Malones Edinburgh announces £500,000 investment in major Haymarket expansion ahead of World Cup

Malones Edinburgh has announced a major £500,000 investment in the venue, building on a strong period of growth for the business and marking the next stage in its expansion near Haymarket.

The half-a-million-pound investment will see the popular Irish bar create a brand-new 200-capacity function room, while also delivering upgrades across the existing venue.

Work is due to take place in May, with the venue remaining open throughout the refurbishment and the new space expected to open in early June.

The investment plans also include the development and reopening of their kitchen, which will create jobs and bring the group’s famous spice bag to the West End of Edinburgh.

All purpose events & entertainment space

Located near Haymarket, Malones Edinburgh says the investment is 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 Murrayfield 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 be invited to hire their own Irish bar for the night, whatever the occasion may be.

It will also create a new destination for major sporting occasions, giving guests a dedicated space to gather for big-match viewing in a setting that stays true to the character and atmosphere Malones is known for.

The expansion builds on a strong period for the business. In November 2025, Malones Edinburgh won SLTN’s Best Venue to Watch the Match, further cementing its reputation as one of Scotland’s standout sports hospitality destinations. The venue was also the only Edinburgh bar to be awarded for their reamy pints, featuring in the Guinness Harp Guide, Guinness’ guide to what it considers the best pints in the UK.

The hospitality industry has faced a troubling business climate over the last few years. Malones Edinburgh’s investment signals a belief in the future of the industry and of the local area.

Simon Keane, Owner of Malones Edinburgh, 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 & 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.”

“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 locals and tourists into the area.

The venue is now taking enquiries for function room bookings and events from June 2026 onwards.