One Irish pub is giving way to another in Dorchester’s Adams Village.
Session House, a new concept from Esteemed Hospitality, LLC, is preparing to take over the former Scobie’s Cafe & Bar space at 782 Adams Street, confirmed managing partner Teresa Murphy. The family-run Scobie’s opened in September 2024 and closed in February 2026, with plans at the time to renovate and reopen the pub. Those plans ultimately did not come to fruition.
Now, the space is getting a new lease on life under the leadership of local restaurateur Frank Delaney, whose portfolio includes Broadside Tavern, The Merchant Kitchen & Drinks, and the now-closed The Times Irish Pub & Restaurant.
Described as an “ambitious new music, dining, and social venue,” Session House aims to blend the sounds and traditions of Ireland with the energy of one of Dorchester’s most established neighborhood hubs. The concept is envisioned as a modern gathering place where live music, food, storytelling, and community all share the spotlight.
The pub’s name nods to that mission: “session” refers to the communal tradition of musicians gathering to play together, while “house” evokes the warmth and welcoming ambiance of a neighborhood home.
Music will be central to the experience, with live traditional Irish sessions alongside contemporary performances. The venue’s “SOUL CEÓL”—or “soul music”—theme celebrates the connection between Irish music and the communities that keep those traditions alive.
In the kitchen, guests can expect a refined take on pub fare, with elevated dishes drawing inspiration from both Irish and New England traditions. An extensive, seasonally shifting beverage program will include whiskey, cocktails, wine, and thoughtfully chosen beers.
The space itself will lean into the cozy character of a longtime neighborhood pub. Plans call for rich, dark tones, warm gold accents, traditional musical imagery, and an intimate atmosphere designed to feel less like a brand-new restaurant and more like a well-established gathering space.
“Session House is about creating a place where people can come together,” the founding team said in a statement. “Great music, great food, a great pint, a beautiful room—and most importantly, a sense that everybody is welcome at the table.”
Light renovations are currently underway, Murphy said, with Session House expected to open in early to mid-fall 2026. When it debuts, the team hopes the new venue will live up to its simple invitation: “Come for the music. Stay for the soul.”
