'We are back' - Edinburgh live music venue Whistlebinkies to reopen as pub on Friday with hopes of musicians returning by mid September

A popular Edinburgh live music venue is set to reopen as a pub this week - and the hope is to bring back musicians by mid September.

Whistlebinkies on South Bridge will open from 5pm until 3am on Friday and Saturday nights with table service, social distancing and test and protect data capturing in place in a bid to bring back their loyal customers as the UK Government's furlough scheme continues to wind down.

Rachel Gregson, marketing manager for Bruce Taverns which owns Whistlebinkies, says they decided to reopen after successfully relaunching their live music venue Stramash in the Cowgate two weeks ago. Stramash will this week be offering food when it opens on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Rachel said: "Whistlebinkies has been there more than 30 years so for them to disappear would be a real heartbreak for a lot of people in the city, not just people in the music industry.

Whistlebinkies is set to reopen this weekend. Edinburgh-born singer-songwriter Callum Beattie performs in the venue.

"We are back and looking for all the support we can get from everyone."

Rachel is "praying" that live music will be able to return on September 14, the proposed date given by the Scottish government, but recognises this is subject to change.

She also stressed it is more likely to be singers and songwriters playing acoustic songs as opposed to heavier punk bands, for instance.

The stage will be used for tables and up to eight people, from three different households, can be seated in some of the 'cave' areas inside.

Table bookings are encouraged but walk-ins will be allowed if there is space inside.

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