Exact opening date revealed after iconic Scottish bar was saved from collapse after closing

AN iconic Edinburgh bar has been saved from collapse after closing.

Bosses at The Jazz Bar on Chambers Street in the capital announced the shock news in April after a “particularly challenging” time.

They said the cost of living crisis and “operational challenges” made it too difficult to continue.

But thanks to a crowdfunding campaign, the venue could reopen on July 1, much to the delight of punters.

More than £40,000 has been raised through the initiative, which will help with start-up costs and loan repayments.

In a post on social media, staff wrote: “We are delighted to announce that The Jazz Bar will open on Monday 1st July!”

“Please share with friends, more details to follow.”

Music fans flocked to the comments to react to the exciting news.

One wrote: “All the hard work you’ve put in is going to pay off! I’m so happy to see the Jazz Bar opening its doors again.”

Another said: “This is the great news we need.”

A third added: “Well done to everyone involved in keeping the Jazz Bar alive.”

A fourth said: “Brilliant news!”

The Jazz Bar was founded by legendary drummer and gig booker Bill Kyle, who originally opened the Bridge Jazz Bar in 2002.

For just seven months it was a vibrant and popular venue for Edinburgh’s music fans before the Cowgate premises were destroyed in the devastating 2002 fire, which destroyed eleven buildings in the capital’s vibrant arts corner.

The Jazz Bar moved to its current location on Chambers Street in 2005, where it has been delighting punters for almost 20 years.

After Bill passed away eight years ago, his wife Mary Anne and daughter Edith kept the business alive by “carrying on her father’s legacy and continuing her commitment to live music in Scotland.”

The crowdfunding page reads: “The Jazz Bar had to close on April 8, but with your help we found a way to bring it back to life.

“We couldn’t have done any of this without the love that runs deep for The Jazz Bar and all it stands for; for the family built from Bill Kyle’s dream.”

It comes as Scotland’s hospitality and retail sectors continue to struggle with both businesses and punters feeling the pressure of rising costs.

The sector was hit by closures during the Covid-19 pandemic and immediately took another hit from supply issues and the cost of living crisis.