How Edinburgh New Town Offices Give your Employees Better Lunch Breaks

Hanover Street in New Town Edinburgh

The best workplaces don't just support what happens between 9 and 5 — they enhance every part of the working day.

As expectations around work continue to evolve, businesses are increasingly recognising that employee experience is shaped by more than office design or technology. Location, convenience, wellbeing and the opportunities available beyond the office all influence how people feel about where they work.

That's one of the advantages of being based at The Auction Rooms by Mota.

Situated on Queen Street in the heart of Edinburgh's New Town, The Auction Rooms offers more than a premium workspace. It places businesses at the centre of one of Europe's most inspiring city centres, where exceptional restaurants, cultural landmarks, green spaces and exclusive member benefits are all within easy reach.

For our members, lunch isn't simply a break from work. It's an opportunity to recharge, connect and make the most of everything the city has to offer.

More Than Just a Great Address

Research consistently shows that taking time away from your desk improves focus, reduces stress and supports better decision-making throughout the afternoon.

Working in Edinburgh's New Town makes that easy.

A walk through Princes Street Gardens offers spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle, while nearby attractions such as the National Galleries Scotland, National Galleries: Portrait and The Museum on the Mound provide the perfect opportunity to experience some of the city's rich culture, even during a 30-minute lunch break.

And for employees with an eye for fashion, there are countless boutique and chain clothing shops.

The National Gallery: Just minutes away from the Auction Rooms.

Food Worth Looking Forward To

One of the greatest benefits of working in New Town is the quality and variety of food available just a short walk from the office.

Whether it's a relaxed business lunch, an informal catch-up with colleagues or a coffee between meetings, members are surrounded by some of Edinburgh's best independent cafés and restaurants.

For coffee and something casual:
Café MILK is one of The Auction Rooms' partners, making it an easy choice when you want a good coffee or something quick to eat without spending your whole lunch break away from the office.

For a relaxed business lunch:
Fogo de Chão offers an authentic Brazilian dining experience, serving fire-roasted meats and traditional Brazilian dishes in a vibrant, welcoming setting—ideal for lunch with a client or colleague.

For something a little different:
Six by Nico Edinburgh offers an ever-changing dining experience, while Badger & Co is a relaxed option for a longer lunch or catch-up.

For a longer lunch and a glass of wine:
Whighams Wine Cellars is another New Town favourite, offering a more relaxed setting for catching up with colleagues or clients.

And these are just a handful of the options available. Auction Rooms members also benefit from exclusive partner offers across a growing network of restaurants and cafés throughout Edinburgh, with exclusive benefits designed to help members make the most of the city around them.

Getting Physical on your Break

Did you know that a workout on your lunch break can boost cognitive performance? That’s right!

New Town has plenty of fantastic fitness and spa experiences that can help you put your best foot forward during the workday.

For a gym session:
Bannatyne Health Club is located on Queen Street, making it particularly convenient for members who want to fit exercise into their working day.

For stretching and mobility:
Stretched offers assisted stretching sessions, providing an opportunity to release some of the tension that can build up after hours at a desk.

For relaxation and recovery:

One Spa provides an escape from the busy city life with its rooftop thermal suite, allowing you to rebalance and recharge in a sauna, steam room and Himalayan rock salt room.

Spaces that Encourage Better Connection

Some of the most valuable conversations aren’t limited to formal meeting rooms.

With Edinburgh's New Town home to an exceptional community of professional services firms, creative businesses, entrepreneurs and growing companies, your lunchtime hour can be an ideal opportunity to catch up with clients, strengthen relationships or build new connections.

And that doesn't always mean heading out. Some members invite clients to The Auction Rooms for lunch and use The Auction Hall for a relaxed catch-up away from the desk. With comfortable seating, coffee close at hand and a setting that feels less formal than a meeting room while still being professional, it can be an ideal space for conversations that don't need a boardroom.

It's a workplace designed not only to help businesses operate efficiently, but to help them grow.

Members of The Auction Rooms in our Auction Hall Members Lounge

The City as Your Workplace

The way we work has changed, and expectations of the workplace have changed with it.

Businesses are looking for more than office space. They're looking for environments that help attract and retain talented people, create positive daily experiences and remove the friction from the working day.

That's exactly what The Auction Rooms is designed to deliver.

From premium workspace and hospitality-led service to exclusive access to Queen Street Gardens and member discounts across Edinburgh's restaurants, cafés, shops, gyms and attractions, every aspect of the experience is intended to make working in the city centre more rewarding.

Because the best workplaces don't simply provide somewhere to work. They create a place where people genuinely want to return to.