More than 90 jobs to be created as new two-in-one pub and venue moves into historic Edinburgh site
The new venue is due to open in early 2027 on Forrest Road
More than 90 jobs are set to be created in Edinburgh’s Old Town as a new two-in-one hospitality venue is set to open at a historic site next year.
Edinburgh-based hospitality group Signature Group has announced plans to create a new venue called ‘Ember & Fellow’s at the former meeting hall for the independent order of Oddfellows, located at 10-18 Forrest Road.
The historic building is located nearby the National Museum of Scotland and the Greyfriars Bobby statue, and was purpose-built for the secretive mutual-aid society between 1872 and 1874.
The building was most recently used to house cocktail bar Ballie Ballerson, which closed in October 2024 after operating firm Ballie Edinburgh LTD fell into administration.
Ember & Fellows will offer patrons two separate hospitality experiences - Ember will be a traditional Scottish pub with high-end food and drinks, while Fellows will be a buzzing sports bar and entertainment space.
The venture marks the first entirely-new venue launched by the Signature Group since the opening of MacLaren’s On The Corner, which opened in Morningside in 2020. The hospitality group also operates prominent city venues such as Copper Blossom, Badger & Co, The Rutland, The Huxley, Kyloe, and newly-opened cocktail bar Understory.
Nic Wood, director at Signature Group, said: “2027 is set to be a really exciting year for Signature as we gear up to launch our first two major new bars and restaurants in the capital for over six years, creating over 90 hospitality jobs.
“We didn’t intend to take such a long break, but recent government policies have made expansion increasingly challenging. When this opportunity came along, though, we knew we could put our own signature on the building with fresh concepts, a new design and something Scotland hasn’t seen before. That’s always been our USP. We like to do things a little differently and give guests something they won’t find anywhere else.
“Forrest Road offers the perfect location to open ‘Ember & Fellows’, right in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Expect two separate hospitality venues with their own distinct personality, all under one roof, day and night.”
Mr Wood added: “We’re committed to continuous investment and development across all our venues to enhance the customer experience and create a truly unforgettable visit every time.”
Ember & Fellow’s is scheduled to open in early 2027.
Applications are open now for a number of hospitality roles at Ember & Fellows, with more information on roles available on the Signature Group careers website. Applicants can send their application and CV to [email protected].