An Aberdeen pub renowned for being a last bastion of male chauvinism until equality laws forced it to change its ways has gone on the market, with the seller seeking offers in excess of £500,000.
The Bridge Bar on Bridge Street was one of several Granite City pubs that were strictly for men until the Sex Discrimination Act of 1975 allowed women through their door.
Along with The Grill pub, round the corner on Union Street, where women once stormed the bar and demanded to be served, the Bridge Bar operated well into the new age of equality without a ladies’ toilet.
Its manager at the time of the change in the law warned that half of its customers would walk out if women were let in.
A far more enlightened business is now being marketed by specialist business property adviser Christie & Co.
The Bridge Bar comprises an open-plan trading area, with a traditional, timber bar and cellar, with refrigerated beer and spirit storage, on the lower ground floor.
Christie & Co is highlighting its central location within Aberdeen’s “established and popular leisure circuit”, close to the city’s train station and Union Street.
Whoever buys the pub will become only its third owner in more than 35 years.
Stuart Drysdale, director, Christie & Co, said: “Operating as a free house, with no brewery ties, the pub runs efficiently with low staff numbers.
“Ideally situated next to Union Street, the Bridge Bar has been a popular meeting place for decades and represents a fine example of a traditional, city centre, wet-led pub.
“This is a rarely available opportunity to acquire a well-established and profitable public house and we anticipate significant interest, particularly from experienced operators.”
The Grill was recently sold to a north-east hospitality firm. McGinty’s Group bought the Union Street pub, adding it to a portfolio of businesses across the city.
The new owners pledged to leave the “Aberdeen institution” unchanged, taking it over to run it as it is and retaining its character.
Previously family-owned, The Grill was put up for sale in March at an asking price of nearly £1 million.
A “No ladies, please” sign hung in its window for more than 50 years, with the first women served there in 1975.
Women delegates of the Scottish Trades Union Congress famously protested its men only status in 1973, with their visit to the bar to be the subject of a film.
Last month, McGinty’s Group director Allan Henderson said he was “delighted” to retain the historic venue as a locally-owned business.
