Forres bar The Red Lion set to be renamed The Bonnie Beastie when it reopens under new ownership
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A FAMOUS Forres pub is set for big changes when it reopens its doors in mid-July.
The Red Lion – which has been affectionately referred to as 'The Beastie' for many years – has officially changed its name to The Bonnie Beastie.
And that is far from all that has changed, with both the bar and restaurant areas at the pub given big makeovers by new owners Speylife, who also bought over and re-designed The Drouthy Cobbler in Elgin last summer.
Kevin Smith, who runs the company with partner Tony Pollock, said The Red Lion will be changed drastically – but key characterists and features will remain.
The pub side of The Beastie will remain its famous horseshoe shape, but televisions will go, along with the dart board, pool table and jukebox, to be replaced by a snug and fireplace-side seating.
A new snack menu will be introduced in the pub, while on the 'dining room' side there will be a comprehensive 12-9 food offering, as well as a cocktail menu. The bar is also set to offer live music twice a week after reopening.
The door in the centre of the bar will become the sole entrance to the building from Tolbooth Street.
Mr Smith said: "We were really happy with the building and the layout, but we are doing a sympathetic refurbishment. We haven't bulldozed it, but there's not going to be a piece of surface area untouched.
"A lot have told me it has been a really great boozer in the past, too, with people packed in for a party atmosphere. But those times are not as regular as we need them to be now.
"It will become more of a gastro pub. We will serve food in the bar and the dining room, with a cocktail list. It's going to be a different place, attracting a different demographic.
"We want it to be somewhere where people are able to have a cocktail, a lovely meal and then go through and listen to great live music – which we will offer on Fridays and Sundays.
"We want to attract couples on date nights, couples in their 60s perhaps – but you can enjoy pints with your mates at the same time.
"We feel there is an appetite for this and a market in Forres – and I hope people will be happy with what we are trying to deliver."
In terms of the new name, Kevin was inspired by the fact the people of Forres have referred to the pub as The Beastie for decades.
"I'm a great one for a name that means something to people," he said. "There are Red Lions all over the UK and the world, but I love the fact locals have always called it The Beastie.
"We've changed the name to The Bonnie Beastie in the title deeds and everything – so that's officially the name now."
The new-look pub will have a brand new lighting system, a newly-laid floor and will be kitted out with antique and vintage furniture.
Chris McKee is set to be the pub's chef director, while Sean Smith will be general manager.
"Everyone is so excited for this to reopen, which makes me feel a bit of pressure," Kevin added.
"Myself and Tony are so delighted – when this opportunity came up and we postponed another project to do this.
"But none of this would be achievable without a great team so we have to thank them."
