Plans have been unveiled for a 'modern public house' in Edinburgh on site of a former auction house.
Encore Bars have unveiled plans for The Lyon Public house on George Street this August following a £1.5million investment.
The venue was formerly Westside Rodeo, a country-themed bar with karaoke and a bucking bronco.
It controversially moved to Cowgate earlier this year after Encore Bars took over longstanding rock venue Legends.
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Staff were told the venue was to shut and be replaced by Westside Rodeo, with the capital losing a grassroots music venue in the process.
A staff member told The Herald in March: "I’ve been coming here since I was 18.
“I’ve seen this happening with a lot of live music places in Edinburgh, like Studio 24 which was a big place for us growing up.
“We try and keep every gig we possibly can as a 14+ because we think it’s really important to have spaces for younger people. It gives people stages to play on and people who support that kind of scene.
“In terms of rock, metal, punk and alternative I’m fairly certain Legends is the only place that does under-18 anymore, so it’s taking away a huge space for these younger bands who maybe aren’t quite ready to support bigger bands and play through in Glasgow. There’s nowhere for them to find their feet anymore."
With Westside Rodeo now operating from the Cowgate location, The Lyon Public House will open its doors in August.
Encore Bars said: "Food sits firmly at the centre of the concept. Alongside classic pub favourites, The Lyon will introduce a dedicated in-house bakery and pastry team, with a strong pie-led offering running throughout the menu. A late-night pie shop window will serve until 3am, complemented by a standout Sunday roast, positioning the kitchen as a key part of the overall experience rather than an afterthought.
"The venue will feature a series of distinct spaces, including a glass-fronted indoor/outdoor courtyard that brings the energy of George Street straight into the space, the venue unfolds with multiple stages to provide varied experiences, and a private room for dining, events and viewing parties. With a lengthy bar and long high top tables reminiscent of traditional Bier Halles. The reworked layout creates a natural journey through the venue, shifting in tone and atmosphere as the day progresses.
"Housed within a building that operated as an auction house for over a century, The Lyon Public House takes subtle inspiration from its past. Elements of theatre, energy and interaction run through both the design and programming, with curated antiques and considered interior details nodding to the building’s history while introducing a refined, high-end finish.
"Live entertainment will play a central role, with a rotating programme of performers across multiple spaces. At the heart of this is a duelling pianos concept, bringing a dynamic, interactive element that builds in energy as the evening unfolds.
"The drinks offering will feature 18 draught world beers, including rotating collaborations with independent brewers, alongside a curated wine list and bespoke cocktails designed to suit both daytime and late-night occasions."
