Fife pub that ‘oozes charm’ for sale with owners to retire after nearly 20 years

The owners of a Fife pub say now is the right time to sell the business as they plan to retire after nearly 20 years in charge.

Bill and Dixie Forbes have run the Heritage Bar on Kirkcaldy High Street, since 2004.

But Bill said the time is now right for someone else to take over the business.

He said: “We’re not getting any younger – I’ll be 76 this year, and we’ve been in the business for a long time.

“We want to take a step back and relax a bit. We’ve got a new great-granddaughter and we want to spend more time with her.”

Kirkcaldy pub ‘oozes charm’ for sale

The couple’s time running pubs and hotels across Fife began more than 30 years ago when they took over the Brig Tavern in Methil.

They also owned the Greenside Hotel in Leslie for almost a decade.

The Heritage Pub is the third in Kirkcaldy up for sale after Betty Nicols and The Wheatsheaf Inn.

It is being marketed by Cornerstone and is for sale for £195,000

In its listing, the firm describes the pub as “oozing charm” and says it has a “cosy feel”.

It adds: “The bar can comfortably cater for 80 patrons both seated and standing.

“The pub specialises in entertainment with weekend karaoke being a regular and popular event.”

Bill and Dixie took over ownership of the pub from Bill’s friend Ronnie Husband and served their first customers on August 2 2004.

‘It will be difficult to sell’ says pub owner

Nearly two decades on, he said many of his regular customers are now good friends.

Bill admitted when the day does come to hand over the keys, it will be an emotional occasion.

“We’ll miss the people – we have a great banter with them.

“They’ve become a family and we all look after each other. They’re always there if you are needing a hand to do anything.

“We have a great rapport with them.

“When we do sell, it will be very difficult. It’s part of your life.”

The listing says the new owners will take over a “well looked after and meticulously run pub that is easily one of the best-loved pubs in the Fife area.”

Bill said it is important to make sure they sell the business to the right person.

“We want it to continue as it is and leave the business in good hands.

“It’ll not just be sold to any fly by night or anything.  Selling to the right person is really important to us.”