‘Prominent’ Scottish pub to reopen after £290,000 revamp to transform its ‘sad state’
A £290,000 refurbishment will start to reopen a prominent pub in the Old Town of Peebles that has been closed since the start of the year.
The investment in The Neidpath Inn on Old Town is being undertaken by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and new publicans Gillian McIntee and Ben Smith, who also run The Riccarton Inn Pub & Dining, a highly regarded pub in Currie. It will transform the tired pub into a top-quality family- and dog-friendly local that meets the needs of the whole community.
Work starts on 2 March and The Neidpath Inn will reopen in mid-April creating eight new jobs.
The overhaul will carefully renovate the outside of the historic pub with new lighting, flower baskets and signage depicting Neidpath Castle enhancing the building.
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 turning it into a pretty alfresco space.
The interior redesign will upgrade the dated pub throughout with a smart décor that brings out all the character of The Neidpath Inn, whilst making it more welcoming and contemporary.
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.
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To cater for all occasions, The Neidpath Inn will have a beautiful 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 have a games area kitted out with an all-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.
A kitchen refit will enable Gillian and Ben to introduce great food, which will be made from scratch using ingredients sourced from the Borders and local suppliers.
The menu will focus on pub classics such as hearty home cooked pies and fish and chips, as well as specials using fresh fish and game and signature dishes like Cullen skink. Sunday roasts will be a specialty.
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 state-of-the-art dispense equipment to ensure consistently perfect pints.
The extensive drinks selection will span barista-quality coffee, cocktails freshly shaken and stirred and cask ales including a regular changing Borders brew.
Customers’ four-legged friends have not been forgotten, either, and will have water bowls and treats on the house along with their own doggy menu.
In line with Gillian’s and Ben’s ambition to reinstate The Neidpath Inn as a hub of local life, there will be plenty of activities for residents.
On the cards are a quiz, music nights and darts and pool teams plus fundraisers for charities selected by regulars. The pub will do all it can to support Beltane Week and other Peebles events and will make space for meetings of local organisations and good causes.
Gillian and Ben, who live on the outskirts of Edinburgh, have enjoyed many family outings to Peebles over the years.
Gillian said: “It’s a wonderful town and we are thrilled to have found a pub here. The Neidpath Inn is a gorgeous old pub with lots of potential but it is in a sad state.
“We want to give it the love and stability 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 to be joining forces with Gillian and Ben to bring The Neidpath Inn back to life. The plans will transform it; it will look stunning and there will be something for everyone, from superb food and drink to events and community activities.
“Ben and Gillian have a reputation for running fantastic pubs over many years, and The Neidpath Inn will add to the array of independently operated shops, restaurants and bars for which Peebles is known.”
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