Night out with a twist: ‘Paint and Sip’ at Edinburgh’s newest speakeasy

Edinburgh’s hottest new bar in town, Counter at Native, has revealed a new take on a night out in the city; a creative ‘Paint and Sip’ workshop. With a delicious drink in one hand and a paintbrush in the other, guests can create their own piece of abstract artwork while enjoying Counter’s classic cocktails.

The Paint and Sip Class is part of Counter’s cultural programming, bringing the best of the city’s eclectic scene to the bar’s plush surroundings and supporting local artists. 

Open to all, including non-residents, the Abstract Paint and Sip Class takes place on Wednesday 10th August, 7pm – 9pm. Spaces are limited – book tickets from £35 now www.classbento.co.uk

Partnering with Class Bento, a creative workshop booking platform which supports local artists, Counter will offer a series of workshops – bringing a few hours of peace and inner bliss to Edinburgh’s city centre, in Counter’s sophisticated surroundings. First up in the series, the Abstract Paint and Sip Class will see guests guided by an expert art tutor, taking inspiration from Native’s Scottish landscape-inspired surroundings. 

The perfect way to unwind after work or embrace your creative side, the tutor will guide guests to create a beautiful piece of art on canvas using acrylic paints while they enjoy some of Counter’s blissful cocktails.

From wall scrapers to cooking spatulas, guests will try out a range of tools to experiment and find their perfect match, soaking up Counter’s idyllic aesthetic. The class is completely beginner-friendly, and guests can take home their artwork to adorn their own homes, and perhaps find a new way to unwind and channel their creative energy. 

Recently revealing an impressive venue refurbishment, Native Edinburgh’s new aesthetic takes its inspiration from the city itself; from the new lobby space with luxurious green hues and botanical themed prints influenced by the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens, to the wall plaques nodding to the venue’s heritage-steeped history, commemorating the birthplace of great Scottish inventors like who lived within the city.

Following the epic refurbishment, Native Edinburgh revealed the jewel in their crown, the one of a kind Counter – coffee by day and cocktails by night. Open 11am – 1am to all, including non-residents, the speakeasy serves up cocktails and wine as well as artisan coffee and bagels, ensuring guests can enjoy a nightcap before bed, or start their day with a hot coffee before setting out to explore the city. 

Native’s aparthotel allows guests to ‘live like a Native’, with the freedom of a spacious apartment and the comfort and convenience of a boutique hotel, perfect for any stay in Scotland’s capital. Counter is set to host everything from spoken word poetry and DJ sets, plus record listening sessions every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in Native’s stunning lounge. 

Soundtracking an evening of well-crafted cocktails, Native’s upcoming record listening sessions include albums from Diana Ross and Earth Wind and Fire, as well as Oasis’ ‘Definitely Maybe’ and The Beatles ‘Abbey Road’, ensuring an eclectic mix of the very best music.

Keen to encourage guests to unwind and enjoy the records the way they were intended, Counter’s listening sessions take place from 6pm – 8pm with residents and non-residents encouraged to enjoy the 12 “ vinyl spins.  Whether sipping on a Whisky Sour or Espresso Martini or even enjoying an Edinburgh Whisky Tea, Counter’s record listening sessions will be the perfect companion to a late summer evening. 

With 82 apartments comprising studios, one bedrooms, and ground floor leisure and co-working spaces, Native Edinburgh provides the flexibility and amenities of a design-led boutique hotel, coupled with the space, comfort and privacy of a home from home.

Native’s show-stopping new rooms are available to book now via www.nativeplaces.com and Counter is open seven days a week from 11am to 1am.

Counter at Native Edinburgh

Wednesday 10th August 

6-8pm: Record Listening- Aloe Blacc, Good Things

7–9pm: Abstract Paint and Sip class. Book now classbento.co.uk/abstract-paint-and-sip-class-edinburgh-0 

Thursday 11th August

6-8pm: Record Listening – Diana Ross, Diana

Friday 12th August

6-8pm: Record Listening – Earth Wind and Fire, I Am

For full programming, visit www.nativeplaces.com/whats-on-edinburgh