The city’s most outstanding buildings transform into the best of the Edinburgh large dinner venues to delight guests and event professionals alike.
Big dinner venues can often evoke images of dreary function rooms, drafty halls, and school dinner style catering. Thankfully, Edinburgh is not only the perfect destination for visitors, but the perfect destination to hold a dinner function with a personality as big as its guest list. The following Edinburgh large dinner venues mix first class hospitality and awe-inspiring spaces to create a truly memorable event.
Signet Library
Still used as the home to the Society of Writers to her Majesty’s Signet, The Signet Library on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is one of the finest examples of a Neo-Classical interior in the country.
With two magnificent function spaces, the venue is ideal for large celebrations that transition from elegant drinks receptions or wedding ceremonies in the Lower Library, before guests ascend the sweeping staircase to the Upper Library.
Large enough to host 220 for a banquet dinner, the opulent Upper Library has towering Corinthian columns crowned with a breathtaking cupola depicting Apollo and the Muses and a stunning balcony with gilt balustrade, ideal for a small band or orchestra.
Contact Details
The Signet Library, Parliament Square, Edinburgh, EH1 1RF
Telephone: +44 (0)131 225 0651
Website: The Signet Library
Assembly Rooms
In the heart of Edinburgh’s bustling George Street, the recently restored Assembly Rooms has a array of rooms decorated in a sophisticated neutral palate creating a haven of tranquility by day and a background on which to paint a theme for an evening celebration.
The piece de resistance of one of Edinburgh’s most loved buildings is the exquisite Ballroom, which can host 300 for supper. Glittering chandeliers reflecting to infinity in vast mirrors at either end of the palatial room bring an air of stately elegance, whilst a wash of colour is easily achieved with LED uplighters.
State of the art AV equipment is hidden from sight throughout the building and the Ballroom is no exception, with mobile production lighting, a K-array PA sytem with mobile rack and a central stage.
Contact Details
54 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LR
Telephone: +44 (0)131 220 4348
Website: Assembly Rooms
Dynamic Earth
Setting a striking contrast to the austere backdrop of Arthur’s Seat, Dynamic Earth casts a fairytale like spell as it lights the evening sky.
The venue’s many educational spaces create truly unusual function spaces, with cocktail parties in a Tropical Rain Forest, drinks receptions in the Polar Gallery and themed entertaining in the Stratosphere, which is flexible enough to host banquets for 600, or 550 for a dinner dance.
The towering canopy of the Stratosphere, drenched with coloured lighting, creates a striking impact under which tables are set with sparkling glasses and linens.
Contact Details
Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS
Telephone: +44 (0) 131 523 1269
Website: Dynamic Earth
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland has an impressive selection of venues ranging from intimate dining for 12 guests to the grandest of celebrations where up to 1,000 can be seated for formal dining.
Behind the stone façade, at the heart of this wonderful Victorian building, the soaring vaulted ceiling and stone archways of the Grand Gallery combine to dramatic effect, reaching up four floors to the glass atrium above.
By day the Grand Gallery is flooded with light, but as the sun begins to fade and mood lighting is added the magnificent architecture takes on hauntingly beautiful new persona.
Contact Details
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Email: hospitality@nms.ac.uk
Website: National Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh International Climbing Arena
The wonder of many of Edinburgh’s most impressive purpose built venues is the metamorphosis they undergo when dressed for an occasion and few can compete with the transformation that takes place at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena.
When lit for evening functions, the 100ft tall climbing walls of the Arena create a stunning backdrop for up to 1,200 banquet or cabaret style with a surprisingly cosy atmosphere for such a vast space.
To take full advantage of the enormity of the cavernous space, staging and a purpose built screen can be added for presentations.
Contact Details
Newbridge, Edinburgh, EH28 8AA
Telephone: +44 (0)131 333 6333
Website: Edinburgh International Climbing Arena
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