A trendy new cocktail bar could be setting up shop in one of George Street's empty lots.
An application has been submitted to Edinburgh Council, which is yet to be approved, to change the use of the building which sits at 102 George Street. The new spot would sit between Victor Hugo cafe and Fazenda.
The space hasn’t been occupied for several years, having last served as an Austin Reed outlet. Since 2018, the lot has lain empty - though should the plans be approved, London Cocktail Club will be setting up shop.
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Described as one of London’s most ‘prestigious’ bar experiences, the Cocktail Club was launched in 2008 and aimed to ‘change the London bar scene’. They now have 17 sites across London, Bristol, Reading, Exeter, Cardiff and Birmingham.
The new spot is also set to create 15 new jobs. On their website, the chain said: “Armed with a world-class drinks menu, years of cocktail expertise, and a passion for nightlife artistry, a little local site with a lot of heart soon became one of London’s most booming bars.”
In the application, they wrote: "The London Cocktail Club has carved out its own niche in London’s cocktail bar scene, with its speakeasy style, destination-led basement sites.
"The concept involves a collection of bars where customers could experience best-in-class cocktails in existing environments with added theatre. The proposed development would result in a new premium operator in Edinburgh diversifying the offer available for the city."
Letting agents Ewan Mackay, who represent a number of high street retailers such as The White Company and Caffe Nero and are selling the space, say the vacant property presents ‘challenges’.
They wrote: “Insurance requirements for vacant high street retail properties dictate that water systems be fully drained, and electricity be cut off at the incoming supply.
“Furthermore, that all display window facia will be fully boarded up. These requirements prevent proper heating and ventilation causing dampness, attract vandalism, and are not conducive to securing new tenants.”
The plans include constructing booths around the edge of the space, with a bar in the centre of the room. You can find out more about the London Cocktail Club here.
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