Lomond Leisure Group and Star Pubs are embarking on a joint £275,000 revamp of the Van Winkle bar on Sandyford Place in Glasgow.
The site – which for many years operated as McPhabbs – will close after last orders on 30th March, to be transformed into Gael & Grain, a pub focussed on Scottish food, drink and music, which is scheduled to open in mid-May, having created eight new jobs.
The outside works will restore the exterior of the mid-1800s building in keeping with the surrounding conservation area and make over the garden areas at the front and back with new furniture, lighting and planting.
Meanwhile a stylish new internal décor will incorporate natural materials – timber flooring, exposed brickwork and leather button-back seating – alongside fabrics and wallpapers designed in Scotland.
The intention is that the 64-seater ground floor will cater for drinkers and diners, while the basement will act as an events space, hosting everything from comedy nights and live music to private parties and business meetings.
Gael & Grain aims to build on the success of other LLG sites that specialise in Scottish fare, like its Glasgow restaurant Mharsanta and its Edinburgh pub, The Tolbooth Tavern, which is also leased from Star Pubs.
The menu will use ingredients sourced from Scotland and offer unique takes on classic Scottish comfort food with dishes such as haggis lasagne and Irn-Bru cheesecake.
The drinks selection will follow suit, with a wide range of malt whiskies and Scottish gins. In terms of entertainment, Gael & Grain will showcase Scottish music – from traditional musicians to contemporary bands.
LLG director Derek Mallon said: “For a small country, Scotland punches above its weight when it comes to the food and drink it produces and is widely recognised as having some of the best meat and seafood in the world.
“There’s growing demand for great Scottish food and drink, and Gael & Grain will aim to meet this in a relaxed, welcoming pub setting.
“It’s an exciting time for Glasgow. Its independent pub, bar and restaurant scene is going from strength to strength, putting the city on the map for hospitality.
“We’ve worked with Star Pubs for a number of years and appreciate the wealth of experience they bring to our partnership as well as their support and investment.”
Star Pubs’ operations director for Scotland, Matt Dyson, added: “We’re delighted to be backing the Lomond Leisure Group in their plans to develop another fantastic venue in Glasgow.
“They are great ambassadors for Scotland, both in their work on behalf of the hospitality industry and in the outlets they create. They’ve got a reputation for delivering quality experiences and superb food and drink to their customers.
“Gael & Grain’s celebration of all things Scottish will make it a great local as well as a destination for those from outside the area.”
At the same time as developing Gael & Grain, LLG is set to open a new restaurant, Kirk O’The Lochs, in the Loch Lomondside village of Tarbet, and also refurbish the beer garden at its flagship bourbon bar Van Winkle on Glasgow’s Gallowgate in time for the summer.
Looking longer term, the company is keen to find another venue in Edinburgh and to expand its estate further across Scotland’s Central Belt should the right outlets become available.
