The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton, has opened a new chapter with the relaunch of The Caley Bar – now transformed into Edinburgh’s newest cocktail and listening bar.
Inspired by Japan’s Jazz Kissa culture, where guests gather to appreciate vinyl through meticulous sound systems, the redesigned space brings this tradition to Scotland’s capital through an Edinburgh lens that celebrates craftsmanship, creativity, and local partnerships.
Set within the historic hotel, the bar’s redesign by Cunningham McLean subtly weaves musicality into its aesthetic.
Vinyl turntables take centre stage, surrounded by plush booths, soft seating, and warm lighting that encourages relaxed, lingering conversations.
Edgewater Contracts – based in Toomebridge, Co. Antrim, and among the UK and Ireland’s most sought-after hospitality contractors – brought Cunningham McLean’s vision to life through a full layout reconfiguration, updated lighting, enhanced seating, and improved service flow. Rich textures – timber, fabric, and ceramic – echo both the tactile pleasure of vinyl and the craftsmanship of Scottish makers.
Carpets supplied by Ulster Carpets further reinforce the storytelling approach.
A spokesperson from Ulster Carpets said, “Building on a strong narrative by Cunningham McLean, our bespoke designs evoke symbolism and heritage that connect with the history of this stunning building while delivering an opulent and durable finish suitable for hospitality settings.”
The Caley Bar’s commitment to local collaboration runs throughout, with partnerships spanning Scottish suppliers, artisans, and distillers. Guests can also explore a curated collection of rare and limited-edition bottlings, available exclusively at the bar.
Beyond The Caley Bar, Edgewater Contracts has refurbished The Court, the hotel’s new social hub for all-day bites, brunch and afternoon tea.
The company is also delivering wider works as part of a £25 million multi-phase upgrade, including corridor and guestroom renovations and the construction and fit-out of a new 96-bedroom extension – all while the site remains live.
“The Caley Bar is all about atmosphere,” says Matthew Swan, Food and Beverage Operations Manager. “From the warmth of the lighting to the sound of vinyl, it’s a space where people can slow down, connect and enjoy the moment.”
The relaunch forms part of ongoing investment at The Caledonian Edinburgh from owners Henderson Park.
The recent transformation of The Caley Bar at The Caledonian, Edinburgh, formerly the Waldorf Astoria, is the latest in a series of high-quality projects across the Scottish hospitality sector delivered by Edgewater Contracts. Based in Toomebridge, Co. Antrim, the firm is known as one of the UK and Ireland’s most sought-after hospitality contractors, and its work on The Caley Bar is part of a wider £25M multi-phase upgrade at The Caledonian, Edinburgh, currently being undertaken by the company. The project follows on from other recent refurbishment and construction projects carried out by Edgewater across Scotland, including The Carlton, Edinburgh; The Leonardo Hotel, Glasgow; Leonardo Hotel, Jeffrey Street, Edinburgh; and NYX Hotel, Edinburgh.
SKILLED FIT-OUT
Work on The Caley Bar project saw Edgewater bring Cunningham McLean’s design vision to life by delivering a full reconfiguration of the bar layout, updated lighting, enhanced seating design, and improvements to service flow. Edgewater’s skilled fit-out teams also delivered a complete refurbishment of The Court, The Caledonian’s all-new social hub, where guests can enjoy all-day bites, brunch, and afternoon tea. Other significant works underway at The Caledonian by Edgewater include the renovation of corridors and 241 guestrooms, and the construction and fit-out of a new 96-bedroom extension, all while the busy site remains live.
25,500 ROOMS REFURBISHED
The Caledonian, Edinburgh, project brings the number of guestrooms refurbished by Edgewater across the UK and Ireland to more than 25,500. This includes recent work on the first phase of a £45 million refurbishment of guestrooms and suites at The Savoy Hotel, London, which was delivered ahead of schedule. Phase Two at The Savoy is set to begin in January 2026. The project also positioned the firm on track to achieve a turnover of over £110 million in 2025, up from £90 million last year.
TRUSTED ‘GO-TO’ CONTRACTOR
Speaking about The Caledonian project and the company’s continued success across the sector, Seamus Murray, Managing Director of Edgewater Contracts, said: “Since our formation, Edgewater has become the trusted go-to contractor for construction and end-to-end project delivery right across every aspect of the UK hospitality sector. Our ability to consistently deliver on time and on budget is down to the unrivalled experience and dedication of our leadership, project, and workshop teams at Edgewater, as well as our committed subcontractors and specialist supply chain partners. “As a company, we’re committed to ensuring the hospitality sector can offer its guests the very best environments to enjoy, and that’s what we’re creating at The Caledonian, Edinburgh.
It is a privilege to work alongside Cunningham McLean, Klarent Hospitality, and the team at The Caledonian, Edinburgh, in enhancing such an iconic property and in delivering spaces that reflect its deserved reputation and status in the Scottish hospitality sector. Scotland continues to be an important market for us, and we remain dedicated to further expanding and delivering on our portfolio here.”
LIVE SITES
The Caledonian project is one of 15 live sites Edgewater is currently delivering across the UK and Ireland, supported by its 40,000 sq ft manufacturing facility and headquarters. The purpose-built facility provides direct control over joinery and key manufactured elements for projects, strengthening programme reliability and quality assurance across all of its multi-phase hotel refurbishments. In addition to the projects mentioned above, the firm’s extensive hospitality portfolio also includes work for Nobu Portman Square; London Hilton on Park Lane; Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa; the Grand Hotel, Brighton; the Mayfair Townhouse, London; and the Slieve Donard, Co Down.
Pictures: Centre: An Edgewater refurbished guestroom in The Caledonian, Edinburgh Bottom: View from the new signature balcony river suite at The Savoy Hotel, London, created by Edgewater Contracts
