Edinburgh jazz venue to reopen as social enterprise

A popular Edinburgh music venue is to reopen as a social enterprise after former workers at the bar took it over.

The Jazz Bar closed suddenly on 8 April with owners citing the cost of living crisis and "operational challenges" as the main reasons behind it shutting.

However, it has now been re-launched by the venue's former manager Nick Mushlin and his wife Justyna, who also previously worked there.

The couple intend to have the Chambers Street venue open again by the summer, in time for the city's jazz and blues festival in July.

The Jazz Bar was opened in 2005 by musician Bill Kyle, and was then taken on by his daughter Edith after the drummer died in 2016.

It will now operate as a Community Interest Company (CIC), which the Mushlins say will let it take advantage of a 75% rebate on business rates and VAT exemption on ticket sales.

Nick told BBC Scotland News: "I couldn't let it close for good. I believe we can give it a good shot as a CIC.

"I remember when Bill died in 2016 it was a really tough time, but everyone in the community pulled together and threw everything they had at it. It was the same when Covid happened.

"It is one of the most vital stepping stones for musicians in the city."

Nick began working at the bar in 2007, and became bar manager in 2009, with Justyna joining the bar staff slightly later.

The couple, who have two children, say they hope to have around 10 staff working at the venue once it has re-opened.

'Amazing support'

The assets, name, and license of the bar have already been purchased by the CIC, with online fundraiser currently running to "help with start-up costs."

Help has been provided by the Music Venue Trust charity, which aims to support grassroots venues across the country.

Nick added: "We want to end the Fringe in August with a pot of money to see us through to the end of the year. We will be opening whatever happens, but the fundraiser would obviously help longer term."

They say they have received considerable support since their plans were announced, and the couple are already considering ideas for the future, including daytime gigs and events to bring a younger audience through the doors.

Justyna said: "The phone has been constantly ringing and so many people are rooting for this to work. It has been amazing in terms of support.

"It's a home away from home for us and it really is a community that supports it."