Well-Known Inverness Pub Closes For Major Revamp

An iconic Inverness pub is set for a major refurbishment that will help it thrive for the long term.

The £188,000 investment in Gunsmiths on Union Street is being carried out by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and Inverness resident Rafael Santos, who also runs The Mallard at Dingwall. The makeover will transform the tired local into a top-quality bar offering international food and varied entertainment.

Gunsmiths will close from Sunday 26th April and reopen in late May, creating five new jobs.

The overhaul will upgrade the exterior with a smart new look and install glass doors to bring light flooding into the building, brightening the inside.

The project will revamp the interior from top to bottom with a stylish classic décor that has a contemporary twist. The timber floors, beautiful old bar and wood panelling will be renovated and retained, alongside all-new feature lighting and wallpaper, decorative floor tiles, and furniture such as deep button-backed banquette seating.

Other improvements include a new AV system showing Sky and TNT Sports, and a refresh of the toilets. The installation of a food preparation area will enable Rafael to introduce food to Gunsmiths. The unique menu promises five dishes from around the world, authentically prepared by local chefs from those countries. On the cards are favourites from places like Poland, Spain, and Mexico, as well as Scottish steak pies. Drinks-wise, customers can look forward to additions like a new range of Scottish gins and whiskies, more cocktails, and good-quality coffee.

Rafael is aiming to give Gunsmiths a point of difference with its entertainment, too. In the plans are everything from free salsa and merengue lesson nights to open mic evenings, sports screenings, quizzes, and live music of all genres. To ensure a great night out, the upstairs DJ booth will remain, and help-yourself karaoke – thought to be a first in Inverness – will be added.

Rafael, who has worked in hospitality for 25 years, took over Gunsmiths 10 months ago on a temporary basis and is now taking a full lease on the premises. Says Rafael: “I’ve wanted a venue in Inverness for years. Everyone knows Gunsmiths, and there’s still a lot of affection for it, but it’s in desperate need of refurbishment. I want to give it a new lease of life and put it back on the map. There will be some different touches that add to all Inverness has to offer.”

Comments Matt Dyson, Star Pubs operations director for Scotland: “Inverness is a fantastic city that has built a reputation for its eateries and pubs. Rafael has done a brilliant job at The Mallard, and we’re delighted to be joining forces with him to turn around Gunsmiths. The changes will ensure it is a great local for residents, as well as a destination for visitors to Inverness.”

Gunsmiths is currently open from Thursdays to Sundays only. The relaunch will see it open daily and extend its opening hours from 11am till late in the summer, and from 12pm in the winter months.