The Heineken-owned pubco has revamped Joseph Pearce, a Category A listed pub near the Edinburgh Playhouse, making it its 14th Just Add Talent managed operator pub in Scotland.
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Scottish investment
The project forms part of Star’s £3.08m Scottish investment programme for 2026, which includes plans for further managed operator pubs.
Local resident and former regular Paul Henderson will run the pub on behalf of Star after moving into hospitality from the social care sector.
The refurbishment has restored the pub’s exterior and updated the interior with new furniture, finishes and design features while retaining original details.
Other improvements include a new kitchen and a lounge dining area, which will be available for private functions and parties.
Managed operator model
Star said its Just Add Talent model, which is already widespread across England and Wales, remains relatively uncommon in Scotland.
The agreement has an ingoing cost of £4,000, including a £3,000 refundable deposit, and is aimed at both new entrants to the sector and experienced hospitality workers looking to become self employed publicans.
Henderson said: “I’d looked at all kinds of businesses including pubs, cafés and B&Bs, but everything was out of reach in terms of the upfront money required.
“I didn’t know managed operator pubs existed until the Joseph Pearce was advertised or I’d have gone this route much sooner. It’s affordable and comes with incredible support.”
Star Pubs operations director for Scotland Matt Dyson said the investment had created a “stylish neighbourhood pub” for the local community and visitors to Edinburgh.
He said: “There’s a real appetite for managed operator style pubs in England and Wales due in part to the uncertainty created by rising overheads and the cost of living crisis, but they’re still quite a novelty in Scotland.
“We’re hoping to launch more here and have some exciting sites earmarked with refurbishments attached.”
The update follows Star’s announcement earlier this year that it plans to convert 35 pubs to its Just Add Talent model in 2026, taking the estate to more than 250 sites by the end of the year.
It also comes as part of Heineken UK’s wider £44.5m investment across 647 Star Pubs sites this year, including major refurbishments, garden upgrades and sports focused improvements.
