Oculus Lounge
At the heart of the original India Buildings, lining the top of Victoria Street, lies our impressive Oculus Lounge.
Follow our red staircase from the front door and you’ll find a three-tiered domed rotunda with decorative original tiling and circular cast iron balustrades which have been loving restored to their former glory creating a beautiful light-filled space that looks and feels as special as the history behind it.
Opening Times
Lounge
Cosy up all day, relax and recharge
Afternoon Tea
Saturdays & Sundays:
12:00- 15:00
Find Us
1, India Buildings,
Victoria St, Edinburgh
EH1 2EX, UK
Afternoon Tea
Saturday & Sunday | 12:00- 15:00
Delight in the elegance of Afternoon Tea in the enchanting Oculus lounge. Join us every Saturday and Sunday for a refined experience featuring finely brewed teas paired with exquisite pastries. Indulge in sophistication and charm as you elevate your weekend with a touch of luxury.
Priced at £35 per person
£22 glass of Veuve Clicquot
Pour, sip, gift
Looking for a gift with a little extra sparkle? Treat someone to a stylish Afternoon Tea experience. Whether it’s classic tea and sweet bites or a Veuve Clicquot twist on tradition, it’s the perfect way to celebrate, catch up, or simply indulge. A thoughtful treat for birthdays, big moments, or just because.
Artist in Residence
We’re thrilled to introduce our Artist in Residence programme, created to celebrate and support Edinburgh’s vibrant art scene and creative community.
Each quarter, a local artist will set up studio in our Unicorn Room tucked away in one of the historic Old Town turrets on the 10th floor of the hotel. Guests of the hotel are invited to explore the artist’s studio, discover the inspiration behind their work, and experience the creative process up close.
*Our artist in residence for the summer residency has been selected and will be announced soon. In the meantime if you’d like to apply for our next residency due to commence early February 2026, please contact us for an application form
Email artist.inresidence@virginhotels.com for an application form