An iconic Gourock bar has reopened with a new name after being taken over by local businessman, Craig Hunter.

The former Monteith’s Bar, located on Shore Street in Gourock has been a popular destination for drinkers for over 100 years and has undergone a major refurbishment.

The bar, owned by Inverclyde businessmen Sandy and James Easdales’ Dalglen Property Investments., has been vacant since the end of the former tenancy in 2022.

New operator Craig Hunter (pictured above with Lyle) has taken on a long-term lease for the public house and has renamed it Lyle’s Bar, after his son Lyle who died tragically aged 10 in 2007 following an asthma attack.

The bar is now open, with Craig aiming to create a contemporary bar offering a traditional Scottish flavour for all drinkers.

Reflecting on opening Lyle’s Bar, Craig said:

“I feel privileged and honoured to be given the chance to bring the old ‘Monty’s’ back to life again. Having worked in Gourock as a taxi driver for over 25yrs, I know how well-loved and how much of an institution it has been.

“It is now down to myself and my staff to take the new ‘Lyle’s Bar’ forward and try and bring something a wee bit different to Gourock.

“After losing our son Lyle so young back in 2007, both myself and his Mum, Lorraine, decided it was a fitting tribute to him and a chance to carry his name forward for many years to come.

“I’m pretty certain he would be delighted to see his name up in lights.”

The bar has undergone a revamp since taking the keys in November 2022, with Craig renovating both the internal and external features of the bar.

Craig is hoping for locals and regulars will return to the bar to support the new venture.

Craig added:

“It has been a great first week of trading, with locals coming out to support us and celebrate the pub being open again.

“We’re intending to bring a bit of the west end of Glasgow down to Gourock and have a few ideas up our sleeve that will set us apart from anyone else.

“We are aiming to create a real community feel to the bar and concentrate on being a real music-based establishment.

“Lovers of malt whisky, fine wines and an extensive cocktail menu should keep regulars on their toes.

“Of course, it will take a bit of time to get Lyle’s Bar to exactly where we want it to be, but with a bit of patience, we are certain the people of both Gourock and Inverclyde will enjoy the journey we hope to take them on.

“On a personal note, I want to thank the owners of Lyle’s Bar and also the staff of both Bowman Rebecchi and Patten & Prentice for their ongoing help and guidance throughout this process.”

The tenancy is the latest successful letting for Inverclyde property firm and ICC Member, Bowman Rebecchi, who acted as the agent for the landlords.

Andrew Bowman, Director of Bowman Rebecchi, said:

“Bowman Rebecchi had a high level of interest and enquiries about the bar throughout 2022, with several locals keen to see the premises back trading again.

“We were delighted to support Craig with his aims and having known him for a long time, we have no doubt he will put everything into Lyle’s Bar to make it a success.

“Gourock continues to thrive, with Bowman Rebecchi receiving significant interest in both commercial and residential properties ensuring the town continues to evolve and develop.

“We would like to wish Craig every success with his plans for Lyle’s Bar and have no doubt locals will support him going forwards.”

Lyle’s Bar is open each day from 12:00 to 00:00, with more details available on its website or you can follow the bar on social media to keep abreast of events.

For further information on other available commercial and residential properties in Inverclyde and surrounding areas, please visit www.bowmanrebecchi.com.