Sneaky Pete’s: Legendary Edinburgh music venue which launched Lewis Capaldi to reopen this month selling pizza slices

One of Edinburgh’s most iconic music venues is set to reopen later this month – but it won’t be live bands on the menu.

Like most other grassroots venues, Sneaky Pete’s has been forced to find innovative ways to stay afloat during months of closure brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Cowgate establishment, which hosted early gigs from once rising stars Lewis Capaldi, Young Fathers, Mumford & Sons and Tame Impala, still can't put on live music or club nights – but they can reopen as a bar selling food and drink.

Sneaky Pete's, the Edinburgh venue which hosted one of Lewis Capaldi's first ever live shows, will reopen on June 17, selling pizza.

To keep business ticking over until the industry returns to normal, Sneaky Pete's has teamed up with popular local pizza chain Civerinos – and from June 17, they will begin serving up pizza slices and cocktails.

Nick Stewart, the venue’s manager, told the Evening News: “Civerinos are just a great local business. We're all pals. Their staff hang out at Sneaky Pete's, and our staff love their pizza.

“Last time opening with Civerinos was a real hit. Two businesses with a community feel working together just clicked for people.

“It's been a super-tough year, for sure,” he adds.

During the months when Sneaky Pete’s was closed, Stewart became Scottish Coordinator for the Music Venues Trust (MVT), a UK registered charity dedicated to protecting grassroots music venues.

“So far, it's worked,” he says of the MVT’s efforts to try and ensure dedicated grassroots music venues can stay afloat in the pandemic.

“There have been no permanent closures of grassroots venues in Scotland so far.

“The best way to support music venues right now is to buy tickets for their gigs and clubs – because they will happen eventually.

“And if that venue, like us, is open as a bar, then book a table and come along and have some fun.

“Literally, the best thing you can do to bring back your favourite music venues is to do all you can to enjoy them like you used to.”

Sneaky Pete’s is set to reopen for business on June 17, and you can book a table at the venue here.

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