If you’ve ever been caught nursing a cocktail on an Edinburgh rooftop while storm clouds gather over the castle, Cold Town House has heard your prayers.
The Grassmarket bar has just completed a £500,000 renovation that promises to change the game for alfresco drinking in the capital – rain or shine.
The centrepiece of the makeover is a state-of-the-art retractable transparent roof, which means those spectacular castle views are now fully accessible year-round, without so much as a damp sleeve to show for it.
A redesigned terrace layout and a brand-new bar complete the transformation, giving the venue – which opened in 2019 – what can only be described as a serious glow-up.
The timing is deliberate. With the Easter weekend and the warmer spring and summer months ahead, Cold Town House is positioning itself as the go-to destination for outdoor drinking in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. And with its dramatic castle backdrop, it’s not hard to see why the venue has built up such a loyal following since opening its doors six years ago.
“We’re now the only venue in the whole of Edinburgh to offer a rooftop bar experience quite like this, so we’re really excited to be unveiling our new look to new visitors and our regular local customers.”— Nic Wood, Director, Signature Group
Cold Town House is part of the Signature Group portfolio, which operates 23 pub venues across Scotland and employs more than 700 staff. The group’s Edinburgh stable includes The Rutland, The Huxley, Kyloe, Copper Blossom, McLarens on the Corner, Badger & Co, The Queens Arms, The Basement and The Boozy Cow. Signature also runs the award-winning Cold Town Beer craft brewery, whose beers are served across all their venues.
The renovation was a local affair – fittingly so, given Edinburgh’s skilled construction industry. The build was carried out by AJ Build and Management, with electrical work by CBrown Electrical Services, landscaping by Outside Space Solutions and structural work by the Severino Group. The project was designed by iKAD Architects Ltd, engineered by Kiloh Associate Ltd and the interior design was managed by Tibbats Interior Design.
The makeover comes at a strong moment for the wider Signature Group. Earlier this week, the company was the only Scottish business to reach the finals of the 2026 Publican Awards in London, shortlisted in the ‘Best Pub Employer (501+ Employees)’ category.
The accolade recognises excellence in staff welfare, training and career development – areas where Signature has invested heavily through five structured development programmes, including a Management Development Programme and a dedicated Senior Chef Academy.
For drinkers, the message is simple: book ahead. Advance reservations are strongly recommended to secure a spot in the new-look rooftop bar, though walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis. Private hire is also available for special occasions.
Need to know
Cold Town House, 4 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2JU
Advance bookings recommended. Walk-ins welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.
Private hire: [email protected]
