The Edinburgh pub on Sandown Lane in Wavertree, Liverpool, has announced it will reopen in August after undergoing extensive restoration under new operators. The team behind The Dispensary on Renshaw Street took over the venue earlier this year, vowing that "restoration not renovation is key."
Restoration Plans and Timeline
The Grade II listed building has been stripped back to its core, with external restoration already underway, including work on the pub sign. A social media post on June 26 stated: "So much work has been done stripping every part of this beautiful old pub back to its core. Finishing line is in sight - August reopening incoming."
Planned works include refacing the pub while preserving its original features and aesthetic, installing new toilets, fixing roof leaks, and repointing and painting the building. The Edinburgh said it will reopen "as soon as the works can be done."
New Operators and Commitment to Tradition
In January, the pub closed with immediate effect. The team from The Dispensary then acquired the venue and assured customers that original features would be retained. A post shared on social media said: "Scotty, the old landlord, did a full handover with us and explained the sentimental attachment to certain items in the bar, which we'll respect and keep. Some restoration is required externally to the brickwork, windows and roof, which is very evident."
The post also noted: "The Grade II listing means that it will take a bit of time to organise and complete in proper order. The loos need refitting but the overall internal aesthetic won't change, repairs to the seating and tables, lick of paint, new floor behind the bar etc." The operators emphasised: "Restoration not renovation is key. We will update on timescales for reopening as soon as we know them and can welcome everyone back as quickly as we can."
Background of Closure
The Edinburgh originally closed in September 2023 after the company operating the venue collapsed and the premises licence could not be transferred. At the time, the pub cited a "temporary closure" due to a delay in licence renewal, stating: "Due to circumstances outside our control there is a delay to the pub's licence being renewed. We will hopefully have this sorted by the end of next week but will have to close until then."
The closure was later extended due to "further licence debacles." Following a Liverpool City Council licensing and gambling sub-committee meeting, the pub was allowed to reopen under fresh terms granted to landlord Walter Scott, including changes to opening hours and live music.
