Amber Taverns has completed a six-figure investment in The Thistle in Alloa, transforming the Junction Place pub and creating 15 new jobs.
The reopening sees Debbie McInally continue at the venue after working at The Thistle for 18 years and previously managing the pub for its former owners.
McInally will now operate The Thistle under Amber Taverns’ operator-managed model, giving her greater responsibility for developing the business with support from the pub company.
The investment has included an extensive refurbishment of the property and repositioned The Thistle as a wet-led pub centred around drinks, live sport and games.
Multiple screens have been installed to provide live sports coverage, while darts forms part of the pub’s entertainment offer.
The drinks range includes beers alongside a selection of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
Alex Ozobia, Area Manager at Amber Taverns, said, “We’re extremely confident about the opportunity at The Thistle. It’s a strong site in the heart of Alloa and we’ve made a significant investment to give the pub a proposition we believe will really resonate with the local market.
“Debbie is also a huge part of why we’re so excited about the business. She has been here for 18 years, knows the pub inside out and has an incredible connection with its customers and the wider community. Under our operator-managed model, she now has the opportunity to really make the business her own, while having the investment, infrastructure and support of Amber behind her. That combination of a great operator who understands the local market and a strong, value-led pub proposition is exactly what we look for.”
The Thistle also has links to Alloa’s brewing and pub history.
The venue was previously known as the Junction Bar, while Junction Place was historically home to Maclay & Co’s Thistle Brewery.
Debbie said, “I’ve worked at The Thistle for 18 years and always cared enormously about the pub and its customers, so having the opportunity to take it forward with Amber is incredibly exciting. I know the local market and what our customers want, and now we have a fantastic new pub and a great team to deliver it. There has already been a real buzz around Alloa about us reopening and I’m looking forward to building on that.”
Associated Articles
Amber Taverns Invests Seven Figures in First Wiltshire Pub
Provides direct context on Amber Taverns’ current investment and expansion programme, with the operator investing in new and refurbished wet-led pubs across its estate.
The Regal Reopens in Armadale Following £100,000 Investment
Adds further context on investment in Scotland’s community pub market, with The Regal reopening following a refurbishment of its bar, games and outdoor facilities.
Belhaven Invests £5 Million in its Pubs Following Launch of Franchise Model
Provides wider context on continued investment in Scottish pubs and alternative operating models, with Belhaven investing across its managed, tenanted and franchised estate.
Belhaven Invests £5 Million in its Pubs Following Launch of Franchise Model
