The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

[Maria]

[Porty]

yeah I had one of those grants.It was 30 years ago, which tells you how long the high st has been a concern.

[nina]

Hi everyone.
I saw that some of you were asking what was happening with Barelio/ Figgate Whins.
We started the refurbishment early this year to turn it into a bar, bistro which will be called The Skylark (in reference to the pleasure boat from the early 60's)
It is taking slightly longer then excepted… But we are getting there and you should be able to come and enjoy a pint of Stewart's soon.
We have a Facebook page and a blog if you want to keep up to date with the progress
https://www.facebook.com/theskylarkportobello
http://theskylarkportobello.tumblr.com/

We already have Word of Mouth cafe in Leith if you have ever visited it, we will have a similar ethos

Kirstie and Nina

[wangi]

Besy of luck with that Kirstie and Nina. Love the photos of the old posters & the hidden ceiling (you've got rid of the false one, yeah?)

[Franck]

[Franck]

[Pal of Porty]

Love the name - great memories of the Skylark, which has a real association with Portobello.

Best of luck.

[Makaveli]

Good luck with The Skylark!!!! We are looking forward to come in for drink soon!!!!

[nina]

Yes! False ceiling is gone and plasterboard on the walls as well. We have nice v-line panelling and exposed bricks now.
We just receive some of the paint today, so exciting!

[Henry Christian]

[nina]

we will have Edinburgh Gold and Holyrood on tap. We also will have one of their real ale that we will regularly change.
And a range of bottles of course!

[Porty]

Good luck and all the best. We will definitely be in. Meanwhile I am kicking myself for not giving Word of Mouth a try. I live nearby and pass when I go to the Sicilan Pastry shop (usually for birthday cakes). I just took a peek at your website and had no idea you offered such quality. Will be trying that too.


What made you pick Portobello for your new venture?

[cocoa]

Great news, have been to word of mouth on a few occasions, excelent food, music, service and general vibe. I'm sure you will do realy well here.

[PortySeahawks]

If there's Holyrood on tap, I will definitely be making frequent visits!

[Sandra]

Fantastic! Can't wait for the opening. Will be brilliant to have a new local

[nina]

Thank you for all your nice message.
I can't wait to be pulling the first pint in The Skylark!
I move to Portobello myself last october. It is such a nice part of Edinburgh and just the perfect place for the next step of our business venture.

[Mark Cameron]

Nina do you have a date in mind to be pulling that pint?

[nina]

i hope soon!
I think mid june is likely.
We just had our new windows put in today! It make such a difference inside.
But there is still quite a way to go. i am putting some photos up on the blog or the Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/theskylarkportobello
http://theskylarkportobello.tumblr.com/

Can't wait to have the bar built and start filling up those shelves.
We will get our wine and some local and imported bottled beers from Cornelius in Leith http://www.corneliusbeers.com/
And we will do off-sale too!

[Franck]

[rnuwithmark]

Really looking forward to you opening Nina, best of luck with it. Edinburgh Gold - brilliant!

See you when you open,

Mark

[Epykat]

I see the former home of krakatoke and BTOTB is to be an Art Gallery and Coffee House - sounds good!

[SoupDragon]

Forgive my ignorance but where's that Epy?

See the old pet shop is now a Salvation Army shop

[wangi]

The old Tides Inn at foot of King's Road.

[SoupDragon]

Ah!
Thought that had gone up for sale with permission to turn it into flats.

See the First and Last looks like its becoming flats

[bearcub]

[magbagpuss]

Just seen pic posted on Facebook ... Is the Skylark open ? Maybe they are just having a dry run ?

[Maria]

Officially open now magbagpuss

[wangi]

[nina]

Yes The Skylark opened yesterday!
We will have a launch party next Friday as this was done quite quietly in order for us to find our feet.

I'll post more detail about the party next week.

Come in to have a look, a piece of cake or a pint!

Nina

[regent]

Over thinking it a bit there magbag!

[Sceptic]

How many store developments were dropped because of the "Portobello Against Virtually Every Development" (PAVED), no sooner than something is proposed, someone, usually a "stalward" of the PCC is "against it".

[wangi]

[Epykat]

We have a new pet shop - hooray!

[Bazza]

[magbagpuss]

Old card shop next to Findlays deli. Lovely girl. Offered to get what we use for the moggs . Wish her well.