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The pub’s story
Edinburgh Gin Roof Garden Bar is a modern rooftop-garden drinking space at the brand’s Arch 16 distillery on East Market Street. The venue occupies a new visitor destination carved into five listed Victorian railway arches, built in 1875, so its heritage is architectural rather than that of an old gin bar. Edinburgh Gin itself launched in 2010; its new Arches distillery opened in December 2024, with the rooftop garden developed as part of that new home. In 2025, the brand introduced a separate roof terrace next door, which is easy to confuse with the Roof Garden Bar. The garden is the more botanical, gin-led space, associated with the distillery-exclusive Rooftop Garden Gin; the terrace was promoted for canned cocktails and Fringe views. The current official site confirms a panoramic Edinburgh Gin Bar, but roof access and weather operation can vary. Think distillery destination first, rooftop drink second. And check which of the two roof spaces is available.
What to notice
- 01
The Roof Garden Bar and the separate roof terrace are different spaces. Ask which is open when you arrive.
- 02
Published distillery-bar hours do not guarantee roof-garden access in poor weather or during private experiences.
- 03
A current 2026 booking listing says under-18s cannot enter the bar; confirm directly if travelling with children.
The time rail
The building, the pub and its interior may date from different periods. The timeline keeps documented dates separate from tradition.
The five Victorian railway arches beneath Jeffrey Street bridge are built; these are the historic fabric of the later distillery site.
Edinburgh Gin launches as a brand; this predates the East Market Street distillery by more than a decade.
Edinburgh Gin opens its new Arches distillery and visitor experience.
The distillery receives a Scottish Design Award recognition, with coverage describing its rooftop garden bar and the reuse of five historic arches.
A separate roof terrace launches beside the Roof Garden Bar; contemporary reporting distinguishes terrace cocktails from the garden bar’s broader gin menu.
Edinburgh Gin’s current site promotes the panoramic Edinburgh Gin Bar at The Arches; the roof spaces remain subject to venue operation and weather.
Sources & confidence
The record separates the Victorian arches, the 2010 gin brand, the December 2024 distillery and the distinct 2025 roof terrace. Current official and specialist sources prevent the Roof Garden Bar being conflated with the terrace.
Research reviewed
- The Home of Edinburgh GinEdinburgh Ginofficial
SupportsCurrent The Arches visitor destination and Edinburgh Gin Bar positioning as panoramic cocktail viewing space.
- Edinburgh Gin Distillery and Visitor CentreScottish Design Awardsspecialist
SupportsFive listed Victorian arches built in 1875, roof garden/bar design, viewing terrace and the relationship of new distillery architecture to historic fabric.
- Edinburgh Gin Distillery toasts silver at Scottish Design AwardsEdinburgh Chamber of Commerceeditorial
SupportsDecember 2024 opening context, 2025 award, transformation of five 19th-century arches and rooftop garden bar.
- Edinburgh Gin opens roof terrace barThe Spirits Businessspecialist
Supports14 August 2025 launch of a separate roof terrace, distinction from the adjoining Roof Garden Bar, terrace daily launch hours and rooftop-garden gin offer.
- Edinburgh Gin Business SpotlightForever Edinburgheditorial
SupportsOperator account of the brand’s 2010 origin in Edinburgh.
- Love Letters in a GlassLove to Visiteditorial
Supports2026 booking listing for the distillery’s published bar hours and its Roof Garden Bar experience.
