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The teams behind Edinburgh-based brewery Newbarns and restaurant The Palmerston have confirmed their plans to open a pub, The Cooper’s Rest, on the city’s Easter Road.
The Cooper’s Rest will be a joint venture between Gordon McKenzie and Emma McIntosh, the co-owners of Newbarns, and Lloyd Morse and James Snowdon, the co-owners of The Palmerston.
The project will revive the existing The Cooper’s Rest pub, which has been closed since 2015. The launch is planned for early 2026.
The vision for The Cooper’s Rest is to merge the warmth and welcoming atmosphere of a pub with quality drinks and food. The menu will feature modern takes on classic comfort dishes, with the team working closely with farmers and producers to source the best local and seasonal produce.
Beers will come from Newbarns and spirits from Leith-based brands including Woodrow’s of Edinburgh, Blind Summit, Electric Spirit Co. and Fragrant Drops. Wines will come from The Palmerston’s cellar.
Commenting on the new venture, James said:
“The seed for the pub was planted way back in 2022. Through getting to know Gordon and the team at Newbarns, we realised we're all ‘gagging’ for Edinburgh to have a proper pub which serves proper pub food.
“Edinburgh is a city full of great pubs, but every ‘gastropub’ in the city is really a restaurant – you can't go in and sit at the bar all afternoon drinking pints. During the last few years, we've discovered we have similar ideas of what we love in a pub and want to bring that to Edinburgh; exceptional food, quality drinks and a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike”.
Gordon added: “At Newbarns, everything we do starts with that feeling you get around a pub table with friends – the easy camaraderie and good conversation. So often those friendships and those tables have included the brilliant people from The Palmerston, so this collaboration at The Cooper’s Rest just feels right.
"We can't wait to share our passion for exceptional food, great beer, and truly good company, bringing everyone together under one roof.”
www.thepalmerstonedinburgh.co.uk
Photography: The Palmerston, of back left-right, Lloyd Morse and Gordon McKenzie, and front left-right, James Snowdon and Emma McIntosh
