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The Imperial: Step inside the new Inverness sports pub that took just 19 days to transform

The Imperial. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson
The Imperial. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson

A well-known cocktail bar in Inverness has undergone a 19-day-long transformation to become the city’s latest traditional Scottish sports pub.

Originally known as Bar One, The Imperial welcomed its first customers last Friday, December 16, after undergoing a substantial rebrand.

It has been named after the hotel that originally stood on the site, on Academy Street, and is open from 9am to 11pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Imperial Inverness on Academy Street
Outside The Imperial on Academy Street. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson

The Imperial is among the portfolio of award-winning bars and restaurants operated by Highland hospitality group Cru Holdings. Other venues include Prime Steak & Seafood, Scotch & Rye, and The Whitehouse.

What has changed?

Bar One, which was established in August 2009, was a hot spot for cocktail lovers predominantly, serving a range of quirky concoctions and wines.

It was “elegant, classy, and trendy”, but Cru Holdings managing director Scott Murray explained that the decision to rebrand was made given the way the market is moving.

The cost of living crisis, the decline in the cocktail market, and enhanced competition were all considered.

Scott, 40, said: “It was one of many ideas tabled to ensure the future of the site.

Scott Murray smiling at the camera inside a pub
Scott Murray, managing director of Cru Holdings. Image: Sandy McCook/DC Thomson

“But mainly, we feel the average customer is going to look for greater value in their leisure spending, so we need to react to ensure we can provide this.”

The Imperial, like Bar One, boasts a capacity of 90.

It is designed to be a traditional, local Scottish pub that will screen a variety of sports across its 11 TVs. It will also host quizzes, DJ nights, karaoke events, and live music.

Scott expects the team to reach a total of 12 once all positions are filled. In the meantime, staff from fellow Cru Holdings sites are covering shifts.

Food and drink

Drinks-wise, the Inverness sports pub has nine draught lines, over 50 malt whiskies, “and everything else you would expect from a ‘local’ pub”.

Scott added: “For a ‘sports’ style pub, it is still welcoming and nicely designed. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming.

“It took 19 days from start to finish to transform – the quickest turnaround in our company history.”

In terms of the food menu, customers can expect burgers and chicken wings, as well as tasty breakfast dishes to kick start their day.

The menu will be built on as the team grows.

Inside The Imperial…

The beer taps, including Guinness Extra Cold, Magners Dark Fruit and Staropramen
A selection of beers are on tap. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson
The seating area inside The Imperial Inverness with a view of one of the TVs during a horse race
There are 11 TVs throughout the pub. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson
Some of the seating inside the pub with the bar in the background
The capacity is 90. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson
The Imperial Inverness manager and assistant manager behind the bar, the assistant manager is pouring a pint of Tennants
From left: The Imperial general manager Moira Ewen and assistant manager Valerie Murray. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson
The windows looking into the pub
Customers can opt for beers, wines, craft spirits, and more. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson
The bar, with a slot machine facing it, next to some tables
Slot machines can be found inside, too. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson
The interior of the pub, looking on the bar
The venue opened on Friday. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson
The bar with TV screens above it showing various sports
The bar area. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson
The windows from the inside looking onto the street
Customers can visit The Imperial every day excluding Sundays. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson

For more information on The Imperial, visit the business’ Facebook page or call 01463 714471.

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