The Skylark Bar, Portobello

2012

The Skylark is a vibrant Bar / Bistro in the Conservation area of Portobello just outside Edinburgh.  The project comprised part renovation, part restoration including the introduction of a small kitchen space and a new bar.  The property, which originally comprised two early Edwardian shops, had been variously and incrementally adapted and refurbished.  Much of the work involved stripping modern finishes back to reveal as much of the original fabric as possible.

Reinstating the original ceiling line with much of the cornice intact as well as restoring the original shop fronts has engendered the space with a sense of history as well as a great deal more daylight.  The bare brick and exposed steel work of the original party wall, which had lost its original coverings, provides a characterful industrial spine to the space.

A great deal of fabric was retained and reused during the works including Douglas Fir from the false ceiling which became shelves and furniture.  A steel beam, which once supported a redundant water tank, now forms part of the bar which is clad in scaffolding planks.

www.theskylarkportobello.com