Historic Edinburgh pub gets new name as student takeover leads to complete transformation of iconic boozer

As over 2,700 students and 9,000 guests decend on the Usher Hall to attend seven graduation ceremonies over the course of three days, Shakespeare’s bar, on Lothian Road, has rebranded in honour of the Napier University’s class of ’24.

The unique public house, The Napier Graduate, will play host to celebrating graduates before and after each ceremony where they will have the chance to toast their success with a pint of Edinburgh Napier’s very own ale, ‘Must Be Napier’.

Open now until Friday (July 5), the pub has been completely reimagined in Napier’s distinctive red and white colour palette, changing everything from the outdoor signs to the beer mats, the artwork and even the beer taps in celebration of the new alumni and providing a welcoming space to enjoy with families and loved ones.

The ‘Must Be Napier’ ale, meanwhile, is a nod to Edinburgh Napier University's award-winning brand campaign that is shining a spotlight on the achievements and major contributions to society of the University's students, staff, and alumni.

Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal and Vice Chancellor at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Celebrating our graduates is one of the highlights of the academic year and we had such a positive response to The Napier Graduate pub last year that we just simply had to bring it back again for the class of ’24.

“The now iconic Napier Graduate pub is a wonderful space for our new alumni and their guests to celebrate their success and contemplate the next chapter after university. I look forward to raising a glass to toast their future.”

Flo McMahon, General Manager of Shakespeare’s, said: “We’re really excited to transform into The Napier Graduate again this year. It is such a special time for both the staff and the wider community. Everyone gets caught up in the celebratory nature of the graduation days and we love being a part of that special moment.

“A record number of people visited us during last year’s graduations so we’ve made sure the bar is fully stocked!”