Wednesday December 3rd 2025
William Hill Bookies in Peebles
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
The odds appear favourable that a new restaurant will be on the menu in Peebles after a planning application was submitted for the conversion of a vacant bookmakers.
A bid has been lodged with Scottish Borders Council for the change of use of the ground floor at 62 High Street which was previously occupied by a branch of William Hill bookmakers.
The proposed development will see this vacant property converted into a “quality restaurant”.
Access will continue to be via the existing front doors directly off the High Street and will open into the main restaurant area.
Upon entering the restaurant, on the left hand side will be a bar/servery where patrons can enjoy a drink while waiting to be seated.
Beyond the main restaurant at the rear of the property will be the kitchens and food preparation areas, storage and a dedicated refuse storage facility.
A report with the application states: “Externally the only change to the building will be the installation of a galvanised steel extraction vent which will ensure that odours and fumes from the kitchen are efficiently disposed of.
“The proposed development is not a new build, it is recycling an existing property which if left empty could very quickly become a dis-amenity and a blight on the High Street.
“Given that the previous use was that of a bookmakers, loss of retail is not an issue as there is no loss.
“The proposed development will see an existing vacant property on a prominent location on the High Street refurbished and recycled to provide a new wining and dining experience.
“The new restaurant will be a welcome addition to the other restaurants in the town and will animate this part of the High Street particularly in the evenings and the dark winter nights when the splay of light from the windows will illuminate the footpath contributing to the sense of safety and security so essential if the town is to enjoy an evening economy.
“It has been demonstrated that the new restaurant meets all the requirements of the development plan and accordingly will fit seamlessly into the fabric of the townscape and ensure a long life for this property.”
Operating hours would be Sunday to Thursday 10am to 11pm and Friday and Saturday 10am to midnight.
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