Buzzworks continues to grow its stylish Herringbone brand with the launch of a fourth location – this time in the leafy, residential Edinburgh suburb of Barnton – joining its well-loved sister venues in Goldenacre, Abbeyhill, and North Berwick.
Located on a bustling corner at 201–205 Whitehouse Road, the new bar and restaurant has undergone a dramatic transformation from its former life as a Sainsbury’s store. Now reimagined as a stylish and inviting space, the venue offers seating for 110 guests indoors, with room for 20 more on a charming outdoor terrace shaded by a distinctive blue and grey striped awning.
The Herringbone logo is boldly painted across the exposed brick façade, blending seamlessly into a soft blue frontage that sets the tone for the warm, welcoming atmosphere inside. With its fresh design and friendly vibe, this new addition will no doubt quickly becoming a vibrant social hub for the Barnton community.
In a design landscape often cluttered with industrial monotony or fleeting minimalism, this recently unveiled restaurant has created a refreshing middle ground: vibrant yet relaxed, stylish yet deeply comfortable. This dining space invites guests to linger – not just over their meals, but within a design that feels like a warm embrace.
As with the other Herringbone sites, the interior features a Scandinavian-inspired design which blends natural textures and calming tones with modern, upscale comfort. The first thing that strikes visitors is the palette – a masterclass in restraint and harmony.
Muted sage greens, teal, sand and sun-washed yellows meet natural wood tones and raw ceramic finishes creating a soft earthy feel. These hues also give off a tranquil, coastal vibe which ties into the East Lothian heritage of the Herringbone brand. From the light wood parquet flooring and polished tables to the pops of colour from the walls and ceiling there is an abundance of clean lines, organic shapes and an understated elegance.
A mural in flowing, abstract lines graces one wall, bringing a gentle human touch that balances the architectural geometry of the furnishings. Planters spill with greenery across ledges and tables, bringing freshness to the space and enhancing the sense of vitality.
The lighting is warm and ambient, creating a cosy, relaxed space ideal for all-day dining and large windows add to the open, airy layout. Soft, contemporary lighting in sculptural shapes hovers overhead, bathing the room in a golden glow.
Oversized lantern-style fixtures in blush and amber tones cascade from the ceiling and all blend with the natural colour palette. A standout feature is the generously sized, drum-like pendant lights which are wrapped in a neutral, linen like fabric and adorned with a fringe of soft, cream-coloured tassels.
These striking pieces, suspended near the bar area, combine bohemian flair and a touch of whimsy with sophistication, serving as both a functional light source and a bold decorative statement. The entire layout is a lesson in thoughtful zoning.
The bar area brings a real pop of colour alongside structured lines with rows of hanging glassware, turquoise tiling, and geometric shelving. Above this a natural wood gantry meets the natural concrete ceiling.
The bar seating is also dynamic, with patterned stools creating a casual, social atmosphere. Just steps away, the main dining area offers more secluded booths and round tables for intimate meals or family-style gatherings.
This sense of fluidity continues throughout, with varied chair designs, softly rounded edges on chairs and tables, and cushioned bench seating which all contribute to a tactile, welcoming atmosphere. Decorative elements are kept minimal, allowing the mate – rials and layout to speak for themselves.
Overall, Herringbone is a modern neighbourhood retreat that feels like a space designed to be inhabited, not just admired. The ambiance is curated yet comfortable, elegant without being elitist. Every design choice seems to encourage lingering whether it be over a glass of wine at the bar, a weekend brunch in the sunlit corner, or a quiet dinner for two nestled in a booth.
This restaurant invites you to settle in, take a breath, and let design quietly deepen your dining experience. I’m sure that’s exactly what the Barnton community will be letting it do.