NEW jobs have been served up in Greenock as a well known publican is back in business.

Born and bred Greenockian Tommy Frizzel says it'll be a dream come true to open Nicolson's Bar and Kitchen in Bruce Street on the site of the Old Argyll and Sutherland Bar.

Six new jobs have been created at the revamped pub which has undergone substantial investment and is due to open on Friday.

Tommy, who has also recently re-opened Monteith's in Gourock, says it is a proud moment to be reviving the Nicolson’s brand 31 years on from when he bought his first pub in the town, especially as it's a stone's throw away from where he was brought up in Newton Street.

He said: "The first place I worked in was the Victorian Carriage which is now Chaplain's.

"So it's nice to think I'm working across the street from the first pub I worked in.

"I went on to open Nicolson's in November 1987 on the site where Tokyo Joes is now.

"I also opened a nightclub called The Club in Rue End Street.

"But I decided to go back to the Merchant Navy in early 1992 which I have done right up until now.

"I came back because I saw this site was available and I thought it had potential to do what Nicolson's had done in the past which was really good bar food and night time entertainment for the mature younger market."

The Argyll and Sutherland, a long standing institution in the town, was in need of a much needed make over.

But Tommy relished the challenge and following months of work inside and out, the place is almost unrecognisable.

It is now hoped that the dog friendly gastro pub will re-establish the area and put Inverclyde on the map as a place where people want to socialise which has been championed by places such as the Exchange and 1808.

Tommy, a father of three and grandfather of one, added: "I have always felt strongly that Greenock is undermined by a lot of things.

"I have worked all over the world but one of the best views you will see and is comparable to Rio, is standing on top of the Lyle Hill and looking out at the front in Gourock.

"It's as good as anywhere you will go on the planet."

The 60-year-old says he feels lucky to have recruited distinguished head chef Adrian Magnano who will add a twist to pub grub at an affordable price.

At night, the venue will transform from a bar and kitchen into a vibrant night spot with a 1am license.

Tommy says there will be resident DJs and live music whilst cocktails are shaken up by expert bar tenders.

There will also be a huge range of gins, cold beers as well as premium beers and lagers such as Birra Morretti and Punk IPA, to old faithfuls such as a Tennants ice cold and Guinness.

Meanwhile, an impressive beer garden has also been created where people can enjoy a drink, some food and summer barbecues or soak up the atmosphere under the twinkling fairy lights at night.

Tommy and his team are now putting the finishing touches on the place, with manager Calum Pearson training his new team so that come tomorrow (Friday) when the doors open to the general public things will run like clockwork.

Entertainment will be provided by the resident DJs on Friday and Saturday with a club Tropicana feel on Sunday Night by Peter Fletcher to round off Mother’s Day.

For more details about the food and entertainment, check out the Nicolson's Facebook and Instagram pages.

And for those who are keen to apply for a job at the venue, they are asked to email a CV to infonicolsonsgreenock@gmail.com