REGULARS are raising a glass to a well-known Greenock pub as they celebrate its 50th birthday.

The Broomhill Tavern was the big 5-0 at the weekend and bosses had a party to mark the occasion.

The pub opened in May 1967 and, despite many challenges in recent years, remains a mainstay in the Broomy.

The Drumfrochar Road pub has survived a serious fire and dwindling numbers through the doors over the decades, which is blamed in part on the smoking ban and people moving out of the area.

With the ongoing regeneration transforming the estate, the bar remains a constant in the community.

Landlord Eddie McCallum said: “I’ve been in charge since 2005 and prior to that I worked for the owners so I’ve been involved for roughly twenty-two years.

“The pub has survived fire and survived when many a pub hasn’t with so many people moving away — a lot of good customers moved out of the area.

“A big loss was the bookies beside us, and the smoking ban has had a big impact as well.

“But it’s done alright. It’s amazing it’s lasted this long.”

Eddie, who grew up in Mill Street just next to the pub, believes the secret to its success is the fact it remains a traditional, old-school bar.

It has a pool table, dart boards, jukebox and hosts events such as the monthly Blow Up soul night plus an annual Christmas dinner, which is free every year for around 60 over-50s.

Eddie said: “It’s a traditional pub and there’s not many left.

“That’s something this town misses, social pubs.

“But we’ve also got good locals, there’s a couple of guys at the bar who get buses and taxis here when there’s pubs much closer to them.

“They come up three days a week, it’s like a big family.”