Iconic Edinburgh pub to be rebranded as 'cultural time capsule' to '80s and '90s
An Edinburgh institution is set to open under a new name after a highly anticipated refurbishment, bringing an "unapologetically nostalgic twist to a legendary location".
Opening in the former Tam O'Shanter on Great Junction Street in the Leith area of the city, the Leith Social Club hopes to be a cultural time capsule as it channels the music and mood of the '80s and '90s.
Designed in collaboration with Mike Baxter, the new pub is a love letter to his youth. He said: "When the team approached me to take on the Tam O'Shanter, I thought we should take a gamble – Leith doesn't need another speakeasy. What I wanted to do was to celebrate the culture and community and reimagine the local pub for a modern audience.
"I didn't want to fake it. I lived through the '90s in bars like this. I wanted something that felt real. Inspired by The Face magazine, with live music, classic DJ sets, a great pint, and killer art. A place for Gen Z, Gen X, and everyone in between.'
Packed with features, including a Burberry concept pool table, pro dart board and a soundtrack blaring from aniconic LaserDisc jukebox, the opening week coincides with the return of the ultimate 90s icons, Oasis, to Edinburgh.
To commemorate, Leith Social Club have curated a calendar of events to celebrate. On August 7, Definitely Maybe and (What's the Story) Morning Glory? producer Owen Morris will be sharing wild stories from the studio in an intimate, ticketed event prior to the pub welcoming the public from 8pm.
There will also be a Noel Gallagher experience to enjoy, alongside The Oasis Exhibition held in collaboration with Bittersweet Home.
Open from August 8-12 and raising funds for Maggie's, revellers can get up close to multiple platinum discs, instruments and even a coat which was worn by Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher.
Throughout the opening weeks there will be a packed schedule of Oasis-themed entertainment, most notably an appearance from The View's Kyle Faulkner who will be playing his favourites from the band's repertoire on August 13, and a DJ set from Irvine Welsh on August 16 to launch the pub's Acid House Saturdays.
The Leith Social Club will open its doors for the first time on Thursday, August 7.
Patrons can expect pub quizzes, acoustic sets and acid house tunes, and darts and pool competitions too.
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