An iconic Category A-listed pub in the heart of Edinburgh will close next week for a £280,000 refurbishment.
The investment in Joseph Pearce on Elm Row will transform it into a high-quality neighbourhood pub and extend its opening hours. The pub is expected to reopen in late July.
The project is being carried out by HEINEKEN-owned Star Pubs, which is headquartered in Edinburgh. It will see Edinburgh-born-and-bred Paul Henderson – a local resident and regular customer of Joseph Pearce – take the helm as the new operator, running the venue on behalf of Star Pubs.
The exterior works will carefully restore the frontage of the historic pub while preserving its distinctive windows and Joseph Pearce signage. The popular outdoor seating area, renowned for catching the evening sun, will also be upgraded with stylish furniture, café-style barriers and new planting.
Inside, the refurbishment will completely transform the tired interior. The new design will give a contemporary twist to Joseph Pearce's traditional pub roots while retaining characterful features such as the original bar. The décor will have a quirky feel, incorporating rich, bold colours, plush fabrics and decorative wallpaper and lighting. Brand-new furniture will range from vintage pieces to deep button-back banquette seating and cosy booths. A lounge dining area at the rear, which can be screened off with curtains, will also be available for private functions and parties.
A refitted kitchen will support an extensive new menu featuring gourmet sandwiches, gyros and small plates, alongside burgers and pub favourites such as mac and cheese and steak and ale pie. The drinks menu will be equally varied, with cocktails, premium beers, wines and quality coffee.
As a neighbourhood local, Joseph Pearce will host a range of activities to bring people together. Its much-loved Monday night quiz will continue alongside a new programme of entertainment, live music and social events launching in the autumn.
After an 18-year career in social care, Paul was looking for a change of direction when he spotted that Joseph Pearce was looking for a new operator.
Paul says: "I'd loved working in hospitality when I was younger. When I saw that a major refurbishment was planned for Joseph Pearce and that it was looking for a new operator, it felt like a calling – as though the stars had aligned. It's a fantastic pub with a loyal following of regulars and huge potential that this investment will unlock. It's incredibly exciting that it's getting the TLC it needs, not least for the local community, as so many residents use the pub."
Star Pubs Operations Director for Scotland, Matt Dyson, adds: "We're delighted to be investing in such a prominent and well-known pub. The refurbishment will give it a new lease of life. Our aim is to create an outstanding neighbourhood pub that caters for both the local community and visitors to the city. We're working flat out to reopen in time for the Festival so people can enjoy the enhanced outdoor seating throughout the summer."
