London ball pit cocktail bar heads to Scotland

Ballie Ballerson, the London ball pit for grown-ups, will open in Edinburgh this summer, taking over the former site of McSorley’s Irish Bar on Forrest Road.

This is the first Ballie Ballerson site to open outside of England, with the flagship bar located on Curtain Road in Shoreditch, London.

The Edinburgh venue will include a waist-deep, mirrored, LED disco-bottomed ball pit, filled to the brim with clear balls, which take on the colour and effect of the ever-changing space.

Bartenders, led by bar manager Alin Tur, will create cocktails including signature serves such as the Dibbie Dabberson and Skittle Sour.

The 300-capacity, 7,500 sq ft bar will be spread over two floors and is currently being renovated.

There will also be an on-site wellness room managed by first-aiders for customers to use as a safe space. A trained team member will be available throughout opening hours to support any needs including mental health support, first-aid attention, or as a quiet space to take a moment away from the dance floor.

"We’re so excited to bring all things Ballie Ballerson to Edinburgh," says founder Wenny Armstrong. "Scotland was an easy choice when expanding Ballie Ballerson outside of England because we know Scots are always up for a good time. It’s been difficult keeping it a secret but we’re so glad to get the news out there and be ready to welcome some new ballers through our doors."

General manager Olaya Martinez and bar manager Tur will be relocating to Edinburgh from the London Ballie Ballerson to open the ball pit bar, bringing 15 years of hospitality experience between them.

You may also be interested in…