W Deck: a 360° panorama above the St James Quarter
Two floors at the top of the W Edinburgh
At the eastern end of the New Town, between St Andrew Square and Calton Hill, the W Edinburgh hotel crowns the St James Quarter. Its top two levels form a single whole: the lounge bar on the 11th floor, lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, and, just above, on the 12th, the open-air terrace that wraps around the top of the building. From the lounge, the view takes in the monuments of Calton Hill, the castle, the roofs of the Old Town, the Pentland Hills and, in the distance, the Firth of Forth. On the terrace, there are no more blind spots: the castle and the Old Town to the west, Calton Hill close by, Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crags to the south, the Georgian streets of the New Town below.
Cocktails, wines and small plates
In the lounge, velvet armchairs, banquettes and a sparkling ceiling accompany an all-day menu, from snacks to small and large plates inspired by Scottish produce. The signature cocktails draw on the creatures of Scottish folklore, and a wall of more than 400 wines and champagnes surrounds a tasting table. On the terrace, the menu is lighter: champagne, rosé, martinis, negronis and highballs, with pinchos to share. On Friday evenings, DJs liven up the Sunset Sessions. Glass domes set up on the terrace can be booked for private hire all year round, and the venue offers a front-row seat for the August fireworks above the castle as well as for the Hogmanay celebrations.
Practical information
The 11th-floor lounge is open daily from 11am to midnight, to hotel guests and visitors alike. The 12th-floor terrace serves in spring and summer, generally from Friday to Sunday, from noon into the evening and always weather permitting; for the rest of the year, it may stay open for the view, with drinks served from the lounge. It is fully open to the elements: bring a warm layer. Online booking recommended, especially at weekends; smart casual dress. Access via level 4 of the St James Quarter shopping centre, then the hotel lift. Waverley station is a few minutes' walk away and the St Andrew Square tram stop is close by.
W Deck: frequently asked questions
W Deck: what is our editors' review?
W Deck is rated 4/5 by the BestOfRooftop editors.
W Deck: what is the address?
W Deck is located at the following address: 1 St James Square 11e et 12e étages du W Edinburgh – St James Quarter, EH1 3AX Edinburgh.
W Deck: is there a dress code?
Yes, W Deck has a dress code: check what to wear before you go.
