A popular rock bar in Edinburgh that closed earlier this year is getting a makeover with a new name and fresh look. The Black Bull on Leith Street, which left many customers disappointed when it closed its doors, has been purchased by the owners of The Black Cat on Rose Street. The renovated pub, now called Penny Black, will soon welcome back patrons.
The new signage on the arch leading to the bar reveals the name Penny Black, a familiar name to locals as it was previously a well-known pub on West Register Street with early morning opening hours. However, the new owner, Chris Miles, has confirmed that Penny Black will not be opening at 6am like before. Chris shared that he used to frequent the former Penny Black which catered to postal and rail workers in the early hours. The revival of the name is a tribute to the Stamp Office at Waterloo Place.
The refurbished pub is well on its way to reopening, with plans to offer a variety of lagers and spirits, some of which will be brewed on-site in the basement where The Bunker once was. During a tour of the pub, Edinburgh Live observed the stripped-down interior with a new bar, exposed brick walls, and upcoming seating arrangements. Chris mentioned that the space will feature seating along the walls, tables, and even a pool table at the back.
In addition to running The Black Cat, Chris has been working on creating his own spirit, which will be produced at Penny Black. The independent bar will distill its own spirits in the basement, where locally sourced apples are currently being stored. These apples will be turned into a unique spirit called Pochle after being mulched into cider and distilled twice.
Despite the ongoing work and preparations, Chris is eager to open Penny Black to the public as soon as possible. He expressed both excitement and nerves about the process, emphasizing the hard work that still lies ahead. The team is aiming to open the doors to the revamped pub in the near future.
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