A HISTORIC 125-year-old Edinburgh pub could be saved from permanent closure if a new tenant is found.
Clark's Bar, located on Dundas Street in the heart of the city, was established in 1899 and has been a popular drinking spot for locals for decades.
On Wednesday a post on the pub's social media announced the shock closure of the popular boozer which has now been refuted by the venue's owner.
The post on Facebook said: “Unfortunately Clark's Bar is being developed into something else and is to close this Friday. 125 years old.
“We would like to thank everyone that has drank with us over the last 5 years, through Covid on the steps of the old bank and through all we have endured these past years.
“We will be open 12pm-3am this Friday for everyone that would like to reminisce about all the good times and send Clark's Bar into the history books.
“It honestly has been a pleasure to take this bar as far as I could.”
Regulars had flocked to the comment section to share their support and sadness about the news believing Clark's Bar would be closed indefinitely.
However, it is understood the tenants of the pub have since been told to delete the post by the venue’s owner.
According to Caledonian Heritable Ltd, who own Clark's Bar, the pub has operated as a tenanted venue since 2019.
A spokesperson for the firm clarified that the current tenant’s tenure will end on Friday but they are on the hunt for a replacement to keep the 125-year-old business going.
A spokesperson for the firm said: “I can confirm that the owners are Caledonian Heritable Ltd and that they did not publish or sanction the social media posts suggesting the bar and its 125-year tenure is over.
“CHL were only made aware of this yesterday despite a three-month notice being the normal protocol. As such, we are now looking for a new tenant to ensure that any forced closure is kept to a minimum.
“We are obviously keen to move on and appoint a new operator as a matter of urgency.”
The pub was recently featured in the Good Beer Guide for 2024 and is recognised by the CAMRA Pub Heritage for its historic interior.
A spokesperson for CHL added: “This is a truly iconic site and has been a mainstay of the Edinburgh pub and real ale landscape for over 125 years, it is our ambition to see it remain as a hospitality destination for the New Town community and beyond.
“We seek an experienced operator with a track record within hospitality and a passion for outstanding draught beer. Above all we seek someone with a deep understanding of Clark's Bar, its provenance and tradition to be its next custodian.”
Interested parties are advised to contact Paul Hastie, Head of Tenancy for CHL.
