Historic Prestonpans pub closes for £191,000 refurbishment

A landmark pub on Prestonpans High Street is closing for a £191,000 refurbishment, set to transform it into a top-quality local hostelry.

The overhaul of The Railway Tavern on the High Street is being undertaken by Heineken-owned Star Pubs – which is headquartered in Edinburgh – and new licensee, Prestonpans born-and-bred Irene McQuade, whose father was a regular of the pub.

The former Pencaitland Primary School dinner lady will be helped out by her partner Gerry Nicholas, a barman at The Railway Tavern. The works start on 20 April, and the pub will reopen in mid-May.

The project will restore the distinctive exterior of the historic pub, which is thought to have been built in the 17th century. It will be painted, accentuating its crenellated gables and turret. New signage, lighting and seating overlooking the war memorial and seafront will also feature. The overgrown rear garden, which is a sun trap in the summer, will be reopened with new furniture and planting.

The interior refurbishment is due to completely revamp and upgrade the pub with a smart, classic décor sympathetic to the building. The design will use heritage colours and incorporate all-new soft furnishings and traditional-style furniture alongside renovated timber floors and reupholstered banquette seating. Painted wood panelling and decorative lighting and wallpaper, as well as artwork reflecting Prestonpans will add to the look.

Irene said: “The Railway Tavern is a beautiful old building in a fantastic location – it’s my dream pub; I wouldn’t have wanted any other. I can remember it in its heyday when there were many more pubs on the High Street. Now The Railway Tavern is the only one left. It’s in a sorry condition and there’s been a lot of concern about its future.

“The town is crying out for a good local where people can meet up, forget any worries and enjoy entertainment without the need to travel further afield. I’ll be going all out to deliver that. I’ve been overwhelmed by the response to the plans. Everyone is really excited that the pub is getting the investment it so desperately needs.”

Star Pubs operations director for Scotland, Matt Dyson, added: “We’re pleased to be finally breaking ground on the refurbishment of such an iconic Prestonpans pub.

“We want The Railway Tavern to be an asset that complements the other investment the town centre has received over recent years.

“We’re delighted to be joining forces with Irene – her energy, ideas and knowledge of the town are just what’s required to get The Railway Tavern back on track and thriving.”

Photography: Gordon Bell/Star Pubs, of Gerry Nicholas and Irene McQuade