New name unveiled for ‘landmark’ Scottish pub ahead of £170,000 refurbishment
A ‘landmark’ Scottish pub is set for a huge refurbishment, as owners unveil its new name.
A £170,000 refurbishment starts next week that will revitalise the closest pub to Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament.
The investment in Kilderkin on Canongate will rename it The Parliament Arms to reflect its location and transform it into a “top-quality pub celebrating Scottish hospitality, cuisine and spirits,” the team said.
The overhaul is being carried out by Heineken-owned Star Pubs – which is headquartered in Edinburgh – and The Parliament Arms’ new operators, the Lomond Leisure Group, who also run the Tolbooth Tavern further up Canongate.
Work starts on 9 February and The Parliament Arms is scheduled to open by mid-March, creating 20 new jobs.
The makeover will enhance the building’s exterior, injecting more character in line with the surrounding architecture and installing new signage and lighting.
An old plaque commemorating the history of the 17th-century tenement known as Golfer’s Land, that once stood on the site of the pub, will continue to have pride of place.
*Golfer’s Land is said to have been built by Bailie John Paterson with his share of the stakes from a golf match in which he partnered the Duke of York (later James VII) against two English noblemen. It is claimed that the Duke awarded Paterson a coat of arms – a copy of which is on the pub’s wall, too.
The internal works will revamp and upgrade the dated pub with a smart traditional décor.
The redesign will renovate the wood-panelled walls, timber floors and distinctive bar, complementing them with leather-covered deep button backed banquette seating and patterned wallpaper and fabrics inspired by Scottish flora and fauna.
Three eight-seater booths with saloon-style doors will be a unique new feature, providing semi-private space for small groups to meet.
A function area at the rear will be available for hire for parties of up to 40 people and will host regular entertainment from Scottish comedians and musicians in addition to Edinburgh Festival Fringe shows.
Scottish gins and whiskies will be a key focus of The Parliament Arms’ drinks selection, accompanied by regular tastings and events with local producers.
On the food front, diners can look forward to home-cooked Scottish fayre with a twist made with ingredients sourced from Scotland.
Typical options will range from venison, sea bass and salmon dishes to hearty pies, Cullen skink and haggis classics prepared with haggis from Macsween of Edinburgh.
Lomond Leisure Group director Chris Thynne said: “It’s exciting to be taking on a pub in such a fantastic spot. Our aim is to showcase great Scottish food, drink and entertainment in an authentic way that appeals to both local residents and visitors to Edinburgh. The pub is tired now but will look beautiful once the works are completed. We can’t wait to open the doors.”
Matt Dyson, Star Pubs’ operations director for Scotland added: “We want The Parliament Arms to do justice to its position close to two of Edinburgh’s most important sites. We’re delighted that Lomond Leisure Group are operating the pub; their commitment to Scottish hospitality is a perfect fit for The Parliament Arms. Customers are in for a treat.”
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