What is The Lost Close?

Hidden beneath the cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town lies a unique experience waiting to be discovered. The Lost Close is more than just a whisky tasting venue – it’s a gateway into the capital’s rich, and often forgotten, underground history. Nestled just off the Royal Mile, steps from St Giles’ Cathedral, The Lost Close combines Scotland’s finest spirits with immersive storytelling in one of the city’s most atmospheric historic spaces.

A Hidden Vault

If you’ve ever wandered down Parliament Square and wondered what lies behind the historic façades, The Lost Close may well be your answer. Tucked beneath what was once a bustling police courtroom and jail at 1A Parliament Square, our vaulted cellar tells the tale of a close that disappeared in the wake of the Great Fire of Edinburgh in 1824. Cleared away to expand the city’s civic buildings, the original close was buried – but not forgotten.

When this space was uncovered during renovations of CoDE The Court hotel, its stone walls and soot-blackened ceiling whispered stories of the past. We chose to honour that history, creating a unique venue for immersive experiences combining expert-led whisky tastings, local storytelling, and sensory experiences.

Why Is It Called "The Lost Close"?

In Edinburgh, a "close" refers to a narrow alleyway or lane that threads between buildings in the Old Town. Many closes are still visible today – like Fishmarket Close or Fleshmarket Close – but others were covered, built over, or lost to fire, redevelopment or time.

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... hence the name "The Lost Close"

What We Offer at The Lost Close?

At The Lost Close, we offer immersive tasting experiences and historical tours set within our hidden underground close and vaults, just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. From our signature Scotch whisky tastings to Scottish gin and craft beer samplings, each session is led by passionate local hosts who bring flavour and folklore together in one unforgettable setting.

In addition to tastings, we also run specialist storytelling tours that explore Edinburgh’s fascinating past. Join us for our Historic Coffee Tour, where we trace the origins of the city’s first coffee houses (including the one that once stood above us), or dive into our Innovations & Inventions Tour, which highlights the city’s surprising engineering contributions over the centuries.

Whether you're here to raise a dram, discover local spirits, or journey through time, The Lost Close offers a truly authentic Edinburgh experience – all in a space once lost to history.