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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Sian Traynor

Edinburgh pub shows incredible transformation after devastating George IV Bridge fire

An Edinburgh pub is finally ready to reopen after being devastated by the George IV Bridge fire.

Dropkick Murphy's was one of many buildings in the heart of the Old Town that were affected after the huge blaze began in the Elephant House cafe.

The city had watched on in horror as the fire had ripped through the buildings on the bridge, with fire, water and smoke damage seeping down into the streets below.

Situated just under George IV Bridge on Merchant Street, Dropkicks was ruined by the blaze, with the bar telling Edinburgh Live they were forced to "strip it back to the bare walls."

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Impacted mostly by water damage, the once bustling Irish bar was forced to close again for huge renovations after spending many months shut in the pandemic.

However, on Saturday (February 19) the bar will finally be able to reopen - and will be showing off their incredible transformation and new cocktail bar.

With the renovations giving them an opportunity for a "fresh new look", the bar has retained their iconic wall display of rugby shirts, as well as their bright green front door.

However, staff have added a new "cocktail bar and Irish corner shop" that will be serving up new drinks and a 'large range of Irish products.'

Images of the renovations have also shown bright new neon signs, comfy booths and a reinstated stage for live music.

Opening at midday on Saturday, Co owner Donal Hurrell said: “At home a lot of rural villages only have one small building that serves as a pub/grocers/post office. We wanted to bring this feel to Dropkicks bar, where we will be selling Irish confectionery, crisps and drinks you cant get elsewhere…… while also selling a great pint of Guinness and cocktails.”

Co owner Christy O’Connor added: “We wanted to keep the old Dropkicks but add as much fun as possible.

"People have been living with lockdown/restrictions for over 2 years now and we think they will all be up for a bit of craic and think that the new Dropkicks will deliver this.”

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