Star Pubs & Bars and Hope Street Lease Ltd (a partnership between Glasgow hospitality operators Neil Douglas and Billy Mcaneney) have completed work on a £430k refurbishment of Trader Joes in Glasgow after a five-month closure. The development has converted the pub into a contemporary Scottish bar and restaurant called Ardnamurchan.
The building has been completely refurbished inside giving the interior a natural but contemporary feel using exposed brickwork, brown leather, Harris Tweed fabrics and wooden flooring.
As the venue’s name suggests, the menu and drinks selection are a celebration of Scottish produce with a special focus on West Coast suppliers. Black pudding is from Stornoway, halibut from Gigha and smoked trout and salmon from Tobermory, for example. There are over 50 Scottish whiskies with Ardnamurchan the first in Glasgow to stock whisky from the Ardnamurchan Distillery. The gins and beers have a similarly Scottish twist and Caledonian Three Hop and Coast to Coast are available on draught.
Neil Douglas said, “Glasgow is the gateway to the West Coast and we felt there was an opportunity to showcase the fantastic quality and range of the food and drink that comes from there as well as further afield in Scotland. It’s early days but customer feedback has been very positive with people telling us they feel Ardnamurchan is bringing something different to Glasgow.”
Lawson Mountstevens, Star Pubs & Bars managing director, added, “The great strength of the leased pub model is the freedom it gives independent operators to put their own stamp on a business. Ardnamurchan is no exception. It’s been a partnership combining significant funding from Star and the vision of Neil and Billy. Their design is stunning and the quality they’ve achieved - from the interior finish to the food – is phenomenal.”
