First pictures of Johnnie Walker whisky visitor attraction

The first artist impressions of a new whisky visitor attraction being built in Edinburgh city centre have been released.

Pictures of how the Johnnie Walker Princes Street whisky experience could look have been revealed ahead of its planned opening in the summer of 2021.

Whisky: The visitor attraction will feature tasting experiences. Diageo

The eight-storey site in the former Frasers building on Princes Street will feature rooftop bars, private dining areas as well as hosting tours, tasting experiences, and live performances.

The project is part of a £185m investment in whisky tourism by drinks giant Diageo.

Former Frasers building: The eight-storey site will feature rooftop bars. Diageo

It is being developed by BRC Imagination Arts, which designed attractions including the Guinness Storehouse, Nasa’s Kennedy Space Centre and the Museum of Liverpool.

The first images of the planned development show designs for a cocktail bar with views of Edinburgh Castle and the capital’s skyline called the 1820 bar – named after the year the Johnnie Walker brand was founded.

They also show designs for an Explorers’ Bothy – another rooftop bar that is expected to stock more than 150 rare bottles and one-of-a-kind cask whiskies and featuring a centrepiece sculpture by Scottish landscape artist Scott Naismith.

Cheers: The visitor attraction will also host live performances. Diageo

Barbara Smith, a managing director for Diageo in Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer people a first small taste of what is to come at Johnnie Walker Princes Street.

“As well as building a whisky visitor experience like no other, we are also creating incredible hospitality and events spaces that will become a landmark destination for people from Edinburgh, Scotland and visitors from around the world.”