The Old Chain Pier, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic pubs, is celebrating a historic milestone following the implementation of the new Scottish Pubs Code.
January Watson, area manager for Malt Group
The landmark legislation, which gives pub owners the right to request a rent-only agreement without being tied to a pub-owning business for stock supply, has empowered the venue to break free from restrictive purchasing obligations.
This new-found independence means the historic pub can stock a wider, more exciting range of beers, and permanently cut the price of its house lager to £5 a pint, as well as reduce the price of all its beers.
To mark the occasion, The Old Chain Pier is hosting a week-long celebration from 29th June to 5th July. Throughout the week, all pints poured at the pub will be reduced to just £5. As part of the celebration the venue will also hand over its beer garden to three of Edinburgh’s finest local breweries, with free pints up for grabs.
Edinburgh’s pubs and restaurants are currently navigating unprecedented financial pressures, including high VAT, soaring business rates, road closures, rising employer National Insurance contributions, and the highest local authority charges in Europe for outdoor tables and chairs.
Against this challenging backdrop, the Scottish Pubs Code is viewed as a much-needed lifeline, finally allowing venues like The Old Chain Pier to operate fairly and pass those savings directly to customers and sell pints at true market prices.
“The Scottish Pubs Code has been a massive relief for us,” said January Watson, area manager for pub owner Malt Group. “Operating in Edinburgh’s hospitality sector is incredibly tough right now, with mounting taxes, rates, and the highest table and chair charges in Europe.
“Being able to step away from tied stock means we finally have the freedom to curate our own beer selection, support brilliant local breweries, and pass those savings directly on to our loyal customers with £5 pints.”
All week long, the pub’s famous beer garden will be transformed into a playground featuring giant Jenga, hopscotch, quoits, and cornhole. Additional festivities running throughout the week include live music performances, free face painting for all ages, and a pet fancy dress competition.
As the week progresses, Stewart Brewing (Friday, 3rd July), Newbarns Brewery (4th July), and Campervan Brewery (5th July) will take over the beer garden, with free pints for the first 20 customers. There will also be barbecue food available.
