Broughty Ferry locals react to plans for pub’s Irish-themed makeover.
Dundee publican George Findlay is refurbishing The Anchor on Grey Street for £250,000.
Locals have reacted to proposals to renovate a disused pub in Broughty Ferry with an Irish theme.
The Courier reported on Monday that Dundee publican George Findlay has taken over the lease for The Anchor on Grey Street, which has been shuttered since August.
Mr Findlay, who owns Market on Seagate, aims to reopen The Anchor in the first week of February with a new appearance and theme, as well as live music. He is also planning “good pub grub,” new cellars, and a complete interior makeover.
The announcement followed months of uncertainty about the pub’s future due to legal issues.
‘Be great to have The Anchor open again’
Readers of The Courier and Evening Telegraph have provided feedback on the plans.
Many people are pleased to see the comeback of a once-popular tavern, but some are hesitant about the motif. Courier website user ‘Decanted Duo’ commented:
“It would be fantastic to have The Anchor open again and back to life.” Dorothy Walker posted on Facebook, “Looking forward to trying it out and hearing live music, perfect.”
It was “great news” according to Irene Conroy. Jo Mitchelson wrote: “Fantastic! I look forward to checking it out!” Fiona Campbell stated, “The Ferry is crying out for a live music venue.” “That sounds great.”
Jan Hampton welcomed the venue’s reopening, saying: “It’s great to see a local guy investing in the property at Broughty Ferry and to have the Anchor back open. “Well done.
(I) know you did an excellent job at the Market with home-cooked meals and a wide selection of drinks.”
Godfrey Mordente envisioned a different use for the bar, noting, “Dundee needs a good old-fashioned steak house with pub.”
“This venue would have been perfect for it!” However, some object to the idea of an Irish-themed pub. “The Ferry does not need an Irish pub,” wrote website user ‘Wullie’.
“Reopen it as a typical tavern with good food and beer. With decent restrooms! “The Anchor thrived on this formula right up until it closed – the atmosphere throughout the weekends was brilliant and packed out.”
‘Why does everything need to be themed?’
‘Weegie’ concurred, stating, “An ‘Irish’ themed pub! “Exactly what we don’t need or want on the ferry.”
Jennifer Brand expressed mixed feelings on Facebook, writing: “Great it’s reopening, great it’ll have live music, but couldn’t it just stay as a brilliant traditional Scots pub?”
“Why does anything and everything have to be themed? “Nothing against the Irish as I’ve a hefty dose of Irish ancestry myself, just don’t see the need to have any theme.” Mr Findlay told The Courier about his plans, saying:
“We want to provide the good pub food 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.”
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