Tally Ho: Lothians pub closes due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions

Licensees running a popular near Scotland’s capital have been forced to step down for good after news of the city remaining under Level 3.

Tally Ho, in Winchburgh, made its announcement last night after the Scottish Government confirmed West Lothian will remain under its current restrictions for the festive period.

The family-run pub, which is owned by Heineken’s Star Pubs & Bars, confirmed in its statement that the pub’s closure is a result of the economic impact Covid-19 has had on the hospitality sector.

Couple Trevor and Yvonne Spence have been running the popular watering hole since August last year.

Licensees Trevor and Yvonne forced to stop running Tally Ho due to ongoing coronavirus regulations picture: supplied

Their statement read: “Sad news, and before the village rumour-mongers start discussing, we want to inform you all that with the continued tier 3 restrictions imposed on us it has become untenable for us to continue to run the Tally Ho and are now in discussions with Heineken to hand the pub keys back.

“Since March we have continued to try and keep the pub going offering variety and choice with the takeaway options which we know have been gratefully received. However, there is only so much we can do and sadly with little income projected for the rest of December we have had to make this hard and very sad decision.”

The pub runners pointed out that Tally Ho has been operating as a takeaway service longer than a pub since they took over last summer due to the lockdown happening in March this year.

“The journey has been great,” they added, “it's just a shame that we took on the Tally at the wrong time and just never got the break we felt we deserved to make it the success we know the Tally can be.

“At the moment we don’t have a date confirmed with Heineken, but we are looking to keep operating until at least the 31st Dec.

"Therefore, we hope that you will all pop in over the next few weeks or call for takeaway to say hi to ourselves and the rest of team Tally.

“Thank you again and if we don't see you by the time we hand the keys back we will definitely see you in the Tally in the future when we are there as a customer.”

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