An iconic Ayrshire pub is on the market at a knockdown price to whet your whistle.
Billy Bridges Bar, in Ayr’s Sandgate, is up for sale - and the price tag is £30,000 lower than the original asking price.
The boozer has been a cornerstone of the town's licensed trade scene for many a decade under the stewardship of the Wardrop family.
For almost 50 years, it has been a hive of activity on the Sandgate under their stewardship as one of the town's most popular watering holes.
In 2018, it hit the headlines when then MP, Bill Grant, came to the rescue after a man swung punches at the landlord.
And the former firefighter waded in to perform a citizen's arrest after the unruly patron kicked off.
Landlord Jim Wardrop tried to usher the troublemaker out of the door, but he refused to leave.
The 38-year-old, from Donegal, then began aiming blows at Jim - prompting Bill and other customers to rush to his defence.
Police officers turned up within five minutes to see their local MP doing his civic duty by holding the offender down on the Sandgate pavement outside.
Speaking at the time, Bill, who is no stranger to crime after serving as a Justice of the Peace in Ayr before becoming a politician, said: “The police did a terrific job in dealing with this matter so speedily.”
Now the family-run bar is on the market and Shepherd Chartered Surveyors has reduced the price.
Shepherd Partner Kevin Bell said: “Bridges Bar is a family run business, and the owner has reluctantly decided to sell due to his impending retirement, having operated the business for 46 years building up a loyal clientele during that time.
“Bridges Bar is a traditional wet sales led single bar operation which has generated consistent profits year upon year with current figures at pre-Covid levels.”
Shepherd said that the bar is situated in a “prominent location” near to Ayr Town Hall and part of an “established town centre licensed trade circuit.”
Bridges Bar occupies the ground floor of a two and three storey traditional end terraced tenement.
The 1,166 sq ft premises comprise a bar area formed over a split level, well-appointed throughout along traditional lines with banquette seating.
A range of interesting memorabilia adorns the walls, some of which have been donated by customers.
Additional facilities include modern ladies and gents’ toilets, together with a small storeroom and basement cellarage.
Having initially being marketed at offers over £265,000, offers over £235,000 are now invited.
Interested parties should contact the sole selling agent on 01292 267987.
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