A POPULAR Edinburgh pub has shut its doors in order to get a major makeover.
Joseph Pearce, on Elm Row in the Leith area of the capital, will shut from June 8 for a £280,000 refurbishment.
It is hoped the refurbishment will "upgrade it into a top quality local", as well as allowing the pub to extend its opening hours.
The work is being carried out by Heineken-owned Star Pubs, which is headquartered in Edinburgh.
It will see Paul Henderson, a local resident and regular customer at Joseph Pearce, take the helm as the new operator, running the venue on behalf of Star Pubs.
The pub is expected to re-open in late July.
The building the pub is in was designed by Scottish architect William Henry Playfair and dates back to the 1800s.
It is named after Joseph Pearce, a grocery shop and wine merchant which opened in 1898.
The makeover will see the interior completely refurbished, putting a "contemporary twist" on the traditional pub while retaining features like the old bar.
The decor is set to feature "bold colours, plush fabrics and decorative wallpaper and lighting".
The kitchen will also be re-fitted, allowing for the creation of a new menu which will include gourmet sandwiches, gyros, burgers, small plates, along with pub favourites such as mac and cheese and steak and ale pie.
Owners have confirmed that the bar's popular Monday night pub quiz will continue, alongside a new programme of entertainment, live music and social nights launching later in the year.
New operator Henderson 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.”
