The Pop Up Geeks

After bringing their immersive pop-up experiences to bars around Edinburgh, the Pop Up Geeks have a permanent home on East Market Street. Expect a new theme roughly every quarter.

The 2019/20 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

As the name suggests, The Pop Up Geeks started out running immersive events around Edinburgh before settling in their current home in the New Waverley Arches. If the thought of themed parties and fancy dress fills you with dread, your fears will be laid to rest when you walk through the door. Appealing to cocktail aficionados as much as fans of whatever the current theme may be, as much attention is paid to the quality of the cocktails as to the décor. Themes rotate every three months, but their Game of Thrones Blood and Wine experience is a typical example of what to expect. The eponymous signature cocktail is served, as expected, in an iced goblet. The subtle balance of flavours, with ingredients including whisky and sherry, prove the mixologists know their stuff. There's an impressive attention to detail, from choice of font to the cocktail names. Every bar tender has input into the cocktails for each theme and their passion shines. With Game of Thrones whiskies sourced from local suppliers and the support of some of the big players in Edinburgh’s cocktail scene, this unassuming wee bar is causing equal stir amongst both cocktail geeks and regular geeks.