We tried the new Vault City Brewing bar that opened in the heart of Portobello after getting an immense backing from the public through a successful crowdfunder.
The bar will offer an array of flavours through their 36-tap bar selection as well as a wide range of American smokehouse cuisine. Co-founder Steven Smith Hay described the opening of the bar as a “dream come true” and it certainly went down a treat as members of the press got a sneak peak into what residents of Edinburgh can expect.
The Porty Vault Bar is situated just round the corner from the Portobello brewery and those looking to enjoy a fruity sour or a beer packing a punch will not be disappointed. Hundreds of fans of the brewery were able to crowdfund more than £45,000 to help Steven and his team bring their vision to life.
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And those attending the boozer will be able to enjoy staples such as their White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake and Tonka Black Forrest Gateau flavoured brews – as well as a range of guest beers, wines, mead and cider. We’d recommend the Banana Split for something crisp and refreshing and the Barrel Aged Whisky Sour if you want your socks well and truly knocked off.
Award winning chef and “low-n-slow” BBQ specialist Darren Lim, who’s expertly crafted menu, offered delicious scran that was cooked using an authentic American BBQ smoker that was imported from across the pond. The food was the perfect accompaniment to soak up the plentiful thirst quenching beverages.
Steven, who was an IT consultant in his former life, is understood to have began brewing beers in his kitchen in his West Edinburgh home in Murrayfield. He said that he was “overwhelmed” by the support from the public.
He added: “Opening a bar and smokehouse in the heart of Portobello just five minutes from the brewery itself is an absolute dream come true. But knowing so many people have supported us along the way to bring this vision to life is the cherry on top.
“The people of Portobello have supported us from the moment we opened our brewery 18 months ago, so Porty Vault is our way of saying thank you. I’m completely overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from sour beer fans and locals alike, and I can’t wait to welcome everyone through the doors of the Porty Vault to share and celebrate our love for craft beer and authentic, American BBQ food.”
The 42 capacity bar is the second venue that the much loved brewer has opened in the capital with their Wee Vault in Haymarket opening last November. Steven continued: “We love the vibrancy and personality that Portobello has to offer and we want to play our part in growing the local economy to help the area become the best it can be.
“This is an exciting step forward for Vault City. Although our roots are firmly in Portobello, it definitely feels as though there is scope to potentially expand outside of Edinburgh, if there is demand. However, our focus for the moment is still firmly on what we can achieve here in the capital and we’re just thrilled that more people are joining the sour beer movement.”
Porty Vault will be open from 12pm seven days a week, operating until 10pm from Sunday to Thursday and until 1am on Friday and Saturday.
To book a table for the newly opened Porty Vault, or to explore Vault City’s extensive range of modern sour beers, visit their website here.
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