Signalling both ‘a belief in the future of the industry’ and in the prospects of its own Haymarket neighbourhood, Malones Edinburgh has announced a £500,000 investment in expansion.
Building on a strong period of growth for the business, the investment will see the popular Irish bar create a brand-new 200-capacity function room, while also delivering upgrades across the venue’s existing spaces.
Work is taking place this month, with the venue remaining open throughout the refurbishment, and the new space expected to open in early June – crucially in time for the World Cup kicking off.
The investment plans also include the development and reopening of Malones Edinburgh’s kitchen, which will create new jobs and bring the group’s famous ‘spice bag’ to the West End of Edinburgh.
Malones said that the investment was a direct response to growing demand in ‘one of Edinburgh’s busiest and fastest-evolving areas’, with increasing numbers of offices, hotels, gigs, locals and events at nearby Murrayfield Stadium driving footfall.
Designed as a purpose-built events and entertainment space, the new room will feature a private bar, AV and screen setup, a stage, and a flexible layout, allowing it to host everything from conferences and corporate events to weddings, comedy nights, gigs and birthday parties.
Guests will also be able to hire their own Irish bar for the night, for whatever occasion.
It will also create a new destination for major sporting occasions, giving guests a dedicated space to gather for big-match viewing.
The investment follows a run of success for the Haymarket business – in November 2025, it won SLTN’s Best Venue to Watch the Match award, cementing its reputation as one of Scotland’s standout sports hospitality destinations.
The venue was also the only Edinburgh bar to be featured in the Guinness Harp Guide, Guinness’ own guide to what it considers the best pints in the UK.
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.”
“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.”
Keane added: “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 bring more footfall to the area.
