Glasgow's Islay Inn under new management with big plans for 'sleeping giant' west end pub

It's one of the best-known pubs in the west end that's been home to a true Hebridean welcome for decades.

Now under new management, the Islay Inn re-opened its doors last week (June 7) after an extensive refurb.

The bar, which is a welcome sight on the corner of Argyle Street and Radnor Street, is known as the place to go for live Scottish folk music and, as you'd expect from its name, a wee dram or two.

Named after Scotland's 'Whisky Isle', it's also a home away from home for the Highlands and Islands diaspora and is popular with locals, tourists, live music lovers and students.

After a closure for just over a month, new owners Alison MacTaggart, Allan Edgar and Kenny Finlayson have revealed this "sleeping giant" of a pub has a big future.

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The trio has come together as a "perfect storm" of experience and resources to revitalise the popular community pub, confirming that when the opportunity arose to take over "they jumped at it".

Allan, who is behind the firm Selective Personnel, revealed that he and Kenny have strong connections to the islands, which has already created a bond with some of the regulars who drink in the Glasgow pub.

Kenny - who has 23 years working with hospitality company Elior - says the fact that his relatives are respected hoteliers and harbour masters on the Isle of Lewis provides him with a romantic link to the islands, much like the pub. And Alan's family have worked at the Port Ellen Distillery on Islay too.

All those links mean they want to retain the feel of the place as an "authentic island pub".

After investing six figures, they've created a brand new kitchen and given the interior and exterior a refresh.

And experienced manager Frank Gilsenan - who recently left Roastit Bubbly Jocks after more than a decade - has been brought in to build the Inn's newly revamped food offering.

Franks says the layout has changed completely on one side of the pub, to create a better space for diners to enjoy brunch, lunch and dinner.

He added: "We've created a revitalised version of the old pub. We are aiming to make it a more inclusive space for all types of customer demographics to be able to enjoy the classic Scottish vibe; tourists and locals alike.

"Food-wise, we will be focusing on a traditional menu from around Scotland with locally sourced ingredients – we are very much sticking to the Scottish offerings but with a modern twist."

Frank added that they are keeping with the traditional Scottish live music venue theme, confirming that the bar's values and morals won't be changing, but confirmed that the bottom half of the bar now has new TVs added with seating areas for people to be able to enjoy their drinks while watching sports.

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He commented: "We are very excited, and keen for it to be a success. There is something about the experience in the Islay that we wanted to continue - but have it be better than the original vibe.

"We want to focus on providing a traditional Scottish venue from the music to the welcoming staff and the food. We look forward to welcoming locals and tourists alike.

"The community has been really positive about the change; members of the community said they were happy to be welcomed by some old faces and new ones as well."

Frank believes that being situated not too far from SWG3, the Finnieston strip and the Hydro is another positive for this popular spot.

"We see that as an opportunity," he added. "We will be treating our location as an opportunity for people to add to their experience as they can come and enjoy our live music at the venue before and after their gig.

"We want to turn the Islay inn into a brand that’s recognised for good Scottish fayre and some real Glasgow patter."

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