A massive revamp at Edinburgh's hottest subterranean nightspot Opal Lounge has been unveiled.

The £200,000 refurbishment at the nightclub, a playground for the rich and famous north of the border, opened in 2002 and was quickly hailed as Scotland's most exclusive VIP venue. And now, in order to make it on a par with London's top end venues, it has taken on a decadent black and gold theme, with the finest fixtures, fittings and decorations.

It also recently introduced Scotland's first Luxury Table Packages where drinkers, for a minimum spend of £125, can be treated to a bespoke service and bottles of Champagne and spirits on the table.

David Johnston, Development Director at Montpeliers (Edinburgh) Ltd that operates eight of the city’s most cutting-edge venues, headed up the design team on the project with assistant interior designer Joelle Reid. He said: "When Opal Lounge first opened it was a one of a kind in Scotland. Over the years we have built a very loyal customer base and become the must-go place in Edinburgh for visiting celebrities and locals alike."


A prime feature of the redesign is a 5m by 2m Traxon 64 pixel cubed wall mosaic which will glow behind the black DJ booth. The cubes, which shine light patterns and act as mirrors, have rarely been used in the UK.

Bauble glass gold sheets by Maya Romanoff adorn the walls behind black glass covered tables and Tom Dixon black lights with gold interiors hang from the ceiling.

There is hand printed Morphic Damask wallpaper by Linda Florence and the bar and table tops in the main bar are wrapped in black and display cabinets are filled with limited edition Champagnes and top end spirits.

Outside three spotlights illuminate the surrounding area, cementing the nightclub's place as George Street's most recognisable venue.

The VIP area has also received a further injection of exclusivity. Tables are inset with Champagne ice buckets, black velvet curtains are hung between rooms and chairs are covered in dark luxurious material by Maharam Kvadrat. Graphic design services were provided by the award-winning Touch Agency.

Opal Lounge, a favourite of royals such as Prince William, party girl Kate Moss and Hollywood A-listers such as Kiefer Sutherland and Kevin Spacey, as well as singers and TV personalities, closed for the 11-day refurbishment on Sunday August 31.

It reopened with a lavish party on September 11 where VIP guests were greeted with a Polish Pear cocktail, from the club's VIP Exclusives list, made with luxury Belvedere vodka and garnished with an edible gold leaf.

(GK/JM)