Returning for a second year, THOR’S tipi bar will be popping up bigger and better for 2020. Situated on Waverley Mall’s iconic rooftop in the heart of the city, THOR’S will feature local food and drink and employ over 50 staff from in and around the city. THOR’S will officially launch on 16th October in the lead up to and throughout the festive season until 3rd January 2021 and open from 10am-10pm daily.
The festive pop-up bar, taking residency on Waverley Mall’s rooftop situated on Princes Street, is the perfect location for visitors and locals alike with excellent travel links in and out of the city. THOR’S is set to become a real destination over the Christmas period. Subject to planning approval, the pop-up will be complete with two winter bars offering something unique and steeped in Viking heritage, with a nod to its Scottish location. Teaming up with local food and drink companies from in and around the city, both bars will feature a Scottish inspired drinks menu with something for everyone.
The food will be headed up by Rogue Village who are currently on site on the rooftop with their ‘Neighbourhood’ street food marketplace featuring the very best of Edinburgh’s independent businesses. Following the success of Neighbourhood, THOR’S provides a great opportunity to continue to show support to local businesses leading up to and throughout the festive season as they get back on their feet. THOR’S will also be collaborating with Edinburgh Beer Factory, Thistly Cross Cider and Brew Toon as well as a selection of Scottish whisky brands which will highlight their Scottish drinks menu. Hot and cold cocktails with a festive twist, the “Little Vikings” section offering family-friendly soft drinks and of course traditional Christmas favourites such as mulled wine and hot chocolate are just a few of the items on the menu.
The original tipi’s, as seen on the roof last year, will be popping up closer to the train station entrance from October, with a large outdoor seating area surrounding the two canvas tipis. Featuring open fire pits, festoon lighting and giant letters for a special selfie moment will complete the look, creating a cosy space where you can soak up the Viking hygge, inside and out. New for this year is the Glasshouse bar, created and built by PapaKata Scotland Limited. The bespoke handmade structure has been designed especially for its World Heritage Site, echoing the roof lines of Waverley train station down below. The cosy bar will have 360 degree views of the skyline of Edinburgh, with the castle as the backdrop. The glasshouse bar will be adorned with reindeer skins and soft furnishings and at the centre, a wood burning stove.
The bar will also have COVID-safe measures in place. Maria Farrugia, Managing Director of THOR’S Bars explains more. “We know how important it is to make people feel safe when they go out and we have recently operated a very safe and successful summer bar which took all of those considerations into account. Regular cleaning of the tables and benches, pre-order, pre-pay methods to pay for drinks and table service at socially distanced tables with a well-ventilated space will help to give people the feeling of safety. We brief all our staff on the COVID measures we have in place and will make our COVID handbook available to those that wish to read more about our processes. We want you to step inside, forget your worries and experience Christmas in a cup! ”
