First sing along piano & cocktail bar in Scotland

On 24 July, Scotland’s first sing-along piano & cocktail bar – “Downstairs at Betty’s” will launch in Edinburgh.

Article Source: Downstairs at Betty’s
Last Updated: 22 July 2024 13:17

On 24 July, Downstairs at Betty’s will make its debut in Edinburgh’s West End. The five-star, sing-along piano & cocktail bar is being transported by its founder, Matt Colagiuri, from its original home in Lisbon to 15 Charlotte Lane making it the first New York-style bar of its kind in the country.

Musical theatre actor and fine artist Matt adapted the concept when he moved to Lisbon in the late 2010s. Missing the camaraderie and community of the Broadway piano-style bars he loved inspired him to open his own in the Portuguese capital. Named after his adored, whimsical grandmother Betty, who gathered the family around the piano for holiday sing-alongs in her downstairs den, the bar quickly became a five-star attraction on Tripadvisor. With a motto of “no microphone, no spotlight, no judgment” Downstairs at Betty’s is a place where people can come together to connect and sing to their hearts’ content and where the pianist plays requests.

Fast forward to 2024 and Matt, motivated by the music-loving Scots who visited the bar, decided to uproot the concept to Edinburgh where he has teamed up with leading bartender, Stefan Creran who has headed up some of the city’s best cocktail bars including Nightcap and Lucky Liquor, where he was tasked with running the venues, continuing to develop their creative reputation and pushing the boundaries within the industry.

The bar, largely designed by Matt, will exude a retro mid-century aesthetic with a playful turquoise colour palette; inspired by similar bars in the Big Apple Matt visited during his theatre career. The focal point of the piano will be at one end of the lounge with seating and booths stretching to the far end, enabling guests to choose how involved they want to be in the sing-alongs. Matt’s vision is to bring people together through a love of music and proper cocktails, so importance has been placed on bar seating and a “bartop” designed around the piano to ensure conviviality and connection between customers, musicians and staff. Extending this co-operative spirit, the bar will curate a community arts noticeboard for guests and arts lovers to share news and opportunities.

Stefan’s drinks list shares the top billing with the music, ensuring that the quality of the drinks reflects Edinburgh’s status as home to some of the best cocktail bars in the country. Stefan has a special interest in crafting drinks based on sustainable and ethical foundations, ensuring minimal waste and harm to the planet whilst creating beautiful, modern cocktails. His drink style is minimalist and clean, favouring complexity of flavour over presentation, adapting a less is more aesthetic attitude.

Original creations on the opening menu include FLORA - Boatyard gin, Fair chipotle, Liqueur de Grandmont, lychee; EL CAPITÁN - NY Distilling Ragtime Rye, Aba pisco, Lucky Liquor Smoky Cherry, Cocchi Torino, black walnut; METEORA SUNRISE - East London Gin, Port of Leith White Port, raspberry, olive; NAKED, FAMOUS & REGRETFUL - Vegan-butter washed Pensador mezcal, Aperol, Liqueur de Grandmont, super lime. In addition to Stefan’s mixes there is a wide selection of classic cocktails, wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks. A small snack menu will also be available featuring local cheese from Ian Mellis and charcuterie.

Downstairs at Betty’s will be open Wednesday – Sunday, 5pm – 1am, with a pianist performing 6.30pm – midnight over two shifts.
https://sites.google.com/downstairsatbettys.com/home/

Downstairs at Betty’s, 15 Charlotte Lane, Edinburgh, EH2 4QZ

For table reservations call +44 (0) 7946 424 489 or email enquiries@downstairsatbettys.com.
@bettys.edinburgh

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Rare female cheetah arrives at Edinburgh Zoo

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has welcomed four-year-old female cheetah Domino to Edinburgh Zoo from Zoo de Cerza, France.

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

November and December at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Christmas to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in this festive season!

Edinburgh Small Businesses shine as part of small business roadshow

Independent businesses in Edinburgh celebrated as part of Small Business Saturday’s Tour highlighting the nation’s favourite businesses

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu

Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.

Beyond Monet and Beyond Van Gogh open in Edinburgh this month

Two immersive experiences which bring the work of a pair of iconic artists to life in mesmerising and moving fashion are set to open in Edinburgh this month.

The many worlds of Stephen King return to Vue this autumn

As the The Long Walk wraps up in cinemas, fans of Stephen King can look forward to seven classic re-releases heading to the big screen this autumn.

First ever Letters Live cinema events comes to the Big Screen in Edinburgh this week

A very special cinema event is coming to Edinburgh this week, comprising a preview of a brand-new film, a world-renowned literary event and an appearance from a BAFTA-winning actor.

Flight Club Edinburgh launches limited edition Winter Menu and Festive Brunch

Flight Club Edinburgh kicks off Christmas party season with the unveiling of its specially curated limited-edition menu and festive celebration-worthy bottomless brunch.

Deer Park unwraps a festive calendar of fun for December

Deer Park Golf & Country Club is set to bring a touch of Christmas magic this December, with a month-long programme of festive events for families, friends and colleagues to enjoy.

Vue Ocean Terminal set to welcome luxurious new seating option

Film fans in Edinburgh will soon be able to enjoy the latest releases in the ultimate comfort with the arrival of Vue’s signature Ultra Lux seat at its Ocean Terminal venue.

Decade of teaching Scotland to swim capped In Edinburgh

A PROGRAMME that has created a legacy of confident swimmers across Scotland has reached a major milestone, celebrating ten years of transforming lives through the power of swimming.

Call for homeowners in Edinburgh and Lothians to check eligibility for Energy Saving Home Improvements

With energy bills remaining high and winter approaching, thousands of families in Edinburgh and the Lothians could be missing out on free home energy improvements worth £10,000 or more.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

RZSS continues call for national ban on public sale of fireworks

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is renewing its call for a national ban on the public sale of fireworks, one year after the tragic death of baby red panda Roxie at Edinburgh Zoo.

Edinburgh to welcome globally renowned DJs to perform at The Johnnie Walker Experience

FREE Tickets for ‘Keep Walking Live with NTS Radio, presented by The Johnnie Walker Experience’ are available now on Resident Advisor.

Magical Winter Village to light up Fort Kinnaird for the first time this Christmas

This Christmas, Fort Kinnaird will be transformed into a festive wonderland filled with seasonal street food, artisan gifts, fairground rides and spectacular circus shows for all to enjoy.

First Footin Trail returns to Kick Start

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay organisers today announce the first events at this year’s First Footin’ programme on New Year’s Day.

Edinburgh International Book Festival makes 60 new flagship events available worldwide

Edinburgh International Book Festival is releasing 60 more events from its August 2025 programme for global audiences this week on a Donate What You Can basis.

Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment

SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.

Make a difference to East Lothian during Trustees Week

Volunteer Centre East Lothian urges people to lend their support to local charities by becoming a trustee.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

Customers queue for 18 hours at Popeyes Fort Kinnaird

Today, Popeyes® UK, home of the famous Louisiana Chicken, opened its Fort Kinnaird restaurant in Newcraighall, with over 100 people in the queue for launch day.

Midlothian primary school set to celebrate centenary with a week of music and memories

Exactly 100 years since Newtongrange Primary School first opened its doors, teachers and pupils are set to celebrate its centenary in style.

National Roadshow to Shine a Spotlight on Edinburgh Small Businesses

Edinburgh’s small businesses are set to take centre stage this week as the Small Business Saturday nationwide roadshow rolls into town on Wednesday, 5th November.

St Andrews Day ticket offer for Castle of Light

Edinburgh Castle ignites excitement for Castle of Light: Fire and Ice with special St Andrew’s Day ticket offer.

Shuttle Bus Route Launched at Lost Shore Surf Resort

Lost Shore Surf Resort is teaming up with Scottish sustainable travel pioneer Ember to launch a new all-electric shuttle bus service from Edinburgh City Centre to the resort.

Michelin success for top new restaurant of the year in Edinburgh

Barry Fish, one of Edinburgh’s most celebrated new restaurants of 2025, has earned its place in the prestigious Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland, just 8 months after its launch.

Deer Park Golf and Country Club Tees Up Championship Quality Golf All Year Round

Deer Park is offering golfers the chance to enjoy superb playing conditions 365 days a year, ensuring the course remains in peak form, whatever the weather.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

First sing along piano & cocktail bar in Scotland

On 24 July, Scotland’s first sing-along piano & cocktail bar – “Downstairs at Betty’s” will launch in Edinburgh.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings