The refurbishment, rebrand and relaunch of Tiltin Kiltin on Dumbarton Road, in the Partick area of Glasgow, is now complete, conducted as a collaboration between Iona Pub Partnership, MD Hospitality and local husband and wife operators Stephen and Fiona McHugh.
The previously named Tenement Bar, Stephen and Fiona decided that after five years of running it as it was when they took it on from the previous Iona Pub partner, it was time to move the venue forward with their own identity and vision for how they think the venue would best suit the local community.
A long-standing favourite of the Partick pub scene, sitting at the foot of the iconic Gardner Street, the traditional pub has been kitted out with new furniture, décor, lighting, signage, plumbing and featured imagery that celebrates national treasures and sporting achievements, all part of the £40k investment.
After closing for only 19 days, regulars will be pleased to hear that the original feature bar and gantry remain untouched and now showcase a range of malt and blended whiskies, for every palette and budget, as well as accessible wines alongside draught and bottled craft beers and lagers. The island tabletop, a key feature of the venue post-refurb, has been removed to open up the main section of the bar area and the food offer is also being revisited over the next few weeks. Showcasing a selection of Scottish-inspired small plates such as Haggis Pakora with Whisky Sauce and Mini Haggis Neeps and Tatties, this is part of the new offer Stephen believes will really add some depth to the venue in terms of not only attracting new customers but satisfying rugby fans on their way to and from Glasgow Warriors matches or who are just in enjoying the match live on their large-screen TVs.
Michael Dunn of MD Hospitality, the contractors who carried out the works on behalf of Iona Pub, commented; “It’s a friendly pub, one of the cities hidden gems once you walk in and are greeted with that beautiful gantry bar with its small intricate details. We recently had the opportunity to work on another Iona Pub venue, The Piper on George Square, and their new upstairs Whisky Lounge, so to be asked again to work on another one of their pubs was something we couldn’t say no to.
Their process, from initial talks and meetings on-site to presenting drawings of our vision for the business and then getting the work underway, was a genuine breath of fresh air. Being set up for success weeks ahead of re-opening, with the support they have available from Iona Pub is phenomenal. Their Business Development Manager is in daily communication with the partners and ourselves, their Group Paralegal ensures any questions or issues are swiftly answered and explained, the partners enjoy an expansive supplier network, and the Group’s Brand Manager was instrumental in many areas from branding and signage to the creation of their point of sale and the development and implementation of their short and long-term marketing plan.”
“I’m confident their regulars and any new customers will love the work we’ve carried out and embrace the standard and direction Stephen and Fiona are taking the pub in.”
“After months of planning and making sure the investment was happening at the right time it’s great to see the outcome and how it’s now placed Stephen and Fiona in a fantastic position for success,” says Alan Sayers, Operations Director at Iona Pub. “With the addition of a manageable food offer, the venue positioned as Partick’s Home of Rugby, and alongside Stephen and Fiona’s reputation for providing first-rate customer service, the venue has become more sustainable as a business which is totally aligned with how we want to approach our upcoming investments within the estate.”
“We’re committed to ensuring the long-term survival of our partners and their businesses. Together with our support functions we make a great team and look forward to seeing what the future holds.”
• What made you take the decision to invest in the venue?
We realised in recent years that we have lost a little bit of the buzz and new faces walking through the door. So when our new BDM started earlier this year we investigated the possibility of an investment with Iona to turn the pub around and give Partick a new venue with a different feel and offering.
• How was the overall investment process in terms of the initial discussions with your Business Development Manager to the support available throughout and then onto completion and reopening?
Our BDM was really supportive through the initial talks on how an investment would look like for us, the expectations from both sides to make the business grow, anything we needed support on during the works and to the opening day. We couldn’t be more grateful to him and his continued support to give us the best possible chance to make the pub great again.
• How would you describe the pub in three words?
Warm, welcoming and traditional.
• With football such a popular sport in the West of Scotland, why rugby?
Rugby signifies so many more things than just the sport. It’s inclusive and it’s respectful, an environment we want to create, so Rugby environment rather than rugby themed. Since opening we have been supported locally by the Hawks and we have a good relationship with Warriors also, who have helped provide us with memorabilia to display.
• Any tips for other partners looking to invest in their business?
If anyone is looking at this option, we would recommend. It gives everyone a lift, us as tenants, our staff but more importantly our customers, old and new. We have a new pub, a fresh start and something we can build upon.
• What’s your favourite part/What do you enjoy most about the pub?
Seeing new visitors, telling them the story, the journey. We are in the service industry and we love seeing new people walking through the doors to see what we are about now.
• Drinks of choice?
You really can’t beat a nice cold pint of Tennents, it’s our staple drink and with well maintained lines we are serving this to the highest standard.
• What has been the reaction of staff and customers to the refurbishment?
I suppose to sum this up as best as possible, we had a regular that has been coming in for years, he’s now bringing his wife in to join him, that speaks volumes to where we are now.
• What does the future hold for Tiltin Kiltin?
The future is in our hands, it’s exciting but daunting at the same time. We have the foundation and we now need to challenge ourselves to provide the service and offering that the pub now delivers from a look and setting. The support from our BDM will help us on that journey, it’s an exciting time and the future holds endless possibilities.
Are you looking for a career change? Does running your own pub sound like your dream job? Iona Pub are currently looking for partners for a range of venues across Scotland. To find out more, and to browse their currently available venues please visit ionapub.com.