A prominent pub in the Old Town of Peebles, The Neidpath Inn, is now undergoing a £290,000 refurbishment, having been closed since the start of the year.
The investment is being undertaken by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and The Neidpath’s new publicans Gillian McIntee and Ben Smith, who also run The Riccarton Inn Pub & Dining in Currie, just south of Edinburgh.
The ongoing work at The Neidpath promises to transform the ‘tired’ pub into a top-quality family- and dog-friendly local that will meet the needs of the whole community when it reopens in mid-April, creating eight new jobs.
The outside of the pub is being renovated with new lighting, flower baskets and signage depicting Neidpath Castle. An old history board and tethering rings placed on the front by Peebles Beltane Committee will continue to have pride of place.
A mini makeover of the suntrap garden at the rear will add new furniture, parasols, planting and festoon lighting.
The interior redesign will upgrade the pub throughout with a smart décor. Features such as a decorative ceiling, open fireplace and the old wood bar with its distinctive inset clock will be restored and retained alongside new furniture, flooring, soft furnishings and rich paint colours.
Once complete, The Neidpath Inn will have a dining area with wood panelling and booth seating overlooking the garden, a comfortable lounge with a cosy snug and log burner, and a large traditional bar for drinks and socialising.
This will include a games area kitted out with a new pool table, halo-lit darts and a high-spec AV system showing TNT and Sky Sports. Five letting rooms above the pub will continue to provide accommodation for visitors to Peebles.
The planned kitchen refit will enable Gillian and Ben to introduce food made from scratch using ingredients sourced from the Borders and local suppliers.
The duo want to put The Neidpath Inn on the map for the quality of its drink as well as its food and are upgrading the cellar with new dispense equipment. The drinks offer will span barista-quality coffee, cocktails and cask ales, including a regular changing Borders brew.
For dogs there will be water bowls and treats on the house, along with a doggy dinner menu.
Gillian said: “Peebles is a wonderful town and we are thrilled to have found a site here.The Neidpath Inn is a gorgeous old pub with lots of potential, but it is in a sad state.
“We couldn’t have taken it on and made the improvements it needs without Star’s financial input. We’ve leased pubs and worked on refurbishments with them before. It was a very positive experience that makes us confident The Neidpath Inn will get the quality finish and premium look it needs to thrive.
“It’ll be completely different when the works are completed. We’re very excited and are looking forward to being part of the town.”
Star Pubs’ operations director for Scotland, Matt Dyson, added: “We’re delighted that Ben and Gillian are partnering with Star Pubs again. They have a proven track record for running superb pubs over many years and have just the skills and experience required to bring The Neidpath Inn back to life.
“Their vision for the pub is spot on and will transform it. It will look stunning and there will be something for everyone, from superb food and drink to events and community activities. It will be a fantastic addition to the array of independently operated shops, restaurants and bars for which Peebles is known.”
