Iconic Edinburgh pub, The Beehive, officially reopens following £1 million investment

The Beehive, an historic pub in the heart of the Scottish capital, officially reopened its doors to the public today (20 February) following a significant programme of refurbishment.

Set at the foot of Edinburgh Castle in the Grassmarket, the flagship Belhaven pub has received a major £1 million investment to reinvigorate the pub’s interior and exterior whilst taking care to preserve its unique character.

The Whisky Bar

The Beehive investment has created multiple jobs in the local community, with new members joining the team across both front and back of house roles.

On the ground floor, visitors can enjoy a casual drink in fully renovated surroundings, with stylish new furniture, enhanced lighting and updated décor to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Improvements continue as you head outside, with refreshed seating on the front terrace with views of the Grassmarket. Plans are also underway to install a stretch tent in the back garden, creating an adaptable space for year-round gatherings and corporate events.

The Beehive’s first floor has undergone a complete transformation unveiling a bright open-plan dining space, designed to elevate dining experiences for all occasions. A standout feature is the new dedicated whisky bar, home to over 100 whisky varieties, enhanced with tailored whisky flights and bookable tasting classes on the menu.

The building’s top floor is now a versatile multi‑purpose events space, with improvements to the existing comedy attic and additional meeting rooms perfect for hosting corporate events and special celebrations.

Following its official relaunch, The Beehive will showcase a refreshed food menu with signature dishes including Steak Pie and Fish & Chips, and customers can look forward to a fantastic choice of Sunday roasts. The Beehive also has an expanded range of Belhaven beers on draught including the Scottish stout Belhaven Black and Twisted Thistle IPA (4% ABV), which Belhaven Brewery recently relaunched with a striking new look and a refreshed recipe.

David Race, general manager at The Beehive, said:

“The team and I are excited to be officially welcoming guests back through The Beehive’s doors. It’s even better than before and perfect for creating incredible experiences for all our customers, with highlights including our new whisky bar and top‑floor events space. It’s an exciting new chapter for the centuries-old pub and we can’t wait for people to see it!”

David McBride, Business Unit Director for Belhaven pubs, added:

“We’re proud to unveil The Beehive’s new look following a major investment, combining the heritage of this renowned social hub with some fantastic new features to ensure top-quality drinking, dining and entertainment experiences for locals and visitors from around the world.

“Pubs like The Beehive have been at the heart of Edinburgh’s rich culture for centuries, and they play a crucial role in supporting local jobs and creating safe and welcoming spaces where communities can come together and thrive. Despite the rising cost challenges facing the sector, this investment reaffirms we will do as much as we can to ensure these landmarks continue to attract customers, but we urge the Government to also play its part to reduce the significant cost pressures faced by pubs, which is needed alongside investment to keep these much-loved venues alive.”

The Beehive’s refurbishment builds on Belhaven’s strong programme of investment activity in 2025, with the brand committing more than £5 million into more than 20 pubs.

For bookings, opening times and more information, please visit The Beehive’s website.