Old Polish church now a favourite watering hole

AFTER ten years selling wine to the trade and even more working in restaurants here, few people know Edinburgh’s food and drink business better than Ghislain Aubertel.

So, when opportunity came knocking with the potential availability of the old Polish church in the city’s Randolph Place, a dormant plan for a wine bar was quickly activated. Serendipity played a part too because Le Di-Vin – as it became – is right next door to the restaurant his partner, Virginie, runs.

Now five years on it is one of Edinburgh’s favourite watering holes but with a tightly focused – and very Latin European – food menu too. Planchettes of cheese and charcuterie are supported by tapas-style food and by desserts such as crème brûlée. What drew me there though was the impressive wine list and, thanks to the increased availability of machines to keep them fresh longer, the number of wines available by the glass.

The beauty of an eclectic “wine by the glass” list extends well beyond the day of your visit. Having found an unusual wine you enjoy, you can then “go retail” to find similar styles to drink at home.


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