The pub has reopened following an extensive refurbishment and has been repositioned as a contemporary, value-led wet-led pub.
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The investment has introduced multiple screens for live sport, darts and a broad drinks range designed to drive footfall throughout the week.
The move follows recent expansion activity from Amber, including a seven-figure investment in its first Wiltshire pub and plans to open its first site inside the M25.
Operator-managed model
Long-standing manager Debbie McInally, who has worked at the Thistle for 18 years, will continue to run the pub under Amber’s operator-managed model.
Amber said the model would give McInally greater autonomy to develop the business, while providing support from the wider group.
Amber Taverns area manager Alex Ozobia said: “We’re extremely confident about the opportunity at the Thistle. It’s a strong site in the heart of Alloa and we’ve made a significant investment to give the pub a proposition we believe will really resonate with the local market.
“Debbie is also a huge part of why we’re so excited about the business. She has been here for 18 years, knows the pub inside out and has an incredible connection with its customers and the wider community.”
Ozobia added the combination of “a great operator who understands the local market” and a value-led pub proposition was “exactly” what Amber looked for.
Local market
The Thistle was previously known as the Junction Bar, while Junction Place was historically home to Maclay & Co’s Thistle Brewery.
McInally said: “I’ve worked at the Thistle for 18 years and always cared enormously about the pub and its customers, so having the opportunity to take it forward with Amber is incredibly exciting.
“I know the local market and what our customers want, and now we have a fantastic new pub and a great team to deliver it. There has already been a real buzz around Alloa about us reopening and I’m looking forward to building on that.”
