'Landmark' Scottish pub set for £191,000 makeover to transform rundown interior
A landmark pub on Prestonpans High Street is shutting for a £191,000 refurbishment that will transform it into a top-quality local with a new darts and function room.
The overhaul of The Railway Tavern on the High Street is being undertaken by Heineken-owned Star Pubs – which is headquartered in Edinburgh – and new licensee, Prestonpans born-and-bred Irene McQuade, whose father was a regular of the pub.
The former Pencaitland Primary School dinner lady will be helped out by her partner Gerry Nicholas, a barman at The Railway Tavern. The works start on 20 April, and the pub will reopen in mid-May.
The project will restore the distinctive exterior of the historic pub, painting it to accentuate its crenelated gables and turret and installing new signage, lighting and seating overlooking the War Memorial and seafront. The overgrown rear garden – which is a sun trap in the summer – will be reopened with new furniture and planting.
The interior refurbishment will completely revamp and upgrade the rundown pub with a smart classic décor sympathetic to the building.
The design will use heritage colours and incorporate all-new soft furnishings and traditional-style furniture alongside renovated timber floors and reupholstered banquette seating.
Painted wood panelling, decorative lighting and wallpaper plus artwork reflecting Prestonpans will add to the look. And, in further good news for customers, the infamous toilets will be ripped out and replaced.
As regards to layout, the downstairs will have a spacious bar for socialising and a games zone with a new pool table, whilst a new darts room will be added upstairs. This will be kitted out with two halo-lit darts boards and will double as a space for private functions, ranging from birthday parties to baby showers.
Other improvements include a high-spec AV system with screens around the pub showing Sky Sports and state-of-the-art dispense equipment to ensure consistently perfect pints. The Railway Tavern will stock a wide selection of drinks that caters to every taste, including cocktails and prosecco, as well as bar snacks like homemade soup, pies and hot dogs.
Irene McQuade said: “The Railway Tavern is a beautiful old building in a fantastic location – it’s my dream pub; I wouldn’t have wanted any other.
“I can remember it in its heyday when there were many more pubs on the High Street. Now The Railway Tavern is the only one left. It’s in a sorry condition and there’s been a lot of concern about its future. The town is crying out for a good local where people can meet up, forget any worries and enjoy entertainment without the need to travel further afield. I’ll be going all out to deliver that. I’ve been overwhelmed by the response to the plans. Everyone is really excited that the pub is getting the investment it so desperately needs.”
In line with Irene's ambition to make The Railway Tavern a hub of Prestonpans once again, it will host varied activities to bring people together.
On the cards are a weekly Friday evening karaoke disco and Saturday night music, such as themed DJ sessions or live singers, with a focus on showcasing local talent.
With sports enthusiasts in mind, Irene is keen to start up pool and darts teams and will run weekday competition nights. The Railway Tavern will also support Prestonpans events like the Gala and sponsor Prestongrange Bowling Team.
Star Pubs operations director for Scotland, Matt Dyson added: “We’re pleased to be finally breaking ground on the refurbishment of such an iconic Prestonpans pub.
“We want The Railway Tavern to be an asset that complements the other investment the town centre has received over recent years. We’re delighted to be joining forces with Irene – her energy, ideas and knowledge of the town are just what’s required to get The Railway Tavern back on track and thriving.”
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