Cinema bosses have called time on a popular city bar, with jobs likely to be lost.
The Belmont Filmhouse will close its downstairs bar on April 1.
Management hope to convert it to a function room or other venue that could be hired for events in a bid to increase revenue.
The cinema, owned by Edinburgh Filmhouse, will remain open.
Staff have been consulted and have been told that jobs could be lost.
The bar employs four full-time members of staff and several part-time workers.
Cinema members were not due to be told about the closure plans until March 28.
Kerryn Kirkpatrick, director of external relations for Edinburgh Filmhouse, said: “We are going through a consultation with staff and are talking to them about potentially redeploying them elsewhere in the business or leaving. We are looking to change the way that it operates.
“We’ve been running it for the last three years and despite an increase of people going to the cinema, that hasn’t been reflected in the bar operations.
“It’s a space we could use in a number of different ways and could be used to host all sorts of events.
“There are a number of options that we’re looking at. We are not closing it as a space.
“The cinema is very popular and we are highly committed to it, but we need to make sure it is still sustainable. We need to make sure we do the right thing by our staff and members for the future of the cinema.”
Members pay £30 a year to the cinema, and included in that fee is £10 worth of vouchers to spend in the bar as well as a 10 per cent discount on food, snacks and drinks.
Ms Kirkpatrick added: “We will be looking at offering something in lieu so our members don’t miss out. The vouchers will be valid for everything at the cinema including tickets anyway.”
One insider said the move would be unpopular with regulars.
“The membership are unaware of the plans and are very supportive of the bar facility as it relieves congestion, is a convivial place to meet to eat and drink and regularly displays art exhibitions and musical events,” they said.
“It’s a local establishment that seems to have quite a loyal following. It will be a shame if it is to close.”
