Capital gains: Another Fuller Thomson pub

The pubs group behind Edinburgh establishments Holyrood 9A, Red Squirrel and The Southern has taken the wraps off its latest venue in the capital after securing an £850,000 funding package from Bank of Scotland.

Gary Thomson, left, and Paul McWilliams mark the new Cowgate opening. Picture: Chris Watt

Fuller Thomson, which also owns Drouthy’s, Duke’s Corner and Jute in Dundee, has opened the OX184 bar and restaurant on a site in the Cowgate previously occupied by Capital Bar & Club and Siglo.

Director Gary Thomson said: “We have been steadily growing our presence in the Edinburgh bar and restaurant market for some time now, through a number of well-established locations. The Cowgate seemed a natural place to open our next venue and the funding support has enabled us to put our plans into action and continue our expansion in Edinburgh.”

Paul McWilliams, relationship director at Bank of Scotland, added: “The Edinburgh hospitality industry has been performing strongly but this also makes for a highly competitive marketplace in the city.”

Founded in 2005, Fuller Thomson employs 170 staff and generates turnover of more than £6 million.