The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Cherrybank Inn booked out
As hospitality venues begin to slowly reopen, the Cherrybank Inn has certainly caught customers’ eyes.
The popular Perth pub venue now has a beautiful balcony and beer garden which thousands of customers have visited to enjoy food and refreshment.
Former St Johnstone player Scott Findlay is the man at the helm of the Cherrybank which has seen a gradual progression since he took over the reins almost eight years ago.
A footballer for 13 years, Scott’s dad, Jack, had always been in the hospitality trade so the move was a natural step for him when he finished playing the sport.
“I started getting involved about 2013 when I finished playing football. I was playing with Dundee as a goalkeeper but injured my shoulder and had to get a big operation so that kind of forced the decision,” he said.
“It’s in my blood because we have had pubs in the family my entire life.”
The 37-year-old immediately saw the potential the Cherrybank Inn had and has built a venue for all ages.
“We started by gradually doing things. It was always a busy pub but I just thought there was scope to do more and there were about 400 houses getting built nearby, too. I wanted to progress the business alongside that as I knew we would have to be bigger for that.
“There were a few wee snugs in the bar that we knocked into one, there were more people coming in for the football on the TV so we extended the lounge and put a big balcony on.”
As plans were progressing, the coronavirus pandemic arrived. However, Scott pointed out that this wasn’t going to see him resting on his laurels.
“Instead of sitting back and mumping and moaning, I just tried to be progressive and positive throughout lockdown. I really went for it. I thought ‘I have the time to do this so let’s kick on and do it,” Scott added.
“It’s difficult when you are open to build extensions, for instance, but there was an opportunity to do it. We built a big beer garden, we built a bar underneath, added some lighting and put an electronic roof system on the balcony which is brilliant for us.
“We can’t use it fully just now because of restrictions with airflow but that will be a really cool feature
for us as it has sides, too.
“Come winter and whenever we are back to normal, it becomes a full outdoor area just by the push of a button, with heating and it also
doubles our capacity. We love it!
“We really want to kick on and do as well as we can, not just for ourselves, but for our regulars and new customers. I have a
brilliant group of staff and I wanted it to be a great place for everyone.”
Scott has also managed to retain all of his staff from almost 14 months ago when Covid struck.