In Good Company

It’s official: the summer is over (some may dispute whether it ever got going this year). The remnants of the Festival have been packed away and only glimpses of the excitement that once was remain. A few signs and posters can be seen here and there; if you’re lucky some flyers littering the Royal Mile.

Far from being doom and gloom, for most returning students September is a medley of nights out, parties and extortionate consumption topped off with a competition to see who can blow their loan first. It is often thought that it is not where we go that makes a good night out, but whom we share it with. But why should we dismiss the venue altogether in favour of the company?

In an unassuming corner of the Grassmarket, Dragonfly has occupied this alcove in the city for some years. Since securing the “Most Stylish Bar” in the 2006 Scottish Style Awards, Dragonfly remains unchanged. Slightly quirky, retro and very laid back like her sisters The Villager and Voodoo Rooms, Dragonfly is beginning to sound like an ideal friend of mine.

Dragonfly’s position between the Grassmarkets and the Pubic Triangle might be off-putting for some. Yet it is the kind of unique place one would make a concerted effort to venture out for. The aura of individuality is reflected throughout the lofty bar, from the imaginative decor of karate inspired wall paintings and murals, designed by local artists, to the creative cocktails and funky music.

Aside from the main bar that can get hectic on a Friday and Saturday night with live DJ’s, there are two other choices of seating area. The stylish balcony overlooking the chandeliered bar has an array of comfy leather seats, or if you prefer something cosier, you can sink into one of the sofas in the unpretentiously cool backroom.

I embarked on my dining experience with an entrée of Sage Against the Machine, an ingenious mix of pineapple juice, Centenario Reposado tequila, lime and agave syrup, fresh sage, and pineapple. Each flavour in this drink complemented the last and the infusion was divine.

For mains I opted for a Guinness Daiquiri, as a skeptic I could not imagine how this stout drink could possibly work. I was pleasantly surprised; the Guinness, Rum, Cointreau and lime mix had a lot of gusto and none of the burnt aftertaste. At around £5.75 for a cocktail it might seem like a pinch for the average student pocket but compared to other cocktail establishments this is a steal.

If that’s not incentive enough, in a bid to be more student friendly Manager Rory McGee filled me in on the upcoming menu updates, including new larger “Tiki” cocktails to share. The new creations will be served up in large goblets from Sunday to Wednesday.

Rory explains that Dragonfly is accessible to all due to its inviting nature. The bar attracts an eclectic mix of people; from an arty crowd to professionals, students and perhaps the odd hippy, catering for all tastes with its extensive cocktail list.

Gladly, quantity does not diminish the quality. The staff are masters of their trade, creating sublime concoctions with dedication and passion, a rare sight in some of the more pretentious Edinburgh establishments. There is no strict, clean uniformity in this bar. Friendly, knowledgeable bar staff are on hand to create a potion of your choice should you desire. So if you find yourself in Dragonfly one day, you’re sure to find yourself in the company of good friends.