thoughts for july
In his July letter, Nathan, our Creative director, invites you to slow down and enjoy the simple joys of life. From carefully crafted cocktails to relaxing music and captivating reads, here’s a glimpse into Nathan’s world this month.
What I’m Drinking
At its essence, simplicity is often the most profound. This holds true for the Negroni—a cocktail that, like the enduring physical foundations of the building of Saorsa 1875, stands as a cornerstone of our narrative. It is my personal favourite, Sandra’s, and probably the preferred drink of my entire family. Countless evenings have been spent at our bar, glasses filled with that unmistakable amber hue, fueling not only conversation but creativity, business ideas, and the simple joy of companionship.
Though the drink itself may seem uncomplicated—equal parts gin, Campari, and vermouth—there is an art to crafting a Negroni that transcends its simplicity. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly what it is that distinguishes a well-made Negroni from a lackluster one, but I know this: the quality of the ingredients is non-negotiable. At Saorsa 1875, we elevate our Negroni with Lind & Lime Gin and Secret Garden Vermouth, crafted from Pinot Noir grapes, both sourced locally in Edinburgh (not the grapes, of course!)
However, beyond the ingredients themselves, the true essence of a great Negroni lies in the ritual. With only three ingredients, it is all too easy to rush the process. Yet, it should never be hurried. The act of crafting a Negroni should be deliberate—an exercise in patience, precision, and passion. So slow down, pour with intention, and savour each sip.
Join us in our bar, whether you seek the timeless elegance of a Negroni, one of our bespoke drinks, or a classic cocktail. Our space is open throughout the day, and particularly inviting for a pre-dinner drink. There’s no need to book, but if you’d like to stay for dinner you must book, which you can conveniently do so here.
What I’m Listening To
The art of slowing down is, in our fast-paced world, increasingly rare. We find ourselves perpetually in motion—commuting to work, running errands, juggling responsibilities. For those of us living in cities, the noise is relentless, even if it is not our own. The hum of traffic, the distant echo of construction—all of these forces conspire to disrupt our moments of tranquility. In such a world, it becomes imperative to cultivate our own pockets of serenity.
For me, it is the ritual of preparing my morning coffee—an act of mindfulness that marks the beginning of my day. And accompanying that quiet moment is the music of Bill Evans. Jazz, particularly instrumental jazz, has become the soundtrack of Saorsa 1875, and Bill Evans represents the epitome of the genre’s meditative quality. His compositions possess a rare ability to captivate without overwhelming, offering melodies that are both ambient and engaging. The nuanced intricacy of his piano work invites introspection, but never demands it.
I recommend starting with Undercurrent, a 1962 collaboration with guitarist Jim Hall. I first encountered this album while searching for a gift for my friend Mati, chef of Amator in Copenhagen. The cover—featuring a serene woman floating just beneath the water’s surface—captured my attention, and the album’s subtle beauty immediately transported me to a place of calm, despite standing just off the main street in Nørrebro. Though my original purchase now lives in Amator’s collection, I soon sought out my own copy of the record.
At Saorsa 1875, our playlists are regularly updated to reflect this same commitment to atmosphere. If you wish to take a piece of our sonic landscape home, you can find our curated selections on Spotify.
What I’m Reading
To complement a calm drink and the soothing melodies of Bill Evans, I recommend Paris by Julien Green—a meditation on one of the world’s most beloved cities.
Paris has long been a city that captivates the soul. From my very first visit, I was entranced by its distinctive energy and timeless elegance. Green, born in Paris to American parents, presents the city in its quiet grandeur, guiding the reader through its cobbled streets, verdant gardens, and along the reflective banks of the Seine. Paris is as much a memoir as it is a love letter to the city—an introspective journey that invites readers to find solace in their surroundings and rediscover the beauty of the familiar.
Travel is a gift—one that you and I are fortunate to experience. But as Green’s reflections remind us, it is equally important to appreciate the place we call home. Paris made me ask myself: when was the last time I experienced my own city with the same curiosity as a tourist? Loving the place you come from is just as essential as the desire to explore the world beyond. After all, if you do not find beauty in your own home, why remain?
At Saorsa, we strive to offer a home-away-from-home for our guests, whether they are here for an extended stay or simply passing through. We invite you to embrace the notion of slowing down, of being fully present in the moment. Let us take care of the details—because, in our space, our home is your home.
fancy coming to stay?
If you’re anything like me, you’ll find that slowing down, whether it’s with a good drink, some music, or a great book, is exactly what you need this month. Come join me for a Negroni, or just take a seat and enjoy the atmosphere.
