HALL OF FAME: SOFI's

by Dave Hynes

EDINBURGH

Sofi’s is absolutely brilliant. Part of the distinguished Swedish quartet of pubs which adorn Leith, this one has a particular charm all of its own. Take a sofa at sofi’s, it may or may not be gay friendly but this is not so obvious and no obstacle to having a great time in this charming, cute, delicate little boozer which seems so incongruously set against its fairly hideous background of Leith’s banana flats. It is surrounded by a wild bunch of pubs on Henderson St and it epitomises the leaps and bounds that the new face of Leith has become over the last few years.

Hip and chic, it has become one of the trendiest places to drink in Leith. It’s clear to see why because it literally is unlike any other pub. More like a dream than the harsh reality of places like Wilkies and Anderson’s, entering Sofi’s is like stepping into another world, one which is more chilled and boozy. Pink curtains ( I think it might be gay friendly) cascade down light blue pastel walls, with a series of small arches in the ceiling. It’s a great looking pub and very European. I tried to hold my breath in as I walked in lest I blew it away from Leith and into its more seemly setting like Morningside. I was also worried about the bum-boys but they seemed passive enough.

Now I wouldn’t quite say Sofi’s was a flower of light in a field of darkness because it is very close to the luxury of the Shore. Still, Henderson St is quite rough and this is the daintiest little boozer on earth, quixotic in its arrangement and character. The bar staff are an imaginative lot and very friendly; they have recreated moments from famous films and decorated the bar- and its quite quirky and funny. The horseshoe bar makes the most of the space and in truth it’s a real delight to be inside. A splendid wine rack graces the top of the bar. Candles, yes candles, make this a true fairytale place so I recommend you stay and get pissed and see if the women are lezzies or not

Sofi’s has proved a revelation in Leith’s drinking culture and has successfully turned a deeply working-class area of Leith into its answer to Soho. I can’t imagine a fight ever breaking out, just a few handbags lobbed in protest whilst wearing vicar costumes. Top draw nonetheless, should have been called The New Leith because it really is the piece de resistance of the movement to get Sickboy, Spud and Renton out.