One of the most famous real ale pubs in the Lothians, The Grey Horse, re-opens on August 29 (4pm) after months of refurbishment.
John McArdle and his partner, Gillian Wilkinson, have transformed the pub in Balerno’s Main Street and the journey from acquisition to opening has been a trip down memory lane.
John’s late father, Jack, was a regular and John followed in dad’s footsteps.
The Edinburgh businessman stepped in to acquire the pub because of his strong local connections. He was born in the village.
Designers with extensive knowledge of the hospitality were instructed to modernise the property but they had to keep a hint of the past.
Amy Buchanan, the former school administrator at nearby, Dean Park Primary School, is in charge and initially bosses will concentrate on the bar trade with four cask ales, including Old Speckled Hen, on tap.
There is a public bar with a mirror on which the name Brow’s is prominent. The Brow family owned the popular watering hole in years gone by.
An adjacent lounge leads to the former function room which has been re-designed and the Back Room will hold functions and meetings for around 60 guests.
McArdle said he bought the pub with his heart and not his head and the renovation has taken longer than hoped but he said: “We believe the public bar, lounge bar and Back Room will provide something for everyone.”
WELCOME: Amy Buchanan with two barmen ready to serve customers. Picture Nigel Duncan
MODERN LOOK: The Back Room in the Grey Horse. Picture Nigel Duncan
CHILL AREA: The bar in the lounge area in the Grey Horse. Picture Nigel Duncan
PUBLIC BAR: Well known to locals with a reference to the former owner on the mirror. Picture Nigel Duncan
EXTERNAL VIEW: Taken days before the official opening with a new sign. Picture Nigel Duncan
