The “devastated” landlord of the Royal Bar in Perth says he may need to rely on charity to survive after a fire left his business in ruins.
The pub is on the ground floor of the Scott Street tenement building that was destroyed by a blaze on June 14.
One man died and four others were left in hospital after the fire, while about 50 families and several businesses have been left homeless.
The 1890s building, including the pub, is now being demolished.
Steve Black, landlord of the Royal Bar, has only been allowed inside the pub for two minutes to help police recover CCTV.
Photos show interior of the Royal Bar in Perth after Scott Street fire
While inside, he managed to take a couple of photos showing some of the damage, including part of the ceiling that had collapsed.
Steve has not been able to empty the safe or pick up any personal items.
The safety fears have been compounded by the pub’s cellar being submerged in more than three feet of water used by firefighters to bring the blaze under control.
Steve, 55, described the ordeal as a “total nightmare” with his life and livelihood effectively “put on hold indefinitely”.
He says he may have to rely on charity support to get by in the short term.
Recalling the night the building went up in flames, Steve told The Courier: “I’d left the pub early on Friday night but was woken by a friend in the pub trade that the building was on fire.
“Seeing the entire top floor of the building a mass of flames was truly shocking and I just stood open-mouthed like many others.
“It’s a tragedy on so many levels, from the loss of life to people losing their homes and everything else.
“But I honestly did think we’d be able to save the pub.
Demolition ‘nothing short of devastating’
“So the news that it was to be demolished was nothing short of devastating.”
The Royal Bar has been at the centre of Steve’s life for the last 16 years.
He took over the tenancy in 2022, having already served regulars for 13 years before that.
Steve says the days since the fire have been filled by endless phone calls to everyone from the council to insurance companies and breweries, and the pub’s owner, Greene King.
Steve said: “I have no income, and bills needing paying.
“I don’t know how long that is going to continue.
“I’ve already been put in contact with the Licensed Trade Charity, who may be able to offer some support.
“However, long term, I have no idea how things will pan out.”
Landlord of Perth’s Royal Bar mourns ‘history that’s going to be swept away’ after fire
Steve also fears his 35-year career in the pub trade may be over.
He says the loss of the Royal Bar, said to be one of Perth’s most iconic venues, will be felt by many in the city.
Steve said: “The Royal is the last remaining circular bar in the city, and dating back to 1900, there’s a lot of history that’s going to be swept away.
“The best compliment I can give it is that it is a proper pub with the best punters any pub could wish for.
“It had a wonderful clientele and the regulars, of which there were many, were like family to me.
“I’ve had so many messages from regulars, former staff and other landlords expressing how sad they are that the Royal will be torn down.
“I’ve been reminded of so many wonderful and funny stories that involve the Royal too.
“Often it was an eye-opener too, watching on from behind the bar.
“It’s just so sad to think that all that history will soon be cleared away and there will be no more nights at the Royal.”
Perth fire insurance meeting
On Friday, Perth and Kinross Council will host a meeting for those displaced by the fire to talk about insurance.
It comes after reports of insurance firms turning down claims from affected residents.
The meeting starts at 11am at the Perth and Kinross Council headquarters on High Street.
It will feature representatives from the council, Aviva and the British Insurers Association.
First Minister John Swinney and MP Pete Wishart will also be there.
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