A former Edinburgh wine merchant and pub could soon become an art gallery showroom as new change of us proposal has been submitted to the council with the vision of altering the building.
The property, at 24 Portland Place, North Leith, was formerly The Caledonian Inn, named after Portland Street which used to be known as Caledonian Street. It was also known as just the Calley Bar by locals in the area.
The building was then named 'The Sports Bar' until it ceased trading years ago. Now, the original signage of 'Charles Campbell' can be seen across the front of the pub, established in 1840.
READ MORE: Edinburgh jewellery thief snared after eagle-eyed boss spots stolen items in social media pics
Recently, we reported how the 'Charles Campbell' ghost sign had been spotted by locals after the dark blue paint and signage from the Sports Bar had been stripped back. The new proprietors of the building, Concrete Studio, had chosen to keep the original signage and layout.
It was discovered that Charles Campbell was an old wine merchant in Leith. Discussing the long gone pub in Lost Edinburgh, John Stevenson commented: “It was a good old fashioned ‘workies pub’ in my days, great fun and banter - pubs like that are all gone now sadly.”
A planning proposal has now been submitted to change the former pub into a retail/showroom unit, although Concrete Studio, the current owners, list the address on their website.
The application also states that the ground floor building was due to be transformed into an apartment, but the plans ultimately fell through.
An advert made on February 3, 1893, reads: “The licensed premises on Portland Place are to be sold, with Dowell’s Rooms, and two o’clock in the afternoon. Occupied by Charles Campbell Spirit Merchant, together with two dwelling houses on the first and second flats immediately above.”
The rental of the spaces was priced at £80, just over £10,000 by today's standards. Charles Campbell junior passed away in 1901, at the age of 53.
Since then, many hazy nights have been had in the building when it eventually became the Caledonian Bar - before being renamed the Sports Bar. While under this name the pub was no stranger to a bit of trouble, even losing its licence for a short period of time in 2010.
READ NEXT:
Edinburgh campaigner call for financial support for pregnancy drug disabilities
JK Rowling says Edinburgh locations didn't inspire places in Harry Potter books
Edinburgh family nearly miss out on £40,000 holiday due to passport office chaos
Scottish people worried about ‘dangerously long’ waits for A&E and ambulances
Mum hits back at 'intrusive' neighbours' 'lack of boundaries' that 'drives her mad'
