A Perth pub has hit the back of the net after being nominated for a top industry accolade.
The Cherrybank Inn on the city’s Glasgow Road is eagerly awaiting the Scottish Licence Trade News (SLTN) Awards on November 19.
They have been put forward for a chance of winning the ‘SLTN Best Venue to Watch the Match, in association with Sky’ prize.
The website for the awards notes the popular watering hole has “transformed a beautiful local bar into a wonderful space” for watching sport, helped by 10 widescreen TVs throughout.
Also in the running for the award are The Record Factory in Glasgow and Vic’s in Prestwick.
Cherrybank Inn owner Scott Findlay (38) praised his staff and said this nomination was a just reward for all their hard work.
“We’re down to the last three and in the final, which is a week on Friday in Glasgow,” Scott told the PA.
“It’s a big award for us to be involved in. My staff have been first class - absolutely brilliant - and it is good recognition for them.
“The Scottish Licence Trade Association did a spot inspection and had a chat with us.
“You need to have a food and drink offering too. It’s not just about coming down to watch the football.”
Also earning praise was the Cherrybank Inn’s highly successful outdoor events earlier this year - including a huge screen - for St Johnstone’s Scottish Cup final and the Scotland versus England game at the Euros.
The car park was turned into a unique football-viewing experience that went down a treat, of course helped by the Saints’ famous victory in front of an empty Hampden Park.
“We obviously had to adjust during COVID-19,” Scott explained.
“It has been terrible for everyone but it made us re-think the business model a wee bit.
“If COVID hadn’t been here, we probably wouldn’t have had the big screen for the St Johnstone cup final or Scotland versus England.
“Most people would have been at the games but this was something different and they went unbelievably well.
“Everyone still talks about them now. We had to jump through a lot of hoops to get licences but the council and police were brilliant.”
Seeing Saints fans celebrating an emotional and historic win on his premises remains particularly special for Scott.
“It was a bit surreal,” he smiled. “I walked out onto the balcony, looked down and there were 300 people with blue and white everywhere.
“I’m a St Johnstone fan so that was just great. In years to come I’m sure people will talk about that day at the Cherrybank Inn.”
Always looking ahead, Scott has more plans for the Cherrybank Inn in the coming weeks and months.
“I never sit still and I’m always looking to do the next thing,” he said.
“We’re just away to apply for planning permission for an extension along the hill, with new ladies and gents toilets.
“And there will be another balcony out there that can seat another 60 people. We’re going for it and have posted up the plans.”
