Top-rated Edinburgh pub on Royal Mile to undergo £170k refurb
A top-rated Edinburgh pub is set to be refurbished over the coming months with new features including eight-seater booths with saloon-style doors.
Kilderkin, located within a 17th century tenement in the Canongate, will benefit from a £170,000 makeover that will enhance the building’s exterior and upgrade the building’s wood-panelled walls, timber floors and distinctive bar.
The pub will also be renamed The Parliament Arms to better reflect its location. Works are set to get under way on February 9 before reopening in mid-March.
The overhaul is being carried out by Heineken-owned Star Pubs, and The Parliament Arms’ new operators, the Lomond Leisure Group, who also run the Tolbooth Tavern.
Other internal works include building three eight-seater booths with saloon-style doors and introducing leather-covered deep button backed banquette seating. A function area at the rear for parties of up to 40 people and will host regular entertainment from Scottish comedians and musicians in addition to Edinburgh Festival Fringe shows.
Lomond Leisure Group directo,r 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 said: “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.”
Scottish gins and whiskies will be a key focus of The Parliament Arms’ drinks selection, accompanied by regular tastings and events with local producers. The food menu will showcase home-cooked Scottish fayre including venison, sea bass and salmon dishes to hearty pies, Cullen skink and haggis classics prepared with haggis from Macsween of Edinburgh.