Fire crews race to Cowgate as smoke seen streaming out of popular Edinburgh bar

A major emergency services response was seen in the Cowgate area of Edinburgh after a suspected fire at popular bar OX184.

Emergency services were alerted to the fire at around 4pm this afternoon, Monday 15 May, with the nightlife hub of Cowgate flooded with fire engines soon after.

Residents of nearby flats and student accomodations like Robertson’s Close, College Wynd and Kincaid’s Court were unable to enter their buildings while a cordon was set up.

One College Wynd resident told The Tab that they “left our windows open and could smell the smoke in our accomodation”, and that when they saw the emergency response, their first thought was “will this effect Subway Monday”, with another saying: “I haven’t been in Edinburgh for a month, I am not letting this ruin my Subway Monday return”.

Monday night is popular for students in the city, with events like Subway Cowgate’s “Tracks” drag night, and WhyNot’s “Flare Mondays”.

OX184 is popular with students, locals and tourists alike, offering a wide range of local craft beer options, cocktails, and food served until 2am from Wednesday to Sunday.

The fire appears to have been contained with images of the bar’s roof suggesting the smoke had stopped around 5pm while firefighter continued to tackle the blaze.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 4.09pm on Monday, 12 May to reports of a commercial building fire on Cowgate, Edinburgh.

“Cowgate is closed from the junction of Guthrie Street to Blair Street.

“Those living or working nearby are urged to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke in the area.

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“Operations Control has mobilised four appliances and a high reach vehicle to the scene, where crews are working to make the area safe.

“There are no reported casualties.”

OX184 released a short statement on Instagram saying: “Please note that we will be closed until further notice.

“Thanks for your patience, more details shortly.”

Another popular nightlife spot, The Tron, was closed temporarily by emergency services last month after a suspected gas leak on the property.

OX184 has been approached for comment.