A £290,000 refurbishment is set to get under way next week to bring The Neidpath Inn in Peebles back into trade, after the pub in the Old Town closed at the start of the year.
The investment is being made by Heineken-owned Star Pubs in partnership with new publicans Gillian McIntee and Ben Smith, who also run The Riccarton Inn Pub & Dining in Currie. The aim is to reposition The Neidpath Inn as a high-quality local that is family- and dog-friendly, with food, drink and community activity at its core.
The refurbishment, is due to start next week, with the pub expected to reopen in mid-April and create eight new jobs.
The new operators say that the focus is on turning what they describe as a “sad” site into a top-quality, family- and dog-friendly local, while keeping the character that makes the building part of Peebles’ streetscape. Externally, plans include new lighting, flower baskets and fresh signage featuring Neidpath Castle. The team has also committed to retaining the history board and tethering rings placed on the front of the pub by Peebles Beltane Committee.
Inside, the refurbishment aims to update the pub without stripping out its best-known features. A decorative ceiling, open fireplace and the original wood bar with its inset clock are due to be restored, then set against a more contemporary scheme with new furniture, flooring, soft furnishings and richer paint colours. A games area will be added, including a new pool table, halo-lit darts and an upgraded AV system showing TNT and Sky Sports while five letting rooms above the pub will remain in operation, keeping accommodation in place for visitors to the town.
Food is intended to be a big part of the relaunch, supported by a kitchen refit. McIntee and Smith plan to cook from scratch using ingredients sourced from the Borders and local suppliers, with a menu built around pub classics such as pies and fish and chips, plus specials using fresh fish and game.
They are also investing behind the scenes in the drinks side, upgrading the cellar with new dispense equipment aimed at improving consistency. The range will include coffee, cocktails and cask ales, including a regularly changing Borders brew. Dogs will be actively welcomed, with water bowls, treats and a dedicated dog menu.
As well as the physical overhaul, the new operators are planning a programme of activity including quizzes, music nights, darts and pool teams and fundraising for charities chosen by regulars. They also want the pub to support Beltane Week and other Peebles events, and to provide space for meetings of local organisations and good causes.
McIntee said, “Peebles is a wonderful town and we are thrilled to have found a site here. The Neidpath Inn is a gorgeous old pub with lots of potential, but it is in a sad state. We couldn’t have taken it on and made the improvements it needs without Star’s financial input.
“We’ve leased pubs and worked on refurbishments with them before. It was a very positive experience that makes us confident The Neidpath Inn will get the quality finish and premium look it needs to thrive. It’ll be completely different when the works are completed. We’re very excited and are looking forward to being part of the town.”
Matt Dyson, Star Pubs’ operations director for Scotland, added, “We’re delighted that Ben and Gillian are partnering with Star Pubs again. They have a proven track record for running superb pubs over many years and have just the skills and experience required to bring The Neidpath Inn back to life. Their vision for the pub is spot on and will transform it. It will look stunning and there will be something for everyone, from superb food and drink to events and community activities. It will be a fantastic addition to the array of independently operated shops, restaurants and bars for which Peebles is known.”
The Neidpath Inn is believed to have moved to its current location and changed its name from the West Indies in the 1800s.