HISTORIC GLASGOW PUB IS UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP
One of Scotland’s oldest pubs, The Griffin in Glasgow, has been bought by the owner of the Isle of Skye Brewing Company, signalling his first move into the licensed trade.
Kenny Webster purchased the bar, which has operated on the corner of Bath Street and Elmbank Street since 1903, from city publican and entrepreneur Oli Norman, for an undisclosed sum.
The Griffin, which has lain empty since March 2020 after being forced to close during the lockdown, is due to reopen this week following a £40,000 refurbishment. It will open again on the Thursday, 8 September.
Webster, who also owns the Black Wolf Brewery in Throsk, and North Coast Brewery in Kinloss, said it had been his intention to buy a bar for some time, but he was waiting for the right opportunity.
The businessman, who will employ 15 people, is targeting a turnover of £1m in its first year of trading, doubling that the end of year three.
He said: “Being a brewer, it’s a natural fit to move into the licensed trade, but I wasn’t going to acquire any pub just for the sake of it – it had to be the right one and, when the Griffin became available, I knew that was it.”
With already one of the biggest independent brewing interests in Scotland, Webster has not ruled out purchasing more outlets.
While new copper fonts have been installed, many of the original fixtures and fittings have been restored, including the original, horseshoe-shaped oak bar and tables, while the A-Listed wood-panelled frontage has been given a makeover.
Interior lighting has been replaced with than 200 LED lights to save on energy costs and make its running more sustainable.
The bar and lounge areas will serve a range of cask conditioned ales – including those produced by the Isle of Skye Brewery – as well as wines, spirits and traditional pub food. A separate function area that can accommodate up to 70 people will be offered for hire for parties and there are also plans to host live music events.
Isle Of Skye Brewing was launched in 1995 and purchased by Webster in 2013. It produces 12 craft ales, including Skye Gold, Red, Black, Blaven, Yer Ben and Skye Craft lager
Webster said: “When you take over a venue that’s as iconic as The Griffin, you feel a responsibility to respect people’s feelings for the place and to exceed their expectations – we’re confident we’ve done that.”
The 120-year-old haunt, formerly The King’s Arms, has long been a favoured watering hole for performers at the neighbouring King’s Theatre.
Named after publican William Griffin, who owned and ran the bar in the 1960s and 70s, celebrity customers over the years have included Still Game stars Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill, snooker players Alex Higgins and Alan McManus, comedian and presenter Paul O’Grady and Del Amitri frontman Justin Currie.
