THE NEW INN @ ABERNETHY

Grant Conway, mine host at the Inn in Abernethy, has spent 33 years being brought up in the licensed trade. He was washing dishes at eight years old and had done every backroom job until he was able to be a waiter at 16 years old and serve at the bar upon reaching 18 years old. He had experience of every aspect of the trade before managing family businesses, including the Ring O’ Bells in Perth. This won Sunday Mail ‘Pub of the Year’, Carlsberg ‘Customer Service Pub of the Year ‘ and Gordon’s ‘Best Served Gin and Tonic’

His wife , Lisa, was born and brought up in Abernethy. She is a qualified hairdresser and worked in Insurance before going into partnership with Grant eight years ago.

They bought the Inn four years ago when they realized that with the increase in size of the village there was a demand for a high quality, relaxing licensed venue. They transformed a local village pub into an attractive modern place to socialize.

The next step was to provide food. The Inn was built in 1602 and is one of the oldest buildings in Abernethy. This meant plans to expand to provide a kitchen and restaurant were closely scrutinized by Historic Scotland. The conditions imposed on expansion made it impracticable. When the opportunity arose to purchase the Crees Inn this gave Grant and Lisa their chance to have room to expand. Their vision is to create a local hub for everyone in the village. There may be quiz nights, comedians, live music or folk sessions depending on the demand from locals.

There will be a bar leading to a screened area for dining. The present dining room will still be available as a restaurant, for private functions up to 20 people, as a meeting room or for small gatherings.

Cuisine will be traditional homemade Scottish with a gastro twist. The standard menu will have daily specials to provide variety.

There will be 4 – 5 guest rooms.

Grant has the utmost respect for the memory of Brian Johnson. He admired his dedication to the trade and connoisseurship of fantastic Cask Ales.

He will carry two cask ales, a range of draught beers, cider and lager and a selection of wines and spirits from around the world. He collects whisky and likes the growing market in craft gin. He believes attention to detail in the serving of a drink enhances the quality.

The Cree’s Inn has been valued in Abernethy for many years and Brian will always be sadly missed.

THE INN @ABERNETHY is the new name and symbolizes the going forward into the future. The old beams have been brought back to their natural colour. Solid oak flooring, beautiful hand-crafted bar tops and a wood burning stove add to the welcoming ambience.

It is wonderful to see a young professional family prepared to devote themselves to the continuation of this much loved institution and Grant and Lisa would like to thank the community for their support.

We all wish them well in their new venture and are looking forward to raising a glass to toast them in THE INN @ABERNETHY.