A beloved Edinburgh institution, Bon Vivant, has quietly closed its doors for good. The announcement came Monday evening, leaving a void in the city’s vibrant cocktail scene and a wave of shock among its loyal patrons.
The bar, whose name itself evokes a celebration of life’s pleasures – “good living” in French – had been a fixture on Thistle Street since 2008. For over a decade, it served as a gathering place, a destination for expertly crafted drinks, and a cornerstone of Edinburgh’s nightlife.
Financial pressures, steadily mounting in recent times, proved insurmountable. Despite the dedication of its team and the unwavering support of its customers, continuing operations became unsustainable. All customer deposits are being fully refunded, a final act of respect from a business deeply committed to its clientele.
The decision to close now was a deliberate one, made to allow customers with Christmas bookings ample time to make alternative arrangements. It’s a poignant gesture, acknowledging the role Bon Vivant played in countless celebrations and gatherings.
The closure arrives amidst growing anxieties within the hospitality industry. A planned phasing out of a Covid-era business rates discount, set to begin in April, threatens the financial stability of pubs and restaurants across the country.
While promises of the lowest taxes in decades for pubs and restaurants were made, coupled with increased levies on large online retailers, the reality of rising business rates looms large. Many fear these increases will be crippling.
Bon Vivant wasn’t immune to previous challenges either. In the early days of the pandemic, the bar proactively shut down temporarily when a customer tested positive for Covid-19. It was a swift, decisive action taken to prioritize the health and safety of both staff and guests.
The Bon Vivant Group, which also owns The Register Club, The Devil’s Advocate, Lady Libertine, and Lucken Booths, secured an expansion deal in 2018. The future of these other establishments remains uncertain in the wake of Bon Vivant’s closure, leaving many wondering what the coming months will hold.
The loss of Bon Vivant is more than just the closing of a bar; it’s a stark reminder of the economic headwinds facing businesses, and a loss of a cherished space within the heart of Edinburgh.
