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High street round-up: Dundee bar transformation, Asian-fusion relaunch and Arbroath publican selling up

The Courier rounds up all the latest pub, restaurant, shop and hotel news from across Tayside, Fife and Stirling.

By Ellidh Aitken

July 2 2025, 6:00am

The round-up includes Lisa Shek-Munro, who has relaunched her Dundee city centre cafe. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Huge transformations for a Dundee bar, cafe’s Asian-fusion relaunch and an Arbroath publican selling up are among the developments on high streets across Tayside, Fife and Stirling.

The Courier has rounded up the latest from pubs, restaurants, shops and hotels across the region in one handy place.

Our regular updates will bring you up to speed with what’s going on in your local high streets and shopping centres.

Pubs

Dundee pub transformed ahead of opening

The Paddock Bar Dundee — Inside The Paddock in Dundee. Image: Richard Hancox/DC Thomson

The Paddock opened in the former Medina Bar and Restaurant on Dundee’s Nethergate after a six-figure refurbishment.

Co-owners Jimmy Fyffe and Scott Townshend say the new venue will bring a touch of “country chic” to the city centre.

Arbroath publican selling up

The Old Brewhouse in High Street, Arbroath. — The Old Brewhouse on High Street, Arbroath. Image: Kim Cessford / DC Thomson

Paula Batard, owner of The Old Brewhouse, has put the popular Arbroath harbour-front venue on the market as she plans to retire.

It is being marketed by Christie & Co for offers over £725,000.

Bid to find new occupant for Dundee West End pub

The Maker opened at 142 Perth Road in late 2023. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

New occupants are being sought for The Maker bar and restaurant in Dundee’s West End.

The pub, formerly known by several names including the Hunter S Thompson, Drouthy’s, The Wild Rover and Mayfly, was most recently run by 71 Brewing.

Dundee pub firm liquidated owing taxman £140,000

The West House in Dundee. Image: DC Thomson

The company that owned The West House in Dundee has been liquidated, owing a £140,000 VAT bill.

Despite the liquidation, The West House remains open and business remains unaffected.

‘Well-established’ pub for sale in Blairgowrie

Number Thirty One on Wellmeadow, Blairgowrie. Image: Christie&Co

Number Thirty One, on Dundee’s Wellmeadow, has been put on the market in “walk-in” condition.

The pub features a large paved beer garden that is fully licensed until 9.30pm with seating for around 40 people.

Restaurants

Dundee cafe relaunches

Lisa Shek-Munro outside Little Things Cafe — The owner of Little Things cafe in Dundee, Lisa Shek-Munro, relaunched the business on its 6th birthday. Image: Kenny Smith/DC Thomson

Matcha lattes and cupcakes and black sesame cookies are now on the menu at Little Things on Dundee’s Reform Street.

Owner Lisa Shek-Munro was keen to incorporate more of her Asian heritage into the food and drink menu as she relaunched the cafe for its 6th birthday.

Iconic Aberfoyle cafe for sale

Liz MacGregor’s Coffee Shop is up for sale. Image: McEwan Fraser Legal

Liz MacGregor’s Coffee Shop on Aberfoyle’s Main Street has been put up for sale as its owners look to wind down before retirement.

Liz and Andrew Malcolm have run the popular cafe for nearly 40 years.

Stirling’s newest veggie cafe opens

Staff members Siya and Sanvi Agarwal outside Chai. Image: Isla Glen/DC Thomson

Chai opened on Barnton Street in the former Vera Artisan Bakery unit in June.

The family-run business has a vegetarian menu that spans the globe, including dishes from Korea to India.

Shops

Dundee craft beer shop to shut

Sam McMahon and Matthew Gaughan opened Discovery Beers in 2023. Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson.

Discovery Beers on Dundee’s Nethergate will close on Friday July 11.

The shop sold beers from around the world and customers also had the option to sit in.

Estate agency office opens in Invergowrie

Owner Gale McIntyre in her new office in Invergowrie. Image: McIntyre Properties

McIntyre Properties opened its doors at 118 Main Street in Invergowrie earlier this month.

Founded by Gale McIntyre, the firm has operated out of Dundee since its launch in June 2023.

Independent Dunblane boutique closes

Willow Boutique owner Gayle Blair. Image: Steve Brown/DC Thomson

Gayle Blair, the owner of Willow Boutique on Dunblane’s Springfield Terrace, revealed she will close the shop on July 31.

She cited the “struggles” of running an independent business in the current economic climate.

Milestone for Montrose High Street transformation plan

Lilybank Bakery owner Stuart King with ProMo chairman David Paton. Image: Supplied

Local baker Stuart King has become the first tenant of four town centre properties acquired by a community-led organisation.

Montrose Development & Improvement CIC was established as a community-led organisation to deliver transformational change in the town.

Arbroath High Street shop to close as owner retires

Ian Rae and his dog outside Angus Country Sports on Arbroath High Street. Image: Finn Nixon/DC Thomson

Ian Rae, 65, is stepping down from running Angus Country Sports, which specialises in fishing and hunting equipment.

Ian, who worked in the oil industry before taking on the Arbroath High Street shop, plans to auction off goods from the store ahead of its closure towards the end of this year.

Hotel Chocolat opens in St Andrews

An iced chocolate drink, a sundae and a chocolate shake all lined up beside one another. — Hotel Chocolat’s iced chocolate (left), billionaire’s sundae (middle) and chocolate shake (right). Image: Jacob Smith/DC Thomson

Hotel Chocolat opened its latest shop and Velvetiser Café on St Andrews’ Market Street on June 14.

The Courier’s food and drink writer Jacob Smith visited to find out whether the town’s independent venues should be concerned by the new cafe’s huge menu.