Edinburgh bars and nightclubs that closed their doors for good in 2023 from Cav, the Auld Hoose and Basils

Edinburgh lost several popular businesses this year…here is a list of eight bars and clubs that closed their doors for the last time in 2023

By Neil Johnstone

Published 30th Dec 2023, 16:56 BST

Updated 30th Dec 2023, 18:12 BST

From legendary Edinburgh nightclubs to award winning dog-friendly pubs, the capital lost some great drinking venues this year.

West Tollcross venue, ATIK, more commonly known as The Cavendish or Cav, shocked regulars when they announced plans to close their iconic venue at the beginning of the year. And towards the end of the 2023 it became apparent that the pop-up bar on the rooftop of Waverley Mall would soon be a thing of the past.

Here are eight bars and clubs that closed their doors for good in 2023.

Situated on top of Waverley Mall, the Festival Village closed for good this year after the council refused to grant an extension on the collection of pop-up bars. Opening in 2017, the owners later applied for a three-year extension, arguing the bars and food stalls contributed to the ‘vibrancy and vitality of the city centre.’ But planning chiefs claimed the Festival Village was not in line with the character and appearance of the New and Old Town conservation areas.

1. Waverley Festival Village

Situated on top of Waverley Mall, the Festival Village closed for good this year after the council refused to grant an extension on the collection of pop-up bars. Opening in 2017, the owners later applied for a three-year extension, arguing the bars and food stalls contributed to the ‘vibrancy and vitality of the city centre.’ But planning chiefs claimed the Festival Village was not in line with the character and appearance of the New and Old Town conservation areas. Photo: Local Democracy Service

Good Brothers Wine Bar in Dean Street, Stockbridge, was a family-run business serving natural wines and bar bites. First opened in 2016 by brothers Graeme and Rory Sutherland, the wine bar shut its doors on May 13. They said after seven "wonderful" years they had taken "the very hard decision not to renew our lease with our landlords".
But they added: “We’re currently searching for the right site to relocate to and have a few irons in the fire."

2. Good Brothers Wine Bar

Good Brothers Wine Bar in Dean Street, Stockbridge, was a family-run business serving natural wines and bar bites. First opened in 2016 by brothers Graeme and Rory Sutherland, the wine bar shut its doors on May 13. They said after seven "wonderful" years they had taken "the very hard decision not to renew our lease with our landlords". But they added: “We’re currently searching for the right site to relocate to and have a few irons in the fire." Photo: Good Brothers

Bourbon on Frederick Street, opened in 2016, providing a range of energetic nights – from ‘Milk Tuesday’s’, ‘Rascal Thursdays’ and their flagship event ‘Bourbon Saturday’s. But in August the city centre club announced plans to close after seven years. Club owners said on social media: “Seven years of throwing the best nights out in the Capital. Seven years of the best staff, DJs and customers. Seven years of partying with the Capital’s finest. It’s been real…Thanks for the memories.”

3. Bourbon Nightclub

Bourbon on Frederick Street, opened in 2016, providing a range of energetic nights – from ‘Milk Tuesday’s’, ‘Rascal Thursdays’ and their flagship event ‘Bourbon Saturday’s. But in August the city centre club announced plans to close after seven years. Club owners said on social media: “Seven years of throwing the best nights out in the Capital. Seven years of the best staff, DJs and customers. Seven years of partying with the Capital’s finest. It’s been real…Thanks for the memories.” Photo: Neil Johnstone

The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen, which was part of The George InterContinental hotel in George Street, closed its doors for good in March, with the hotel saying it was in talks about a new project at the venue.

4. Printing Press Bar & Kitchen

The Printing Press Bar & Kitchen, which was part of The George InterContinental hotel in George Street, closed its doors for good in March, with the hotel saying it was in talks about a new project at the venue. Photo: Google

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