Plans for 1960s-themed bar and half-portion option at iconic Broughty Ferry pub

New landlord John Black says he wants to get everything 'just right' at The Royal Arch.

By Lindsey Hamilton

July 1 2025, 10:05am

John Black inside Broughty Ferry's Royal Arch. Image: Paul Reid

The new owner of an iconic Broughty Ferry pub plans to create a 1960s-themed bar to bring it back to its former glory.

John Black bought The Royal Arch from previous owner Jonathan Stewart in February.

The well-known local publican also owns The Fort.

John has now begun his refurbishment of the popular venue and says he is keen to keep the original character while giving it a fresh new look.

Its centrepiece will be a 1960s bar that was originally the Craigour Bar in Dens Road.

Plan for 1960s-themed bar in Dundee

John said: “We have that in The Royal Arch and I’m taking the inspiration for the refurbishment of the bar from that.

“It’s going to be a 1950s/60s-themed bar.

“I am incorporating pieces from that era as well as completely refurbishing the bar itself.

“It needs a good clean and I am keen to bring it back to its former glory.

“It will just be a modern version of the Arch which is a proper traditional pub.”

John with the 1960s bar that used to be in the Craigour in Dens Road. Image: Paul Reid

The work is going to be done in stages. Image: Paul Reid

John wants to keep the traditional style. Image: Paul Reid

He added: “The seating will also be old-school, taking everything back to that era but I won’t be changing things too much because the bar is popular and busy as it is.

“I’ll be looking for reclaimed furniture and other pieces to add to keep the look of the 50/60s era.”

Meanwhile, the lounge bar is a “blank canvas” and will have a different look.

Work will be done in stages so the pub will remain open the whole time.

Half portions to be offered at Broughty Ferry bar

John doesn’t plan to change the menu too much but will be introducing half portions with older people in mind.

He said: “These are popular with the older generation and I feel it’s important to cater for that.”

John with chef Louis Sherrit and manager Sharon Monaghan. — John with managers Louis Sherrit and Sharon Monaghan. Image: Paul Reid

He added: “I’m excited about this project and I want to thank a lot of people.

“I was keen to take on the Arch because it’s a more traditional version of The Fort which I have been renovating for 12 years solid.”

John is keeping on Sharon Monaghan, the pub’s manager for the past 20 years, to help as he moves forward with his plans.

He previously told The Courier: “If you could have a Monopoly board of Broughty Ferry’s public houses, The Royal Arch is where you would want your site.”

Jonathan Stewart previously tried to lease out the pub in 2016.

But that fell through because he could not find a suitable person to take it on.

So he decided to keep it going.