Operator Brian Carnochan – who owns The Grant Arms on Glasgow’s Argyle Street – is taking on the lease of The Glenhead Tavern in Duntocher, with a plan for a £300,000 refurbishment backed by Star Pubs.
Carnochan, whose enthusiasm for hospitality saw him combine part-time evening bar work with a 30-year career in banking, before giving up his day job to take over The Grant Arms in 2022, is now looking to expand his portfolio of pubs in the west of Scotland.
He envisages The Glenhead Tavern, which has been shuttered since January, reopening as a family-friendly premium local serving homecooked food and specialising in sports and entertainment.
“Running a pub isn’t as easy as it was when I started out in the industry 30 years ago but I’m optimistic about the future,” said Carnochan.
“There is still plenty of consumer demand for good pubs that offer a fantastic all-round experience at the right price point. I’m always looking for new ways to add value. I’m a firm believer in offering entertainment and in serving more premium products for the weekends when people want to treat themselves alongside lower priced options that drive midweek trade,” he explained.
“Leasing and jointly investing in The Glenhead Tavern is ideal for me – it avoids trying up cash in buying a pub, making expansion easier. Having the insight and perspective of a dedicated business development manager is another major benefit.
“My aim is to restore The Glenhead Tavern to its glory days when it was the place to go. Star Pubs’ designs are spot-on and will maximise the pub’s income streams. It will look fantastic when the works are completed.”
Ahead of the scheduled reopening in mid-August, which will create 11 new jobs for the area, The Glenhead Tavern’s exterior will be overhauled with a ‘classic’ cream and dark green colour scheme, and new lighting and signage.
Inside, the revamp will introduce smart new décor incorporating William Morris-style wallpaper, wood panelling and deep buttoned back banquette seating, around a layout designed to ‘cater for the whole community and multiple occasions’.
As well as a traditional public bar, there will be a lounge / dining area that can be converted into function space, and what is promised to be ‘one of the best sports zones in the vicinity’, kitted out with darts, pool and screens showing Sky, TNT and Premier Sports.
Carnochan aims to put The Glenhead Tavern ‘back on the map’ for freshly prepared food and drink, offering pub favourites, bottomless brunches and afternoon teas, alongside an extensive drinks selection including premium beers, barista quality coffee and cocktails.
To help reinstate The Glenhead Tavern as a ‘hub of local life’, Brian also plans to launch a host of activities to bring people together, ranging from kids’ karaoke and family orientated events at times like Halloween and Christmas, to music nights, charity fundraisers and pool and darts teams.
Having signed the Star Pubs lease for The Glenhead Tavern, Carnochan said that he is keen to take on further leased or freehold pubs in suburban or town centre locations in the west of Scotland that ‘have the potential to be great locals or destination food pubs through investment or improvements to the offer’.
Star Pubs’ operations director, Matt Dyson, commented: “We’re delighted to be joining forces with Brian to bring such a popular pub back to life. He knows the area well and his experience and enthusiasm are just what’s required.
“Brian’s plans tick all the boxes; there will be lots of reasons to visit The Glenhead Tavern and something for everyone.”
The refurbishment of The Glenhead Tavern is part of Star Pubs’ £40m investment in upgrading its UK pub estate in 2025, which includes £4.5m earmarked for Scotland.
