19/09/2026
My wee brother messaged me this morning just before I sat down to write this speech, reminding me that Tonight isn’t a sad night. Tonight is about looking back over the last 10 years and remembering everything we have achieved, everything we have shared, and all the wonderful memories we have made.
When we opened the doors of our wee pub 10 years ago, we never could have imagined just how special it would become. We welcomed customers through the doors, but somewhere along the way, those customers became friends… and then they became family.
We’ve shared birthdays, weddings, celebrations old firm wins (and old firm defeats 😂 ) tears, laughter, good times and difficult times. We’ve made memories that will stay with us forever.
And one of the things I’m most proud of is the amount we have given back. Through all the charity events and fundraising over the years, we have raised almost £50,000 for some truly amazing causes. That is something every single person who supported us should be incredibly proud of.
I also want to say a huge thank you to Our Lesley You have always been there when you were needed, calming me down when I’m having a meltdown and your support has meant more than you probably realise.
And of course, a massive thank you to Maggie & Susan who helped Biffy turn the restaurant into the roaring success it became. You’ve created so many wonderful memories for people over the years , and I think it’s safe to say the legendary Abonsode Steak Pie & Applethingy will live on in people’s memories for a very, very long time! 😂❤️
So tonight, let’s not be sad at the closing of our wee pub. Let’s celebrate it.
Let’s celebrate 10 amazing years, almost £50,000 raised for charity, the friendships we’ve made, the laughs we’ve shared, and the memories that nobody can ever take away from us.
The doors may be closing, but the Avonside family will always be the Avonside family.
So raise your glasses to 10 amazing years, to every person who walked through those doors, and to a wee pub that became so much more than just a pub.
Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts
It’s been a blast!
Golly , Liz , Karen & George
Team Avonside!
