Leith’s pub scene has a new landmark with the opening of the country’s first licensed bridge as an outdoor extension of the Teuchters Landing pub.
Renovation of the derelict crossing had been a long-cherished dream of Teuchters director/owner John Tindal and his business partner Peter Knight – but it was a big job, and needed extensive permissions and investment.
“After 16 years in Leith, we have finally completed the last piece of the jigsaw and got our bridge opened,” declared John.
“I believe it is the only licensed bridge in the country! And I believe we now have one of the best beer gardens in the country!”
The actual process took four years in planning and six months to complete. The old bridge was owned by Forth ports, but Teuchters leased it and then paid for the full refurbishment.
The business used all local tradesmen to do the work, and they got their licence for the bridge in March of this year, and were finally able to open it in July – just, John noted, as the rain arrived!
“Myself and Peter are really chuffed. It has given us an extra 200 covers a day, when the weather allows it. This has been a huge investment, but it is paying off!”
During the first flush of Covid, Teuchters changed its business model to work with one kitchen, ‘spanking new loos’, an outside bar and a huge covered area.
It opens for breakfast at 10am and serves good fast fresh local food til 9pm, with the bar open til 1am every night
The vast majority of its beers are local, and it stocks a vast array of whisky too.
And now, customers have the pleasure of enjoying that offering in a rather unique setting!
