New Wetherspoons pub in former Edinburgh Revolution bar to serve alcohol from 9am

A Wetherspoon pub set to open in Edinburgh city centre has gained new licence terms on the way to opening its doors to the public.

Formerly the Revolution Bar, the budget pub chain bought up the property on Chambers Street last year after the cocktail venue suddenly shut in summer 2024.

According to licensing board papers, the company asked for permission to serve alcohol between 9am and 1am Monday through Saturday, and 11am to 1am on Sundays on the site.

It would open from 7am, providing breakfast in the morning and other food items throughout the day.

The capacity is listed as 485 persons, who would be located across the basement and ground floors.

The papers say the venue will be ‘completely refigured’ to create a ‘traditional JD Wetherspoon style of operation’.

Councillors at Monday’s licensing board approved the firm’s requested licence conditions for the venue.

It represented a change of conditions from the premises licence held by Revolution up to its closure.

Drawings on the council’s planning website show subdued branding around the entrance to the premises would be added.

Boards, for a menu and for calling out events and other things inside the venue, would also be added on either side of the front door.

And a stepped entrance, along with a lift, would be added, replacing a ramp inside the property going up from street level.

Otherwise, the building – once part of the Edinburgh Dental Hospital and School – would remain unmodified.

The new venue sits immediately next to Edinburgh Sheriff Court and Edinburgh Justice of the Peace Court.

Solicitors representing JD Wetherspoon asked for a decision on licensing matters related to another new venue in the city to be delayed to a meeting next month.

That pub, in Fountain Park, will take the place once occupied by McCowan’s Brewhouse.

The popular spot shut in August of last year after owners Greene King decided not to renew their lease.

No opening dates have been announced for the Chambers Street and Fountain Park venues.