A historic building in Edinburgh’s Old Town is set to be transformed into a new bar and a restaurant, creating more than 90 jobs.
Scottish hospitality operator Signature Group has announced plans to open Ember & Fellows on Forrest Road in early 2027, bringing two different venues together under one roof.
The development will breathe new life into a landmark building dating back to the 1870s, close to the National Museum of Scotland and Greyfriars Bobby.
Originally built between 1872 and 1874 as a meeting hall for the Independent Order of Oddfellows, a mutual-aid society, the property will now become a new food, drink and entertainment destination.
Ember will be a traditional, upmarket Scottish pub, with a menu focused on seasonal produce and charcoal cooking.
Fellows, meanwhile, will offer a completely different experience as a large sports bar and entertainment venue. Signature Group says the concept will be unlike anything currently available in Edinburgh.
Both venues will operate independently within the same building, offering different experiences throughout the day and evening.
The project marks Signature Group’s first entirely new hospitality opening since McLarens on the Corner launched in Edinburgh’s Morningside in 2020.
Nic Wood, Director at Signature Group, said: “2027 is set to be a really exciting year for Signature as we gear up to launch our first two major new bars and restaurants in the capital for over six years, creating over 90 hospitality jobs.
“We didn’t intend to take such a long break, but recent government policies have made expansion increasingly challenging.
“When this opportunity came along, though, we knew we could put our own signature on the building with fresh concepts, a new design and something Scotland hasn’t seen before.
“That’s always been our USP. We like to do things a little differently and give guests something they won’t find anywhere else.
“Forrest Road offers the perfect location to open ‘Ember & Fellows’, right in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Expect two separate hospitality venues with their own distinct personality, all under one roof, day and night.”
The Edinburgh-based hospitality group operates more than 20 bars, restaurants and hotels across Scotland, including several prominent venues in the capital.
Its portfolio includes Copper Blossom on George Street, Badger & Co on Castle Street, and The Rutland, The Huxley, Kyloe and Understory on Rutland Place.
Wood added: “We’re committed to continuous investment and development across all our venues to enhance the customer experience and create a truly unforgettable visit every time.”
Recruitment is already underway for a range of positions at Ember & Fellows ahead of its planned opening next year.
Further details about the new venues are available at www.emberandfellows.co.uk.