Empty Musselburgh Pub Reopening as High End Restaurant 2026

Key Points

• The Stand pub on Musselburgh High Street has stood empty since it closed in 2014.
• Lothian Hospitality, operator of the adjacent Parrilla Argentinian Grill, bought the property in mid-September 2026.
• The East Lothian Licensing Board voted unanimously to keep the premises licence active while the ownership transfer goes through.
• Architects have inspected the building, and refurbishment work is scheduled to start after Christmas.
• The new owners plan to turn the venue into a high-end restaurant using ingredients sourced from the Scottish Borders and the east coast.
• Local councillors backed the sale, stating the project will clean up a long-standing high-street eyesore.

Musselburgh (Edinburgh Daily) September 25, 2026 – A high-street pub building that has stood empty for more than a decade is set to be transformed into a high-end restaurant after being purchased by its immediate neighbours. The Stand, situated on High Street in Musselburgh, has been acquired by Lothian Hospitality, the operator behind the adjacent Parrilla Argentinian Grill.

The transaction was formally confirmed during a meeting of the East Lothian Licensing Board, where members unanimously agreed to keep the property’s premises licence active while an official transfer application is processed.

What led to the licensing board meeting regarding The Stand pub?

As reported by Local Democracy Reporter Marie Sharp of Midlothian View, the East Lothian Licensing Board had previously raised concerns regarding the premises licence for The Stand because the building had not operated or served alcohol for over ten years. Members had scheduled a review of the licence due to the extended period of dormancy.

However, board members were informed during the meeting that the site had been sold just two weeks prior to the owners of the neighbouring restaurant. Representatives requested that the board allow the existing licence to remain intact while legal paperwork to transfer ownership to Lothian Hospitality is completed.

Who are the new owners and what are their plans for the venue?

As reported by Marie Sharp of Midlothian View, Alastair McDonald, representing the new owners Lothian Hospitality, informed the board that architects have already visited the premises to inspect the building, with construction work scheduled to begin after Christmas.

As stated by a spokesperson for Lothian Hospitality and reported by Marie Sharp, the objective for the site is to establish a “high-end restaurant using local ingredients sourced from the Borders and east coast”. Lothian Hospitality operates the neighbouring Parrilla Argentinian Grill at 76 Musselburgh High Street, which opened in 2017. The family-run business also operates a second Parrilla venue in Loanhead, took over The Coronation Inn in Gorebridge last year, and runs three additional eateries in Edinburgh.

How did local councillors respond to the redevelopment proposal?

As reported by Marie Sharp of Midlothian View, East Lothian Licensing Board member Councillor Lee-Anne Menzies welcomed the purchase and highlighted the long-standing issues surrounding the derelict site. As stated by Councillor Lee-Anne Menzies: “That building has stood empty since 2014 when we were told it would be the jewel in the crown of Musselburgh.

I really welcome the changes this will bring to the town because, at the moment, it is an eyesore and I want to thank you (new owners) for taking it on and investing in Musselburgh”. Additionally, Councillor John McMillan offered his support to the developers, stating: “I welcome the investment and wish you well”. Following these statements, the board agreed unanimously to continue the premises licence.

Background of the particular development

The building known as The Stand has remained unoccupied on Musselburgh High Street since 2014. Over the course of twelve years, the vacant structure drew criticism from local residents and elected representatives who viewed the unmaintained facade as a detriment to the appearance of the main commercial thoroughfare.

Licensing boards in Scotland regularly review premises licences for properties that remain out of commercial use for prolonged periods. Under standard licensing regulations, extended periods of inactivity can lead to the revocation or lapse of a licence unless active plans for commercial operation are presented.

The acquisition by Lothian Hospitality resolved the regulatory review by introducing a concrete commercial redevelopment scheme. The expansion reflects a broader trend of regional hospitality operators scaling their footprint across East Lothian and Midlothian, following Lothian Hospitality’s previous acquisitions in Musselburgh, Loanhead, Gorebridge, and Edinburgh.

Prediction: How this development can affect local residents and the high-street economy

The conversion of The Stand from a vacant site into a high-end restaurant is expected to directly affect several local groups across Musselburgh and the surrounding East Lothian area:

• Local Residents and Property Owners: The removal of a twelve-year-old vacant building eliminates a prominent town-centre eyesore. This aesthetic improvement can enhance footfall on the High Street and potentially support local property values by removing a source of urban blight.
• High Street Businesses: The addition of a new dining destination alongside Parrilla Argentinian Grill increases evening footfall in Musselburgh. Surrounding businesses, including local bars, shops, and transport services, may benefit from increased customer traffic generated by visitors to the new venue.
• Regional Agricultural and Seafood Suppliers: Because the venue’s concept focuses specifically on ingredients sourced from the Scottish Borders and the east coast, regional farmers, fisheries, and food producers stand to gain additional supply contracts and sustained wholesale demand.
• Local Job Seekers: The renovation and eventual opening of the site will create temporary construction employment during the build phase following Christmas, followed by permanent positions in kitchen operations, front-of-house service, and restaurant management once operational.