An Edinburgh bar has achieved a remarkable milestone by being the only one in Scotland to be shortlisted for a prestigious design award. Jackson The Tailor, a hidden gem located on Leith Street, has been recognized by the British Institute of Interior Designers (BIID) for its exceptional interior design. This speakeasy-style bar, inspired by the early 20th-century tailoring industry, combines sophistication with modernity, offering patrons a unique and immersive experience. The nomination highlights the bar’s commitment to creating a stylish and comfortable environment for its guests.
A Hidden Gem in Edinburgh
Jackson The Tailor is not just any bar; it is a carefully crafted experience that many locals might not even be aware of. Nestled below ground on Leith Street, this bar brings to life the persona of a fictional tailor named Jackson, who would fit the city’s sharpest dressers. The interior design, brought to life by Collective Design, aims to blend sophistication with modernity. The bar’s ambience, with its brass and velvet decor, intimate booths, and luxurious vintage artefacts, creates a perfect setting for enjoying meticulously crafted cocktails.
The bar’s menu is as thoughtfully designed as its interior. Each drink is a work of art, created by top Edinburgh mixologists. The menu is divided into sections, each showcasing a different style of cocktail, from the refreshingly inventive ‘Moroccan Collins’ to the classic ‘Jackson’s Vesper’. This attention to detail extends to the presentation, with each page of the menu embroidered with a measuring tape to showcase the exact spirit measurements, ingredients, and garnishes.
Arthur Mustard, Managing Director at Merchant Leisure Ltd, expressed his pride in the nomination, stating, “To be recognized for such a prestigious award is an absolute honour. Our aim with Jackson The Tailor is to create a suave and comfortable space to enjoy carefully crafted cocktails. We believe that wearing a beautifully made suit is an experience, and so is consuming a beautifully made drink.”
The Inspiration Behind Jackson The Tailor
The inspiration for Jackson The Tailor comes from the speakeasy culture of the early 20th century, a time when Old Leith Street was the centre of Edinburgh’s tailoring industry. The bar’s design pays homage to this era, with its vintage decor and attention to detail. The fictional character of Jackson, a tailor who would fit the city’s sharpest dressers, is brought to life through the bar’s ambience and design.
The bar’s interior is a blend of sophistication and modernity, with brass and velvet decor, intimate booths, and luxurious vintage artefacts. This creates a perfect setting for enjoying meticulously crafted cocktails. The menu is divided into sections, each showcasing a different style of cocktail, from the refreshingly inventive ‘Moroccan Collins’ to the classic ‘Jackson’s Vesper’. This attention to detail extends to the presentation, with each page of the menu embroidered with a measuring tape to showcase the exact spirit measurements, ingredients, and garnishes.
Arthur Mustard, Managing Director at Merchant Leisure Ltd, expressed his pride in the nomination, stating, “To be recognized for such a prestigious award is an absolute honour. Our aim with Jackson The Tailor is to create a suave and comfortable space to enjoy carefully crafted cocktails. We believe that wearing a beautifully made suit is an experience, and so is consuming a beautifully made drink.”
A Testament to Design Excellence
The nomination of Jackson The Tailor for the BIID Interior Design Awards 2024 is a testament to the bar’s commitment to design excellence. The British Institute of Interior Design is the only professional institute for interior designers in the UK, and its awards celebrate the most innovative and aesthetically pleasing interior designs across the country. Being shortlisted for this award is a significant achievement for Jackson The Tailor and highlights the bar’s dedication to creating a stylish and comfortable environment for its guests.
The bar’s interior design, brought to life by Collective Design, aims to blend sophistication with modernity. The bar’s ambience, with its brass and velvet decor, intimate booths, and luxurious vintage artefacts, creates a perfect setting for enjoying meticulously crafted cocktails. The menu is as thoughtfully designed as the interior, with each drink being a work of art created by top Edinburgh mixologists.
Arthur Mustard, Managing Director at Merchant Leisure Ltd, expressed his pride in the nomination, stating, “To be recognized for such a prestigious award is an absolute honour. Our aim with Jackson The Tailor is to create a suave and comfortable space to enjoy carefully crafted cocktails. We believe that wearing a beautifully made suit is an experience, and so is consuming a beautifully made drink.”
