In a sold out event on Friday night, Leith Arches opened their shutters and welcomed the public to an evening of celebration with craft beers and delicious street food.
Their first trucks popping up over the weekend are Norelli and Mana Poke, both which staked their claim in Edinburgh’s street food scene this summer at the Food Festival.
Owned by Billy Ross, who has been steadily made his mark on Leith’s pub scene with a portfolio of bars including Bar Brig, Brig Below, Smoke and Mirrors and Hare of the Dog and other ventures like Renroc Cafe, his latest venue promises to be a multi-use hub.
Nourish Cafe is their resident, open throughout the week offering breakfasts and brunch, and their weekends will be dominated by street food vendors open from 5pm on Friday through until 10pm on Sunday.
Leith Arches have also welcomed Brewdog, Pilot Brewery, Edinburgh Gin and Thistly Cross to be served up to thirsty revellers.
Previously, the arch which was part of a former railway station was left derelict and empty, but managers Carmen Allison and Donna Howden took on the task to revamp the unique venue, bringing in local artists to help decorate and local vendors to become part of the Leith Arches family.
Mana Poke were one of their first vendors.
The venue boasts an outdoor beer garden, mezzanine, and in-house catering, all which are available so that the arch can be used as n event space for work parties, weddings and filming.
Those visiting the arch will also be able to spot street art from Bells Galleries, The Almighty Street Gang and Andy McKay around the space.
When the Evening News last visited, Carmen said: “We want to just add something special to the local community. It’s a shame that so many venues, like Studio 24, have closed down and we want to bring a bit of it back.
“We want to open it up to live music while keeping the neighbours happy, the possibilities for this place are endless.”
