Downstairs at Betty’s will made its debut in Edinburgh’s West End this week as the sing-along piano & cocktail bar relocated from its original home in Lisbon to 15 Charlotte Lane making it the first New York-style bar of its kind in the country.
Founder Matt Colagiuri, a musical theatre actor and fine artist, adapted the concept when he moved to Lisbon in the late 2010s. Missing the camaraderie and community of the Broadway piano-style bars he loved, inspired him to open his own in the Portuguese capital. With a motto of “no microphone, no spotlight, no judgment” and named after his grandmother Betty, who gathered the family around the piano for holiday sing-alongs in her downstairs den, the bar quickly became a five-star attraction on Tripadvisor.
Fast forward to 2024 and Matt, motivated by the music-loving Scots who visited the bar, decided to uproot the concept to Edinburgh where he has teamed up with bartender, Stefan Creran who has headed up some of the city’s best cocktail bars including Nightcap and Lucky Liquor.
The bar, largely designed by Matt, has a retro mid-century aesthetic, inspired by similar bars in New York and which he visited during his theatre career. The focal point of the piano will be at one end of the lounge with seating and booths stretching to the far end, enabling guests to choose how involved they want to be in 
the sing-alongs. Matt’s vision is to bring people together through a love of music and cocktails, with a “bartop” designed around the piano to allow for a connection between customers, musicians and staff. Extending this co-operative spirit, the bar will feature a community arts noticeboard for guests and arts lovers to share news and opportunities.
Stefan’s drinks list shares the top billing with the music, and are based on sustainable and ethical foundations, to minimise waste and harm to the planet The style is minimalist and clean, favouring complexity of flavour over presentation. In addition to Stefan’s mixes there is a wide selection of classic cocktails, wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks. A small snack menu will also be available featuring local cheese from Ian Mellis and charcuterie.