Historic Edinburgh pub set to close for major refurbishment works

The historic Edinburgh pub is set to undergo a major refurbishment

A historic Edinburgh pub once known as a haunt for poets and art students is set to receive a six-figure investment as it undergoes a major refurbishment.

Milnes Bar Edinburgh placeholder image
Milnes Bar Edinburgh | Stewart Attwood

Milnes Bar on the corner of Rose Street and Hanover Street will temporarily close to customers from Monday, September 28 while work takes place.

The pub is expected to reopen its doors in October with a refreshed interior and exterior, while retaining features which reflect its long history.

The pub has long been associated with Edinburgh's artistic communityplaceholder image
The pub has long been associated with Edinburgh's artistic community | Submitted

The Investment will focus on bringing the building's heritage to the forefront, including the pub's historic Kremlin room.

The room will retain its antique features, which are a nod to the political debates that were once held there. Meanwhile, the famous ‘Lonely Poet’s Chair’ will be given pride of place in the Hanover Street Bar.

The pub has long been associated with Edinburgh's artistic community, having been a popular meeting place for poets and art students throughout the 20th century.

As part of the refurbishment, the pub's exterior will also be given a makeover, with signage, lighting and outdoor furniture plans to improve its appearance from the street.

Inside, customers will find a refreshed bar area, updated flooring and new decor.

There will be cosy booth seating, creating a more relaxed setting for customers visiting for food and drinks as well as the pub's toilets undergoing a full redecoration as part of the works.

The refurbishment is designed to give the venue a new look while maintaining links to the features and stories which have made Milnes Bar a familiar name in the city centre.

The pub is expected to reopen in October, although the exact opening date has not yet been announced.

Customers will be able to browse menus and pre-book tables for drinks and dining through the Greene King app ahead of the reopening.

Milnes Bar is also currently recruiting for new members of staff with both full-time and part-time opportunities available across front and back of house roles.

For more information on bookings, opening times and the reopening you can visit the Milnes Bar website here.

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