TTKS visits: intimate wedding venue Cheval the Edinburgh Grand

Where is Cheval the Edinburgh Grand?

The former head office of the National Bank of Scotland, the iconic landmark on St Andrew's Square is now a stunning luxury residence that plays host to very swanky weddings: Cheval The Edinburgh Grand. 

Each and every wedding there is a bespoke celebration carefully crafted by couples and the in-house team. With restaurants and bars on-site, gorgeous public spaces and a full 24-hour concierge, it feels like a hotel, but all the bedrooms are self-catering apartments.

I was in Edinburgh to experience the luxury myself for the evening, and from the moment I strolled across the lobby’s black-and-white marble floor, I knew I was in for a treat. The sumptuous red-velvet centrepiece seat makes a real statement as you enter, and if I hadn’t been flying solo for the evening I would’ve absolutely orchestrated a full photoshoot for my grid. 

Discover other wedding venues in Edinburgh and Lothians here

Luxury serviced apartments Edinburgh

The team had arranged for me to spend the evening in a quirky (and massive) one-bedroom apartment with a separate bedroom, bathroom and open-plan living, dining and kitchen area. It is perfectly sized for several people to get ready in, or for wedding guests (who get exclusive rates) to have as a home from home while they celebrate with you. 

The venue’s operations manager, Sam Douglas, had kindly left me a selection of lovely Scottish goodies to enjoy, and I could quite happily have sunk into the dreamy fringed sofa with my book for the evening. But the Grand had other wow-factor spaces (and tasty treats) for me to discover.

It would simply have been rude not to fully commit in the name of research. 

What are wedding receptions like at Cheval the Edinburgh Grand?

Sam had booked me into the Register Club, the fourth-floor cocktail bar and afternoon-tea lounge (which also serves breakfast and is open to the public), to sample some of the canapé options the chef had prepared especially for me. 

Between decadent bitesize scallops with black pudding and the best haggis bonbons I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting, I listened to Sam explaining how the Register Club can be transformed for an evening celebration.

Seating can be moved to make way for a dancefloor and DJ, and the adjoining bar can be stocked with your favourite tipples or signature cocktails featured on personalised menus. 

The experienced chefs here work with couples to create bespoke dishes using local and seasonal produce. Couples are invited in for a menu tasting, with the chef telling me he’s happy to change elements – even down to the garnish – if so desired. 

Are there private dining options at Cheval the Edinburgh Grand?

On-site too is Lady Libertine. This is an intimate dining space across the ground floor and basement that would work really well for a private celebratory dinner if you have a small guestlist, or for continuing the party later.

Try the Purple Haze cocktail – don’t be put off by the beetroot cordial!

Hawksmoor, the adjoining steak and seafood restaur­ant, has private dining spaces available for those looking for bougie celebrations in the heart of the city. 

Bespoke weddings at Cheval the Edinburgh Grand

One thing I quickly learned about Cheval the Edinburgh Grand is that everything, down to the colour of your table linen, can be made personal to you. There are no traditional packages here, but rather a selection of spaces and experiences that allow couples to create a bespoke celebration that’s individual and intentional.

I discovered such options the next morning on my tour with knowledgeable staff members Siobhan Lees and Victoria Meoli. “We go through what you want your day to look like and take it from there,” Siobhan told me. I’m impressed by the Games Room, the hotel’s dedicated event space with a maximum capacity of 50, which can be configured for a ceremony or a sit-down meal.

You can opt for the exclusivity of the fourth floor, which comprises this space and the Register Club, with numbers increasing to 100 for an evening reception across both.  

Is there a rooftop terrace at Cheval the Edinburgh Grand?

You could use the Directors’ Suite, a period apartment that can be configured for a private dinner for a dozen or a ceremony for 40, or the three-bedroom penthouse suite. The latter has a panoramic roof terrace with views across the city to Arthur’s Seat, the Firth of Forth and beyond – just think of the photographs.

If you book the fourth floor, say, and the penthouse is free, the team will try to make sure you can have a shoot on the terrace. “If we can make something happen, we will,” Siobhan promised. “And whether you book us three years or three months in advance, we’ll work with you to create the day of your dreams.” Here, you will really party in style!