Winchburgh’s only pub reopens on Friday 2nd August after a £400K investment from Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars. The pub’s new licensees, Winchburgh residents Trevor and Yvonne Spence, are joined by son Aidan, a trained chef.
The Tally Ho is the Spence’s first pub and Yvonne, who is currently the British No1 Olympic weightlifter for her age group, is forgoing participation in this year’s world championships in Canada to ensure the pub gets off to the best possible start. Says Yvonne, “It has been our dream to have our own pub one day and, when our local became available, we felt it was ‘now or never’. We want The Tally Ho to appeal to all and cater for families. We’ve overhauled the pub from top to bottom. Though I’ve been doing a lot of heavy lifting to get it ready, I want The Tally Ho to be perfect, so I’ve not got time for the training required for the world championships this year.”
The revamp has opened up The Tally Ho to let in the light and make it more contemporary and comfortable whilst retaining its traditional country feel. New bi-fold doors open onto a stunning terrace with a retractable roof and sides so that customers can enjoy year-round alfresco eating and drinking, whatever the weather.
A kitchen refit and extension will enable the Spences to focus on freshly prepared, locally sourced food.
The Spences have not forgotten customers’ four-legged friends, who will have a dedicated play area in the garden, dog treats and even their own drinks, with Pawsecco and Bottom Sniffer on the menu.
Adds Yvonne, “The new designs are fantastic and really give the pub the ‘wow factor’. The Tally Ho has been part of Winchburgh life for over 100 years (albeit with different names), and we want to keep it thriving for future generations to enjoy. Winchburgh is due to receive a lot of investment and redevelopment, and we’re extremely pleased to be able to add to it.”
Comments Star Pubs & Bars area manager Tom Reilly, “We’re delighted to be working with Yvonne and Trevor to broaden The Tally Ho’s appeal and give it the upgrade it needs. The changes will give people many more reasons to visit and provide local residents with a great quality pub on their doorsteps. With all the Spences’ plans, The Tally Ho is set become a destination in its own right and attract people from other areas to Winchburgh.”
