Virgin Hotels Edinburgh was officially opened yesterday by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson. The event marks a significant milestone for the hotel which opened its doors in June 2022 and has since been enjoying tremendous success.
Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the final phase of the launch will see the opening of the hotel’s 222 Chambers and Grand Chamber Suites as well as all dining outlets including, the hotel’s flagship restaurant, Commons Club, which features a lively bar and a locally-inspired menu, Eve, an all-day dining space as well as Greyfriars Hall, a 19th century church that has been beautifully restored and repurposed as a special event venue and an exclusive rooftop terrace with unobstructed Edinburgh Castle views.
Since opening its doors, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh has quickly become one of the city’s most sought-after destinations for both locals and visitors alike.
The hotel’s prime location, combined with its exceptional service and unique design, has earned it numerous accolades, including being named one of the “Best New Hotels in the World” by Travel + Leisure and voted one of the “Best Hotels to Stay in Edinburgh for 2023” by Conde Nast Traveller.
Virgin Group Founder, Sir Richard Branson, said:“I am thrilled to mark the grand opening of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh – the first Virgin Hotels property to launch in Europe – in this most wonderful city.
“This is an incredible hotel that truly embodies the spirit of both the Virgin brand and the quirks and traits of Edinburgh’s beautiful Old Town – a place where people can come together to have fun, relax and enjoy all that this wonderful city has to offer.”
To mark the occasion an exclusive musical performance from Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo piper, Louise Marshall, played a selection of traditional Scottish songs on the hotel’s roof terrace against the impressive backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Virgin Hotels CEO, James Bermingham, said:“We are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved with Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.
“From the beginning, we set out to create a hotel that would be unlike anything else in the city – a place where locals and guests could come and feel welcome and inspired, and where they could experience the best of Edinburgh.
“We’re thrilled to see the hotel officially open and thriving, and we look forward to welcoming even more guests in the years to come.”
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is turning up the heat this New Year’s Eve with its Red Hot Hogmanay celebration, which is set to be the hottest party in town.
Taking place in Eve, the hotel’s all-day dining venue, party goers will be able to celebrate in style with a drop red gorgeous scarlet dress code and entertainment from live bands and world-renowned DJs, including Funkwild, Buckwild, Eclair Fifi and Rebecca Vasmant, playing until the small hours of 2023.
Celebrations kick off at 9pm where guests will be greeted with a welcome fit for a VVVIP including a glass of fizz on arrival. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable dinner experience or a place to dance the night away, there is a selection of packages available at Eve to suit all guests, from ‘Dinner Only’ to the ‘Pimp My Party’ package which provides the ultimate VIP experience with no queues, your own table for the night and table service, ensuring you always have your glass topped up.
Situated at ground floor level, with an entrance from Cowgate, Eve opened its doors in October and boasts a luxurious interior with unique floor-to-ceiling murals and a vibrant, lively atmosphere, making it the place to be seen in Edinburgh’s The Old Town.
There’s something for everyone at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh and those who are seeking a more relaxed and refined evening can enjoy a specially curated 5-star menu with champagne to accompany at Commons Club – Virgin Hotel’s iconic flagship restaurant.
From 7pm onwards, Commons Club will be welcoming guests to enjoy a sophisticated evening filled with show-stopping entertainment from performers, Laura Wilkie, and Fergus McCreadie, on keys and fiddle. Guests will also have access to the hotel’s rooftop for an exclusive experience, viewing Edinburgh’s iconic Hogmanay firework display from a never-before-seen viewpoint. With one of the best views of Edinburgh Castle and a special rooftop fiddle performance, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Scott McArdle, General Manager at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said: “Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is ready to show the Capital how to celebrate the new year in style with our first Red Hot Hogmanay.
“With lots of exciting plans in store – there’s something for everyone at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh from the vibrant, lively atmosphere of Eve which is perfect for those looking to dance the night away to the more relaxed and refined experience of our flagship restaurant – Commons Club.
“Edinburgh is synonymous with New Year’s Eve, and we are really excited to join in the celebrations at the home of Hogmanay, offering locals and our jet-setting guests an evening they’ll never forget.”
Whatever your preference for the evening, make this New Year’s Eve RED HOT and join Virgin Hotels Edinburgh for a night to remember.
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh opens its doors at latest concept Eve
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, the luxury lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, has officially launched its latest concept, Eve – an all-day dining space that will provide an array of food, beverages and entertainment.
The vibrant social space opened its doors to the public today and is set to perfectly complement Edinburgh’s enviable food and drink scene from morning lattes to lights out.
To celebrate the launch, Eve is offering all guests 50% off food for every reservation made from 7th-29th October and will be putting on a variety of live entertainment seven days a week throughout the month. Reservations can now be made directly on the hotel’s website at www.virginhotels.com/edinburgh/dine-and-drink/eve/
Situated at ground floor level, with an entrance from Cowgate, Eve holds up to 160 guests and is designed to be a playful environment to eat, drink and socialise in the heart of Edinburgh. With performance being at the core of the history of the Virgin brand, Eve will put on a diverse range of events showcasing the best of both Scottish and international culture.
From exclusive one-off activations that will firmly put Eve on the map to weekly intimate events including ‘Musical Mondays’, ‘On Demand’ and ‘Live & Unsigned’, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Alongside the lively entertainment, guests can order up a storm with a menu perfect for sharing with friends and family on any occasion whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.
The menu caters to all tastes with everything from small plates – including beef brisket croquettes and Scottish salmon crudo – to large plates offering flat iron steak and charcuterie boards as well as a selection of juicy burgers, hearty sandwiches and refreshing salad bowls.
The interiors of Eve are like no other. The walls are adorned with floor-to-ceiling unique murals specifically curated by award winning Dutch graffiti artists, Studio Giftig, for the venue. Incorporating themes of space exploration, Scottish history, and Virgin legacy, these distinctive artworks create an immersive space that both celebrates and transcends the area’s rich history.
Opened until late, guests are encouraged to enjoy a post dinner cocktail from a range of bespoke creations all with locality in mind, helping to bring a sense of Scotland into each of the flavours.
From Park Bench Aperitivos such as Strong-Beau, a nod to the nation’s favourite fruity cider, to twists on classic cocktails such as the ‘Pin-Up’, a reimagining of the Pornstar Martini and East 8 Holdup, the cocktail menu brings some nostalgic flavours firmly into the 21st Century.
Scott McArdle, General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, commented:“We are delighted to announce that Eve is officially open! We have already started to see Virgin Hotels Edinburgh come to life over the last few months and Eve is going to add even more flavour to what we already offer.
“This vibrant and lively space will be at the heart of the city’s entertainment with fantastic food, unique cocktails and an array of performances – there really is something for everyone to enjoy and we can’t wait to welcome everyone in.”
Follow along on social media: Instagram @Eveedinburgh, Facebook @Evevhedinburgh
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will open its latest concept Eve on 7th October
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, the luxury lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, announces its latest concept, Eve – an all-day dining space that will provide an array of food, beverages and entertainment.
The vibrant social space will officially open to the public on 7th October and is set to perfectly complement Edinburgh’s enviable food and drink scene from morning lattes to lights out. For those eager to get ahead of the crowd, reservations can now be made directly on the hotel’s website at www.virginhotels.com/edinburgh/dine-and-drink/eve/.
To celebrate the launch, Eve will be offering all guests 50% off food for every reservation made from 7th-29th October and will be putting on a variety of live entertainment seven days a week throughout the month.
Situated at ground floor level, with an entrance from Cowgate, Eve will hold up to 160 guests and is designed to be a playful environment to eat, drink and socialise in the heart of Edinburgh. With performance being at the core of the history of the Virgin brand, Eve will put on a diverse range of events showcasing the best of both Scottish and international culture.
From exclusive one-off activations that will firmly put Eve on the map to weekly intimate events including ‘Musical Mondays’, ‘On Demand’ and ‘Live & Unsigned’, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Alongside the lively entertainment, guests can order up a storm with a menu perfect for sharing with friends and family on any occasion whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.
The menu caters to all tastes with everything from small plates – including beef brisket croquettes and Scottish salmon crudo – to large plates offering flat iron steak and charcuterie boards as well as a selection of juicy burgers, hearty sandwiches and refreshing salad bowls.
The interiors of Eve are like no other. The walls are adorned with floor-to-ceiling unique murals specifically curated by award winning Dutch graffiti artists, Studio Giftig, for the venue. Incorporating themes of space exploration, Scottish history, and Virgin legacy, these distinctive artworks create an immersive space that both celebrates and transcends the area’s rich history.
Opened until late, guests are encouraged to enjoy a post dinner cocktail from a range of bespoke creations all with locality in mind, helping to bring a sense of Scotland into each of the flavours.
From Park Bench Aperitivos such as Strong-Beau, a nod to the nation’s favourite fruity cider, to twists on classic cocktails such as the ‘Pin-Up’, a reimagining of the Pornstar Martini and East 8 Holdup, the cocktail menu brings some nostalgic flavours firmly into the 21st Century.
Eve is situated within the newly opened Virgin Hotels Edinburgh located in the landmark India Buildings in Edinburgh’s Old Town, a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle.
The hotel features 222 Chambers and Grand Chamber Suites and multiple dining and drinking outlets including Eve and Commons Club, all with their own unique space and distinct design.
The hotel site is home to a 19th century church, known as Greyfriars Hall, that is being beautifully restored and repurposed as a special event venue. In addition, the hotel will offer a rooftop sanctuary with unobstructed Edinburgh Castle views.
Scott McArdle, General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, commented: “We have already started to see Virgin Hotels Edinburgh come to life over the last few months and Eve is going to add even more flavour to what we already offer.
“This vibrant and lively space will be at the heart of the city’s entertainment with fantastic food, unique cocktails and an array of performances – there really is something for everyone to enjoy.”
All guests can sign up for the brand-wide guest preferences and loyalty program ‘The Know’, which grants a personalised hotel experience that allows for access to room upgrades, member rates, special events and a complimentary cocktail hour in Commons Club – all when booking directly with Virgin Hotels.
All Chambers and Suites have integrated tech capabilities, which can control lighting, thermostats, TVs, and order room service directly via the mobile app, Lucy which is exclusively available to Know members.
Lucy also gives guests the ability to check in prior to arrival and can be used as an access key to their Chambers. Chambers are also pet friendly, with complimentary ‘pet-menities’ available, including dog beds and food and water dishes.
The hotel has been developed and is owned by Flemyn and managed by Virgin Hotels.
Reservations for the hotel are also open and can be made directly on the hotel’s websitewww.virginhotels.com/edinburgh.
Follow along on social media: Instagram @Eveedinburgh, Facebook @Evevhedinburgh
Welcome to The Curiosity Shop – Virgin Hotels’ first curation of Virgin StartUp products
· Virgin Hotels has teamed up with Virgin StartUp to launch The Curiosity Shop at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.
· The six businesses are all sustainably focussed offering guests products to make their stay even more luxurious with an offering spanning skincare, apparel, gin and even silk pillowcases.
· The Curiosity Shop features six Scottish start-up businesses whose founders have all received funding and mentoring support from Virgin StartUp.
· The area is exclusive to Hotel guests who can explore and purchase products from the businesses.
· All the brands featured are purpose-driven with a focus on sustainability.
Six Scottish start-up businesses have secured a place in The Curiosity Shop, a new space at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, dedicated to showcasing sustainable Scottish businesses.
Created in partnership with Virgin StartUp, Virgin’s not-for-profit incubator for entrepreneurs, The Curiosity Shop features a wide range of beautifully crafted Scottish products, all from businesses whose founders have been supported by Virgin StartUp to start-up and thrive.
The Curiosity Shop is exclusively available to Virgin Hotels’ guests and offers them the opportunity to discover and support new Scottish brands. All the companies featured in The Curiosity Shop have considered sustainability throughout their manufacturing and packaging processes.
From wild-harvested Hebridean seaweed to Scottish spun yarns and hand-crafted gin; The Curiosity Shop is full of Scottish treasures ready to explore.
Andy Fishburn, Managing Director of Virgin StartUp, explains: “Virgin has always been entrepreneurial at its heart, so it’s great to see Virgin Hotels providing this space to showcase Virgin StartUp companies, particularly those that are making sustainably-driven products right on the doorstep here in Scotland.”
Scott McArdle, General Manager at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, comments: “We are proud to have a space of the hotel dedicated to championing small Scottish businesses and we have already received great feedback from hotel guests who are enjoying exploring the shop and discovering new sustainable Scottish products.
“All Virgin Hotels are unique and draw inspiration from their location, so the Curiosity Shop is one of many things we are doing at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh to tell the story of this spectacular country.”
Rutland Square Gin is one of the six businesses featured in the Curiosity Shop. Nishant Sharma, the Founder, says: “We launched Rutland Square Gin last year in November with a vision to make small batch artisan gin that has Scottish spirit with an Indian soul.
“Each batch is distilled in the heart of Edinburgh, with inspiration from the far east.
“The support we have received from Virgin StartUp has been brilliant from the beginning and now, to get this opportunity to share our products with international visitors at a landmark new hotel in the city is incredible.
“We are really excited to see what interest it generates in our products.”
The Curiosity Shop Businesses
1. Doctor Seaweed’s Weed & Wonderful –Founded by a Scottish marine biologist, a wide range of seaweed supplements made using organic Hebridean seaweed that is sustainably wild-harvested from pristine Scottish waters.
2. Genevieve Sweeney –Timeless knitwear, made in Scotland with both traditional artisan and innovative knitting techniques that showcase the natural beauty of Scottish spun yarns.
3. Meander Apparel – Edinburgh-based outdoor clothing brand. Around 90% of the collection is made using natural or recycled, low-impact materials.
4. Rutland Square Gin –Small batch craft gin, handcrafted by most talented and experienced master blender in the heart of Edinburgh. Rutland Square Gin makes the world’s first oolong white tea infused Chai Spiced Scottish Gin made using sustainably sourced oolong white tea from Assam, India.
5. Seilich – A small, family-run company based in the Lothians and created by botanist, Dr Sally Gouldstone. Inspired by a passion for Scottish wildlife, the family sell an award-winning range of natural skincare products, made using ingredients grown in their wildflower meadow.
6. Sensi –launched in 2022 by 25-year-old Jennifer Norrie. Jennifer discovered a love of silk when she tried sleeping on silk pillowslips for the first time and found that her skin was glowier and her hair less frizzy.
Virgin Hotels, the luxury lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, announces that its flagship restaurant and bar, Commons Club, located inside the newly opened Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, is now open.
The luxurious modern day social club will officially open to the public on Tuesday 14th June. For those eager to get ahead of the crowd, reservations can now be made directly on the hotel’s website at https://virginhotels.com/edinburgh/dine-and-drink/the-commons-club/.
Nestled across two floors, Commons Club is designed to be a playful yet sophisticated environment for guests to eat, drink and vibe in the heart of Edinburgh and will showcase contemporary Scottish seasonal cuisine using the freshest produce straight from Scotland’s local larder for diners.
Newly appointed Executive Chef, Steven Wilson, has created a menu that will cater to all tastes. For starters, guests can enjoy an array of stunning dishes including, Ceviche with line-caught & cured wild seabass, shaved fennel, dill, nashi pear & green olive puree; Wagyu Tataki with Scottish wagyu beef “Tataki style”, fried garlic, ponzu green onion puree & parsnip crisp and Risotto with Scottish farm spelt & barley risotto, baby morels, lightly-roasted almonds & shaved fresh summer truffle.
Moving onto mains, guests can choose between Halibut with pan-seared Gigha halibut, confit aromatic farm seasonal vegetables in a light saffron & Shetland blue mussels velouté; slow roast Perthshire chicken “dinner” with fondant potato, baby leek, morel mushrooms & fresh peas, crispy chicken & Pata Negra croquet, bread sauce, roast chicken jus & chive oil and Isle of Mull seaweed tortellini pasta filled with wild herb ricotta, clay oven-roasted artichoke, pea & feve etuvee, vegetarian parmesan air.
Guests can also explore a range of bespoke cocktails created with locality in mind, helping to bring a sense of Scotland into each of the flavours. From a ‘Breakfast in the Highlands’ made with Glenfiddich 15 Single Malt Whisky, Brown Butter, Toasted Oat Amontillado Sherry, Heather Honey and Bittered Sling Kensington Aromatic, to a ‘Queen Street’ made with Bacardi Carta Blanca Rum, Martini Reserva Ambrato, Lemon, Celery Bitters and Islay mist, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Commons Club is situated within the brand-new Virgin Hotels Edinburgh located in the landmark India Buildings in Edinburgh’s Old Town, a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle. The finished hotel will feature 222 Chambers and Grand Chamber Suites and multiple dining and drinking outlets, all with their own unique space and distinct design.
Accompanying Commons Club later in the year will be Eve, a vibrant, all-day dining space, offering a progressive approach to late night entertainment in Edinburgh. The hotel site is also home to a 19th century church, known as Greyfriars Hall, that is being beautifully restored and repurposed as a special event venue. In addition, the hotel will offer a rooftop sanctuary with unobstructed Edinburgh Castle views.
Scott McArdle, General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, commented: “Edinburgh is such an iconic city and we’re thrilled it will be the home of our flagship restaurant and bar within the first Virgin Hotels in the UK and across Europe.
“Commons Club is a unique offering that will complement the current offering of the hotel. The food and drink menus will bring an array of local flavours to the table and can’t wait to welcome everyone in to try them.”
Steven Wilson, Executive Chef of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said: “After years of travelling the world and working in some unforgettable restaurants and hotels, I’m so excited to be back in my hometown and to be part of this iconic opening in Edinburgh.
“We really do have access to the highest quality local produce right on our doorstep in Scotland and that’s something the menu at Commons Club celebrates. Guests will enjoy our timeless menu that will continue to evolve with the seasons, keeping them coming back time and time again.”
All guests can sign up for the brand-wide guest preferences and loyalty program ‘The Know’, which grants a personalised hotel experience that allows for access to room upgrades, member rates, special events and a complimentary cocktail hour in Commons Club – all when booking directly with Virgin Hotels.
All Chambers and Suites have integrated tech capabilities, which can control lighting, thermostats, TVs, and order room service directly via the mobile app, Lucy which is exclusively available to Know members.
Lucy also gives guests the ability to check in prior to arrival and can be used as an access key to their Chambers. Chambers are also pet friendly, with complimentary ‘pet-menities’ available, including dog beds and food and water dishes.
The hotel has been developed and is owned by Flemyn and managed by Virgin Hotels.
Reservations for the hotel are also open and can be made directly on the hotel’s websitewww.virginhotels.com/edinburgh.
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh has announced the appointment of Steven Wilson as the new Executive Chef for its upcoming restaurant and social space, Commons Club, as it gears up to open on 1st June 2022.
Originally from Edinburgh, Steven has almost 30-years’ experience in the hospitality industry with previous roles at a number of notable five-star hotels and award-winning restaurants. Steven will use his renowned talent and international influences to showcase contemporary Scottish seasonal cuisine using the freshest produce straight from Scotland’s local larder for diners at Commons Club.
Notorious for delivering memorable and delicious dishes, Steven’s career has taken him across the globe – from helping to open the multi- award-winning Lowry Hotel in Manchester to the iconic Soneva Fushi in the Maldives.
He also has extensive experience working in the Middle East and South East Asia with the renowned Six Senses Resorts and Spas. Steven is set to combine his international experience and Scottish heritage to create a new standard of Scottish dining at Commons Club.
Nestled across two floors, Commons Club is designed to be a playful yet sophisticated environment for guests to eat, drink and vibe in the heart of Edinburgh.
Catering to all tastes, guests can enjoy an array of stunning starters, carefully curated by Steven and his expert team, including Ceviche with line-caught & cured wild seabass, shaved fennel, dill, nashi pear & green olive puree; Wagyu Tataki with Scottish wagyu beef “Tataki style”, fried garlic, ponzu green onion puree & parsnip crisp and Risotto with Scottish farm spelt & barley risotto, baby morels, lightly-roasted almonds & shaved fresh summer truffle.
Mains include Halibut with pan-seared Gigha halibut, confit aromatic farm seasonal vegetables in a light saffron & Shetland blue mussels velouté; slow roast Perthshire chicken “dinner” with fondant potato, baby leek, morel mushrooms & fresh peas, crispy chicken & pata negra croquet, bread sauce, roast chicken jus & chive oil and Isle of Mull seaweed tortellini pasta filled with wild herb ricotta, clay oven-roasted artichoke, pea & feve etuvee,vegetarian parmesan air.
Steven Wilson, Executive Chef at Commons Club, said:“After years of travelling the world and working in some unforgettable restaurants and hotels, I’m so excited to be back in my hometown and to be part of this iconic opening in Edinburgh.
“We really do have access to the highest quality local produce right on our doorstep in Scotland and that’s something the menu at Commons Club celebrates. Guests can enjoy our timeless menu that will continue to evolve with the seasons, keeping them coming back time and time again.”
Commons Club will be the flagship restaurant in the soon-to-open Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. Situated in the landmark India Buildings of Edinburgh’s Old Town – a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle.
The hotel will feature Grand Chamber Suites, 222 Chamber Suites, multiple dining and drinking outlets including Commons Club and Eve: a vibrant all-day dining space offering a progressive approach to late night entertainment in Edinburgh.
The hotel site is also home to a 19th century church, now known as Greyfriars Hall, that has been beautifully restored and repurposed as a special event venue. In addition, the hotel will offer guests a rooftop sanctuary with unobstructed Edinburgh Castle views.
