Joseph Pearce closing for refurbishment

A Category A listed pub in the centre of Edinburgh will close on Monday 8 June, for a £280,000 revamp. 

The investment in Joseph Pearce on Elm Row is planned to upgrade the pub to a top-quality local. The opening hours are also due to be extended, changing from mid- afternoon to 12 noon, when the pub reopens, 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

customer of Joseph Pearce – take the helm as the new operator running the venue on

behalf of Star Pubs.

The outside works will carefully renovate the frontage of the historic pub, preserving its

distinctive windows and Joseph Pearce signage. The popular outside drinking area, known for catching the evening sun, will be improved with smart furniture, café-style barriers and new planting.

The makeover will completely refurbish the interiors. The new design will put a contemporary twist on Joseph Pearce’s roots as a traditional pub, retaining features like the old bar. The décor will have a quirky feel incorporating rich bold colours, plush fabrics and decorative wallpaper and lighting. The furniture will range from vintage pieces to deep-button-backed banquette seating and cosy booths. A lounge dining area at the rear that can be curtained off will be available for private functions and parties.

A kitchen refit will enable an extensive new menu. Dishes will range from gourmet sandwiches, gyros and small plates to burgers and pub favourites like mac and cheese and steak and ale pie.  The drinks menu will be equally varied, spanning cocktails; premium beers and wines; and good quality coffee.

As a neighbourhood local, the bar will host activities to bring people together. Its Monday-night quiz will continue alongside a new programme of entertainment, live music and social nights that will launch 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. He said: “I’d loved working in hospitality in my younger years.

“When I saw a big refurbishment was planned for Joseph Pearce and that a new operator was required, it felt like a calling and that the stars had aligned. It’s a fantastic pub with a loyal following of regulars and loads of potential that the investment will bring out. It’s incredibly exciting that it’s getting the TLC it needs – not least for the community around it, as many local residents use the pub.”

Matt Dyson, Star Pubs operations director for Scotland added: “We’re delighted to be

investing in such a prominent, well-known pub. It will give it a new lease of life. Our aim is to create a fantastic neighbourhood pub that caters for the local community and visitors to the city alike. We’re working flat out to reopen in time for the Festival and so that people can enjoy the enhanced outside seating over the summer months.”

The building was designed by 19th-century Scottish architect William Henry Playfair and dates back to the 1800s. Joseph Pearce is said to have been open since 1898 and to have formerly been a grocery shop and a wine merchant.

Pictured: Paul Henderson