Frequently Asked questiosn

about the lost close

What is The Lost Close?

The Lost Close is an intimate, underground venue in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The Lost Close offers underground whisky tastings, gin tastings, beer tastings and historic walking tours.

Where is The Lost Close located?

You’ll find The Lost Close on Barrie's Close, beneath 1A Parliament Square, just off the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and steps away from St Giles' Cathedral.

Is The Lost Close underground?

Yes, The Lost Close is located in a series of underground rooms that were once part of the first purpose-built bank in Scotland. It is now located underneath CoDE The Court hotel, which was once Edinburgh Police Station. The space is steeped in history and offers an atmospheric environment.

What experiences can I book at the Lost close?

The Lost Close offers various experiences. You can book one of our tasting experiences: whisky tasting, gin tasting and local beer tasting. We also run Historic Coffee Guided Tour and a new Innovations and Inventions in Scotland tour.

When was the lost close discovered?

The Lost Close was rediscovered in 2019, during renovation work at CoDE The Court, a hybrid hotel located on Parliament Square.

What is the lost close history?

The site now known as The Lost Close holds centuries of hidden stories. In the 18th century, it was home to Scotland’s first purpose-built bank, which opened in 1750.

On November 15, 1824, the Great Fire of Edinburgh broke out and devastated the city. The area east of Parliament Square, stretching towards Tron Kirk, was completely destroyed. After the fire, rubble was quickly cleared to allow for the expansion of Parliament Square, but the underground vaults were left buried and forgotten—until their discovery nearly 200 years later.

Today, these historic vaults form the atmospheric setting for our immersive whisky, gin, and beer tasting experiences, connecting visitors with the deep and fiery past of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Why is it called the lost close?

In the old maps, we can see Closes, living quarters, taverns, and even the Royal Bank. Steil's Close regularly features in the maps pre-1824 and disappears thereafter. This is the same with Royal Bank Close and Hangman's Close. They all led into Old Fishmarket Close, which still stands today.

We can't say for certain which Close we have, but we can say it is a Close... Why? It has gradual steps down on foundation stone and leads to a clear arch for those to walk through towards Old Fishmarket Close.

Can I visit without booking a tasting?

Yes — we also offer non-tasting experiences like our Historic Coffee Tour and the Innovations & Inventions Tour. These include walking elements and time in The Lost Close itself.

Is The Lost Close accessible?

Due to the historic nature of our underground venue, The Lost Close is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

about the whisky tastings

What are the different levels of whisky tasting available?

At The Lost Close in Edinburgh, we offer three levels of whisky tasting experiences, each tailored to your knowledge and palate:

• Whisky 101 (Beginner) – Ideal for those new to Scotch whisky. Learn the basics of production, tasting, and how whisky shaped Scotland’s history. You'll sample accessible but quality drams to build your confidence.

• Intermediate – Designed for whisky fans ready to explore further. You’ll try independent bottlings, unique cask finishes, and lesser-known distilleries. This level is all about discovery and expanding your tasting skills.

• High-End – A premium tasting for true whisky lovers. You’ll experience rare and exceptional whiskies, including aged single malts, limited editions, and exclusive cask expressions not found in most bars or shops.

Each tasting includes storytelling about Scotland’s whisky heritage and how it ties into the very walls of our historic underground venue.

How long does a whisky tasting last?

Every whisky tasting session at The Lost Close lasts approximately 90 minutes, combining history, storytelling, and an in-depth guided tasting led by our whisky experts.

How many drams of whisky will I try?

The number of drams you’ll taste depends on the level of whisky experience you book:

• Whisky 101 (Beginner) – 4 drams

• Intermediate – 4 drams

• High-End – 5 drams of rare and exceptional Scotch whiskies

Additional drams may be available for purchase during or after the session, depending on availability.

What kind of whisky do you serve?

At The Lost Close, we focus exclusively on Scotch whisky, showcasing a diverse range from across Scotland. Each tasting features a carefully selected line-up tailored to your level—ranging from approachable classics to independent bottlers, unique cask finishes, and aged rarities.

No two sessions are exactly the same—our whisky guides adapt each experience based on your interests, flavour preferences, and level of knowledge, ensuring a personalised whisky journey every time.

Is The Lost Close good for beginners new to whisky?

Yes — our Whisky 101 tasting is perfect for beginners. It’s designed to be approachable, educational, and enjoyable for anyone new to whisky.

Do you offer tastings for non-whisky drinkers?

Yes, we offer non-drinker tickets for guests who are part of a group but prefer not to drink. You can still enjoy the stories and atmosphere.

Is food served during the tastings?

We don’t serve food during regular tastings, but bar snacks can be arranged for private events. Guests also get 10% off food and drink at John’s Coffee House & Tavern — perfect for before or after your experience.

about the gin tastings

What is your gin tasting experience at The Lost Close?

Our gin tasting experience is much more than just sipping a few gins—it's a journey through the evolution of gin, led by one of our expert storytellers. You’ll explore the origins of gin, its deep historical ties to Scotland, and how the spirit has transformed over the centuries. This is a tasting with a twist—bringing together history, flavour, and creativity in a truly memorable setting beneath Edinburgh’s Old Town.

How long does a gin tasting last?

Our guided gin tasting session lasts approximately 1 hour. This includes the full storytelling experience and hands-on tasting, all set in our atmospheric underground venue.

How many gins will I try?

You’ll sample four distinct gins, each chosen to highlight a different style or story. During the session, you’ll receive expert insight into:

• Flavour profiles

• Ideal mixers

• Suggested garnishes

We let you take the lead on mixing, so you can experiment and create your perfect serve with each gin.

about the beer tastings

What is your local beer tasting experience at The Lost Close?

Our beer tasting experience is a guided exploration of Edinburgh’s craft beer scene, set in our unique underground venue. You’ll discover the history of brewing in Scotland, learn about Edinburgh’s connection to beer over the centuries, and taste a hand-picked selection of local craft beers. Along the way, you’ll gain insight into the flavour profiles, ingredients, and stories behind each brewery we feature.

How long does a beer tasting last?

The beer tasting session lasts around 1 hour, including a full guided tasting and historical storytelling in our atmospheric, candlelit space.

How many beers will I try?

You’ll taste four exceptional beers, carefully selected from some of Edinburgh’s best local breweries, including: Campervan Brewery, Moonwake Beer Co. and Bellfield Brewery.

Bookings and Private events

How do I book an experience at The Lost Close?

Booking your experience at The Lost Close is quick and easy. Simply visit thelostclose.com, choose your date, time, and group size, and you’ll receive instant confirmation.

We highly recommend booking in advance, as walk-ins are not guaranteed and sessions often sell out.
Best price guaranteed when you book directly through our official website.

Do you offer gift vouchers?

Yes! We offer gift vouchers that can be redeemed for any of our experiences, including Whisky tastings, Gin tastings, Beer tastings and Historic coffee tours.

Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, or as a unique gift for any spirit lover.
Vouchers are valid for 12 months and can be purchased directly from our website.

Can I book a private experience?

Absolutely! We offer private tasting experiences for Small groups, Corporate events and Special occasions. Private bookings can be customised with bespoke whisky, gin, or beer selections, depending on your preferences. To arrange a private experience, just contact us and we’ll tailor something unforgettable.

Can I hire The Lost Close for an event?

Yes – The Lost Close is available for private hire, whether for a corporate event, team building activity, product launch, birthday celebration, or special occasion. Our historic, candlelit venue offers a one-of-a-kind setting in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Get in touch to discuss availability, capacity, and bespoke experiences.