Malones Edinburgh has announced a major £500,000 investment in its Haymarket venue, marking the next phase of growth for the popular Irish bar following a strong period of trading.
The significant upgrade will see the creation of a brand-new 200-capacity function room, alongside improvements across the existing site. Work is set to begin in May, with the venue remaining open throughout the refurbishment. The new events space is expected to launch in early June.
As part of the investment, Malones will also redevelop and reopen its kitchen, creating new jobs and bringing its well-known spice bag offering to Edinburgh’s West End.
Situated near Haymarket, the venue says the move comes in response to increasing demand in one of the capital’s busiest and fastest-evolving districts. A growing mix of offices, hotels, events and major fixtures at nearby Murrayfield Stadium has driven rising footfall in the area.
The new purpose-built events space will feature a private bar, stage, AV and screen setup, and a flexible layout designed to accommodate a wide range of occasions. From corporate functions and conferences to weddings, comedy nights, live music and birthday celebrations, the venue aims to offer a versatile setting – including the option for guests to hire their own Irish bar for the evening.
It will also provide a dedicated destination for major sporting events, enhancing Malones’ established reputation as a leading sports hospitality venue while maintaining the atmosphere it is known for.
The expansion builds on recent success for the business. In November 2025, Malones Edinburgh was named SLTN’s Best Venue to Watch the Match, and it was also the only bar in the capital to feature in the Guinness Harp Guide, recognising what the brand considers among the best pints in the UK.
The investment comes at a time when the wider hospitality sector continues to face challenging trading conditions, signalling confidence in both the industry and the future of the Haymarket area.
Owner Simon Keane said: “Investing into Malones Edinburgh is a huge statement of intent for us. Hospitality has had a tough time, but we believe strongly in what we’re building here and in the future of this part of Edinburgh. We’re creating a space that celebrates our Irish community while bringing commerce and jobs to this part of the city.
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“We’ve seen real demand for a space that can do more – this investment allows us to host a comedy night, a corporate event, a music gig, and show the football all at the same time. We’re responding to that demand while staying true to what people already love about Malones.
“We’re proud of how far the business has come, especially off the back of winning SLTN’s Best Venue to Watch the Match and being the only Edinburgh venue featured in the Guinness Harp Guide. This next chapter is about building on that momentum, creating more reasons for people to come to Haymarket, and giving guests the chance to hire their own Irish bar for the night.”
The investment is also expected to support team expansion and a broader events programme, helping to attract both locals and tourists to the area. Malones Edinburgh is now taking enquiries for function room bookings and events from June 2026 onwards.
