Edinburgh Napier University celebrates class of ‘23 with its very own beer and pub
As over 1,900 students and 6,600 guests make their way to the Usher Hall in Edinburgh to attend their graduation ceremony, Edinburgh Napier will once again be taking over one of Edinburgh’s oldest pubs, Shakespeare’s on Lothian Road. Rebranding as The Napier Graduate in honour of the university’s class of ’23, this time graduates will also be able to celebrate with a pint of Edinburgh Napier’s very own ale, ‘Must Be Napier’, to toast their success.
The beer name, ‘Must Be Napier’ references Edinburgh Napier University's current brand campaign that is shining a spotlight on the achievements and major contributions to society of the University's students, staff, and alumni.
Following the success of the summer takeover of the iconic pub, for three days only from Tuesday 24 October to Thursday 26 October, Shakespeare’s will once again be known as The Napier Graduate. The pub has been decked out in red Napier livery, changing everything from the outdoor signs to the beer mats, making it the perfect spot for graduates to celebrate with family and friends.
For those celebrating with a drink, when at the bar graduates and patrons alike will spot Napier along the selection of beer taps, with the university having its very own ale, ‘Must Be Napier’ alongside the usual selection of drinks.
ENU students Ellie Devlin Stephen (Business Management) and Scott Stratford (Film and English - both pictured below) will be among the Shakespeare's team pouring the newly-branded beer during this week's celebrations.
Over the three days, Edinburgh Napier University will be celebrating with five ceremonies, honouring the graduates of all five of the University’s Schools. Those walking down Lothian Road won't be able to miss the celebrations, with the original Shakespeare’s signage completely replaced with Edinburgh Napier’s distinctive red branding.
Earlier this year, Edinburgh Napier took over Shakespeare’s for the first time to highlight the University’s pride in their graduates and offering congratulations on their success. 
Izzy Polson, General Manager of Shakespeare’s said: “Following the takeover earlier this year we saw a record number of people visit for a celebratory drink. We are thrilled to be able to help with the celebrations and delighted to be rebranded as The Napier Graduate once again, to help make it a memorable graduation! We loved seeing people’s surprise at the new look Shakespeare’s over graduation week and hope we can bring the same amount of joy this time round.”
Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal and Vice Chancellor at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “We always want to celebrate and recognise the achievements of our students, so once again we are dedicating a special place for them to celebrate with family and friends. This time, as our graduates embark on their next chapter after university, graduates and their guests who choose to can have a pint of ‘Must Be Napier’, or any of the other refreshments on offer, to toast all their incredible accomplishments.”
The Napier Graduate is open from Tuesday 24 October to Thursday 26 October 2023 at 65 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2DJ.