The Jazz Bar in Edinburgh has been saved from closure, with its new owners seeking funds through a Crowdfunder appeal to reopen the legendary music venue as a social enterprise.

Opened in 2005 by musician Bill Kyle, its sudden closure seven weeks ago shocked the community. The former owners of the venue, based on Chambers Street, blamed its closure on the cost of living crisis and the operational challenges of running such a business in the current economical climate.

The venue's new owners, former staff members (and married couple) Nick and Justyna Mushlin, have now formed a Community Interest Company (CIC). As a result, The Jazz Bar is now a non-profit social enterprise and will benefit from a number of tax relief measures, giving it a fighting chance as a new business. It's hoped that the bar will reopen in July in time for the city's Jazz and Blues Festival.

Nick said of the venture, 'When it became apparent that The Jazz Bar would close, we couldn't just stand by. With immense support from the music community, we took it upon ourselves to purchase the assets, the licence and the name and now look forward to continuing the legacy that has meant so much to us all. The Jazz Bar has always been a home for local musicians and music lovers, and we are committed to keeping that spirit alive.'

Co-owner Justyna Mushlin added: 'We would not have been able to do any of this if it weren't for the love that runs deep for The Jazz Bar and all it stands for. Getting to this stage has been quite a complex process, but we are thrilled we’ve been able to do this in what has been a relatively short period of time. But this is just the start. We are now asking for support to get this new venture off the ground. We have set up a Crowdfunder to help with startup costs and to repay some of the short-term personal loans taken out so far as well as the generous donations by former staff, crew and musicians. We are well on our way, but we still need help from the community, especially with the Jazz & Blues Festival and the Fringe just around the corner.'

The New Jazz Bar - Saving The Music appeal can be found at the Crowdfunder website.