Business Details
Edinburgh's Historic Event Venue
Leith Arches is a dynamic event space rooted in Edinburgh's industrial heritage. Established beneath the iconic railway arches of the former Caledonian Railway line, our venue combines historical character with modern versatility. With two distinct levels accommodating up to 210 guests, we specialise in creating memorable experiences for weddings, corporate events, private parties, and live performances. Our industrial architecture featuring exposed brickwork and high ceilings provides a flexible canvas for events of all scales, supported by state-of-the-art AV equipment and a fully licensed bar. The venue's unique atmosphere has been carefully preserved through restoration efforts that maintain its original 1903 structural elements while incorporating contemporary amenities. Our experienced team brings over 20 years of event management expertise, having successfully delivered large-scale festivals and intimate gatherings alike. We prioritise client collaboration, offering both full-service event coordination and self-service options to suit different preferences. Sustainability is embedded in our operations through the use of local suppliers like Haddows Catering and Campervan Brewery, reducing environmental impact while supporting Edinburgh's creative community. The venue's central location near Edinburgh city centre and Leith docks ensures excellent accessibility by public transport and car. With a proven track record of hosting 233+ five-star events, we combine Edinburgh's historic charm with modern event solutions to create unforgettable experiences.
Services
Wedding Venue
Corporate Events
Private Parties
Live Music
Event Catering
Venue Hire
Fringe Shows
Product Launches
Photoshoots
Festive Parties
Served areas
- Edinburgh
Highlights and features
- Unique venue
Payment methods
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
What people say
Stunning venue
Great bar selection
Quirky retro charm
Excellent communication
Unforgettable experience
Services
Wedding Venue Hire
Host your special day in Edinburgh's most distinctive wedding venue. Our flexible spaces accommodate ceremonies for 80 guests on the mezzanine or full celebrations for 210 guests across both levels. The industrial-chic setting provides a dramatic backdrop for photography with exposed brickwork and atmospheric lighting. Our dedicated wedding coordinator offers support from initial planning to event execution, while Haddows Catering creates bespoke menus using local ingredients. The venue's late licence ensures your celebration can continue until 1am.
Corporate Events
Transform your next corporate event in Edinburgh's most innovative space. We accommodate conferences, product launches, and team-building activities for 20-210 delegates with adaptable layouts. The venue includes high-speed WiFi, AV equipment, and breakout spaces across 7.4m x 13.5m ground floor and 9m x 8m mezzanine areas. Our experienced team provides event coordination support while local catering partners deliver professional refreshments. The industrial setting fosters creativity during workshops and networking sessions.
Private Parties
Create unforgettable private celebrations in our unique Edinburgh venue. Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions with capacity for 210 guests across two levels. The flexible space adapts to your requirements with optional staging, lighting packages, and premium sound system. Our bar offers extensive drinks selection including local craft beers and signature cocktails. The venue's central location near Leith Walk provides easy access for guests with nearby accommodation options.
Live Music
Edinburgh's premier live music venue with professional-grade facilities. Our 210-capacity space features premium Electric Voice ETX Series PA system and adaptable staging. The industrial acoustics enhance performances across genres from rock and jazz to spoken word. Backstage facilities support performers while the bar serves local brews from Campervan Brewery. The venue's Fringe Festival history demonstrates its suitability for professional productions and one-off performances.
Event Catering
Flexible catering solutions for events of all sizes through our partnership with award-winning Haddows Catering. Options range from casual street food at Bandit Burgers to formal three-course meals. The menu accommodates dietary requirements including vegan and gluten-free options. External caterers may be used with a small surcharge, though we maintain strict quality standards for all food providers operating in the venue.
Questions
What event capacities do you accommodate?
We host events from 20 to 210 guests with flexible layouts. The mezzanine level suits 80 guests for midweek bookings.
Can we use external caterers?
Yes, external catering is permitted with a small surcharge. We also offer in-house catering through Haddows Catering.
Is the venue accessible?
The ground level is fully accessible with an accessible toilet available on this level.
What AV equipment is included?
Our standard AV package includes projector, screen, microphones, and premium PA system (Electric Voice ETX Series).
Can we host daytime events?
We offer bookings 7 days a week including daytime slots for corporate workshops, training sessions, and conferences.
Reviews (11)
Graeme Lowther
Sep 03, 2023
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Very cool venue in Leith, a great place to see both free (during the festival) and ticketed live music. Friendly urban vibe.
William Innes
Jul 28, 2023
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Went here for a family quiz/game thing. Had a really nice thing. Staff were friendly and cheerful. Lovely atmosphere and loved how the place looked.
Celeste Roberts
May 31, 2023
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I had my 50th Birthday party at this venue and it was AMAZING! The staff are really attentive and Mikey was great on the night. I got a lot of compliments on how amazing the bricked arch architecture was and how great the food was from Bandits Burgers food truck. The music was even spot on! I would definitely recommend The Arches to anyone who wants to have a great time in Edinburgh without spending your life savings. Thanks Leith Arches! We'll be back for sure.
Julia Sergent
Apr 23, 2023
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We hosted a vintage market event here and it didn't disappoint! Such an amazing/unique space and in an ideal location. We had the freedom and flexibility to do as we wanted and Donna was great at making suggestions - we had a lot of compliments on the venue! The staff are really helpful, thank you to Donna & Jamie for being so welcoming on the day! The bar is a great addition as well, fab selection of drinks on offer. The event was a huge success, thanks guys!
Schaumberg Whippy
Feb 19, 2023
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Potato and cheese soup OTD was very tasty, although was the accompanying sourdough actually sourdough as promised? Hmm. cool bar at night. Like the greyhound paintings.
Nell Glen
Jan 12, 2023
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Had my 30th birthday party here and it was the most wonderful night ever. Donna was really helpful and responsive in the run up and the whole atmosphere was so relaxed and friendly. Couldn't have asked for a better time!
Alfonso Fernandez Bethencourt
Dec 02, 2022
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Wonderful unexpected underground place with nice events. Drinks a bit expensive, but the place is worth it
Philip Morrell
Apr 22, 2021
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Very friendly and accommodating staff, surprisingly good nibbles. Good tunes, vibe and general atmosphere. Will for sure be coming back. more so in the summer months/when the inside area is open.
Rosaline Mbu
Jul 11, 2020
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Great night! Staff were absolutely amazing, venue was spacious, busy, not overly crowded and mindful of COVID guidelines
Barney Ross
Jun 25, 2020
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Great new place to go. Very basic but great when I went. Open all day for food. And at night for food and drink.
Lauren Park
May 19, 2020
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My partner and I visited Leith arches today after talking about it for the past few weeks. It was a lot less busy than I had expected, but the bartender (brunette girl who had just come back from Australia) was really lovely and we had a great chat. Place looks great, and I'm sure it would be a fun place to visit when it was busy.