FOOD : The Glitz & Glamour of Kyloe's Subterranean Supper Club
Lean in, because I’ve got a wee secret to share—but only if you promise to spread the word far and wide! The password? Open Sesame!
Last week, I had the pleasure of travelling back in time, whisked away to the roaring Prohibition era of the 1920s and 1930s in New York and Chicago. It was a time when bootleggers ruled the streets, jazz music filled the air, and glamour and hedonism reigned supreme. Think Al Capone, gangsters, champagne, and all the extravagance you can dream of.
This hidden gem is none other than the Subterranean Supper Club, an exceptional experience brought to life by Kyloe and Heads & Tales right here in Edinburgh. Prepare for a dazzling, immersive evening filled with indulgence, style, and a touch of mystery that will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped straight into history. It's a night not to be missed!
AND the next one is Thursday 24th April. You are going to want to book! Click HERE and it’ll take you straight to their bookings page. This event is a MUST at £49.50pp for 4 courses and fizz on arrival and an additional £30 for paired drinks, which you really should include.
REVIEW OF THE SUBTERRANEAN SUPPER CLUB AT KYLOE / HEADS & TALES EDINBURGH
Press the buzzer, whisper the secret password, and step inside—you’ve officially entered Heads & Tales, transformed into the sultry, seductive world of an underground speakeasy. The vibe? Pure 1920s glamour. Picture dim lighting casting an enchanting glow over white tablecloths, elegant lamps gracing every table, and charming hosts decked out in waistcoats that add just the right touch of flair. The atmosphere is electric, with jazz tunes swirling through the air, practically daring you to break into a Charleston. It’s the kind of place where you’d half expect Leonardo DiCaprio to saunter in, coupe glass in hand, nodding to all things Great Gatsby with that iconic smirk. It’s playful, it’s glamorous—it’s time travelling through taste and style.
The menu is a four-course journey, each dish weaving a tale from the Prohibition Era. First up, we’ve got Cheese and ‘Bread’—simple on the surface, but oh, there’s a clever story here. This course ties beautifully to the accompanying drink, a Whisky Highball. And how is it served? Well, imagine being presented with a Johnnie Walker whisky bottle tucked snugly inside a loaf of bread! Bootleggers in the Prohibition days had to be sneaky to smuggle booze past customs, and hiding bottles inside hollowed-out bread was one of their ingenious tricks. Thankfully, the iconic square shape of a Johnnie Walker bottle made it perfect for this covert method.
The whisky is paired with a trio of Goat’s Cheese that’s nothing short of sublime. The creaminess of the cheese dances perfectly with the highball's crisp, smooth notes. It’s a playful and delicious nod to the resourcefulness and flair of the roaring 1920s.
The second course is a playful nod to the glitz and glamour of the Prohibition Era—Ham and ‘Pineapple’. But don’t let the simplicity of the name fool you; this dish tells a story of luxury and indulgence. The ‘ham’ is a succulent BBQ and orange-rubbed, roasted pork belly, bursting with flavour and cooked to perfection. The ‘pineapple’ comes in the form of an Aviation Gin Cocktail, a refreshingly crisp drink that pays homage to the rapid rise of Pan American Airlines during this time.
In the 1920s and 1930s, the wealthier set embraced a lifestyle of decadence. Jetting off to places like Havana, Paris, and the French Riviera, they experienced nights filled with champagne, thriving jazz clubs, and the kind of extravagance that defined the era. PanAm capitalized on this flourishing demand for international travel, expanding rapidly and becoming synonymous with this newfound opulence. This course is not just a meal—it's a celebration of the golden age of glamour and adventure.
From New York to Chicago, we dive into the world of Al Capone—one of history’s most notorious gangsters. This course takes inspiration from his love of food and indulgence. Enter Beef and 'Wine'. Capone had a soft spot for Walnut Spaghetti, and here it's reimagined with the most tender, flavour-packed Ox Cheek, slow-cooked to perfection. It's rich, hearty, and utterly decadent—a true nod to his foodie tendencies.
Now, for the 'wine'—this comes with its own fascinating backstory. During Prohibition, Capone discovered a loophole allowing households to produce small amounts of fruit wine for personal consumption, and he capitalized on it brilliantly. To honour this clever workaround, we’re served a Lacto Berry reverse Manhattan, bursting with fruity complexity and refreshing notes. It’s so delicious, you’ll wish all small-batch fruit wines were made like this! Honestly, if they were, I'd be raising my glass to Prohibition-style merry-making all night long.
And finally, we arrive at the grand finale—Pie and 'Ice-Cream.' By now, you’re likely feeling quite stuffed, but trust me, you’ll want to make room for this indulgent dessert. A Cherry and Chocolate meringue pie takes centre stage, and oh, it’s utterly decadent—a perfect sweet ending to the evening.
Paired with it is the most playful cocktail of the night, appropriately named 'Ice Cream.' This Oolong and vodka cream soda highball, topped with ice cream foam, is as refreshing as it is fun. Honestly, it could pass as a dessert all on its own!
The dessert course also reflects the creativity and resilience that defined the Prohibition era, especially for companies facing the loss of their main product—alcohol. Take Anheuser-Busch, the makers of Budweiser, for example. They pivoted from brewing beer to becoming a dairy business specialising in ice cream, ensuring their survival during those dry times. It’s a sweet tribute to adaptability and innovation, all served up with delicious flair.
The Subterranean Supper Club is far more than just a meal—it's an unforgettable journey through time, blending rich storytelling with exceptional flavours and immersive creativity. From the glitz of the Prohibition era to the ingenuity of its bootleggers, every course is a feast for the senses and the imagination. With its lavish ambiance, inventive cocktails, and dishes steeped in history, this unique dining experience perfectly captures the spirit of 1920s and 1930s decadence. Whether you’re a history buff, a food enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a magical night out in Edinburgh, this supper club delivers in spades. Trust me, it’s an experience worth sharing—so grab the password, spread the word, and step into the allure of an era gone by.
As I mentioned at the start, their next experience is on the 24th April. They intend to possibly run these again during July and possibly August for the Edinburgh Fringe.
THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT THE SUPPER CLUB
There is a £20pp deposit on booking
The cocktails are optional extra at £30pp
Kyloe, Heads & Tales Bar, 1-3 Rutland Square, Edinburgh. www.kyloerestaurant.com
My Spoon : Tartan Spoon 10/10
I was invited by Kyloe to review their menu. Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.
TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.
Adele is a writer, reviewer and judge living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events), is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food, Scottish Bakers, Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards. Should you wish to work with, invite or collaborate with TartanSpoon, please email tartanspoon@yahoo.co.uk