Elsa's Bar
Cocktail bar · Aberdeenshire
Mar Rd, Braemar, Ballater AB35 5YN, United Kingdom
"Housed in the famed Fife Arms hotel in Braemar at the heart of Cairngorms National Park, about a three-hour drive north of Edinburgh, this intimate cocktail bar blends Victorian architectural details with contemporary touches inspired by fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli — muted pinks, suede chairs, waterfall-like light fixtures, and a massive disco ball lend both historic charm and playful metropolitan flair. A 2018 renovation restored the property and positioned the bar as a destination within a Highlands region known for roughly 140 distilleries, and the hotel complements it with luxury amenities including a whisky library stocked with hundreds of rare bottles and catered picnics. Cocktails emphasize Scottish spirits with house-made infusions, liqueurs, and bitters, and the team is known for boundary-pushing creations such as the Skeleton Dress (bone marrow–infused Hennessy VS with miso cream, cacao blanc, and a dark chocolate tuile), all delivered with top‑notch, lingering hospitality. Seating is very limited — two at the bar and only around a dozen in total — encouraging guests to spend a few hours savoring highly crafted drinks rather than popping in for a quick one." - Sean Flynn
