STIR at Johnnie Walker Princes Street: Michelin-Starred Food Meets Whisky Cocktails

At the top of Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh, each cocktail is made for the plate in front of it. STIR is a collaboration with James and Maria Close, the chefs behind the two-Michelin-starred Raby Hunt, who create small plates to go with the bar’s whisky cocktails. It is served in the Explorers’ Bothy bar on the top floor of the whisky brand’s Edinburgh home.

The menu takes its lead from the Four Corners, the four distilleries whose whiskies are the backbone of Johnnie Walker: Glenkinchie in the Lowlands, Cardhu on Speyside, Clynelish in the Highlands and Caol Ila from the islands. Each cocktail comes with a small plate inspired by the character of one of them, and you can choose four or six courses or order à la carte.

Expect unusual combinations of flavour and texture, made with seasonal ingredients. The menu changes from time to time, so there’s often something new to try, and the plates are small enough that you can work your way through several in one evening.

The setting adds to the evening. The Explorers’ Bothy bar has comfortable booths and large picture windows looking out across the Edinburgh skyline, and the staff are on hand to explain the flavours and techniques behind each pairing. STIR runs on set evenings each week and needs booking ahead. If you’d like to learn more about the whisky itself, the bar also runs a tutored tasting of five whiskies, each matured for at least 12 years.

To book, visit the Explorers’ Bothy bar page.