Hopes rise of new Brown & Blacks tenant

Outgoing proprietor ‘positive’ for popular Scone establishment

A respected Perthshire publican has revealed hopes of a new tenant for the popular Brown & Blacks pub and restaurant in Scone in January 2027.

In an emotional personal address to customers on social media, Proprietor Katie Long thanked loyal customers for supporting the business over 12 years, in both Perth and Scone.

She will continue to run Brown & Blacks, which she described as akin to a ‘third child’, on a ‘business as usual’ basis until the expiry of the current arrangement with the brewery in January.

Time up

Speaking of her ‘difficult decision’ to call last orders, she disclosed hopes of a fresh arrangement which will see new owners take over the tenancy.

The businesswoman recently assumed operations at the restaurant at Riverstone Lodge at Perth Racecourse in Scone, trading under the Brown & Blacks trademarked brand.

“It wasn’t an easy decision at all. I feel the Government has probably forced my hand on this,” she said, referring to huge costs rises in energy and non-domestic rates which ate away at profits.

“I can’t digest these costs, they are just too high.”

Rocketing bills

Katie described electricity bills rising from £25k to £100k, on top of hikes for sports packages and other additions to meet customer demand.

The business also saw a rates bill surge from £19k to £53k in the recent re-evaluation, only partly off-set by transitional business rates reliefs.

“I am still very sad to be leaving the pub. It’s been my third child for a number of years but hopefully someone will be taking it on in January. If no one does, I’ve said I will remain until it does.

“I wish nothing but the best of luck to the new people coming in, this is a community pub, and it is still going to continue to do well.”

Continuing to run

Elaborating on her thought process, she said she had served a 6 month notice to give clarity to staff and urged existing customers to keep coming through the doors.

“It’s still very much business as usual. If the pub closes, it will be for one day for a changeover for new ownership. We are very much looking forward to a very busy Christmas; we’ve got a lot of repeat customers that are coming in and some of the days are filling up.”