By Nicola Walker
The Huxley on Rutland Street is part of the building which houses the Rutland Hotel in Edinburgh’s West End. Having temporarily closed at the beginning of January for refurbishment they are now back and busier than ever, and it’s not hard to see why.
Designed by Tibbatts Abel, the makeover is just stunning, and it honestly feels like a completely different venue. Adam Tibbatts says, “The vision around the whole thing was to make it more comfortable, accessible, softer, modern and just to bring it to life again.”
On arrival, it certainly looks cosy and welcoming with comfortable seating and warm lighting. The colour palette concentrates on pastel tones with light grey and dusky pink painted walls, as well as smart vertical tiling that is trimmed down every corner. The wooden floors are broken up with a large print terrazzo style modern tile.
The bar front that has been decorated with light green studded leather and is downlit with hidden lighting under the dark wood top. Above this there is a steel caged gantry with hanging glasses. This all creates a welcoming area to watch the staff make one of the fantastic new cocktails on offer!
There has been a range of different chairs with curved accents introduced. These include fluted back sofas which have been positioned to create an island focal point in the centre of the venue, bucket chairs to relax in, and smart dining chairs. Each one of these has been carefully considered in its style and location and is movable to make the layout more versatile depending on the style of operation required.
They all have leather seats with velvet backs and each of the finishing details on these have clearly been carefully considered. Colour wise, some are bold with mustard, deep blue and red and others echo the pastel shades.
Just to add a little bit more comfort the chairs are littered with a range of cushions varying in colour, design, and trim. The tables throughout are different in shape with round, square and oval pieces, but all are made from a dark polished wood. There is plenty to feast your eyes on interior wise and a softness is created with free standing lamps, shelves adorned with nik naks, real planting and of course artwork.
Framed pictures line the walls with themes ranging from posters about the city of Edinburgh, old pictures of Scottish people and even abstract dog prints – some of these are even downlit with black picture lights.
At the front of the venue each of the large windows are decorated with black and white geometric patterned curtains and have central opal frosted glass pendant lights which give a real elegant warmth.
Moving towards the centre of the room there is feature lighting in the form of huge modern black pendant chandeliers with large orb bulbs. There are two cosy areas separated from the main room. The first small room is through an archway. This makes a great viewing room to sit and people watch with the castle as a backdrop. The second area is at the far end of the venue and contrasts with the rest of the colour scheme. This is a large corner area which features a gorgeous abstract statement wallpaper with swirls of grey, black, mustard and a peachy pink.
A back wall of illuminated mirrors stretches onto the ceiling and more of the glass pendant lights hang down, creating a truly unique area. At the far end of the venue there is a darker blue wall. This is newly constructed, and not only conceals the route to the toilets, but also contains a surprise feature where the artwork moves on a runner system to reveal a large TV for showing sporting events.
Whilst looking around The Huxley I popped upstairs to see renowned steak restaurant Kyloe, which has also had a facelift with new flooring, upholstery, and a feature wall. This has darkened it down to make it moodier and gives you that real opulent feel when enjoying your dinner.
Signature Pubs have certainly been busy with these refurbs recently and we can’t wait to see what they do next!