A southside pub that's popular with the Tartan Army when they are visiting Hampden for Scotland games is set to unveil a brand new beer garden after an £85,000 refurbishment.
The Florida Park, which is found on Battlefield Road close to the national stadium, is opening its new beer garden on Saturday, March 25 – just in time for Scotland’s eagerly awaited UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying game against Cyprus.
Part of the Proper Pubs chain, the pub will showcase the beer garden which has been completely reimagined to create a vibrant, inviting space for locals and football fans from further afield to use all year round.
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At the helm of the Florida Park is operator, Elaine Ferrie, who came to the pub back in October 2021 with almost 35 years of experience.
She said she is "absolutely delighted" to be unveiling the brand-new beer garden to her customers, she stated: "It’s been incredible seeing my vision come to life and I couldn’t be happier with how it’s turned out. It looks amazing and I can’t wait for my customers to experience it. None of this would have been possible without them or the support I’ve received from my team and Admiral Taverns. Thank you!"
The new garden will boast an extensive outdoor bar featuring festoon lighting and a mural painted on one side by local artist, Gillian McNeill.
Throughout, the area will host an eclectic mixture of colourful furniture to link with the pub’s industrial feel inside and will comfortably seat around 70 customers, or 125 standing. In addition, a selection of exotic and traditional garden greenery will be introduced – including hanging baskets, potted plants and small trees to give it a fresh, welcoming feel.
The garden will also receive brand new decking in one section to host a large undercover, heated area and plenty of seating to ensure it can be used all year round.
The outdoor bar will stock a wide selection of premium lagers and ciders including Tennents, Heverlee, Guinness and Magners and will also offer an array of premium spirits. If customers would prefer something a little different, they can pop inside for a classic cocktail such as an Espresso Martini or a Sex on the Beach.
Whilst the Florida Park doesn’t offer its own food menu, on match and concert days the operator invites street food vendors to the pub, with a percentage of the proceeds going towards local charities.
Since taking over the pub, Elaine has worked hard to embed it into the community through her charity work. Last year, Elaine managed to raise enough money in four weeks to have a lifesaving defibrillator installed at the pub and is always looking for other local initiatives to support.
These include the local foodbank, as well as collecting selection boxes and Easter eggs for nearby children’s charities. Over Christmas, Elaine, with the help of her locals, managed to collect almost 600 selection boxes.
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