The Old Chain Pier in Edinburgh is celebrating the introduction of the new Scottish Pubs Code by reducing the price of its house lager to £5 a pint and expanding its range of beers following greater freedom over its purchasing arrangements.
The landmark legislation allows tied pub tenants to request a rent-only agreement, removing the obligation to purchase stock through a pub-owning business. The change enables venues such as The Old Chain Pier to source beers independently, broaden their offering and pass savings directly to customers.
To mark the occasion, the historic waterfront pub will host a week-long celebration from 29 June to 5 July, with every pint priced at £5 throughout the event. Customers who book food between 29 June and 2 July will also receive 20% off their food bill.
The celebrations will see the beer garden transformed into a family-friendly entertainment space with giant games, live music, face painting and a pet fancy dress competition. Local breweries Stewart Brewing, Newbarns Brewery and Campervan Brewery will each take over the beer garden across the final weekend, with the first 20 customers each evening receiving a free pint alongside a barbecue featuring hot dogs, chicken kebabs and other favourites.
The changes come at a challenging time for Scotland’s hospitality sector, with operators continuing to manage rising operating costs, including business rates, employer National Insurance contributions and other overheads.
January Watson, Area Manager for Malt Group, said: “The Scottish Pubs Code has been a massive relief for us. Operating in Edinburgh’s hospitality sector is incredibly tough right now with mounting taxes, rates, and the highest table and chair charges in Europe. Being able to step away from tied stock means we finally have the freedom to curate our own beer selection, support brilliant local breweries, and pass those savings directly on to our loyal customers with £5 pints.”
The Old Chain Pier hopes the combination of lower prices, greater beer choice and community-focused events will reinforce its position as one of Edinburgh’s best-loved neighbourhood pubs.
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