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Heritage Portfolio, part of Sodexo Live! today announces the extension of its long-standing partnership with The Signet Library, owned by the WS Society, for a further 12 years, marking a significant reaffirmation of the trust and shared ambition that has defined the relationship for more than 25 years. The new contract includes substantial investment from Heritage Portfolio to enhance the historic 1822 building that holds The Signet Library & Colonnades following sustained, year-on-year growth across The Signet Library’s offerings, with the venue surpassing its benchmark for annual weddings bookings for the first time in history.
The renewed partnership brings the prospect of long-awaited accessibility improvements and sustainability upgrades of the venue’s kitchens and service infrastructure. Most notably, through the installation of a new lift, which will provide step-free access to the building’s Upper Library event space for the first time. This improvement will realise longstanding ambitions to improve accessibility within the Grade A listed 19th century structure. Funding raised, partially through investment by Heritage Portfolio, now enables work to begin in spring 2027, delivering a long-awaited solution for guests and event attendees. This installation forms the first phase of a broader plan to introduce two lifts throughout the building over time.
Elsewhere in the building, investment into improving the efficiency of the kitchen and service area will see a transition away from gas cooking to modern induction hobs, a meaningful step forward in reducing consumption and improving the building’s environmental performance. The improvement marks a major step for Heritage Portfolio, with the Colonnades acting as the first venue within the group’s collection to introduce this new kitchen model.
Heritage Portfolio will also explore a series of upgrades designed to support both operational growth and guest experience. Service equipment, silverware and refrigeration capacity are expected to be expanded to meet increasing footfall demands. In addition, potential cosmetic enhancements such as new carpets, refreshed paintwork and energy efficient LED lighting, are being considered to help maintain the building’s character and ensure a fresh, welcoming environment for future guests.
The Colonnades celebrated afternoon tea offering, widely regarded as one of the best in the city, will continue to evolve through Heritage Portfolio’s programme of culinary development and premium collaborations with long-term suppliers including Alliance Wine, Shibui Tea and Pommery Champagne.
Sandy Robson, Executive Director of Heritage Portfolio, said: “The extension of our long-standing partnership with The WS Society builds on more than two decades of Heritage Portfolio’s exceptional service and unforgettable events at The Signet Library & The Colonnades. This new 12-year commitment reflects the deep trust and shared ambition between our organisations, enabling us to continue elevating the refined offering while honouring the building’s remarkable history and architecture. Together, we look forward to delivering even greater value and helping to create many more memorable moments for our guests in the years to come.”
Commenting on the new contract, WS Society CEO Robert Pirrie said: “We are delighted to have extended our contract with Heritage Portfolio until 2036, enabling further capital investment to enhance the hospitality experience at the Signet Library. Over the last 25 years, we have worked together to make this one of Scotland’s most prestigious venues, adding Colonnades with possibly the best afternoon tea in the whole of the UK. We look forward to welcoming everyone to this sumptuous and most charismatic of venues.”
Heritage Portfolio, a division of Sodexo Live! is a leading provider of private and corporate hospitality for cultural destinations. Producing outstanding catering and event services, it serves some of the most prestigious venues across Britain, delivering amazing experiences that go beyond the remarkable food it creates. In Scotland partners include Musselburgh Racecourse, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, National Galleries Scotland, V&A Dundee and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
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