Argyll Inn reopens
LOCHGILPHEAD pub-goers were delighted when the Argyll Inn opened under new management. The opening day began on a high with customers watching Andy Murray win Wimbledon.
THE ARGYLL Inn has re-opened – much to the delight of Lochgilphead locals.
Its future was uncertain when it shut earlier this year but, happily, local men Blair Johnston and Steven ‘Steesh’ Graham have taken over with the goal of making the pub central to the community. Blair said: ‘We’ve already had a lot of support and want to thank people for that.
‘If local charities want to get in touch with us we’ll do our best to accommodate them. It would be good to hear from locals about what they want from the pub.’
The intention for the main bar to become a sports bar was clear from day one as it opened just in time for the Wimbledon final on Sunday. Tension mounted at times during the match, which saw Scotland’s Andy Murray winning the title for the second time, beating Milos Raonic in straight sets.
As he confirmed his place in Scottish sporting history, there were cheers of delight from customers and Blair and Steven took the champagne off ice and prepared strawberries and cream.
The restaurant area will soon be open as a lounge bar for meals and drinks. Blair explained: ‘We’re looking forward to getting the lounge bar up and running. It will have a bit more of a relaxed atmosphere.’ The kitchen is being refreshed and meals will be served from next month.
Blair is well versed in the hospitality industry having spent 20 years in the trade, in contrast to Steven who is a designer and admits to never having poured a pint in his life. This changed quickly on opening day when it was all hands on deck.
Blair has recently come back to the area and is happy to be home. ‘Running a pub here has been a focus for years,’ he said. A highlight of the pub will be live music with open mic nights and DJs getting everyone dancing at the weekends and Blair and Steven are keen to hear from anyone who might like to take part.