Bieldside Sold In £1.5m Deal

Signature Pubs has sold Aberdeen’s Bieldside Inn to PB Developments Ltd for just under £1.5m. The pub was Signature Pubs’ very first unit, and was given a major refurbishment in 2004. Garreth Wood of Signature Pubs told DRAM, “There is obviously a nostalgia attached to Bieldside, as it was our very first purchase, but it was a business decision to sell pure and simple, as we are now very much concentrating on our city centre operations in Aberdeen and Edinburgh. We also think that the Bieldside needs an owner/operator with a pedigree, and we are delighted that it is in the safe hands of PB Developments.”
The Bieldside will be managed by Bob Calder, the brother-in-law of PB Developments’ founder, Stuart Clarkson. He has worked for the company for 23 years. Mr Clarkson’s two eldest sons now also play a key role in the business.
A spokesperson for PB Developments said, “Bob currently manages The Queen Vic pub which is located in The Rosemount area of Aberdeen. He is very keen to welcome new and existing customers, as well as those who wish to return to the Bieldside Inn, to come and play a key role in reviving its community spirit and turning it back into a quality local pub with a great atmosphere.
“Bob featured on Channel 4’s Aberdeen’s edition of ‘Come Dine With Me’ where he came joint first place.
PB Developments also owns many other venues including Soul Casino, The College and Babylon also in Aberdeen.
Meanwhile Signature Pubs have bought 99 Hanover Street in Edinburgh. Says Signature Pubs Operations Director Martin Brown, “We bought the bar about a month ago. It’s a great site. We are busy decorating it, and as we speak I’ve got a company putting a new roof on.”