Edinburgh's The Rat Pack Piano Bar announces closure 'with heavy heart' after 20 years in business
A popular Edinburgh bar has announced ‘with a heavy heart’ that it will close its doors for good next month.
The Rat Pack Piano Bar, on Shandwick Place, opened in 2005 and has since celebrated the legacy of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. with 50s and 60s live music and a wide range of cocktails on offer.
But after more than 20 years in business, bosses announced that it will shut up shop for good on April 5.
They said: “To all of our loyal customers over the years, it is with a heavy heart that we declare after nearly 21 years, The Rat Pack will close its doors on the 5th of April 2026.
“Thank you for being part of this amazing journey through some great times, years of road closures, recessions, pandemics and then some more memorable nights, unforgettable times.”
The closure announcement comes as they have said it has been difficult to attract a new generation of customers to the venue.
They said: “As our loyal customers over the years have matured with time, it’s been hard bringing in the new generation of party goers to appreciate the entertainment and what we offer, at the same time it is also very hard to source and have some of the musicians we have had in the past, maybe it’s just that times change and tastes evolve.
“So rather than try and sit it out and go through the inevitable pain of survival - as many businesses similar to ours are and have been doing, we would prefer to close with dignity and let some younger blood revive the space.”
But bosses at the venue said they hoped loyal fans in the city would remember the bar as a place which “will bring a smile to many faces”.
“Everyone in Edinburgh has had a connection at some point with the Rat Pack, we would like to think this will bring a smile to many faces remembering something that made them laugh, our existence was based purely on making sure everyone was entertained,” they said.
“Our musicians and entertainers were the very best Scotland had to offer, some of you may remember some of the very best of them, like, Al James, Marc Mowbray, Jay Faichney, Paul Crompton, Robin , Marc Cole, Gavin Paul, even Callum Beattie for a couple of years, many, many others too which we thank for sharing their talent with us.
“We tip our hat to you and thank you for your business over the years.”
The news came as a blow to fans of the bar, who took to social media to share memories of nights spent at The Rat Pack.
One said: “Ah no, had some absolutely amazing times there in my student days. Great music, cheap cocktails, space to dance, what more could you ask for?”
Another said: “I am so saddened to hear this news as myself along with many of my friends enjoyed many a night at The Rat Pack. I hope you know that you brought many years of happiness to many people and wish you and the staff all the best going forward in whatever you do.”
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