Prominent Edinburgh restaurant site seeks new tenant

In June, chef restaurateur James Thomson announced that the restaurant would close permanently after 22 year’s trading because of concerns over whether the restaurant would be able to operate under social distancing restrictions.  ​​

Located on the fifth floor, the new lease offers 1,674 sq ft of indoor restaurant and bar space, and 2,174 sq ft of outside terrace, that can be available from early 2021.

Property agent Colliers International says that The National Museum of Scotland, in Edinburgh’s Old Town, welcomed more than 2.2 million visitors in 2019.

It is also close to numerous landmarks, such as the Greyfriars Bobby statue and Greyfriars Kirk, the National Library of Scotland, University of Edinburgh, George Heriot’s School and St Giles’ Cathedral.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for a new establishment to open up at the most popular tourist attraction in Scotland,” says Colliers International’s Paul Shiells.

“The National Museum of Scotland is open to considering either restaurant, bistro or bar tenants interested in leasing and developing the space.”

A base rent is sought, calculated as a percentage of total turnover, supported by a guaranteed minimum annual payment. The restaurant can be accessed by a ground-floor lift through the sentinel-like rotunda entrance. Secondary access is also available by staircase. Also included in the lease is a 1,565 square foot kitchen in the sub-basement and access to a store space.

“This is a beautiful restaurant setting at the top of this golden sandstone-clad building, with floor to ceiling glass overlooking the veranda providing uninterrupted views of the city,” Shiells adds.

“There’s an opportunity to expand the rooftop terrace’s use, to add more covers, or outside drinking areas. The tenant will also be offered opportunities to cater for events held within the museum.”