A former football agent who was once taken to court in the bizarre case of a roll and sausage with beer has added to his portfolio of pubs.
John Lonergan - who helped broker Scotland defender Alan Hutton's move from Rangers to Tottenham Hotspur - is the new owner of the Duchess in Duke Street, Glasgow.
Better March weather boosts pubs and restaurants
Lonergan was once charged in a bizarre prosecution involving a roll and sausage, an undercover policeman and two pints of lager at a pub he owned.
The Duchess, which was sold through specialist business property adviser Christie & Co, is described as fitted out to a high, modern standard after a recent £300,000 refurbishment.
Josh Hill, business agent at Christie & Co, said: “It was a delight to run this confidential marketing process for Dario Marchetti who was keen to find a reliable and experienced tenant.
"After meeting with the buyer, Mr Lonergan, in person, we knew from the outset there was a deal to be done and I am very much looking forward to seeing him build on the business.
“The sale reinforces the demand for free of tie leasehold public houses around the thriving city of Glasgow.”
Former freehold owner Marchetti said: “I was very happy with the smooth transaction and found Christie & Co to be accommodating and informative. Overall I was delighted with the service they provided.”
Edinburgh pub owner predicts turnover to rise more than three fold in three years
In 2012, Lonergan and one of his barmen were accused of flouting a law that permitted them to sell alcohol with a cooked breakfast at the Empire Bar in Saltmarket, Glasgow, before 11am. Two undercover policemen claimed they were served two pints but with only one roll and sausage.
But a sheriff the case out in 2014 after a witness failed to show up and it emerged that an identification parade had not been carried out properly.
Also in 2012, Lonergan sued Hutton for £350,000 he claimed the footballer owed him for brokering the transfer to Tottenham. Hutton settled out of court.
