Family receives award after 40 years of service

THE licensees of a popular Motherwell pub have received a special award in recognition of 40 years spent behind the bar. Pat Ross, 80, took on the lease at the Railway Tavern on Merry Street in 1982, when it was described as a “struggling boozer” with spittoons on the bar and a “men only” rule.

Alongside his sons Stephen, Peter and Gary, Pat spent the next four decades completely transforming the space which locals refer to affectionately as “The Tav”.

Nowadays, the family oversee a welcoming and warm bar with a menu of traditional pub grub, screens for sports matches and regular pub quiz events.

Overcoming a number of obstacles along the way, the pub has become a true Motherwell institution which employs 25 staff members and keeps community spirit at its heart.

Peter said: “With all the restrictions and closures, the last couple of years have been the toughest we’ve had since 1982.

“We can’t thank local people enough for all the support they’ve given us; it helped see the pub through.

“We’ve met so many fantastic people at The Tav. It’s a great joy to serve the residents of Motherwell and be part of their lives. “The pub has changed out of all recognition during our time, some of the old boys from the 1980s wouldn’t believe what goes on here now, with customers drinking cocktails and paying via their watches and phones. “Some things remain the same though: it’s still the customers that make The Tav what it is

and give it such a brilliant atmosphere.”

The Ross family received the award for their ruby anniversary at the Railway Tavern on behalf of owners Star Pubs and Bars.

Tom Reilly, area manager for Star Pubs and Bars, said: “It’s a great honour to present the Ross family with this award.

“They are the archetypal great licensees and have made The Railway Tavern a warm, welcoming local as well as an asset to the town. Their customer service is exceptional – they’re hands on, know everyone by name and what they like to drink and have a kind word for all.

“With all the changes that Motherwell has seen in the last 40 years, it is an outstanding achievement to have kept The Tav thriving and meeting residents’ needs.

“We wish them many more happy years behind the bar.”