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The pub’s story
Roof Garden at The Glasshouse is a seasonal outdoor drinking and cigar setting attached to the hotel at Greenside Place. Lady Glenorchy's Church opened here in 1846, ceased church use in 1978, and only its listed west facade remains after later redevelopment. The Glasshouse opened in 2003 behind that stone screen, with a two-acre roof garden looking towards Calton Hill. Forever Edinburgh's current operator-supplied listing says the Snug holds more than 200 whiskies and a range of Havana cigars that can be enjoyed in the rooftop garden. Marriott confirms the Roof Garden, Snug, cocktails and whisky tastings, but does not currently list cigar stock, so availability should be checked directly. Smoking is outdoors, and garden use remains seasonal and weather-dependent. The appeal lies in pairing a cigar and whisky with greenery, skyline views and the surviving Gothic church facade.
What to notice
- 01
The Gothic stone frontage is the surviving principal elevation of Lady Glenorchy's 1845-46 church.
- 02
Forever Edinburgh lists Havana cigars from the Snug for enjoyment outdoors in the rooftop garden; Marriott does not currently advertise cigar stock.
- 03
Garden use is seasonal and weather-dependent, so call ahead about cigar availability and terrace service before making a special trip.
The time rail
The building, the pub and its interior may date from different periods. The timeline keeps documented dates separate from tradition.
Lady Glenorchy established her first Independent chapel in Low Calton, the congregation's earlier home rather than the present building.
The North British Railway acquired the Low Calton chapel land, prompting the congregation's move to Greenside Place.
John Henderson designed and built Lady Glenorchy's Church at Greenside Place; it opened on 31 May 1846.
Following parish union, the church fell out of ecclesiastical use.
Planning permission was granted to demolish all but the principal church elevation for redevelopment.
The Omni development was built and incorporated the listed west elevation of the former church.
The Glasshouse hotel opened behind the historic facade, with contemporary reporting identifying its two-acre roof garden.
The hotel's reception was refurbished, according to Edinburgh's official tourism listing.
Current listings record the Roof Garden, Snug, more than 200 whiskies and Havana cigars for outdoor garden enjoyment.
Sources & confidence
Historic Environment Scotland anchors the church history and surviving listed facade. Marriott confirms the current Roof Garden and Snug offer, skyline views, 24/7 listing and seasonal outdoor qualification. Forever Edinburgh's operator-supplied listing adds the current range of Havana cigars for enjoyment in the rooftop garden and the more than 200 whiskies in the Snug. The Scotsman and Guardian corroborate the 2003 hotel opening and garden. Because Marriott does not currently advertise cigar stock, the record tells visitors to call ahead. Scottish smoke-free guidance explains the outdoor setting.
Research reviewed
- Greenside Place, Lady Glenorchy's Church (LB30011)Historic Environment Scotlandheritage
SupportsStatutory record for the former church: 1845-46 construction, 1846 opening, 1978 end of ecclesiastical use, 1986 partial demolition permission and surviving listed facade.
- Restaurants at The Glasshouse, Autograph CollectionMarriottofficial
SupportsCurrent Roof Garden and Snug listings, cocktails and whisky tastings, Calton Hill views, 24/7 listing and the separate seasonal and weather qualification.
- The GlasshouseForever Edinburgheditorial
SupportsHotel's 2003 opening context, two-acre roof garden, current Snug bar, more than 200 whiskies, Havana cigar range and rooftop garden cigar use.
- The Glasshouse, Edinburgh hotel reviewThe Scotsmaneditorial
SupportsIndependent 2018 account identifying the Gothic former-church frontage, 2003 opening and two-acre roof garden.
- Glasshouse hotel reviewThe Guardianeditorial
SupportsContemporary 2003 description of the new hotel and its roof garden overlooking Calton Hill.
- Smoke-free Scotland guidanceScottish Governmentgovernment
SupportsLegal context requiring smoking at hospitality venues to remain outside wholly or substantially enclosed premises.
