Mystery pub name change as JK Rowling replaces Sherlock Holmes author
In a mystery befitting his greatest character, the pub named after Sherlock Holmes writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was dramatically renamed yesterday.
Drinkers in the popular Conan Doyle pub on the edge of Edinburgh’s New Town were astonished to find it magically re-branded as “The JK Rowling”.
Owners Nicholson’s Pubs were staying tight-lipped last night, but The Scotsman understands the moniker change is an elaborate stunt for Hogmanay.
Speculation was rife as to the reasoning behind the name change as word spread on social media yesterday.
Lucy Barker tweeted: “Hello @Nicholsonspubs, why has the Conan Doyle pub been renamed the @jk_rowling?”
Others were left less than enamoured at the prospect of a permanent name change, prompting fledgling campaign calls.
“The JK Rowling’, famous for being close to the birthplace of...erm... Sir Arthur Conan Doyle!!! Bad move people! #Changeitback,” tweeted Lord Wobbly.
Not only has the pub been emblazoned with its new name, but the elaborate gimmick includes a stand-in sign.
The sign depicts Harry Potter author Rowling, also synonymous with the city, sitting at a table by a window.
In front of the millionaire author is a notepad, while she appears to be tucking into a pub meal.
The pub was named after the great Scots storyteller Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle, who was born in nearby Picardy Place in 1859.
A bronze statue to his most famous character, Sherlock Holmes, overlooks the pub in York Place. Rowling famously wrote the best-selling Harry Potter books at The Elephant House, a mile away in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Her opinion of the stunt remained unknown last night, as was whether the move includes the pub serving butterbeer, a favourite tipple of the characters in her books.
“I can’t say anything about it but all will be revealed tomorrow,” a Nicholson’s spokeswoman said.