Welcome To Leith Arches
Leith Arches is a new community hub in Edinburgh available for hire for private events and parties. Our large two-tiered venue is perfectly situated in the heart of Leith and is a popular choice for all kinds of events.
Who We Are
Leith Arches may still be quite new, but we’ve been in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. Our team has transformed several bars and restaurants in Scotland into amazing spaces in our own unique style, including The Earl of Marchmont, The White Horse, Renroc Cafe, The Old Chain Pier, Bar Brig and Smoke & Mirrors. We love converting spaces, and we can’t wait to hear what you think about Leith Arches.
The Best Local Food
Private Venue Hire
You can hire Leith Arches for all kinds of private events and enjoy one of the best venues in Leith. Hire our venue for comedy, theatre, music, Fringe events, family parties, weddings, funeral wakes, stag and hen nights, corporate events and more. We also show live sports on the big screen.
With a stylish industrial setting, large capacity up to 180 people, a fully equipped bar and a PA system, we’ve got everything you need for the perfect event.
Under the Arch & Wellness Hub
Come along to Under the Arch Cafe Bar for tasty snacks and delicious drinks. It’s also available for private hire for smaller events. Or sit outside and enjoy the sunshine in our Secret Garden.
Or feed your body and mind in other ways at the Wellness Hub, where we offer a variety of classes including Spin and Yoga, with more coming soon.
Doing Our Bit
We are doing our bit for the environment at Leith Arches. We’ve teamed up with the wonderful folks at ENVA to improve our environmental footprint, and all of our plastic, cardboard and glass waste is recycled. And there are no more fancy glasses and glass wash machines, reducing our water and detergent use.
Step Into History
When it comes to Leith history, our building has played an important role in the area. It has a vibrant history dating back to the building of the Caledonian Railway lines to Edinburgh. These started with the main line that reached Edinburgh in 1848 as part of its route connecting the city with Glasgow and Carlisle.
The potential of the docks at Granton and Leith led to branch line extensions, and residential development encouraged branch lines in what became the suburbs of Edinburgh.
Leith Arches sits below The Caledonian’s Leith New Lines, running from Craighall Road to Leith East and the docks. It opened in August 1903 with passenger stations planned at Newhaven, Ferry Road and Manderston Street.
However, despite work being well advanced on all three stations, none of them were ever opened. This particular section was closed completely in 1966. The arches can be seen bisecting a tenement block, which has long since been knocked down and replaced with a new development.
We’re delighted to have brought one of Leith’s historic buildings back to life. And if you’re interested in the history of Leith or Edinburgh, we invite you to come along and see the great work we’ve done.
