Spent 27 years working at Jenners, an amazing place especially when it was still family run. Was one of the last staff out on close down day so thanks for the tour of my old haunt, good to see work is progressing.
This is such a sad comment to see at the same time, but is indicative of how great a place it was. Thank you for no doubt helping or serving myself or mother at some point if you were of that part in the store. Either way, thank you, your place at Christmas was a joy to visit.
My mum also worked there from the late 70's. I remember being there lots in my childhood. Such a great place until the later phase of its life. Interesting video which i've forwarded on to my parents. All the best to you.
I was so sad when Jenners closed. My grandmother used to take me for afternoon tea there as a child and their restaurant was still my favourite place for coffee when back in Edinburgh. It had one of the best views in the City. Such an iconic building. I am saddened by the current state of Princes Street.
As an Edinburgh resident Jenners was very much an Edinburgh institution. I am sure it will always be known as Jenners to those of a certain vintage. The main room with all the balconies you showed which was the main atrium would house a huge Christmas tree every year which again was an Edinburgh institution, you can find many pictures as to how wonderful the tree and decorations looked online. I have hopes that the new redevelopment will be kind to the architecture and the buildings history. Thanks for showing this gents.
You are welcome. I can imagine the Christmas tree in there, wish we had visited prior to closure. Maybe they will bring the festivities back when it reopens as a hotel
@@UrbandonedThat's exactly what went through my mind , the huge Christmas tree standing in the middle of the floor between those beautiful wooden banisters . Was a very sad day Jenners closed down . I shopped there frequently, staff were always courteous and very helpful . I remember the gentleman that stood at the front door and opened it for customers entering the premises. To me Jenners will always be Jenners . 😢❤
I worked for KD Decorative in the early 2000’s and remember installing the Christmas tree in the centre of Jenners it was a mammoth task with a couple of us hang in the rafters to hang the block and tackle that lifted the framework as the tree was built. It certainly was a centrepiece befitting a fine store.
Lovely to see inside the building again. I knew this place so well. My favourite shop. Many a lunch hour browsing around Jenners and often a place to meet with friends for coffee at the week end. In 2015 I had a short stay in hospital. In the next bed to me was Millie, a lady in her 90's. She reminisced about her younger life, Jenners very much being part of it. Her first job there at 16 years old, as a shop assistant. Her wages helped support her ailing mother and younger sister. Her uniform was a black dress, black shoes and mid length gloves. She said it was only the wealthier people who shopped there and often she would be sent on foot to deliver items to a customers home. Mostly small items but they were too lazy to carry them, she said. Millie would often walk miles in all weathers and sadly, seldom got a thank you. So many stories within those walls.
Really glad the video took you back to when the store was open. Millie sounds like a very hard-working, admirable lady. Guarantee there is an abundance of people with stories similar in relation to this specific property
You had to be a certain type of customer back in the day lol. I went there to buy my first suit back in the early 70’s and the doorman stopped me and said “don’t think this is your type of place, try along the street”.
If you see the original architecture of the main rail station in Edinburgh, Waverley, it’s very similar, beautifully ornate & very special. The Xmas tree in jenners was always a wonderful site
Really shocked to hear that. Why the heck are such deaths not mentioned at Prime Ministers Questions every week. I feel like we as a public have a right for stories like that to bigger news than one headline on a local paper
i was working just around the corner when the fire broke out and we took in people from neighbouring businesses that had to evacuate and gave them coffees while they waited to see if they’d be opening back up… the road was still closed when i finished and had to be escorted to get out - so tragic a man lost his life that day, still see tributes and flowers left outside every now and then. RIP x
So many memories of Jenners brought on by this video. Trips to the Santa’s grotto, seeing the magnificent Christmas tree, my late grandpa buying me a toy from the brilliant basement toy department. And then the smell of the perfumery as you stepped in the doors on the Princes Street side! And having a coffee break in the wee cafe with the high stools overlooking the Scott Monument whilst Christmas shopping. Makes me slightly mournful. I honestly think it would have survived if it hadn’t been sold to failing Frasers.
I live nearby and every time I walk past it, to this day, I feel a pang of sorrow. You visited the basement where the toy department was - vivid sweet memories of taking my child there several times, he lusting after the latest nerf gun or whatever was craze of the moment. Visiting at Christmas wa a treat in itself. Such a landmark, it is nothing short of scandalous that this icon has been allowed to fall to this. Edinburgh district council wastes millions on dodgy projects but this should have supported as a bulwark against the dehumanising likes of Amazon While I can’t openly condone trespassing, it was good/sad to see this, thanks
This place was always worth going in, especially at Christmas with it's remarkable decorations. It looked like something from a movie. Sad it closed but this is Britain, fading glory and managed decline. Bravo for getting in and out. That was great to watch, thankyou.
I'm impressed you got in and not caught! They are turning in into retail on the bottom 1st floor a restaurant Upper floors a hotel. Had you stuck to the Upper floors there is a lot of offices/staff areas with original features.
Jenners at Christmas was such a joy. The toy dept... Looking at all the Airfix models... (90s). I remember playing the Super Nintendo stand they had with F-Zero and the Nintendo lady they had with her uniform and baseball cap was so nice, my cousin visiting from Australia spoke to her about Gameboy stuff and he walked away with lots of extras for it. I remember buying a new bobble for our Christmas tree on the farm, just before we made the big drive down to Galloway...Looking out from above down at all the floors in that big opening, people going about their business....This truly is a loss, and this is from some kid following his mother around doing her shopping (!)
@@Urbandoned Yeeees yes, but its not all flibly nostalgia, I had next to no money when I took on the duty of the parents to buy that one more key tree decoration. Nostalgia can be fluff or mortar, weird and/or not so.
I couldn’t tell you what year, but one Christmas my mum and I went to Jenners, and it was the only time I had ever been. She has mobility issues and, due to her declining health, was aware that there was a chance she wouldn’t be able to walk much longer (she was right), so my mum asked if we could skip down Princes Street holding hands. I remember walking in the main door and we both just looked up in awe at the Christmas tree and grandeur that surrounded us, before decided we probably can’t afford anything, but let’s wander anyways haha. We ended up in Patisserie Valerie on (I think) the top floor, sharing cakes, and my mum looked just so happy staring at the huge Christmas tree. We talk about that day often because it was special to both of us.
I also worked in this beautiful building for many years as sous chef then Head chef. I feel I was privileged to work here with so many great colleagues. The 2 brothers Andrew and Robbie were 2 of the most down to earth guys, even helping out in the kitchen on many occasions as the boardroom was next door. It was also great at Christmas time when the hauled the Christmas tree in the front doors and plonked it in the middle of the building. Also a magical place for all the kids visiting the toy department looking for what to ask Santa for, then visiting the man himself, one of the best Santa’s in Edinburgh. It’s a such a same it shut as it was an Edinburgh institution and one of the last great buildings that stood on Edinburgh’s famous street, overlooked by Edinburgh castle. Edinburgh should hold its head in shame by the downfall of such an iconic street that is looked over by this magnificent and most recognisable icon of Edinburgh and Scotland. There has been many great buildings destroyed on this street and replaced with monstrosity’s of the 1960’s and 70’s Why Harrods did not take this building over and officially name the store by its unofficial name Harrods of the North !! Let’s hope they proof us all wrong and make the building a destination for visitors to this great city again.
So sad to see it like that. The toy department in the basement was brilliant, and the food department on the top floor always well stocked. The highlight was always the huge Christmas tree in the middle. It was never the same when Frasers took over. Some of those escalators could be dodgy though!
I remember people actually made seeing the tree at Jenners part of their Christmas shopping experience, even if they had no intention of buying anything in the store.
@@OGLobster It's still a shame. All these stores are shutting down, you have to drive a retail park or order off Amazon now. If Jenner's was paying Amazon taxes would it have shut down? Are cities like Edinburgh just going to turn into Air BnB holiday destinations? Where you can buy any kinda fancy coffee you like, at inflated prices, but can't buy a toaster.
@@Old_Scot under renovation that should have finished last year, meanwhile 2024 brings cost of living home and more business etc are closing. Do we really think a 90 bed hotel is going in here? My guess is, only if the SNP give a grant to a pal like they usually do, hide that in their dodgy book keeping and hope that it all goes well. Where else has a ferry, hospital and many other issues other than the banana republic that is the concrete kabal in Edi.
It's so sad. Jenners was an institution. There was Civic pride in the place. People used to come from mls to visit it. I wish City Councils had done smthing to help the 'high street' earlier in our cities all over the UK. Encouraged independent stores by reducing rates for them. Grants for maintenance etc. Promoting unique independent shops along side galleries and museum's for the tourist trade.
One of your first ones where I've been to the building. Sad to see it empty. I remember my boy being given a Lindt bunny by a sales assistant one Easter.
What a great video and thanks Alistair, Theo and Alex for coming back to Scotland where your are more then welcome anytime. Having been in the building a few times (by the front door), it is an amazing building and although its stripped, you did show its best parts, which are its external architecture and the central atrium with its lantern skylight. It was very interesting to see your method of access and egress, which whilst being outstanding, it did raise my blood pressure seeing you all climbing that fence and the drop below. Glad to see its going to be put to a good use. Thanks as always lads.
Glad you enjoyed Fraser, we have already been back to Scotland multiple times after filming this video. The architecture inside is truly remarkable, isn't it?
Glad you didn't get caught. The way you guys casually entered the hotel next door, through the corridors, and out to the street made me smile. Of course, that's the way to avoid arousing suspicion, but it takes courage!.
Wow! I hope you enjoyed your time here in Edinburgh! Jenners was always the place to be at Christmas. At one point it had a beautiful toy department. Everyone from here had visited the place at some point in their lives.
As a man from Edinburgh, I know inside this place like the back of my hand. What a shame it had to close. As a kid, the toy department, especially at Christmas was magical (up until a certain point in time when it turned generic.) Yet another building in this city that will be closed off to us commoners unless we book a night in the hotel! As someone that dabbled with amateur photography, there used to be AMAZING spots, usually behind displays at windows to get unique shots from. Another store on Princes Street with similarly good photo taking vantage points was the mens toilet on the top florr of House of Frasers (now the Johnnie Walker Whisky Experience.)
Love the video but with a tinge of sadness 😢 .... Every private school in Scotland used to get their uniforms from Jenners. The staff were amazing, we used to go in with the full list of stuff needed & were always excited to go to Jenners. I'm going to miss this wonderful place. I think we all knew it was going to be a hotel despite what they said earlier 😢
Oh Jesus that’s heartbreaking. I remember mum getting us Fair Isles in there on holiday as a ten year old. Poor poor high streets. These are their flagship institutions
Loved Jennifer's. Especially when i was a kid. Had many trips there with my mum, and brother. I always loved going to the toy department down in the basement.
It breaks my heart to see historic places such as this, that hold so many good memories for people, fall into ruin. Thankfully it looks like it's being saved. What a cool place, I wish I could have seen it as a department store.
Fab to see, many hours wandering around this place, always got lost with all different floors/stairs/levels but absolutely loved that place. Was magical the toy and haberdashery in the ground floor, the beauty section at the entrance and all the rest. Missing the fab place x
You lads are responsible for my curiosity being piqued by the magnificent time capsules you shew us lucky folk around. The missus has said that I spend more time on screen than cost centre no.1. Thank you for the variety.
What you guys is so fascinating and the love you have for the architecture. It's a shame that companies that own these premises don't capitalise on these amazing places and let people like you to explore, video and capture gems like this, that will be changed and never be seen again.
Really appreciate this great film journalism that documents the radical changes taking place that affect the social, cultural and commercial landscape of Scotland’s capital and similarly echos through many other cities. Change certainly doesn’t seem for the better for this iconic building. This really captured a piece of history and immense change.
Wow! Thanks for that one guys - it seems like only yesterday since I was in there, shopping. The bit of the basement that you were wondering what used to be in was latterly the toy department, with a bit of children's clothing and pushchairs, etc - and generations of memories of visitng Santa's Grotto there! It closed a couple of years before the rest of the building as there was said to be flooding, but I'm pleased to see that's not the case now. If you're not from Edinburgh you might not know, there used to be a giant Christmas tree in the Central Hall each year too - visible from each level of the gallery. Said to have 11,000 lights, it was brought in a wrap through the pinned-back revolving doos on the South St David Street side, and attracted many thousands of visitors, each year! We're still told the lower floors will offer several retail spaces and that only the upper floors will convert to an hotel, with the Central Hall and its galleries preserved and shared by both, so time will tell, I guess.
yeh every one commenting how awesome this building was as a child at christmas , i think from like 1984 until around 1999 i used to go every year with my mum and sister , it was my favourite store in Edinburgh the toy selection was amazing and the christmas tree was just fantastic so big
This is reminiscent of the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney which was restored to perfection , having been stripped of its original internal decorative and structural features decades ago , but never actually derelict . The restoration involved reopening the central voids to recreate the galleries . These voids had been filled with concrete to create full , continuous floors . Virtually all of the decorative internal features were recreated from scratch about thirty years ago ! Anyone who thinks Jenner's looks stripped should see the pictures of the Queen Victoria Building during the reconstruction to see what can be achieved ! A most interesting and informative video with a touch of suspense ! And yes , the " newer " section of this building does remind me of Debenhams , Manchester !
Oh no - is it true? I visited Jenners in 1991 and bought the Princess Diana cookbook, still one of my favourites to cook from. My hubby explored the city - I spent THE ENTIRE DAY in Jenners (oh joy!) and was just planning a return to the city later this year. Just like this wonderful building, I’m gutted.
Maybe ten or eleven years ago I was browsing at Jenners, and somehow I managed to accidentally get myself into a staff only area. Really amazing to see it from the inside again.
Oh my sad to see. When l was young l would go there with my mum and my Edinburgh auntie. We came away with our shopping in lovely Jenners bags, after having tea. That was in the 1950's. Thanks for the visit. I hope it becomes a very smart hotel.....Alioban, new sub here
i remember my nan taking me too Jenners all the time it was her favourite place in the city, I could spend hours trying to decide on toys in the basement floor toy section, then after i decided my nan would take me too the store café/restaurant, she passes a decade before the fire, while I miss her, I'm glad she never got too see what happened to the store
this was great to see. so sad to see it all. worked in here. and shopped over many years. could see where all the depts had been. a great miss to Edinburgh
I used to shop at Jenners occasionally. Got off with one of the staff while Christmas shopping one year 👍🏻😎👍🏻 Jenners was also well-renowned for its annual giant Christmas tree, which stood in the main chamber in the middle of the store, extending all the way up through to the glass ceiling.
The alarms and footage is like a horror film, a bit creepy 😱 I remember going there when I was younger, internet shopping has made these old style department stores redundant, good to see it being restored as a hotel
Thank you for this video. It reminded me of the time my sister and I got locked in after closing time. There were laser alarms crisscrossing the floors, scary! We heard a noise in the basement and found our way out. We were searched by the security guards haha. Fond memories.
I used to do perfume and chocolate promotions in Jenners it was an extraordinary beautiful and elegant building.. Although the backstairs used by staff was cramped and cluttered.. My first memory of Jenners was in the early 60’s when I went with my parents to an exclusive fashion show .. We were given seats in the gallery and models walked around the balconies with incredible outfits.. My dad bought my mum a gorgeous coat and an exquisite negligee set.. She said she truly felt like a princess that day.. ✨.. So sad to see such a wonderful and iconic building abandoned and neglected like this.
Wow, you lot were SOOO lucky there! 😲 I saw one of your videos where you were climbing an abandoned roller coaster, then got caught & arrested. That makes your staying here & continuing filming, with that alarm going, even more courageous! 👏
I remember visiting Edinburgh once in the late 1980's and going into Jenners with the big Christmas Tree and decorations. Sad to see what's happened to it, but hopefully the building will be sympathetically removated
I used to work in the cafe at the top floor and later at the restaurant in the 2nd floor. Fun to see the inside of this iconic building, altough also a bit sad. Funny how I loathed that place when I worked there, now I feel nostalgic about it. Inrecognized some areas, others were totally puzzling to me in the video. Hopefully it will reopem at some point with the bauty of it well preserved. Fun video.
I used to be fascinated as child (1960's) watching the pneumatic tubes which transported cash and receipts all over this building from the sales floors to the accounts department.
Its sad to see what has become of that beautiful department store. Ive lived in Edinburgh for the past 20 years and its changed so much in that time. Its a beautiful building. It should be getting put to use and not sitting abandoned.
i always remember the toy department in the basement, down several flights of stairs....at any time of year (but especially Christmas) it was like stepping into a magical world of toys and games. happy days....
I worked in women’s shoes mezzanine and then men’s shoes in the basement and I swear it’s haunted down there. So that could have been what yous heard! Was nice to see a wee tour around and that construction is happening 😊
How poignant to see the inside of Jenners now, it was such an iconic and beautiful store, I loved its many quirky levels. As another commenter said the Christmas tree in the centre with its chirping birds was beautiful. I took my boys, now thirty eight and thirty six to the Santa’s Grotto, it was magical. I really hope the new owners retain the original features ❤
Trained at the Royal Infirmary and as a penniless student nurse the plan for me and my flatmates was when we retired we'd meet for coffee in Jenners and be one of the blue rinse Morningside Matrons. Sad indeed. And thinking of the young firefighter who lost his life during the fire. He deserves a plaque.
Being in there at night when it’s empty is pretty creepy worked in there painting n varnishing in 90, s very eerie place .all those close walled narrow stairs workers corridors etc ,good time
I shopped at Jenner's a couple of times, having visited Edinburgh. I loved it. So Scottish and so traditional. I wish someone would bring it back to its former glory asap. Tourists and residents alike treasured this store for years. It should be the jewel in the crown in Edinburgh, once again and forever.
Spent 27 years working at Jenners, an amazing place especially when it was still family run. Was one of the last staff out on close down day so thanks for the tour of my old haunt, good to see work is progressing.
This is such a sad comment to see at the same time, but is indicative of how great a place it was. Thank you for no doubt helping or serving myself or mother at some point if you were of that part in the store. Either way, thank you, your place at Christmas was a joy to visit.
My mum also worked there from the late 70's. I remember being there lots in my childhood. Such a great place until the later phase of its life. Interesting video which i've forwarded on to my parents. All the best to you.
You are very welcome, hope we brought back some good memories!
Would make a stunning hotel
@@louisep5178 well its going to be, is that a troll attempt? lol
I was so sad when Jenners closed. My grandmother used to take me for afternoon tea there as a child and their restaurant was still my favourite place for coffee when back in Edinburgh. It had one of the best views in the City. Such an iconic building. I am saddened by the current state of Princes Street.
I agree. Most big stores are closed down, but I am looking forward to new places opening up eventually. it's pretty dead atm
Used to go there & do lunch with my mother & watch the world go by on Princes St. I hope they saved the wooden lion finials.
I loved going to the perfume department with friends and buying the latest scent.
As an Edinburgh resident Jenners was very much an Edinburgh institution. I am sure it will always be known as Jenners to those of a certain vintage. The main room with all the balconies you showed which was the main atrium would house a huge Christmas tree every year which again was an Edinburgh institution, you can find many pictures as to how wonderful the tree and decorations looked online. I have hopes that the new redevelopment will be kind to the architecture and the buildings history. Thanks for showing this gents.
You are welcome. I can imagine the Christmas tree in there, wish we had visited prior to closure. Maybe they will bring the festivities back when it reopens as a hotel
@@UrbandonedThat's exactly what went through my mind , the huge Christmas tree standing in the middle of the floor between those beautiful wooden banisters . Was a very sad day Jenners closed down . I shopped there frequently, staff were always courteous and very helpful . I remember the gentleman that stood at the front door and opened it for customers entering the premises. To me Jenners will always be Jenners . 😢❤
I worked for KD Decorative in the early 2000’s and remember installing the Christmas tree in the centre of Jenners it was a mammoth task with a couple of us hang in the rafters to hang the block and tackle that lifted the framework as the tree was built.
It certainly was a centrepiece befitting a fine store.
Lovely to see inside the building again. I knew this place so well. My favourite shop. Many a lunch hour browsing around Jenners and often a place to meet with friends for coffee at the week end. In 2015 I had a short stay in hospital. In the next bed to me was Millie, a lady in her 90's. She reminisced about her younger life, Jenners very much being part of it. Her first job there at 16 years old, as a shop assistant. Her wages helped support her ailing mother and younger sister. Her uniform was a black dress, black shoes and mid length gloves. She said it was only the wealthier people who shopped there and often she would be sent on foot to deliver items to a customers home. Mostly small items but they were too lazy to carry them, she said. Millie would often walk miles in all weathers and sadly, seldom got a thank you. So many stories within those walls.
Really glad the video took you back to when the store was open. Millie sounds like a very hard-working, admirable lady. Guarantee there is an abundance of people with stories similar in relation to this specific property
You had to be a certain type of customer back in the day lol. I went there to buy my first suit back in the early 70’s and the doorman stopped me and said “don’t think this is your type of place, try along the street”.
@@davidmitchell7181😮
If you see the original architecture of the main rail station in Edinburgh, Waverley, it’s very similar, beautifully ornate & very special. The Xmas tree in jenners was always a wonderful site
Thank you very much for paying respect to Barry
I‘m a former firefighter myself, these old buildings have taken a many of us.
Really shocked to hear that. Why the heck are such deaths not mentioned at Prime Ministers Questions every week. I feel like we as a public have a right for stories like that to bigger news than one headline on a local paper
i was working just around the corner when the fire broke out and we took in people from neighbouring businesses that had to evacuate and gave them coffees while they waited to see if they’d be opening back up… the road was still closed when i finished and had to be escorted to get out - so tragic a man lost his life that day, still see tributes and flowers left outside every now and then. RIP x
So many memories of Jenners brought on by this video. Trips to the Santa’s grotto, seeing the magnificent Christmas tree, my late grandpa buying me a toy from the brilliant basement toy department. And then the smell of the perfumery as you stepped in the doors on the Princes Street side! And having a coffee break in the wee cafe with the high stools overlooking the Scott Monument whilst Christmas shopping. Makes me slightly mournful. I honestly think it would have survived if it hadn’t been sold to failing Frasers.
Yes, Jenners lost its sparkle after Frazer took it over
The best department store Edinburgh had. Majestic.
I’ll be getting my hands on some of that wood guaranteed I’ll find out ,more than likely hollyrood salvage
I remember as a kid coming here at Christmas to see the big tree
I live nearby and every time I walk past it, to this day, I feel a pang of sorrow. You visited the basement where the toy department was - vivid sweet memories of taking my child there several times, he lusting after the latest nerf gun or whatever was craze of the moment. Visiting at Christmas wa a treat in itself. Such a landmark, it is nothing short of scandalous that this icon has been allowed to fall to this. Edinburgh district council wastes millions on dodgy projects but this should have supported as a bulwark against the dehumanising likes of Amazon
While I can’t openly condone trespassing, it was good/sad to see this, thanks
It’s being renovated, it isn’t abandoned it will reopen in a few years…not at all sure what’s so scandalous.
It will reopen as a hotel- maybe but the Jenners department store has gone for ever, it used to be a real Edinburgh icon.@@laidlawn
why cant you openly condone trespassing?are u someone important like?
They weren't trespassing though, we don't have trespassing laws in Scotland.
This place was always worth going in, especially at Christmas with it's remarkable decorations. It looked like something from a movie. Sad it closed but this is Britain, fading glory and managed decline. Bravo for getting in and out. That was great to watch, thankyou.
Fading glory. That has got to be the most accurate description of our once great nation. Now we are a joke on the world stage.
So sad to see this beautiful building looking so gutted. We have fond memories of the store. So hope it can be saved.
Went there 2012 pressed the lift for basement. Floor was closed then in the basement. Frasers ran it down. It's a beautiful store inside.
I'm impressed you got in and not caught! They are turning in into retail on the bottom 1st floor a restaurant Upper floors a hotel. Had you stuck to the Upper floors there is a lot of offices/staff areas with original features.
Jenners at Christmas was such a joy. The toy dept... Looking at all the Airfix models... (90s). I remember playing the Super Nintendo stand they had with F-Zero and the Nintendo lady they had with her uniform and baseball cap was so nice, my cousin visiting from Australia spoke to her about Gameboy stuff and he walked away with lots of extras for it. I remember buying a new bobble for our Christmas tree on the farm, just before we made the big drive down to Galloway...Looking out from above down at all the floors in that big opening, people going about their business....This truly is a loss, and this is from some kid following his mother around doing her shopping (!)
It's the little moments you don't think much of as a child that come back in wonder later on. Glad these memories came back for you from our video
@@Urbandoned Yeeees yes, but its not all flibly nostalgia, I had next to no money when I took on the duty of the parents to buy that one more key tree decoration. Nostalgia can be fluff or mortar, weird and/or not so.
I couldn’t tell you what year, but one Christmas my mum and I went to Jenners, and it was the only time I had ever been.
She has mobility issues and, due to her declining health, was aware that there was a chance she wouldn’t be able to walk much longer (she was right), so my mum asked if we could skip down Princes Street holding hands.
I remember walking in the main door and we both just looked up in awe at the Christmas tree and grandeur that surrounded us, before decided we probably can’t afford anything, but let’s wander anyways haha.
We ended up in Patisserie Valerie on (I think) the top floor, sharing cakes, and my mum looked just so happy staring at the huge Christmas tree.
We talk about that day often because it was special to both of us.
I also worked in this beautiful building for many years as sous chef then Head chef. I feel I was privileged to work here with so many great colleagues. The 2 brothers Andrew and Robbie were 2 of the most down to earth guys, even helping out in the kitchen on many occasions as the boardroom was next door.
It was also great at Christmas time when the hauled the Christmas tree in the front doors and plonked it in the middle of the building. Also a magical place for all the kids visiting the toy department looking for what to ask Santa for, then visiting the man himself, one of the best Santa’s in Edinburgh.
It’s a such a same it shut as it was an Edinburgh institution and one of the last great buildings that stood on Edinburgh’s famous street, overlooked by Edinburgh castle. Edinburgh should hold its head in shame by the downfall of such an iconic street that is looked over by this magnificent and most recognisable icon of Edinburgh and Scotland.
There has been many great buildings destroyed on this street and replaced with monstrosity’s of the 1960’s and 70’s
Why Harrods did not take this building over and officially name the store by its unofficial name Harrods of the North !!
Let’s hope they proof us all wrong and make the building a destination for visitors to this great city again.
Stunning building
So sad to see it like that. The toy department in the basement was brilliant, and the food department on the top floor always well stocked. The highlight was always the huge Christmas tree in the middle. It was never the same when Frasers took over. Some of those escalators could be dodgy though!
I remember people actually made seeing the tree at Jenners part of their Christmas shopping experience, even if they had no intention of buying anything in the store.
Seeing it abandoned makes me so sad, it is such a beautiful building that symbolised a bygone age of shopping.
Not abandoned. It's getting renovated and turned into a hotel , restaurant and cocktail bar.
@@OGLobster It's still a shame. All these stores are shutting down, you have to drive a retail park or order off Amazon now. If Jenner's was paying Amazon taxes would it have shut down? Are cities like Edinburgh just going to turn into Air BnB holiday destinations? Where you can buy any kinda fancy coffee you like, at inflated prices, but can't buy a toaster.
But it's not abandoned - it's under renovation! I don't understand this title at all.
@@colinmacdonald5732there’s a huge shopping centre and John Lewis a five minute walk away calm down
@@Old_Scot under renovation that should have finished last year, meanwhile 2024 brings cost of living home and more business etc are closing. Do we really think a 90 bed hotel is going in here? My guess is, only if the SNP give a grant to a pal like they usually do, hide that in their dodgy book keeping and hope that it all goes well. Where else has a ferry, hospital and many other issues other than the banana republic that is the concrete kabal in Edi.
So sorry about fireman Godbless ❤️🙏
It's so sad. Jenners was an institution. There was Civic pride in the place. People used to come from mls to visit it. I wish City Councils had done smthing to help the 'high street' earlier in our cities all over the UK. Encouraged independent stores by reducing rates for them. Grants for maintenance etc. Promoting unique independent shops along side galleries and museum's for the tourist trade.
One of your first ones where I've been to the building. Sad to see it empty. I remember my boy being given a Lindt bunny by a sales assistant one Easter.
Interesting to see this as a kid Jenners toy department down stairs was always a must visit at Christmas
What a great video and thanks Alistair, Theo and Alex for coming back to Scotland where your are more then welcome anytime. Having been in the building a few times (by the front door), it is an amazing building and although its stripped, you did show its best parts, which are its external architecture and the central atrium with its lantern skylight. It was very interesting to see your method of access and egress, which whilst being outstanding, it did raise my blood pressure seeing you all climbing that fence and the drop below. Glad to see its going to be put to a good use. Thanks as always lads.
Glad you enjoyed Fraser, we have already been back to Scotland multiple times after filming this video. The architecture inside is truly remarkable, isn't it?
@@Urbandoned Thanks for the reply and yes it sure is remarkable.
Glad you didn't get caught. The way you guys casually entered the hotel next door, through the corridors, and out to the street made me smile. Of course, that's the way to avoid arousing suspicion, but it takes courage!.
I was in there buying Christmas presents before it shut down, such a wonderful atmospheric building hopefully its back in use before too long.
I worked in the coffee lounge and then the resultant 1978. Lovely place
Wow! I hope you enjoyed your time here in Edinburgh! Jenners was always the place to be at Christmas. At one point it had a beautiful toy department. Everyone from here had visited the place at some point in their lives.
Adore Edinburgh, one of our favourites!
As a man from Edinburgh, I know inside this place like the back of my hand. What a shame it had to close. As a kid, the toy department, especially at Christmas was magical (up until a certain point in time when it turned generic.) Yet another building in this city that will be closed off to us commoners unless we book a night in the hotel! As someone that dabbled with amateur photography, there used to be AMAZING spots, usually behind displays at windows to get unique shots from. Another store on Princes Street with similarly good photo taking vantage points was the mens toilet on the top florr of House of Frasers (now the Johnnie Walker Whisky Experience.)
What you are doing is phenomenal & very important. Recording & cataloguing British Social Histoty. Thank you.
Love the video but with a tinge of sadness 😢 .... Every private school in Scotland used to get their uniforms from Jenners. The staff were amazing, we used to go in with the full list of stuff needed & were always excited to go to Jenners. I'm going to miss this wonderful place. I think we all knew it was going to be a hotel despite what they said earlier 😢
That would be every private school that didn't get their uniforms from Aitken and Niven.
Oh Jesus that’s heartbreaking. I remember mum getting us Fair Isles in there on holiday as a ten year old. Poor poor high streets. These are their flagship institutions
Loved Jennifer's. Especially when i was a kid. Had many trips there with my mum, and brother. I always loved going to the toy department down in the basement.
Best subbuteo collection ever! Good times!
Careering down the stairs!
It breaks my heart to see historic places such as this, that hold so many good memories for people, fall into ruin. Thankfully it looks like it's being saved. What a cool place, I wish I could have seen it as a department store.
Fab to see, many hours wandering around this place, always got lost with all different floors/stairs/levels but absolutely loved that place. Was magical the toy and haberdashery in the ground floor, the beauty section at the entrance and all the rest. Missing the fab place x
I can understand why, must have been amazing in it's hey day
You lads are responsible for my curiosity being piqued by the magnificent time capsules you shew us lucky folk around.
The missus has said that I spend more time on screen than cost centre no.1.
Thank you for the variety.
Shame about the bloody row though.
I got a mute button on this phone so I'm guessing there's a few in your edit suite.
What you guys is so fascinating and the love you have for the architecture. It's a shame that companies that own these premises don't capitalise on these amazing places and let people like you to explore, video and capture gems like this, that will be changed and never be seen again.
People had decades to look around whilst it was open - it was beautiful then too.
I worked in the toy department down in the basement. It was a great experience. So sad that Jenners is gone.
Really appreciate this great film journalism that documents the radical changes taking place that affect the social, cultural and commercial landscape of Scotland’s capital and similarly echos through many other cities. Change certainly doesn’t seem for the better for this iconic building. This really captured a piece of history and immense change.
Thank you for a last look inside Jenner's. I remember that it was a beautiful place to shop and a highlight of shopping trips in Edinburgh.
We loved Jenners, sad it’s closed but glad to see it’s being saved.
Absolutely wonderful video guys....Well done. Thank you for recording history.
Fond memories of Jenners and Edinburgh as it used to be. Now its been given over to crap hotels, bland student buildings and tacky tourist shops.
Wow! Thanks for that one guys - it seems like only yesterday since I was in there, shopping. The bit of the basement that you were wondering what used to be in was latterly the toy department, with a bit of children's clothing and pushchairs, etc - and generations of memories of visitng Santa's Grotto there! It closed a couple of years before the rest of the building as there was said to be flooding, but I'm pleased to see that's not the case now. If you're not from Edinburgh you might not know, there used to be a giant Christmas tree in the Central Hall each year too - visible from each level of the gallery. Said to have 11,000 lights, it was brought in a wrap through the pinned-back revolving doos on the South St David Street side, and attracted many thousands of visitors, each year! We're still told the lower floors will offer several retail spaces and that only the upper floors will convert to an hotel, with the Central Hall and its galleries preserved and shared by both, so time will tell, I guess.
Thanks for all this information, we love learning more about the places we have visited. Sounds like the renovations should be quite impressive
Remember going there a quarter century back and man if was impressive!
The Houdini team..well done guys great stuff.👍
yeh every one commenting how awesome this building was as a child at christmas , i think from like 1984 until around 1999 i used to go every year with my mum and sister , it was my favourite store in Edinburgh the toy selection was amazing and the christmas tree was just fantastic so big
This is reminiscent of the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney which was restored to perfection , having been stripped of its original internal decorative and structural features decades ago , but never actually derelict . The restoration involved reopening the central voids to recreate the galleries . These voids had been filled with concrete to create full , continuous floors . Virtually all of the decorative internal features were recreated from scratch about thirty years ago ! Anyone who thinks Jenner's looks stripped should see the pictures of the Queen Victoria Building during the reconstruction to see what can be achieved ! A most interesting and informative video with a touch of suspense ! And yes , the " newer " section of this building does remind me of Debenhams , Manchester !
Beautiful building , hope it's not ruined!
I worked in Jenners 1990-1997. Took me right back! Hope the restoration is done asap. Beautiful building in the perfect spot. Thanks guys.
I loved Jenners, spent many a Saturday wandering through its departments.
That was good to see I miss Jenner's it was a shop that gave you its a touch of class
Great to see inside of Jenners again. Used to shop their and have coffee and their amazing strawberry tarts and other goodies.
Oh no - is it true? I visited Jenners in 1991 and bought the Princess Diana cookbook, still one of my favourites to cook from. My hubby explored the city - I spent THE ENTIRE DAY in Jenners (oh joy!) and was just planning a return to the city later this year. Just like this wonderful building, I’m gutted.
Great video guys, thanks for your daring efforts! Heart was in my mouth until I saw your cheeky escape, well done! 😅👏🏼👏🏼
Many happy memories of this beautiful place
Maybe ten or eleven years ago I was browsing at Jenners, and somehow I managed to accidentally get myself into a staff only area. Really amazing to see it from the inside again.
Oh my sad to see. When l was young l would go there with my mum and my Edinburgh auntie. We came away with our shopping in lovely Jenners bags, after having tea. That was in the 1950's. Thanks for the visit. I hope it becomes a very smart hotel.....Alioban, new sub here
i remember my nan taking me too Jenners all the time it was her favourite place in the city, I could spend hours trying to decide on toys in the basement floor toy section, then after i decided my nan would take me too the store café/restaurant, she passes a decade before the fire, while I miss her, I'm glad she never got too see what happened to the store
I remember shopping in there. It was a lovely store. Sad to hear it has closed
this was great to see. so sad to see it all. worked in here. and shopped over many years. could see where all the depts had been. a great miss to Edinburgh
Building so beautiful sad to see it abandoned 😢
I used to shop at Jenners occasionally. Got off with one of the staff while Christmas shopping one year 👍🏻😎👍🏻
Jenners was also well-renowned for its annual giant Christmas tree, which stood in the main chamber in the middle of the store, extending all the way up through to the glass ceiling.
The alarms and footage is like a horror film, a bit creepy 😱 I remember going there when I was younger, internet shopping has made these old style department stores redundant, good to see it being restored as a hotel
Thank you for this video. It reminded me of the time my sister and I got locked in after closing time. There were laser alarms crisscrossing the floors, scary! We heard a noise in the basement and found our way out. We were searched by the security guards haha. Fond memories.
I remember going there with my family when i was young. Took them 2 hours for them to finish looking inside. Nice building through and through.
I used to do perfume and chocolate promotions in Jenners it was an extraordinary beautiful and elegant building.. Although the backstairs used by staff was cramped and cluttered.. My first memory of Jenners was in the early 60’s when I went with my parents to an exclusive fashion show .. We were given seats in the gallery and models walked around the balconies with incredible outfits.. My dad bought my mum a gorgeous coat and an exquisite negligee set.. She said she truly felt like a princess that day.. ✨.. So sad to see such a wonderful and iconic building abandoned and neglected like this.
Quality stuff, always wondered what it looks like in the inside now, cheers boys
Such a magical place at Christmas time
My grandparents would take me here all the time when I was a kid, even at Christmas time. They loved it there
My home town, well done guys excellent explore, brought back some happy memories 👍
Very nice building. At least something will be kept.
Wow, you lot were SOOO lucky there! 😲 I saw one of your videos where you were climbing an abandoned roller coaster, then got caught & arrested. That makes your staying here & continuing filming, with that alarm going, even more courageous! 👏
That is so sad. I used to shop at Jenners. It was an amazing place to stop.
Great video. History captured for ever. Thank you. Really enjoyed it.
I remember visiting Edinburgh once in the late 1980's and going into Jenners with the big Christmas Tree and decorations. Sad to see what's happened to it, but hopefully the building will be sympathetically removated
Beautiful building, thanks for the explore 👍
I miss it so much always was shopping there with my grandparents :(
I loved that store...kind of shocked it's abandoned
Such a beautiful building! It's so sad.
Thanks for letting us see inside Jenners again. Was a brilliant store, really miss it. Got yourself a new sub.
Absolutely beautiful building!
Brilliant explore as always guys carried out with diligence and empathy
The only way to do it, we think!
My dad carried me on his shoulders going down that escalator. Funny what comes back to you after decades.
I used to work in the cafe at the top floor and later at the restaurant in the 2nd floor. Fun to see the inside of this iconic building, altough also a bit sad. Funny how I loathed that place when I worked there, now I feel nostalgic about it. Inrecognized some areas, others were totally puzzling to me in the video.
Hopefully it will reopem at some point with the bauty of it well preserved.
Fun video.
I used to be fascinated as child (1960's) watching the pneumatic tubes which transported cash and receipts all over this building from the sales floors to the accounts department.
Such a shame it’s closed and had that terrible fire
I worked in Jenners for a few months and it is such a beautiful place
Great video very informative, and huge respect for mentioning Barry
Its sad to see what has become of that beautiful department store. Ive lived in Edinburgh for the past 20 years and its changed so much in that time. Its a beautiful building. It should be getting put to use and not sitting abandoned.
It was beautiful at Christmas time with the enormous tree. Happy memories.
It was such a beautiful store. I used to love going in at Christmas, when there was a huge Christmas Tree in the main Hall.
That was fantastic - thank you guys. Such a shame Jenners closed.
i always remember the toy department in the basement, down several flights of stairs....at any time of year (but especially Christmas) it was like stepping into a magical world of toys and games. happy days....
I worked in women’s shoes mezzanine and then men’s shoes in the basement and I swear it’s haunted down there. So that could have been what yous heard! Was nice to see a wee tour around and that construction is happening 😊
How poignant to see the inside of Jenners now, it was such an iconic and beautiful store, I loved its many quirky levels. As another commenter said the Christmas tree in the centre with its chirping birds was beautiful. I took my boys, now thirty eight and thirty six to the Santa’s Grotto, it was magical. I really hope the new owners retain the original features ❤
What a stunning building.
Trained at the Royal Infirmary and as a penniless student nurse the plan for me and my flatmates was when we retired we'd meet for coffee in Jenners and be one of the blue rinse Morningside Matrons. Sad indeed. And thinking of the young firefighter who lost his life during the fire. He deserves a plaque.
That is one early plan for coffee indeed , yes very dad.😊
Being in there at night when it’s empty is pretty creepy worked in there painting n varnishing in 90, s very eerie place .all those close walled narrow stairs workers corridors etc ,good time
I shopped at Jenner's a couple of times, having visited Edinburgh. I loved it. So Scottish and so traditional. I wish someone would bring it back to its former glory asap. Tourists and residents alike treasured this store for years. It should be the jewel in the crown in Edinburgh, once again and forever.