A DUNDEE pub is set to reopen in April – after a four-year closure – following a major refurbishment.
The Mercantile on Commercial Street is being overhauled in a £630,000 project by Heineken-owned pubco Star Pubs & Bars and operators Tommy and Jacqueline Fox (pictured). The pub is set to be renamed in the next few weeks ahead of its relaunch in early April.
Work is currently underway on the revamp, which will see the Grade A-listed 19th century building kitted out with full-height windows and a contemporary interior, featuring exposed brickwork, wooden floors and artwork. The plans also include the installation of a new kitchen, new toilets, a DJ booth and stage, and an upstairs private function space to seat 80.
The new-look venue will open from 11am serving freshly-prepared food all day; menus will include contemporary Scottish dishes, pub classics and small plates. The drinks offer, meanwhile, will span coffee, premium lagers and craft beers, as well as a selection of wines, spirits and cocktails. A programme of live music, DJ nights and entertainment will run from 9pm.
Tommy said The Mercantile ended a year-long search for a pub.
“We absolutely love Dundee and the plans for the pub are so exciting and extensive, we knew straightaway it was the one for us,” he said.
“It’s an iconic building in a prominent position, and we can’t wait to give it a new lease of life.
“We want to bring something a bit different to the city’s pub scene and provide a place that caters for everyone’s needs, whether they’re after a morning coffee, light lunch, celebratory meal or a fantastic night out.”
Star Pubs & Bars’ operations director for Scotland, Brian Davidson, said: “The scale of the work at the pub is huge: we’re going to town to create a venue that will appeal to all and really add to Dundee’s pub and restaurant scene.”
