A local West Lothian family have celebrated turning what was once a 'mess' of a pub into a popular bar and restaurant for over half a century.
The MacGregors took on the Oatridge Hotel in Uphall in the 1970s, and have transformed the business into a thriving local venue that they have been running for 50 years, and three generations.
Honoured with a prestigious award to celebrate their achievements, the family have said they are hoping to keep the pub in their management until at least its 65th anniversary.
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A huge part of their lives, 71-year-old Gordon MacGregor started working behind the bar at The Oatridge Hotel aged 21 when his dad – Alexander – became landlord.
The pub passed to Gordon in 1998 before his daughter and son – Angela and Gordon junior – took the reins seven years ago having worked in the pub for 26 years.
Gordon senior is still an important member of the MacGregor team, setting up the pub in the morning, acting as cellar man and enjoying a “blather” in the bar with some of his original regulars.
Speaking about the history, Gordon shared how back in 1972, The Oatridge Hotel was a little-used man’s pub with a handful of customers and four letting rooms without bathrooms.
First built in 1810 as a place for stagecoaches to rest as they travelled between Edinburgh and Glasgow, the distinctive Georgian building is still standing over 200 years later.
He said: “We’d always had busy pubs in Glasgow before. When we looked round The Oatridge Hotel, it was a mess with a 60s décor, only a handful of customers and Ushers beer on tap, which was poorly regarded locally. I told my dad it was a waste of time and we shouldn't go ahead, but he had a good feeling about the pub’s potential, and he proved right.”
Thanks to excellent management, friendly service and a rolling programme of renovations that is like “painting the Forth Road Bridge,” according to Gordon senior, the MacGregors have turned The Oatridge Hotel into a hub of the community.
The family-friendly venue boasts a traditional bar, a games room, a popular restaurant known for its steaks, seven en- suite letting rooms and a 120-seater garden.
Celebrating their achievement, Gordon junior added: “We can’t thank people enough for backing The Oatridge Hotel over the past 50 years and seeing us through the pandemic. We’re very fortunate to have been supported by a fantastic team of staff, too.
"A lot has changed since 1972, but a good local is as important as ever, especially when times are tough, as they are now. It’s a place where people can get together, share any troubles and leave feeling happier. The Oatridge Hotel has been part of Uphall life for more than 200 years, and we’re determined to carry on the legacy and keep it thriving for future generations to enjoy.”
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