Pub transformed for graduations at Usher Hall

One of Edinburgh’s oldest and best known pubs was today transformed to celebrate some of the city’s newest university graduates.

Shakespeare’s on Lothian Road was transformed into The Napier Graduate to celebrate the University’s class of ’24.

More than 2700 students and 9000 guests will descend on the Usher Hall in Edinburgh to attend seven graduation ceremonies this week. 

The unique public house, The Napier Graduate, will play host to celebrating graduates before and after each ceremony, with pints of Edinburgh Napier’s very own ale, “Must Be Napier”, available on tap.

Shakespeare, which will remain known as The Napier Graduate until Friday, has been completely reimagined in Napier’s distinctive red and white colour palette for the second year in a row.

Everything from the outdoor signs to the beermats, artwork and even beer taps have been changed in celebration of the new alumni and to provide a welcoming space for them to enjoy with families and loved ones.

Edinburgh Napier University was recently awarded Higher Educational Institution of the Year at the 2024 Herald Higher Education Awards and is known for celebrating its graduates in unique ways. 

In 2021 the University held a city takeover, displaying the names of graduates across 18 billboards across the city, 100 bus stops, an Edinburgh Tram and a taxi.

Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal and Vice Chancellor at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Celebrating our graduates is one of the highlights of the academic year… I look forward to raising a glass to toast their future.”
 
Flo McMahon, General Manager of Shakespeare’s, added: “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.”