Mystery as pub named after Harry Potter author JK Rowling

An Edinburgh pub named after Sherlock Holmes writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has had a mysterious re-brand in honour of another legendary author.

Punters at the Conan Doyle pub were mystified to discover their local had changed — to the  ‘JK Rowling’.

And not only has the exterior been emblazoned the new name but there is even a sign outside that depicts the Harry Potter author.

She is pictured sat at a table and appearing to be eating some pub food.  

And not only has the exterior been emblazoned the new name but there is even a sign outside that depicts the Harry Potter author 

The stunt prompted both speculation and dismay online, with one Twitter user demanding that the name be changed back to the Sherlock Holmes author 

While owners Nicholson’s Pubs were Nicholson’s pubs were today staying tight -lipped on the sudden transformation, it is understood that it was a an elaborate stunt for Hogmanay. 

Lucy Barker tweeted: ‘Hello @Nicholsonspubs, why has the Conan Doyle pub been renamed the @jk_rowling?’

A user called Lord Wobby wrote: ‘”The JK Rowling’, famous for being the birthplace of…erm…Sir Arthur Conan Doyle!!! Bad move people! #ChangeItBack.’

While owners Nicholson’s Pubs were Nicholson’s pubs were today staying tight -lipped on the sudden transformation, it is understood that it was a an elaborate stunt for Hogmanay

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.  

A spokesman for Nicholsons said: ‘I can’t say anything about it but all will be revealed tomorrow.’