One of Gourock’s most popular and iconic public houses has reopened under new landlords ahead of the summer season.

The Old Wherry Tavern, located on Shore Street in Gourock, has been a popular destination for drinkers for over 100 years and its reopening has been warmly received by locals.

Greenock entrepreneur Billy Gray and his wife Charmayne have taken a long-term lease for the property and have enjoyed a successful fortnight since opening.

‘The Wherry’ as it is affectionately known, is owned by Inverclyde businessmen Sandy and James Easdales’ Dalglen Property Investments and had been vacant since the end of the former tenancy in January 2023.

Billy, who previously worked for 14 years as Transport and Delivery Manager at Aulds the Bakers, will run the bar alongside his family, with his two daughters also working at the bar.

The new venture will be run alongside the Gourock Bakers, which Billy and Charmayne have been operating successfully for the past 7 years.

Billy has enjoyed a varied career in the hospitality industry, previously operating Fish and Chip shops, Ice Cream, outside catering, and various retail operations.

The bar, which has seen Sky TV and a karaoke machine installed, is now open every day from 12pm until late, with Billy and Charmayne aiming to create a contemporary bar offering a traditional Scottish flavour for all drinkers.

Reflecting on the reopening, Billy said:

“Both Charmayne and I are delighted to be able to reopen The Wherry and we’ve been delighted by the support we have received from regulars and visitors so far.

“We know how well-loved the bar is in Gourock and so many people have shared with us their delight that it is back in operation.

“It has always been an ambition of ours to own a bar and we are delighted to be taking on this opportunity.”

The bar has undergone a revamp since taking the keys in May 2023, with the husband-and-wife team renovating both the internal and external features of the bar.

Charmayne is hoping for locals and regulars will return to the bar to support the new venture, adding:

“We’ve tried to modernise certain elements of the bar and have given the external of the property a facelift, all of which helps attract more people to come back in or pop in for the first time.

“We’ve already enjoyed some great trade and we’ve several theme nights lined up to help support footfall during the week.

”Our next aim is to begin to serve food from the Bakers which will further support both businesses and provide a unique offering in Gourock.”

“On a personal note, we want to thank the owners and also the staff at Bowman Rebecchi 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:

“Having grown up yards from ‘The Wherry’, it is great to be able to support the reopening of the bar and see it has a new lease of life.

“Bowman Rebecchi enjoyed a high level of interest and enquiries about the pub throughout 2023, with several locals keen to see the premises back trading again.

“This is further good news for Gourock as it continues to thrive, and we would like to wish Billy and Charmayne every success with the new venture.”

The Old Wherry Tavern is open each day from Noon to 00:00, with more details available on its Facebook page.

Bowman Rebecchi