By Nicola Walker
The Boston Bar has opened its doors on Edinburgh’s Hanover Street, owned by Encore Bars, it is the sister venue to Freddy’s on nearby Frederick St, and will offer live sports, live music, warm hospitality, great food and world class beers.
The Boston Bar is certainly bursting with charm and old-world aesthetics. It is reminiscent of an authentic Irish bar coupled with a modern twist as it has been inspired by the fresh, modern industrial interiors evident in the taverns of Boston and New York.
The two-level venue, which was previously home to Bar Soba, has been completely transformed over the past six months in collaboration with ARKA Design Studio and Too Gallus.
Owner Edward Fox told DRAM, “The concept is based on traditional Irish bars which are community hubs where 
family and friends gather. We wanted to replicate the warmth and authenticity of a proper Irish pub. We have been very involved in the design and have worked closely with ARKA to create something fresh but that also complemented our other venues. Every single detail has been considered.”
This is clear to see as from the website to the logo, plentiful signage, coasters and even grease proof paper, The Boston Bar really is the full branded package. The exterior is bold with brightly lit Boston Bar signage and floor to ceiling windows.
It is clear that no expense has been spared and it really does have the warm and welcoming atmosphere of a traditional tavern. However, the brightness and finishes in the design make this venue even more eye-catching. The first stop is the bar where the rear is clad in shiny red, green and white metro tiling. The green tiles form three distinct archways which display the range of Irish pours on offer.
The bar front is striking and practical with white and green tiles which display Celtic emblems. The tiling, all supplied by Pronto Ceramics, has been sourced specifically for the venue and is featured throughout. Ohter features include exposed brick painted walls,
Vintage lighting and wrought iron which give a nod to Boston’s iconic Beacon Hill. Every aspect of the furniture has also been curated with fluted banquettes and mixed style chairs, stools and tables from Select Contract Furniture who Edward tells me have gone “above and beyond”.
Ornate dark wood, metal, chesterfield backs and even tan, green and red leather seats all make an appearance in the differing areas. There are also plenty of tables to choose from – high poser tables, 
salvaged wooden barrel tables with smart wooden brass trimmed tops and lower tables with embellished wrought iron bases.
It’s a real mix of the vintage and new which sit perfectly together. What is most striking is the number of eye-catching trinkets and artefacts that were sourced from auction houses, salvage yards and dealers during trips to Ireland.
There are vintage drinks signs, books, bric-a-brac, statues and even luggage racks complete with vintage luggage which all add to the creation of what feels like an authentic space.
Edward says, “Since the start of the year we have been sourcing the different finishing touches from salvage yards in Ireland, the UK and even online. I’ve visited a lot of salvage yards and the designers have really brought my vision to life.
“One of my favourite areas is the mezzanine level which seats around 15 to 18 people and can be booked for larger groups. There are some lovely salvaged elements up there, such as original mahogany and stained glass screens. There is also a large TV for watching sports.”
Sports will certainly be a big focus for the venue with nine TVs throughout, a large projector screen in the middle of the bar and all the sports channels on multiple feeds so they can show different things on each screen. There are even private nooks featuring personal TVs. In a nod to sister venue, Freddy’s, there is also plenty of neon signage.
My favourite of these, located up small steps at the end of the bar, is a large round metal cage hung like a chandelier and displaying the old Irish blessing ‘May the roof above us never fall in’ in red neon. Edward is clearly hugely passionate about the entire project and excited about opening the doors.
He added, “We’re thrilled to introduce The Boston Bar to Edinburgh. All the contractors involved have really been great and worked alongside us. The opening week has been amazing, and we hope everyone loves it as much as we do. We are hoping to appeal to a broad age range and become a real community hub – a place where families and friends come together to enjoy good food, great drinks and even better company!”
Having had a sneak peek at the new menu which features American classics with an Emerald Isle twist he can certainly sign me up for some Jameson glazed chicken wings, potato scone tacos and a cheeky wee Irish Spice Bag!
