The Alchemist St James Quarter is a cocktail bar in Grassmarket, Edinburgh. Rated 4.4 stars from 1783 Google reviews. Known for bartenders who know their drinks and service that remembers your name. Best for date night and group dinner. Ranked #11 of 15 in Grassmarket. Price range: €€€.
Rankings updated April 2026
The Alchemist St James Quarter
Zone Ranking
Ranked weekly from live Google review data
in Grassmarket
↑ Up 2 this week
Quick Verdict
Staff genuinely know their craft and treat you like you matter, which is rarer than it should be. The cocktails are different and unique—not the same tired menu you'll find elsewhere.
You want cocktails made by someone who actually cares, food that's been thought about, and a rooftop view without the pretension.
About The Alchemist St James Quarter
The Alchemist St James Quarter is a cocktail bar with rooftop seating in Edinburgh's St James Quarter, serving craft drinks alongside food that reviewers consistently praise. The space runs casual to upmarket depending on the time of day—lunch crowds bring grandparents and families, evenings shift toward groups and date nights. Staff product knowledge is the thread through every review: bartenders like Tom and Fraser are named for their drink-making skill and ability to make you feel welcomed, whilst servers like Nick are flagged repeatedly for explaining the menu, accommodating alterations, and offering local knowledge. The food menu sits somewhere between bar snacks and proper dining—reviewers mention hoisin duck salad, French kiss cocktails, and dishes coming out quick because they're made to order. Rooftop access, outdoor seating, and a great beer and wine list round out what's clearly a place that works for both a quick cocktail and a longer sit-down meal.
What Stands Out
Bartenders who know their drinks
Tom 'makes great cocktails' and 'makes you feel so welcomed,' Fraser is described as 'barman extraordinaire' with knowledge about his drinks, and reviewers specifically praise 'product knowledge and attentive' staff who recommend unique and different cocktails like the Bubblegum and French kiss.
Service that remembers your name
Nick is mentioned in 6 separate reviews as 'amazing,' 'very polite and helpful,' 'fantastic,' 'courteous,' and someone who 'looked after us so well'—on his first day. Lewis, Kerr, and Havan are similarly praised for being 'exceptional,' 'kind and patient,' and making the experience 'all that better.'
Food made to order, not batch-heated
Reviewers note 'Food came out pretty quick and made to order,' and praise 'great food' and 'delish' dishes including hoisin duck salad. Staff are 'happy to accommodate alterations to the menu,' which only works if things aren't pre-plated.
What Customers Say
Lovely friendly service and delicious food, recommend a visit
First time dining here, came with my grandparents for a late lunch.
Didn't have food this time round be we will try it next time
Real quotes from Google Reviews
Practical Information
Contact
Frequently Asked Questions about The Alchemist St James Quarter
Yes, the venue accepts reservations. No online booking is available through their system, so call or visit in person to secure a time.
It shifts by time of day. Lunch is casual and family-friendly (reviewers came with grandparents). Evenings trend towards trendy and romantic, with groups and couples taking the rooftop seating. The vibe is described as 'relaxed and fun,' not stiff.
Reviewers consistently single out the cocktails as 'different and unique' and 'beautifully presented,' with bartenders who know what they're doing. If you're after the same mojito you'd get anywhere, no. If you want something you won't find elsewhere, yes.
Reviewers praise it as 'delicious' and 'well recommended,' and note it's made to order rather than pre-plated. The menu includes dishes like hoisin duck salad. It's not fine dining, but it's clearly thought about and the kitchen will accommodate changes.
Staff are 'happy to accommodate alterations to the menu,' according to reviewers. Your best move is to tell your server when you arrive or when you book.
Also in Grassmarket
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Rankings are recalculated weekly from live Google Business Profile data. Our Hot Score weighs review velocity (new text reviews in 90 days), recency (how fresh), baseline rating, and Google Business Profile completeness. No editorial picks, no paid placements — just what the data says this week.
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