Joseph Pearce, Iconic Edinburgh Pub to Reopen After £280,000 Makeover

A much-loved Category A-listed Edinburgh pub is reopening this week following a major refurbishment by HEINEKEN-owned Star Pubs, which is headquartered in the city.

The investment has transformed Joseph Pearce on Elm Row into a high-quality neighbourhood pub with a stunning new look.

The landmark pub officially reopens at 12pm on 24th July following a nearly seven-week closure for the extensive refurbishment. Edinburgh-born-and-bred Paul Henderson – a local resident and former regular – is leaving a career in social care to take the reins as the new operator, running Joseph Pearce on behalf of Star Pubs.

The refurbishment has completely restored the pub's iconic exterior and transformed the interior with a stylish new design that blends original features with bold colours, contemporary touches and brand-new furniture and finishes. Other improvements include a refurbished kitchen and a lounge dining area available for private functions and parties.

In keeping with Joseph Pearce's new direction, there's also a completely refreshed food and drinks offering. The drinks menu has something for everyone, from cocktails and quality coffee to premium lagers, spirits and wines. The accompanying food menu caters for a wide range of tastes and occasions, featuring lighter options such as gyros, small plates and toasted focaccia with gourmet toppings, alongside heartier dishes including curries, noodles and traditional pub favourites such as fish and chips and sausages and mash.

Paul says: "Joseph Pearce clearly holds a very special place in many people's hearts. I've been blown away by the level of interest in the changes and the enthusiasm for the refurbishment. Passers-by have been stopping to photograph the exterior and have been desperate for a sneak peek inside. Lots of people have shared stories about their connection with the pub and their happy memories of time spent here.

"The new look is beyond anything I'd imagined – it's quite simply beautiful. It gives Joseph Pearce a fresh start while staying true to its character. I can't wait to throw open the doors and welcome everyone in."

Star Pubs Operations Director for Scotland, Matt Dyson, adds: "We're investing more than £3.08 million in upgrading our pubs across Scotland this year, and we're delighted that Joseph Pearce is one of them. We've given it the full works while doing justice to its handsome architecture. Our aim is for it to serve as a neighbourhood hub for the local community. By popular demand, the weekly quiz will return immediately, and there's a whole new programme of social events planned for the autumn."

Joseph Pearce's opening hours will be 12pm to midnight, Sunday to Thursday, and 12pm to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.