There’s been a changing of the guard at one of Scotland’s best-known whisky pubs – the Bon Accord on Glasgow’s North Street
After decades at the helm of The Bon, the McDonagh family has handed back its keys to Star Pubs, as Thomas McDonagh prepares to open a new pub of his own, The Valinch, on Hope Street.
In his stead, new lessees have been found, in the shape of Ken Stott and Euan McMillan, who also operate Glasgow pubs The Ben Nevis and The Machair.
Having taken on the lease, Stott paid tribute to the pub’s previous management, and stressed that he and McMillan are keen to preserve the Bon Accord’s ‘cosy, lived-in feel’ and down-to-earth character.
Stott and McMillan are well known on Glasgow’s hospitality scene, having started out at The Lismore Bar, before taking on The Ben Nevis Bar on Argyle Street in 2018, followed more recently by The Machair on Great Western Road.
Said Ken: “We love the Bon Accord’s history and its unique atmosphere. We are keen to preserve its cosy, lived-in feel and features like its lovely worn leather armchairs, as well as maintain its authentic, down-to-earth character, which Paul McDonagh created over so many years.
“We want to build on this iconic pub’s reputation. The changes we’re planning are enhancements rather than a radical departure from what has made the Bon Accord beloved by so many.
“These include reintroducing Scottish live music, which the pub hasn’t had for a while, opening the kitchen seven days a week and making some changes to the menu. In addition to the pub classics it currently offers we’ll be adding some modern dishes showcasing Scottish produce,” he said.
“We also intend to host whisky events throughout the year and small beer festivals in the summer.
“We promise whisky, real ales, good food and good times and with that in mind will be hosting a party on the evening of Thursday 4th June to celebrate our taking on the Bon Accord. We’d love it if regulars and new customers could join us – a great atmosphere is guaranteed!”
He continued: “We’d like to wish Paul’s son Thomas success with his new venture. And finally, we’d like to say thank you to the lovely staff at the Bon Accord for all their hard work helping to get the pub open again so quickly and to the customers who came in last night for making us feel so welcome. Cheers to many happy days and evenings ahead.”
Star Pubs business development manager Craig Johnstone commented: “Ken and Euan are friends and partners both with a passion for traditional Scottish pubs, produce and culture. They are an ideal fit for the Bon Accord and will be great custodians of its future.”
