One of Edinburgh’s best-known LGBTQIA+ venues, CC Blooms, has unveiled a new interior following a £230,000 refurbishment designed to secure its long-term future. The work – funded by Heineken-owned Star Pubs alongside operators Mitch Stark and Tim Douglas – has given the landmark bar on Greenside Place a completely new lease of life, and the design, carried out by Donaldsons, has combined its historic architecture with modern detailing.
Dating back to 1798, the former tenement’s exposed stone pillars and arched openings now take pride of place, their uneven surfaces and weathered texture highlighted by warm lighting that accentuates the building’s history.
The scheme layers these original features with deep plum walls, brass detailing, and marble-topped counters, creating a space that feels both dramatic and inviting. Rich velvet seating in tones of moss green, blush pink and ochre softens the look, while herringbone parquet flooring lends a sense of continuity and craftsmanship throughout.
The combination of tactile materials and rich tones creates a cocooning atmosphere – one that feels luxurious without losing the warmth and approachability that CC Blooms is known for.
Every element has been considered for impact and comfort. The brass-framed glass shelving above the bar doubles as both a design statement and a practical showcase for plants and glassware, while globe wall lights provide a soft, flattering glow across the room. Long velvet drapes reference the neighbouring Playhouse Theatre, subtly reinforcing the sense of performance and occasion that runs through the space.
The new layout allows the bar to evolve throughout the day and night. There’s a lounge area at the front for relaxed coffee or cocktails, a central bar zone that buzzes with energy, and more intimate booths and alcoves for groups and private bookings.
Towards the rear, the space opens up to reveal a small late-night dancefloor, keeping the spirit of CC Blooms alive after dark. Externally, the building has been refreshed with a new paint scheme, gold signage, and an alfresco pavement area, giving the venue a more open, continental feel and making it just as appealing by day as it is by night.
“It’s been fantastic and we’re just as passionate about CC Blooms today as when we started out all those years ago,” said Mitch Stark. “We see ourselves as custodians and try to move it with the times to keep it relevant and safeguard its future.”
“We’re adjusting CC Blooms accordingly,” he added. “It’ll still be a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community that is welcoming to all and a fantastic place for a great night out, but we’ll be opening earlier and changing up the food to meet new trends and broaden its appeal.”
This latest transformation places the focus firmly on the experience with a striking mix of texture, light and colour that feels timeless yet distinctly of the moment. The result is a venue reborn – elegant, inclusive, and unmistakably CC Blooms – a bar that honours its heritage while confidently stepping into the future.
Pictures: Photography @goodtasteconcepts by Sabrina Gali