JDW confirms closure of Edinburgh 'institution'
The Foot of the Walk pub in Leith will close its doors for good on Sunday 3 November, the pub behemoth confirmed.
Staff have been offered jobs in other Wetherspoon pubs or the opportunity to transfer to the new owners.
Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We would like to thank our staff and customers for their loyalty to the pub over many years. Wetherspoon does, on occasion, sell pubs, and this is the situation here.”
The Constitution Street pub, which was the Palace Cinema until 1966, was named after its location at the end of Leith Walk, originally laid out as a pedestrian route to and from Edinburgh.
Economic implications
A petition was launched in January this year to save the historic pub, which dates back to 1913, and has since gained more than 300 signatures.
The Change.org petition said: “This pub is more than just a place to enjoy a pint; it's where we meet friends and family, share stories, and feel part of our community. It offers reasonably priced drinks and food in an atmosphere that feels like home to many locals.
“However, this beloved local institution is under threat. We cannot stand by as our community loses its character piece by piece. The closure of such establishments not only affects social life but also has economic implications.
We urge those with power over these decisions to consider their impact on communities like ours in Leith. Let's preserve our local heritage and keep Wetherspoons Foot of the Walk open for future generations to enjoy.”
In its latest trading update, released earlier this month, JDW detailed total sales had soared to £2bn in the FY24, an increase of 5.7% against the previous 12-months.
Pub disposals
Like-for-like (LFL) sales increased by 7.6% against FY23, with bar sales up by 8.9%, food sales by 5.6% and a 10.8% rise in slot & fruit machine sales alongside a 2.7% uptick in hotel room sales.
The firm detailed LFL sales for the 52-week period, ending 28 July 2024, had been stronger than total sales due to a “small number” of pub disposals and lease terminations.
During the 12-month period, JDW sold eighteen pubs and terminated the lease of an additional nine loss-making pubs, which gave rise to a cash inflow of £8.9m.
The pub giant also opened two pubs during the financial year, the Star Light at Heathrow Airport and The Captain Flinders, close to Euston Station in London.
In addition, JDW launched its third franchised site at Haven Primrose Valley Holiday Park, Filey, North Yorkshire in March 2024.
