Ahead of our imminent move into tier three, pub chain, Marston’s, has confirmed that it will be reopening 14 of its 21 Scottish pubs on April 26.
These include three Glasgow venues - the Jenny Burn, Old Plane Tree and the Steam Wheeler - as well as Queen of the Loch in Balloch, Pine Marten in East Lothian, Sweet Chestnut in Dunfermline and venues in Dumfries, Stirling and Kirkcaldy.
Ralph Findlay, Marston’s CEO, said: “We are delighted many of our pubs across Scotland will reopen and our teams can welcome back guests.
"It has been a challenging time, but we are excited to see friends and family reunite and enjoy our pubs once again.”
They’ll be operating within the Scottish Government’s current restrictions.
From Monday April 26, this means that; “pubs, cafes and restaurants can reopen outdoors for groups of up to six people from up to six households with alcohol in line with local licencing laws, and indoors for groups of up to six people from up to two households until 20:00”.
Their adapted offerings will involve table service as well as the use of an online ordering system, Marston’s Tap, which was rolled out last year and is available in many of their venues.
They’ll also be serving their pub-style menus. For example, the Pine Marten will be offering familiar standards including beef and ale pie, burgers and fish and chips, as well as a children’s menu and a small selection of vegetarian and vegan options.
This Dunbar pub plans to serve food indoors until 8pm and alcohol outdoors until 10pm, though there will be access to toilets and baby-changing facilities for those eating and drinking al-fresco.
Its website says, “Please note we may need to vary our opening hours and food service times given the time of year and the unpredictable nature of our weather!”
The reopening of some of Marston’s venues has been made possible in part thanks to their nationwide project to equip their 300 of their 1500 UK pubs with outdoor spaces.
Bookings are being accepted and guests can reserve a table via each individual pub’s website, though they will also be offering walk-ins.
