The historic Glenleven Inn in Kilbarchan is to be rejuvenated and renamed, thanks to a £260,000 joint investment by national pub operator Punch and local publican Fraser Campbell, which will also create nine new jobs.
The Glenleven Inn will reopen on 26th September as Habbies, following a sympathetic refurbishment which will retain the pub’s many traditional features such as fireplaces and stone-flagged floors.
The significant renovation project will create a contemporary, light and airy feel with a traditional twist. A new entrance will lead into the bar and dining areas with quality furniture, fixtures and fittings. The ladies’ and gents’ facilities will be refurbished, the bar’s layout and appearance will be improved and a modern, professional kitchen installed. The pub’s three en-suite B&B rooms will also be redecorated as part of the project.
Externally, the pub will also be redecorated with new signage and lighting to improve its appearance and the beer garden will be smartened up to create an attractive place for customers to enjoy an alfresco drink.
Taking its name from the famous Kilbarchan piper, Habbie Simpson, Habbies is one of two pubs in the town, the other being The Trust Inn, both of which will now be run by publican Fraser Campbell.
Fraser said: “The Glenleven Inn opened in 1899 and has remained a pub ever since. It has always been a popular venue but was in need of some investment to keep it on track. I’m delighted to be part of its rejuvenation and I’m looking forward to extending the quality and service customers expect from my other pub to Habbies.
“We will be serving a wide range of dishes including venison burgers and wild boar and chorizo burgers alongside great steaks, fajitas, hearty salads and the usual pub classics. The range of drinks will be updated to include Birra Moretti, Amstel and Tennent’s lagers, three real ales, craft ales and an extensive range of speciality malts, gins and vodkas and quality wines.
“Once we are up and running, I plan to introduce live music entertainment every fortnight, run a quiz on Tuesday nights and build on the success of the pub’s popular jam night sessions.”
Commenting on behalf of Punch, new business development manager Elena Smanio said: “We are delighted to have teamed up with Fraser to keep this local institution going. Fraser has a wealth of experience in the pub and restaurant industry and there’s definitely demand locally for him to extend his warm welcome to a second pub.
“Habbies will be a welcoming place for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a coffee, pint or meal in relaxing and friendly surroundings. I’m looking forward to continually supporting Fraser and his team going forward.”