Address: 28 & 29 Queen Street, Edinburgh
Location: New Town

Michael Laird Architects acted as interior consultants and were involved in the dining rooms, bar, entry, stair, toilet areas and lighting. LDPI were the lighting designers. The majority of lights are by Mike Stoane. Simpson & Brown were the conservation architects.

This project is a sensitive insertion of contemporary elements into a traditional New Town property. Simple but strong devices are used to create a memorable interior, naturally focused on malt whisky. A high oak-clad bar counter is paired with a wrap-around oak back bar. The regular pattern of whisky bottle shelves is repeated in the lounge’s south-facing window. Here glass shelves support a variety of whiskies that glow in the light.

The Dining Room is on the ground floor. A reception is carefully tucked into the Stair lobby. Upstairs is the Bar and Tasting Room, and a small Library. On the top floor is a private dining room, taking up the full three-bay width of the townhouse, with windows facing onto Queen Street Gardens and the Firth of Forth beyond. The semi-circular stair is beautifully lit from above with a restored cupola.

The furniture, mirrors and lights are all of a clean contemporary design and contrast well with the traditional Georgian fireplaces, doors, and various painted wood panelling and architraves.



Scotch Malt Whisky Society Edinburgh : Michael Laird Architects

Scottish Architecture: best Scottish Buildings of the last three decades

Background to Scotch Malt Whisky Society Building Renovation

The sympathetic refurbishment of this Georgian townhouse as a members-only club was completed in 2004. Nos. 28 & 29 Queen Street were developed by James Nisbet in 1789, from which time they had varied uses, firstly as a residence and latterly as offices. Michael Laird Architects acted as interior consultants and were involved in the dining rooms, bar, entry, stair, toilet areas and lighting. LDPI were the lighting designers. The majority of lights are by Mike Stoane. Simpson & Brown were the conservation architects.

Simpson & Brown

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Scotch Malt Whisky Society Building : page - adrian welch / isabelle lomholt