Glasgow pubs undergo major revamp
● Part of £1m cash injection by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars
Two Glasgow pubs that are part of Heineken’s portfolio are enjoying upgrades to become “top quality community locals” as part of a £1 million investment.
Star Pubs & Bars, which is owned by Heineken, has been pouring the funds into the two venues as part of a boost to sites in the west of the Central Belt in 2020 – a move creating 30 jobs altogether.
Work is set to start on Monday on a £325,000 refurbishment of The Princess in Riddrie, while The Drum in Shettleston has reopened following a £210,000 makeover. The programme also includes sprucing up The Abbey Bar in Paisley and The Spateston Inn (formerly The Osprey) in Spateston.
Star Pubs & Bars, which has 240 pubs in Scotland including more than 50 in the Glasgow area, said the projects are “transforming” the pubs inside and out, making them more “comfortable and contemporary” and introducing improved sports viewing, new food menus and extended drinks ranges.
The joint investment at The Princess is being undertaken with mother-and-daughter team Adrienne Greenaway and Victoria Asghar who have run the pub for nearly 20 years. The revamp aims to provide it with a smart new look and a “welcoming” appearance. As well as installing new windows, the project will render and paint the building and add new signage and lighting.
The pub’s garden is to be upgraded to accommodate seating for 80, which it says will help with physical distancing, and will include covered sections and heating. Indoor improvements will encompass new toilets, a refitted kitchen, wood floors and booth seating.
Asghar said: “The Princess is a hub of the community… We want to give Riddrie a really great local… We’ll be able to properly cater for women, families and senior citizens for the first time.
“Residents won’t have to travel into the centre for a meal, entertainment or a fantastic night out any more.”
The reopening of The Drum was delayed by four months due to the pandemic. It now boasts a “rustic urban style” with wood floor sand panelling, leather seating and café style windows. traditional features such as the coach lights have been retained, while the range of drinks available has trebled, as well as homemade food with ingredients from West Coast suppliers.
Operator John O’malley said: “The Drum has been part of Shettleston since 1868 but had lost its way and appeal in recent years. Our aim is to give [it] a new direction that meets the needs of everyone in the community and puts it back on the map.”
Star Pubs & Bars MD Lawson Mountstevens said: “We’re firm believers in the future of community locals. However, they need to keep pace with pubgoers’ changing expectations. These refurbishments will reward regulars for their loyalty and attract the new customers pubs need to thrive for the long term.
“This investment also underlines the benefits of the tied pubs model for licensees. It comes at a time when the lower risk and higher support of the tied model in Scotland is in danger of being jeopardised by The Tied Pubs Bill now being considered by the Scottish Parliament.”
“These [community local] refurbishments will reward regulars for their loyalty and attract the new customers pubs need to thrive for the long term.”
LAWSON MOUNTSTEVENS