A major figure in the Dundee licensed trade is calling time on his 42 years of running pubs in Dundee.
Jonathan Stewart, owner of the Royal Arch Bar and Bistro in Broughty Ferry, is offering the business for lease so that he can retire.
A past president of the Dundee Licensed Trade Association, Jonathan, 63, began his career in the industry as brewery tenant of the Ladywell Tavern in Victoria Road in 1974.
After nine years he bought his first freehold bar, the Shakespeare in
Hilltown.
He next bought McGonagall’s Bar, Perth Road, and then spread his interest to Broughty Ferry where he owned the Fisherman’s Tavern for 15 years.
During his time he expanded the Fort Street public house into an 11-bedroom hotel.
He also conceived and helped to organise the Ron Bonar Broughty Lifeboat Charity Beer Festival.
Over the last 18 years the annual event has raised more than £130,000 for the lifeboat at the busiest station in Scotland.
In 1994 “The Fish” won the Camra Pub of the Year Award for the UK.
The Speedwell Bar in Perth Road was bought by Mr Stewart in 1995, and gained a listing in the Daily Telegraph’s top 70 UK pubs.
In 2006 the Speedwell Inns partnership was formed with wife Alison, daughter Jenny and son Jonathan Iain, who has taken over sole responsibility for the Speedwell Bar, popularly known as Mennies.
The Royal Arch property is to be retained by Speedwell Inns, but the move to lease the pub business will end Mr Stewart’s 42 years of uninterrupted work as a publican in the city.
As president of the licensed trade association and current chairman of the Dundee City Council local licensing forum, he is a strong advocate for the industry and has frequently spoken out on issues to promote its wellbeing.
