The Mercantile on Dundee’s Commercial Street is to reopen after a four-year closure thanks to a £630,000 refurbishment by Heineken-owed Star Pubs & Bars and operators Tommy and Jacqueline Fox (pictured). The pub will open in early April with a new name to mark its relaunch, set to be revealed in the coming weeks.
The outside of the Grade A-listed building – which dates back to 1871 – will be sympathetically renovated to make it an attractive feature of Commercial Street once again. The project will install full-height windows to bring light into the building.The inside will have a complete revamp and a contemporary look with exposed brickwork, wooden floors and stunning artwork, furniture and fittings. The plans also include a new kitchen, new toilets and an upstairs private function space to seat80.
The Fox’s also want to add a new DJ booth and stage. A programme of live music, DJ nights and interactive entertainment will run once dinner service finishes at 9pm.
The Fox’s searched for a pub they could run together for over a year before choosing The Mercantile. Says Tommy, “We absolutely love Dundee and the plans for the pub are so exciting and extensive, we knew straightaway it was the one for us.”
Star Pubs & Bars’ operations director for Scotland, Brian Davidson, added, “We’re delighted to be contributing to Dundee’s regeneration. The scale of the work at the pub is huge: we’re going to town to create a venue that will appeal to all and really add to Dundee’s pub and restaurant scene. Tommy and Jacqueline are passionate about service, so people can be assured of a warm welcome and great hospitality.”
