Tuesday January 27th 2026
Uplands Roast
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Joe Sullivan
A licensing decision has been deferred as a comedy, music, arts and craft space attempts to open with only a portable toilet.
Uplands Roast has applied for a public entertainment licence to use the space on George Square Lane from 10am until midnight from Wednesday to Sunday, with a small bar on site.
The company was granted planning permission in May of last year to use the property for coffee roasting and storage, and also operates a trailer selling coffee nearby.
Councillors at Monday’s licensing meeting were told that the firm planned to use a portable toilet instead of a fixed toilet inside the premises.
No representative of the firm was available at the meeting to decide on the public entertainment licence application, where councillors debated what to do next.
Liberal Democrat councillor Jack Caldwell asked whether George Street Lane was pedestrianised, or if it had traffic.
Conservative councillor and committee convener Joanna Mowat said the lane was open to traffic.
A council road officer added that the proposed portable toilet was located under a stairwell on the roadway, meaning it would not obstruct movement on the road.
George Square Lane is a narrow road to the east of Middle Meadow Walk, linking it after a jog south to the southern end of George Square near the Edinburgh University library.
Liberal Democrat councillor Neil Ross said: “The portable loo is on council land, I’d rather it be on the applicant’s premises.
“Can I ask for any information on the suitability of the premises for the nature of the activities they are suggesting? It strikes me as rather odd and maybe not appropriate.”
Council regulatory services boss Andrew Mitchell replied: “I think Cllr Ross is struggling for the exact reason my officers have sent it to committee.
“I think it did strike us as being unusual, and the kind of thing where the committee might want to hear from the applicant to understand the operation.”
Cllr Mowat sought information from officers, saying: “I’ve seen pictures of this in operation because it is hip and cool with the young people, so I have been aware.
“I still don’t understand the plans. Is there a sitting area, is there a standing area? Does it open on to the green bit between North Meadow Walk and the building with the garages?
“Or do the garages open on to George Square Lane? So are [patrons] gathering on the roadway?”
A roads officer replied: “My understanding is gathering on the roadway. Therefore I assume the opposite side.
“However, I think there may be a slight complication in that Upland Roast currently have a space in the Meadows, which may or may not be associated.”
Cllr Mowat asked councillors if they felt they had enough information to make a determination on the licence application.
Labour councillor Margaret Graham responded: “I don’t feel like I have enough information, when I first read the title ‘Upland Roast’ I didn’t think of coffee, I thought of roasting animals.
“I’m not convinced I have enough information.”
Cllr Mowat said: “I think I would join you in that I’m still not entirely clear. I’ve done a visit, not for this particular application, but I’ve visited these units two years ago.
“So I’m aware of where they are, but I still don’t know where this is breaking out.”
Councillors agreed to push a decision on to a licensing meeting next month, with Cllr Mowat saying a decision would have to be made then even if the applicant was not present.
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