A vibrant pulse in Leith is about to fade. Chancho, the bar that brought the spirit of Mexico to Bernard Street, will close its doors this Sunday, barely a year after its debut.
Last May, Chancho arrived as a revelation – Scotland’s first dedicated Mexican cocktail bar. It wasn’t just tequila and lime; it was a carefully curated experience, a journey into the complex world of agave spirits.
The bar quickly gained attention, offering familiar cocktail foundations reimagined with a distinctly Mexican flair. Patrons discovered a menu brimming with innovative creations alongside the classics they expected.
Despite the initial excitement and a dedicated following, Chancho succumbed to the harsh realities facing independent businesses. “Economic difficulties,” the owners stated, proved insurmountable.
A bittersweet farewell is planned, with staff inviting locals to raise one last glass of mezcal before the lights dim. It’s a chance to savor the flavors and remember the atmosphere that Chancho created.
The signature cocktails – the bright yuzu margarita, the fiery picante, the smoky chancho old fashioned – were more than just drinks. They were expressions of a passion for Mexican ingredients and craftsmanship.
The owners acknowledged the struggle with a poignant Mexican proverb: “Para todo mal mezcal, para todo bien, tambien” – a toast to both the good times and the challenges overcome.
Chancho’s closure is a stark reminder of the pressures facing the hospitality industry, even for those offering something truly unique. It marks the end of an ambitious venture that briefly illuminated Leith’s nightlife.
The team behind Chancho also runs Hay Paul, a popular Italian-inspired cocktail bar, and their focus will now shift to that establishment.
But for those who discovered the magic of Mexican cocktails at Chancho, this Sunday represents a final opportunity to experience a taste of something special before it’s gone.
