the outhouse bar, which has become one of edinburgh’s best-loved bars and venues, was formed in 1996 from a two storey mews building on broughton street lane.

originally a coach house and stables to a former georgian townhouse, the site was then in a neglected state, affected by unsympathetic alterations and periodic disuse with all openings blocked.    the design strategy centred on the reclamation of this space, both inside the blocked up structure and outside in the overgrown and ruinous courtyard.

the brief required two public bars, one on each floor of the property.  the ground floor design involved opening up the space to the lane and the garden using large frameless glazing, providing a laid-back and vibrant social arena in the shadow of the existing neo-classical temple façade to the rear of the venue.  the upper bar, situated in the former hayloft and servants quarters, was conceived as an altogether more intimate and private environment, an atmosphere enhanced by the refurbished coombed ceiling.