The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Discussion and debate on the issues affecting Portobello
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Maria
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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by Maria » 25 Apr 2012, 07:21

mcdryburn wrote:Those 2 shops frontages are great and are the kind of look/feel I'd like to be seen replicated throughout Porty.
There used to be grant funding for restoration of shop fronts, which helped several local shops over recent years. Unfortunately, this funding is no longer available.
www.porty.org.uk

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Porty
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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by Porty » 25 Apr 2012, 08:24

yeah I had one of those grants.It was 30 years ago, which tells you how long the high st has been a concern.
.....ambition makes you look pretty ugly

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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by nina » 25 Apr 2012, 10:03

Hi everyone.
I saw that some of you were asking what was happening with Barelio/ Figgate Whins.
We started the refurbishment early this year to turn it into a bar, bistro which will be called The Skylark (in reference to the pleasure boat from the early 60's)
It is taking slightly longer then excepted… But we are getting there and you should be able to come and enjoy a pint of Stewart's soon.
We have a Facebook page and a blog if you want to keep up to date with the progress
https://www.facebook.com/theskylarkportobello
http://theskylarkportobello.tumblr.com/

We already have Word of Mouth cafe in Leith if you have ever visited it, we will have a similar ethos

Kirstie and Nina

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wangi
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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by wangi » 25 Apr 2012, 10:15

Besy of luck with that Kirstie and Nina. Love the photos of the old posters & the hidden ceiling (you've got rid of the false one, yeah?)

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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by Franck » 25 Apr 2012, 11:03

nina wrote:Hi everyone.
I saw that some of you were asking what was happening with Barelio/ Figgate Whins.
We started the refurbishment early this year to turn it into a bar, bistro which will be called The Skylark (in reference to the pleasure boat from the early 60's)
It is taking slightly longer then excepted… But we are getting there and you should be able to come and enjoy a pint of Stewart's soon.
We have a Facebook page and a blog if you want to keep up to date with the progress
https://www.facebook.com/theskylarkportobello
http://theskylarkportobello.tumblr.com/

We already have Word of Mouth cafe in Leith if you have ever visited it, we will have a similar ethos

Kirstie and Nina
This is excellent.Porty High street needs another decent pub.Look forward to visiting.

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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by Franck » 25 Apr 2012, 11:05

Puerto bella wrote:How did the new kebab shop on Southfield Place slip under the radar?
It's had it's consent for years.I used to have the flat directly above it when it was used as a really crap newsagent.I'm very,very happy I no longer own it.

I think it's location would work well as a good newsagent, especially once the old folks home is built.Shame the owners are half-arsed about anything they put in there.

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Pal of Porty
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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by Pal of Porty » 25 Apr 2012, 11:47

Love the name - great memories of the Skylark, which has a real association with Portobello.

Best of luck. 8)
Justice delayed is justice denied.

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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by Makaveli » 25 Apr 2012, 12:09

Good luck with The Skylark!!!! We are looking forward to come in for drink soon!!!!

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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by nina » 25 Apr 2012, 14:36

Yes! False ceiling is gone and plasterboard on the walls as well. We have nice v-line panelling and exposed bricks now.
We just receive some of the paint today, so exciting!

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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by Henry Christian » 25 Apr 2012, 15:06

nina wrote:you should be able to come and enjoy a pint of Stewart's soon.
Great news. Have you decided yet which ones you'll be getting in? I'm particularly keen on the Edinburgh No. 3 and the 80/-.

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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by nina » 25 Apr 2012, 15:19

we will have Edinburgh Gold and Holyrood on tap. We also will have one of their real ale that we will regularly change.
And a range of bottles of course!

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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by Porty » 25 Apr 2012, 15:48

Good luck and all the best. We will definitely be in. Meanwhile I am kicking myself for not giving Word of Mouth a try. I live nearby and pass when I go to the Sicilan Pastry shop (usually for birthday cakes). I just took a peek at your website and had no idea you offered such quality. Will be trying that too.http://www.wofmcafe.com/www.wofmcafe.com/Welcome.html


What made you pick Portobello for your new venture?
.....ambition makes you look pretty ugly

cocoa
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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by cocoa » 25 Apr 2012, 18:57

Great news, have been to word of mouth on a few occasions, excelent food, music, service and general vibe. I'm sure you will do realy well here.

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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by PortySeahawks » 26 Apr 2012, 10:53

If there's Holyrood on tap, I will definitely be making frequent visits!

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Sandra
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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by Sandra » 01 May 2012, 13:06

Fantastic! Can't wait for the opening. Will be brilliant to have a new local :)

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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by nina » 01 May 2012, 13:21

Thank you for all your nice message.
I can't wait to be pulling the first pint in The Skylark!
I move to Portobello myself last october. It is such a nice part of Edinburgh and just the perfect place for the next step of our business venture.

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Mark Cameron
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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by Mark Cameron » 01 May 2012, 13:25

Nina do you have a date in mind to be pulling that pint?
Mark

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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by nina » 03 May 2012, 20:12

i hope soon!
I think mid june is likely.
We just had our new windows put in today! It make such a difference inside.
But there is still quite a way to go. i am putting some photos up on the blog or the Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/theskylarkportobello
http://theskylarkportobello.tumblr.com/

Can't wait to have the bar built and start filling up those shelves.
We will get our wine and some local and imported bottled beers from Cornelius in Leith http://www.corneliusbeers.com/
And we will do off-sale too!

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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by Franck » 08 May 2012, 15:34

nina wrote:i hope soon!
I think mid june is likely.
We just had our new windows put in today! It make such a difference inside.
But there is still quite a way to go. i am putting some photos up on the blog or the Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/theskylarkportobello
http://theskylarkportobello.tumblr.com/

Can't wait to have the bar built and start filling up those shelves.
We will get our wine and some local and imported bottled beers from Cornelius in Leith http://www.corneliusbeers.com/
And we will do off-sale too!
Nina, as someone who's partial to a nice atmosphere but also rather keen on cooking lager (Tennents to be exact), will you be making provisions for us heathens?

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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by rnuwithmark » 27 Jun 2012, 12:18

Really looking forward to you opening Nina, best of luck with it. Edinburgh Gold - brilliant!

See you when you open,

Mark

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Epykat
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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by Epykat » 27 Jun 2012, 16:46

I see the former home of krakatoke and BTOTB is to be an Art Gallery and Coffee House - sounds good!
Enough of your nonsense - get back to the Play Pen!

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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by SoupDragon » 28 Jun 2012, 07:33

Forgive my ignorance but where's that Epy?

See the old pet shop is now a Salvation Army shop

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wangi
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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by wangi » 28 Jun 2012, 09:01

The old Tides Inn at foot of King's Road.

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SoupDragon
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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by SoupDragon » 28 Jun 2012, 11:24

Ah!
Thought that had gone up for sale with permission to turn it into flats.

See the First and Last looks like its becoming flats

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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by bearcub » 29 Jun 2012, 23:36

nina wrote:Thank you for all your nice message.
I can't wait to be pulling the first pint in The Skylark!
I move to Portobello myself last october. It is such a nice part of Edinburgh and just the perfect place for the next step of our business venture.
You're looking very close to opening time Nina...can't wait! =P~

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magbagpuss
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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by magbagpuss » 30 Jun 2012, 15:54

Just seen pic posted on Facebook ... Is the Skylark open ? Maybe they are just having a dry run ?
whatever, am i bovvered

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Maria
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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by Maria » 30 Jun 2012, 18:17

Officially open now magbagpuss :D
www.porty.org.uk

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wangi
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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by wangi » 30 Jun 2012, 19:25

And the new deli open today too...

Subject: Victor Hugo
magbagpuss wrote:Just popped in to welcome Victor Hugo to Porty and to wish them well. Good stock , not too expensive . quite a lot of overlap with Earthy. There was 1 man in front of us . 3 girls , 1 serving. First day , give them a bit of space. Did wait upward of 5 minutes in which time 1of them made beautiful looking coffees, 1 as requested started filling rolls . Her hair was not tied back properly and was loose and floating over her face , she constantly had to flick it back. When we did get served girl was a bit flustered so had a bit of chat with her about first days. Cupcakes had just been delivered . They looked wonderful. Asked for cheese and girl seemed confused to which one she had given me. A man came in to use the cafe and could not get his single buggy passed even though I moved a box of crisps. You must assume at one point a buggy will enter your shop . Do not think this has been allowed for. Was overcharged and asked for bill to be checked , had been charged twice for an item , very hastily rectified but no apology given at any point for overcharge or length of wait.
Not sure about return visit , Earthy does it better but best cupcake ever and put in polystrene soup container with lid for travel . Great idea.
Think it will be an asset to Porty. Sometime soon. This may seem harsh but I work in customer service and winced more than once .

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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by nina » 01 Jul 2012, 21:44

Yes The Skylark opened yesterday!
We will have a launch party next Friday as this was done quite quietly in order for us to find our feet.

I'll post more detail about the party next week.

Come in to have a look, a piece of cake or a pint!

Nina

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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by regent » 01 Jul 2012, 22:11

Over thinking it a bit there magbag!
who said that?

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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by Sceptic » 20 Jul 2012, 16:53

How many store developments were dropped because of the "Portobello Against Virtually Every Development" (PAVED), no sooner than something is proposed, someone, usually a "stalward" of the PCC is "against it".

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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by wangi » 31 Jul 2012, 09:34

Epykat wrote:I see the former home of krakatoke and BTOTB is to be an Art Gallery and Coffee House - sounds good!
and it has been open a few days now...
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid= ... 682&type=1
Nicola Mcfarlane Young > Talk Porty ~ Portobello
Image
'The Tide' cafe & gallery is now open (bottom of King's Road) & they are now displaying my Beach Art pieces. It's fantastic for Portobello to have another family run business supporting local art.
Facebook Page: Beach Art

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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by Epykat » 04 Aug 2012, 22:42

We have a new pet shop - hooray! :D
Enough of your nonsense - get back to the Play Pen!

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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by Bazza » 05 Aug 2012, 11:21

Epykat wrote:We have a new pet shop - hooray! :D
Where?

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magbagpuss
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Re: The shops thread (was: Empty Shops on Porty High St)

Post by magbagpuss » 05 Aug 2012, 11:33

Old card shop next to Findlays deli. Lovely girl. Offered to get what we use for the moggs . Wish her well.
whatever, am i bovvered

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