Beloved pubs set for makeover

Hawthorn Leisure have partnered with Annie Kane, who has managed the Victoria for five years, to bring the Queen’s Park Cafe under the same umbrella.

Two of the oldest and best recognised pubs this side of the Clyde, the company promised some “well-deserved elbow grease” to “bring them back to the sparkling examples of true Glaswegian pub culture and hospitality they have been for generations”.

The Queen’s Park Cafe opened its doors on Friday (December 4) with a party for regulars — and making Annie the first female multiple operator within the national company, which operates 350 pubs across the UK.

She said: “The beauty of the Cafe is that it hasn’t needed to change. It’s an impactful venue, full of history, tradition and culture — and with the refurbishment we wanted to ensure we didn’t take away from that. We’ve brightened the pub, given it a bit of a polish and that’s what was needed.

“What I’m most excited about is really getting my teeth stuck into managing the pub. We’ve expanded the back bar to include a huge range of choice in cask ale, craft beer, wine, whisky and other tipples — mostly Scottish!

“The heart of a pub is finding that niche — ensuring you are upholding the atmosphere of a community hub, while taking full advantage of the innovation and creativity rife in the alcohol industry today.”

The Victoria Bar reopens on Saturday (December 12) with a new lick of paint and updated drinks menu.