It’s all go on Edinburgh’s George Street. In August, Saltire Taverns sold Le Monde to Glendola Leisure Group, the firm which has Waxy O’Connor’s, Alston Bar & Beef and Horton’s in Glasgow.

On the other side of the road, eh2 Tempus, part of The George Hotel, is being revamped and given a new identity.

Major refurbishment

Most recently, Tigerlily hotel, restaurant and bar is in the throes of a major refurbishment. The George Street venue is to have a ‘visually stunning’ complete makeover of its layout, interiors, and décor – as well as its dining and bar menus.

Designer Jim Hamilton, who conceived the original design, has been recruited to lead the creation of the new-look Tigerlily.

The main changes will see the building split into individual areas – including one called the Tiger Tent – which are designed to be equally appealing for eating and drinking.

The grand re-opening is planned for this Friday.

Pretty much every big new bar likes to describe itself as groundbreaking or innovative. And most of it is hot air and hype.

Tigerlily was the exception. When it opened in 2006, it is fair to say that it sparked the renaissance of the previously drab George Street.

It was glam and glitzy but it also had style and substance. It is a decent bet that most of Edinburgh’s current crop of hot mixologists were, at some point, trained by Montpeliers, Tigerlily’s parent company.

David Johnston, Development Director at Montpeliers, promises people will not be disappointed when they see what has been created.

Hugely successful

He said: ‘We want Tigerlily to continue to be seen as a leader in style and to underline our reputation as the number one lifestyle bar and restaurant in Scotland.

‘Tigerlily is still a hugely successful operation but after nearly a decade of leading the way, this is the right time to make significant changes to transform it into an even better venue that appeals to all.

‘The refurbishment will create the perfect hybrid venue – a great bar, a great restaurant and a fantastic hotel that seamlessly moves from breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night drinking.

‘We will create a visually stunning – yet fun – venue with incredible food and drink offerings, combined with superb customer service, that will be accessible to the widest possible audience – everything from business people hot desking, to young professionals and students, to shoppers and after work drinkers.’

More news after the launch.