Despite repeated failure, some sites are just too good not to try again. Salvation of Leith, the new venture from the people who run Jeremiah's Taproom and Empress of Broughton Street, is the latest in a long string of pubs on the set back site on the Shore, once occupied by the Association For The Improvement Of The Condition Of The Poor in Leith (next door to Restaurant Martin Wishart). This has got that US vibe with a focus on craft beer (both draught and cans) and sloppy burgers. Quite conservative house taps (Birra Morreti etc) with 6 or so "guest" taps on the back wall, with Tempest, Alechemy etc. Decent enough. A couple of slushy machines provide on tap margaritas and daquiris. The real draw though is the food - a decent burger focused selection. However my personal favourite is the fish taco and halloumi fries; great flavour.
It's a big comfortable space inside, with a long area through the back which will probably be used as overspill to the smaller front bar. The big draw may remain the substantial pavement table set up out the front, which can be a very pleasant sun trap on one of the most beautiful streets in Leith/Edinburgh. one criticism that hopefully they will do something about is rubbish wi-fi - either have wi-fi or don't, but having the staff tell you that "sometimes it works but it's pretty hopeless" seems unacceptable. read more