The doors are open on a world of colourful cocktails, delicious dining and luxurious interiors this week, as the classic George Street boutique hotel Le Monde reopened its bar and restaurant after the biggest refurbishment in its history.

The new look Le Monde will transport guests to a place of relaxed, global glamour, offering a taste of far off cities with its new food and drink menus.

Thirteen years since it first opened, a four-month, £1 million renovation has seen the venue’s entire ground floor bar and restaurant area beautifully transformed to create a glamorous getaway in the city, perfect for any occasion - from brunches and afternoon teas through to late night dinners and drinks.

Through its George Street entrance lies a striking new semi-circular Laurent Perrier champagne bar, complete with marble bar top, crimson leather bar stools, and welcoming velvet booths - perfect for sipping a glass of fine vintage fizz at any time of the day.

A newly tiled marble herringbone walkway leads guests through to the light filled main bar and restaurant space. Designed to showcase the building’s stunning Georgian architecture, shimmering velvets, gleaming brass and custom made artwork have been used throughout bringing a warm, luxurious ambience.

Drinking at Le Monde

The transformation is led by Le Monde’s spectacular new cocktail menu, which promises a journey of discovery to some of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities.

From Cairo to Casablanca, Reykjavik to Rio, Beijing to Barcelona…Le Monde’s bar team has searched the globe for inspiration, creating their own luscious versions of lesser known drinks from each city: the ones with a great story to tell, loved by locals and served up in favourite nightclubs, hotels and hotspots around town.

Prestigious vintage and non-vintage champagnes, a beautifully curated selection of old and new world wines, premium spirits and a modern range of craft beer and lagers are also on the menu – alongside an impressive choice of refreshing, non-alcoholic cocktails and soft drinks.

Dining at Le Monde

Le Monde is also unveiling a mouth-watering new small plate dining menu, inspired by favourite world flavours and made with locally sourced Scottish produce.

Guests can nibble on delicious bites such as Garlic & lemon marinated artichokes, Aubergine bruschetta and Warm focaccia, balsamic & olive oil.

There’s a selection of plates from the ‘Land’ such as Chorizo & manchego croquettes with a burnt pineapple & chilli ketchup; Serrano ham & stem broccoli with tarragon crème fraiche; and a selection of premium cut steaks sourced from local family butcher John Gilmour, served with a choice of chef’s sauces.

Options from the ‘Sea’ include Oak smoked salmon with fennel, orange and dill crème fraiche; and King prawns with paprika, chilli, garlic, herbs.

Vegetarians and vegans are in for a treat with dishes including Spinach & cheddar croquettes with beetroot mayonnaise; Roast pepper & olive salad with feta. dukkah; and Beetroot textures with gremolata.

All can be served with a range of tasty sides, including the chef’s home-made Skin-on fries, Roast green beans & walnut dressing and Sesame slaw.

Delightful small sweet plates complete the menu and include Chocolate brownie with strawberry ice cream, Vegan cranachan with raspberries, whisky and maple; and Vanilla poached pear with pistachio & oat crumble, coconut & raspberry.

Le Monde Hotel is situated on Edinburgh’s majestic George Street in the heart of the city centre, just minutes from St Andrew Square. It is one of the city’s most popular boutique hotels, featuring 18 individually designed bedrooms inspired by stylish cosmopolitan cities. Guests can wake up under the stars in Los Angeles, experience the urban cool of New York, enjoy the carnival spirit of Rio or indulge in the luxe vintage vibe of Paris - all under one roof in Edinburgh’s New Town.

The venue’s refurbishment was designed and project managed by architecture and interior design studio RYE Design. Their aim was to enhance the building’s fine period features with the use of beautiful metals and marbles, and bold contemporary colours.

The newly designed Le Monde features five flexible event spaces which can be configured to suit groups of all shapes and sizes, from intimate dining to larger parties and receptions – including an exciting festive dining and party programme for 2019. The venue also houses the Dirty Martini, Le Monde’s vibrant upstairs bar and event space; and Shanghai Nightclub, one of Edinburgh’s continuously popular late night destinations.