Many of you will know that Summerhall’s Courtyard is a year round hub for patrons of The Royal Dick bar and the centre point of the theatre communities during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe so it is truly good news to know that Monday 13 July 2020 sees it’s re-opening.
As Scotland moves into phase three of lock-down measures, the favourite southside spot will open weekly from Thursday – Sunday from 2pm. Bookings are all online, with tables for two and picnic benches for up to six people available in two hour slots for the socially distanced courtyard that captures the sun (if it happens to be out!) throughout the day.
Summerhall General Manager Rowan Campbell commented, “After a bumper opening weekend, we would advise people to book well in advance and if your preferred slot isn’t available, try 15 mins either side. We’re almost fully booked for this weekend so we’ve opened up bookings for the next few weeks too.”
As the pub and the Summerhall team move into this ‘new normal’ for the arts hub, they are inviting Edinburgers to come and enjoy a couple of drinks during one of the two hour slots.
On tap will be Barney’s Beer and Pickering Gin, both brewed on site having worked through lock-down on alternative revenue streams. Summerhall resident cleaning company Daybreak have been working to deep clean the entire site, using hospital-grade testing to declare Summerhall as Covid-19 Hygiene Certified.
Sadly the reopening of the Courtyard and the Royal Dick Bar does not signal the security of Summerhall’s incredible arts and live music programme, so if you are able to go beyond buying a pint or can afford to but still are shielding and cannot yet visit, you can support Summerhall by visiting their website’s donate section.
Further information and first-hand updates on Summerhall can be had by signing up on their website or following them on Instagram, FB and Twitter.
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 