Tag: CoDE Concepts

Lost Victorian relic found in attic during Edinburgh renovation

Copyright James Armandary Photography

During renovations, an exceptionally rare Victorian Crossley engine was found tucked away in the attic of CoDE The Court, where it had remained hidden for decades. It is now on display in The Lost Close, the underground vaults of the building.

Built in 1878, this marvel of Victorian engineering, it was far ahead of its time, used to regulate the temperature of the Edinburgh Police Chambers, and its survival offers a rare glimpse into 19th century innovation.

Remarkably, this engine is the second-oldest surviving Crossley four-stroke engine in the world and the oldest in Europe. Only two other examples exist, the oldest is housed at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan, USA, and another in Denmark. Its discovery, in near original condition, by founder Andrew Landsburgh, adds a significant chapter to Britain’s industrial heritage.

Copyright James Armandary Photography

It’s unclear whether the engine was newly installed in the building or a second-hand acquisition. Adding to the intrigue, research revealed a royal connection.

In the 1800s, Edinburgh Police Chambers and Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family’s Scottish residence, had the same system installed; adding to the royal connection, this rediscovered engine had originally been installed in the short lived “Royal Aquarium” at Waverley, before being moved to the police chambers in 1881 where it was installed for the purpose of ventilation.

Copyright James Armandary Photography

Andrew Landsburgh, Director and Founder of CoDE Concepts, said: “This is one of the most exciting finds in Scotland. We found it during The Court’s renovation, posted a photo online not knowing what we had, and suddenly experts from around the world were contacting us telling us we’d uncovered something incredible.

“What began as a refurbishment turned into the discovery of a vital piece of Edinburgh, and the world’s industrial heritage. This engine connects us directly to Scotland’s innovative past and the very beginnings of technology which still powers the modern world.

“We’ve brought it down from the attic to The Lost Close, the underground vaults of the building, where visitors can experience this historic find firsthand.”

Copyright James Armandary Photography

The story of this extraordinary discovery will be featured in an upcoming documentary titled ‘Potential Energy’ airing from 23rd May, which delves into how the engine was found, its relocation from the attic to The Lost Close, underground vaults of the building and the possibilities of restoring it for modern use.

The engine is currently on display at The Lost Close. To mark this discovery, The Lost Close is launching the Scottish Innovations Tour this June, exploring the country’s contributions to innovation and industry.

Visitors will journey through The Lost Close, now the permanent home of the Crossley ‘Otto Silent’ engine, and uncover Edinburgh’s role in shaping global technological progress.

James Armandary, Tourism Development Lead of The Lost Close, said: “This is an incredibly exciting addition to The Lost Close. It’s not every day you uncover a piece of engineering history that bridges the gap between Scotland’s past innovations and technology we take for granted today.

“This building continues to surprise us with its storied history and with the launch of the Scottish Innovations Tour, visitors will not only be able to see the engine up close but also explore Edinburgh’s long-overlooked role in shaping global industry.”

The Lost Close, hidden for nearly two centuries beneath layers of rubble from the Great Fire, was also rediscovered during renovations in 2019.

For more information, please visit https://thelostclose.com/crossley-engine

To book tickets to the ‘Potential Energy’ premier and Q&A, please visit: 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/potential-energy-documentary-premiere-qa-underground-engine-discovery-tickets-1330781375919 

To book tickets to the Scottish Innovations Tour, please visit: 

https://thelostclose.com/crossley-engine#innovations-tour

A historic Edinburgh icon returns

John’s Coffee House and Tavern reopens after 200 years!

After 200 years, John’s Coffee House and Tavern is returning to Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile following a £500,000 investment from CoDE Concepts.  

Once a renowned gathering place for Scotland’s legal minds, writers, and thinkers, the revived John’s Coffee House and Tavern honours its rich past while celebrating the best of local Scottish produce. 

Following a complete refurbishment, the new space allows the original assets of the coffee house to stand out thanks to Edinburgh-based interior designers, Morgan Architects. Working to accentuate the historic details of the coffee house, the brand-new, warm and inviting space welcomes guests to enjoy everything from breakfast in the morning to drinks later at night, staying true to Edinburgh’s 17th century coffee house and taverns.  

Founded in 1688 in Parliament Square, John’s Coffee House and Tavern was a lively hub of intellectual discussion and social debate. At the time, there was little distinction between coffee houses and taverns – both served coffee, ale, wine and food making them central to Edinburgh’s bustling social and political scene. John’s Coffee House was no exception, drawing in a diverse crowd of legal minds, writers and merchants. 

Frequented by notable figures such as Adam Smith and David Hume, it is said that some of the most influential ideas of the Enlightenment were born here, with a coffee or ale in hand. Judges and advocates famously gathered for their midday “meridians”, a stiff drink before heading back to court. Though the original establishment was tragically lost in the Great Fire of Edinburgh in 1824, its legacy lives on. 

Goods of all kinds once passed through John’s Coffee House, from coffee, fine wines, to land, ships and even stocks of the Royal Bank of Scotland. Now, two centuries later, this historic establishment is reopening offering a menu that blends tradition with contemporary Scottish flavours.

Signature drinks include the historic ‘Cauld Cock & Feather’, a glass of brandy with raisins, once a favourite of 18th-century patrons, and ‘The Enlightened Irish Coffee,’ featuring Highland Nectar Scotch Whisky Liqueur, freshly brewed coffee, maple syrup, and a topping of whipped cream. Guests can also enjoy sharing boards featuring Scottish cheeses, charcuterie, and artisanal chutneys from Arran. 

Sourcing ingredients from the local suppliers, the coffee house and tavern will feature tea and coffee from Edinburgh Tea Company and Common Coffee, haggis from Hall’s of Scotland, and baked goods from Le Petit Français and The Edinburgh Scone Company. Drinks include craft beers from Bellfield Brewery and cider from Edinburgh Cider Co. 

Andrew Landsburgh, Director and Founder of CoDE Concepts shared: “This is one of Edinburgh’s most fascinating and storied buildings. Walking through the old cells and courtrooms back in 2019, when opening the CoDE The Court, was eerie, yet inspiring. Our vision was to modernise the space while paying homage to its extraordinary history. 

“Coffee was at the heart of John’s Coffee House and Tavern for over a century, fuelling debates, shaping ideas and bringing people together. Now 200 years later, we’re proud to continue this tradition, serving exceptional coffee and drinks in a space where history is written on the walls.” 

Located in a Category A-listed building within Edinburgh’s Old Town Conservation Area and World Heritage Site, the new John’s Coffee House and Tavern invites visitors to step into history while enjoying the best of Scotland’s culinary offerings. 

For further information or to make a booking visit https://johnscoffeehouse.com/.