The rapidly expanding business behind flash new Irish pubs like Seamus’s in Tollcross and Dougal’s in Portobello is plotting their next move.
In a series of social media teasers, Auld Boy Pubs revealed that Middleton’s Bar – a pub known for hosting Easter Road away days – will become their latest venture.
Middleton’s has been given a fresh new lick of green paint and a gold trim before becoming “Arthur’s” and opening its doors as Edinburgh’s youngest “old man boozer” in September.
Auld Boy Pubs, which is linked to the Dropkick Murphy’s bar, has expanded rapidly since the start of 2025 and now owns three pubs across the capital, all in their distinctive Irish pub mould.
Each location has quickly become a favourite of locals, with Seamus’s in particular becoming a runaway success with students in Marchmont, Bruntsfield and Tollcross.
Dougal’s has been a welcome addition to Portobello High Street, while O’Connor’s in Canonmills has served brunch alongside their beers for years now.
All three feature an inviting interior, live music, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Although few details have been released about the new venture, images on social media appear to show the Easter Road branch following the same blueprint, complete with elaborate new outside fixings.
Arthur’s has been marketed as an “old man’s pub for all ages”, and will attempt to recreate the faux rustic aura of an old man’s pub while catering for all generations.
To tease the pub’s opening, posters had been pasted around Leith posing the question “Who is Arthur?”
The owners appear determined to keep the answer ambiguous, however, and have suggested that the pub could be named for any of Arthur’s Seat, Arthur Conan Doyle, Arthur Guinness, or former Hibs legend Arthur Duncan.
Seamus’s, Dougal’s and O’Connor’s are not known as sports pubs but might now have to make an exception for travelling support at Easter Road.
Middleton’s was sold by Greene King to its new owners in August this year.
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