Shrouded in an air of anticipation for weeks as the locals  peered into the windows of this prime spot on Hamilton Place, Thursday night saw the launch of Smith & Gertrude, a new wine and cheese spot set to rock the socks off Stockbridge.

The gorgeous floor packs a punch as soon as you walk in and sets the scene.  It is made of reclaimed wood rescued from the children’s sports hall in Kelvingrove  Hall – a real labour of love.  That labour of love continues through every aspect of this space at once both industrial with exposed pipes and warm with natural and restored wood counters.  Inspired by the fabulous bars of Melbourne’s Smith and Gertrude streets in Fitzroy, from the carefully crafted monogramed aprons and boards to the well thought through cozy spots for drinks it was an instantly easy space to spend time in.  The sharing table runs from one length of the bar to the other and I have a sense some friendships will be made and developed at that table in the coming years.

The menu is refined and shows how much husband and wife team Duncan and Amy love their fine cheese and wine.  There are some other fab wee treats like Edward & Irwyn chocolate and some delicious charcuterie.  There is a cracking range of wines from all over the world to choose from with everything from very quaffable and reasonable priced to a wee treat like a vintage champers or a great bottle of Barolo – I seriously could have stayed to drink that all night! The staff will also be happy to help you choose something to suit if you tell them what you like.

A breath of fresh air and a welcome addition to our little village of Stockbridge – a prefect spot for an afternoon treat or an evening catching up with chums. I can’t wait to see what this team get up to…

Open now!

Smith & Gertrude/ 26 Hamilton Place/ Stockbridge/ Edinburgh/ EH3 5AU

– Jane

Jane Pendry is The Plus One’s Director in Edinburgh.  She is borderline obsessive about good food and yoga.  After a year galavanting around the world, she has returned to her home town to pursue her passions for exciting events, food and writing.