Old Leith’s Shore district has welcomed the arrival of Mara, a relaxed new waterside hospitality spot from the team behind Malones Irish pubs.
Sat at the heart of Leith’s historic harbour area, with an uninterrupted waterfront aspect, Mara’s is split across two levels, and includes a large outdoor seated area to enjoy the ‘views and vibes’ of an area which is regularly voted one of the UK’s coolest places to live.
Speaking about the new opening, director Simon Keane said: “We are excited to be launching Mara in the thriving district of The Shore at Leith and are delighted to have secured such a standout location for what will be an excellent new addition to the local neighbourhood.
“When it comes to hospitality, The Shore has a truly unique appeal. With Mara’s offering of delicious food, an impressive drinks menu, and warm, friendly atmosphere, we look forward to welcoming patrons and very much hope they will enjoy the Mara experience.”
Mara – a name which means ‘sea’ in Gaelic – offers small plates and sharing boards, including IJ Mellis charcuterie and Mara Mezze boards, with artisan Scottish cheese and honey, Great Glen venison bresaola, black garlic chorizo, Tuscan finocchiona salami, Aleppo chilli hummus, muhammara, and house pickles.
The menu also features low’n’slow lamb, seafood tacos, pork and Thai basil wontons in pho broth with kaffir lime, mussels in Malaysian laksa broth, burrata with fig, pistachio and crispy prosciutto, glazed halloumi skewers, classic jerk BBQ wings with mango salsa and pina colada hot sauce, and beef short rib nuggets with buttery confit garlic.
Complementing this food is a well curated drinks offering, with a rotational wine list spanning red, white, rosé, orange and natural, along with the best of Scottish craft beers sitting beside the popular draught big hitters, and a low and no selection.
There’s a distinctly mythological feel to the cocktail menu, which features The Pictish Beast, The Kelpie, The Selkie, The Faerie, Nessie, The Banshee, Cailleach (The Witch) plus of course, The Unicorn!
A number of areas within Mara are flexibly placed to welcome larger gatherings or private events; targetting those seeking the convenience of a city destination but with a charming old-world neighbourhood appeal.
