ONE of Gourock’s oldest pubs has reopened under new husband-and-wife landlords.
The Old Wherry Tavern, on Shore Street, has been a popular destination for drinkers for more than 100 years.
Greenock entrepreneur Billy Gray and his wife Charmayne have taken a long-term lease for the property and have enjoyed a successful fortnight since opening.
The Wherry, as it is affectionately known, is owned by Inverclyde businessmen Sandy and James Easdales’ Dalglen Property Investments and had been vacant since the end of the former tenancy in January 2023.
Billy, who previously worked for 14 years as transport and delivery manager at Aulds the Bakers, will run the bar alongside his family, with his two daughters also working at their.
The new venture will be run alongside the Gourock Bakers, which Billy and Charmayne have been operating successfully for the past seven years.
Billy has enjoyed a varied career in the hospitality industry, previously operating fish and chip shops, outside catering, and various retail operations.
He said: “Both Charmayne and I are delighted to be able to reopen The Wherry and we’ve been delighted by the support we have received from regulars and visitors so far.
“We know how well-loved the bar is in Gourock and so many people have shared with us their delight that it is back in operation.
“It has always been an ambition of ours to own a bar and we are delighted to be taking on this opportunity.”
The bar has undergone a revamp, with the couple renovating both the internal and external features.
Charmayne said: “We’ve tried to modernise certain elements of the bar and have given the exterior of the property a facelift, all of which helps attract more people to come back in or pop in for the first time.
“We’ve already enjoyed some great early trade and we’ve several theme nights lined up to help support footfall during the week.
“Our next aim is to begin to serve food from the bakers which will further support both businesses and provide a unique offering in Gourock.”
“On a personal note, we want to thank the owners and also the staff at [property agent] Bowman Rebecchi for their ongoing help and guidance throughout this process.”
The tenancy is the latest successful letting for Bowman Rebecchi, who acted as the agent for the landlords.
Andrew Bowman, director of Bowman Rebecchi, said: “Having grown up yards from The Wherry, it is great to be able to support the reopening of the bar and see it has a new lease of life.
“Bowman Rebecchi enjoyed a high level of interest and enquiries about the pub, with several locals keen to see the premises back trading again.
“This is further good news for Gourock as it continues to thrive, and we would like to wish Billy and Charmayne every success with the new venture.”
