A PUB in the east end of Glasgow is opening its doors for the first time in 13 months this week – and it will offer one of the biggest beer gardens in the area.
The Princess on Smithcroft Road, Riddrie, will relaunch after a £325,000 refurbishment, bringing 15 new jobs.
Run by mother and daughter Adrienne Greenaway and Victoria Ashgar, the pub is said to be “unrecognisable” from its former incarnation following the project.
The refurbishment works, funded by owner Star Pubs & Bars, part of brewing giant Heineken, spanned a complete interior revamp, as well as the development of a 120-stearer beer garden in what was formerly a concrete courtyard.
The outdoor space features murals by Kirkshaws artist Robert Boyle, decking, planting, heating and festooned lighting, with a marquee able to accommodate 60 customers.
The operators have also reinvigorated the food menu to appeal to a family audience.
Ms Ashgar said: “Work was originally scheduled to begin in February last year but the whole project was delayed by the pandemic. It has been heart-breaking to be closed for so long.
"Regulars have missed meeting up and are desperate for The Princess to reopen. We’ve been inundated with booking enquiries. We can’t wait to open the doors and show everyone their new look pub. The revamp has given the Princess the wow factor, it’s unrecognisable.”
Ms Greenaway noted: “People are craving a sense of normality, [and] we hope the reopening of The Princess is just the ‘pick me up’ they need.
"We’ve really gone to town on the garden so that as many people as possible can safely enjoy getting together again. The Princess has always been a hub of the community.
"We want to build on that and have got lots of plans for when restrictions are lifted from cream teas for senior citizens to fun days for families.”
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