Sat behind the Edinburgh’s famous Skye terrier bronze statue, Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar is one of the most photographed pubs in all of Scotland. So, in order to keep it in tip-top shape for the cameras of generations to come, the pub is officially getting a major refurbishment.
Edinburgh City Council has just approved plans for a big glow-up for the interior and exterior of the historic pub on at 30-32 Candlemaker’s Row. The restoration plans include new decor, a refresh of finishes throughout the venue and new staff facilities on the second floor. There’ll be new booth seating, a new carpet, new radiators with traditional cast iron type and a new fixed drinks shelf. The toilets will also be getting an upgrade.
As for the pub’s exterior, there are plans to refurbish the gold-lettered signage and install new windows, new frames and a new menu box. The planters and pillars will be freshened up but remain pretty much the same. A timeline for the refurb hasn’t been revealed.
The Greyfriars Bobby statue honours a dog from the nineteenth century that reportedly spent 14 years guarding the grave of his owner in Greyfriars Kirkyard until his death.
Given it’s cultural significance, Historic Environment Scotland was asked to have its say on the proposals to upgrade Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar – it saw no issues. On approving the application David Givan, Edinburgh council’s chief planning officer, said: ‘The proposals have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building and its setting and will not adversely impact on its special architectural and historic interest.
‘The interior of the public house has been significantly altered in the past. The proposed internal works impact areas of secondary significance and are considered acceptable.
‘The proposals will preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area. There are no material considerations that outweigh this conclusion.’
See Time Out’s list of all the best pubs in Edinburgh here.
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