EXCLUSIVE: Broughty Ferry’s Anchor Bar set to reopen after £250k Irish-themed makeover.

A Dundee publican intends to spend £250,000 on renovating Broughty Ferry’s Anchor Bar into an Irish-themed pub with live music.

The Courier can reveal that George Findlay, who manages the Market Bar on Seagate, has taken over the lease of the Gray Street venue, which has been shuttered since August.

He has reached an agreement with existing owner and licence holder Willie Boath, and wants to reopen in the first week of February next year with a new design and theme.

The announcement followed months of uncertainty about the pub’s future due to ongoing legal issues.

£250k to be spent on Anchor Bar refurbishment

Mr Findlay stated: “I am pleased to inform that I have taken over the pub.

“There were various legal issues to be ironed out, but everything has been sorted and I can now speak publicly about this.”

Mr Findlay stated that he intends to spend £250,000 upgrading the bar, which will include new flooring and a new cellar.

He stated, “There is still a lot of work to be done, but we hope to be open by the first week of February.” “We want to recreate the quality pub fare that The Anchor was once known for. “We are also planning a bit of an Irish theme and will be bringing in live music – something a bit new for Broughty Ferry.”

Up to 20 new staff to be taken on at  Anchor Bar

Mr Findlay also hopes that the bar would hire 15 to 20 full-time and part-time employees.

He elaborated: “It has taken a bit of work to get to this stage but now we are pressing ahead.”

Mr Boath will continue to own the bar and serve as the licensed landlord, with Mr Findlay eventually taking over as licensee.

Mr Boath confirmed: “I can confirm that George Findlay will take on The Anchor.

 

“This is good news.” There are still a few last-minute details to work out, but we’re almost there, and everything is moving forward with an eye towards launching in February.” Helen Taylor led The Anchor for several years before stepping down for family reasons.

Graham Bradley, another Dundee publican, stepped in and announced his own ambitions to take over, remodel, and run the pub.

However, Mr Bradley, who owns the Craigie and Albert bars in Dundee and has taken over the St Michael’s Inn near Cupar, recently informed The Courier that he has stepped back due to legal issues.

He clarified: “I am no longer involved with The Anchor due to several legal hitches.”

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