyside single malt scotch whisky and cream. As it is crafted and bottled in Edinburgh, you can enjoy an additional warm feeling (aside from that from the drink) for a local and sustainable choice. The company also gets eco-friendly points for their stainless steel flask, which is recyclable or reusable.

We are here to try the new Magnum cocktails. My partner in crime chooses the Banana Colada, a tropical combination of Magnum, Malibu, banana liqueur, pineapple juice, coconut milk and coconut syrup – which hit the right summery note. I have a Strawberries N’ Cream – Magnum, Bacardi Spiced, Crème de Fraise, cream, vanilla syrup, and a generous garnish of fresh strawberries – perhaps better as dessert but it certainly packs a punch. A range of shooters are also available, like the Baby Guinness which layers Magnum and Kahlua.

We need some food before the sugar crash hits and Cold Town House offers a menu of elevated pub grub, perfect for al fresco dining. There are burgers and hot dogs available, however, pizza is the specialty here and Cold Town take it pretty seriously. 

The Newhaven

Their wood-fired oven was built in Naples and the organic multi-cereal dough goes through a 24-hour proofing process. The result is a deliciously light dough with just the right amount of scorching around the edge. With the addition of fresh toppings and Fior di Latte cheese, you can't go wrong.

Which is lucky as getting the correct order might be a challenge.

A big fan of artichokes, I choose the Tollcross (mushrooms, prosciutto, artichokes). The first pizza to arrive is a margarita, the Morningside. I point out the error and it is quickly replaced by the Newhaven with cotto and mushrooms – I’m hungry now so that’s close enough.

Across the table, an impressive Cold Town Dog, with a grilled Sausageman Original Bratwurst, St Pierre brioche bun, sauerkraut, mustard, curry ketchup & crispy onions, is devoured quickly and appreciatively.

If sipping indulgent, creamy cocktails on a rooftop terrace with a castle view is your thing, Cold Town House is your destination this summer. I think they also serve beer.

Cold Town - 4 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU - 0131 357 2865

Opening times: Mon – Fri 11 am – 1 am; Sat-Sun 10am – 1 am