‘Fantastic’ Scottish pub shuts for £300k revamp
A prominent Scottish pub has shut its doors in advance of a £305,000 makeover that starts next week.
The investment in The Murrayfield on Roseburn Terrace in Edinburgh is being carried out by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and the Discovery Group, which has 10 pubs across Edinburgh and the east side of the Central Belt. The team said that the overhaul will turn The Murrayfield into a top-quality family-friendly contemporary pub that celebrates Scottish food and drink.
The contractors start work on 5 October, with the refurbishment carrying on until The Murrayfield reopens in time for Scotland’s Nations Championship match against New Zealand at nearby Murrayfield stadium on 7 November.
The overhaul will see the exterior being repainted and new signage, planting and lighting installed. The top to bottom refurbishment will transform the inside of the pub with a smart stylish décor that retains features, like an ornate pillar and the original period cornicing alongside modern touches, such as exposed brickwork, booth seating and hanging foliage. The extensive works will encompass new timber flooring, decorative floor tiles and all-new furniture and soft furnishings.
In terms of layout, The Murrayfield will have a 40-seater dining area and a spacious bar kitted out with new screens showing Sky and TNT sports, where customers can enjoy drinks and socialising.
A kitchen refit will enable The Murrayfield to specialise in freshly prepared food made from scratch. The menu will have a Scottish twist and showcase produce from across the country. The pub will cater for all occasions, serving brunch, lunch, dinner and coffee and cake. Dishes will span pub classics, sharing platters and small plates plus a wide choice of regularly changing gourmet specials. With Christmas approaching, the pub will go all out with a special festive season menu.
On the drinks front customers can look forward to everything from barista-quality coffee and a carefully curated wine list to cask ales and craft beers, with new state-of-the-art cellar equipment ensuring the perfect pint. The Scottish emphasis will continue with a great selection of whiskies, spirits from the nation’s distilleries and cocktails – shaken and stirred on site – that have a nod to Scotland.
Discovery group director Steven Winton said: “I’ve got family and friends in Roseburn and have known The Murrayfield for many years. It’s crying out for investment to sustain it for the long-term. We want to create an independently operated premium local that complements the other businesses in Roseburn whilst bringing something a bit different to the area.
“Whether people are dining or drinking, The Murrayfield will be all about Scottish hospitality and the fantastic produce and recipes for which this country is known. The Murrayfield will be very much a neighbourhood local, and we’ll be introducing some events and activities – such as whisky tastings – once we’ve consulted with regulars about what they’d like.”
Star Pubs investment manager for Scotland Kirsty Welsh added: “The Murrayfield has had many different operators in recent times. We’re delighted to be linking up with the Discovery Group to give The Murrayfield the new lease of life and the stable hands it needs.
“They have a track record for running outstanding pubs and will give residents a superb local on their doorsteps that also attracts people from neighbouring districts and visitors to Murrayfield stadium. The scale of our investment speaks to the improvements we’re making; The Murrayfield will look beautiful when it reopens.”
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