An Irish pub in Scotland becomes an Ivory Coast pub for the World Cup

Biddy Mulligans, a traditional Irish pub in Edinburgh, has rebranded itself as an Ivorian establishment for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Ireland failed to qualify. General Manager Rory O'Neill explains how a viral social media joke transformed into a full-scale cultural takeover, featuring Ivorian flags, Afrobeat playlists, and staff in custom elephant-themed jerseys. The pub serves authentic West African cuisine, such as Garba and fermented couscous, prepared by a Czech chef using ingredients sourced from local African suppliers. A central highlight is the importation of African-brewed Guinness, a 10% ABV "rocket fuel" variant that differs significantly from the standard Irish recipe. This international "mash-up" has successfully united Ivorian expats, local fans, and even embassy officials, creating a unique community hub centered around the Ivory Coast national team's tournament progress.