Fork & Field marks latest venture for pubs pairing

A landmark West Lothian pub has reopened following a six-figure investment by a joint venture involving the entrepreneurs behind Edinburgh's successful Jolly Botanist gin bar.

The Torphichen Arms has been reborn as the Fork & Field. Picture: DBP Architects

Some £475,000 has been pumped into a refurbishment of the Torphichen Arms in Mid Calder by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars and new licensee PG Taverns Scotland. About 20 jobs have been created as a result of the relaunch of the venue as the Fork & Field.

It marks the fourth pub that PG Taverns Scotland has taken on with Star Pubs & Bars, including the Jolly Botanist gin and dining room on the capital’s Morrison street and The Mousetrap on Leith Walk.

The overhaul of the Fork & Field has increased the space in the pub, almost doubling the number of food covers to 94 and expanding the kitchen size by 60 per cent.

Iain Pert, who founded PG Taverns Scotland with business partner Gordon Gilhooley, said: “Opening during the Edinburgh fringe is quite a challenge, but the team are doing a fabulous job. It’s a great location.”

Lawson Mountstevens, managing director of Star Pubs & Bars said: “It’s great for the local community that PG Taverns has taken on the Fork & Field. Their award-winning experience and the pub’s new focus on fresh good quality food are a compelling combination.”

Click here to ‘Like’ The Scotsman Business on Facebook