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Six-figure investment set to transform landmark Edinburgh pub
A £170,000 refurbishment is underway, set to revitalise the closest pub to Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament.
Kilderkin on Canongate will be renamed The Parliament Arms to reflect its location and will be transformed into a top-quality pub celebrating Scottish hospitality, cuisine and spirits.
The Parliament Arms is scheduled to open by mid-March, creating 20 new jobs.
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.
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.
The interiors will be revamped and upgraded to result in 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 new feature of the pub, 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 Scottish dishes with a twist. The menu will feature venison, sea bass and salmon dishes, as well as pies, Cullen skink and haggis.
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.”
Pictured, left-right: Chris Thynne, Lomond Leisure Group director and Mae MacInnes, senior general manager for Lomond Leisure Group
