Historic Kirkcaldy pub re-opens as Chapel Tavern finishes £450,000 revamp

The Chapel Tavern is thought to be one of Kirkcaldy’s oldest pubs, dating back to 1610.

The Chapel Road pub was due to open in late April following refurbishment by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars. Instead, with work delayed for five months by lockdown.

But new licensees - father and daughter team Gavin Innes and Gillian Moffat - are opening the doors on Monday.

It comes as many pubs across Fife are closing their doors for a fortnight due to new restrictions making trading too difficult.

Gavin and Gillian, who come from Leven, had run a pub and a restaurant together in the past before Gavin left to travel the world with a career in oil and gas and Gillian went into the care sector.

Says Gavin: “We loved running a pub together and it has always been our dream to do it again one day. When we saw The Chapel Tavern, we jumped at the chance to take it on. It feels really welcoming and looks beautiful, with a perfect mix of the old and the new inside.

"We want The Chapel Tavern to be a focal point of local life with a fun atmosphere that caters for the whole community.

“The Chapel is the only pub in the Chapel area, so there’s been lot of interest in the plans – those who’ve seen it are amazed at the difference.

“It’s fantastic to be opening the doors even with the new restrictions and the whole team feels really positive.

"We’ve got a great new menu and choice of coffees and soft drinks for those wanting to sit inside, plus there’s plenty of room outside for those wanting something alcoholic.”

The work has aimed to retain all the character and charm of the 400-year old pub whilst making it more comfortable and contemporary.

There will be three distinct areas – a bar with new screens showing BT and Sky Sports, a dining area and a cosy lounge with soft seating.

With social distancing now required, Gavin and Gillian are delighted by The Chapel Tavern’s spaciousness.

The project has opened up the inside of the pub enabling it to accommodate 119 and added alfresco eating and drinking areas with seats for a further 58 outside.

As well as café-style tables at the front, there is a new south-facing deck with lighting for evening use.

Alongside new look, is a new menu of traditional pub favourites such as fish & chips and burgers with a selection of dishes for children.

Adds Brian Davidson, Star Pubs & Bars operations director for Scotland: “The Chapel Tavern is a really individual pub with a wonderful sense of history.

"It has served the area for more than four centuries and we want to keep it thriving for future generations.

"There are lots more reasons to visit now and we hope people from across Kirkcaldy will enjoy it.

"Gavin and Gillian are highly experienced licensees and we’re delighted to be working with them to give The Chapel Tavern a new lease of life.”