Renfrew’s Burns Howff Pub Hits Market After 15 Years 2026

Key Points

• Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has been instructed to market Burns Howff, an established pub in the centre of Renfrew, Scotland.
• The pub is situated on Fulbar Street, just a short walk from Renfrew’s historic Town Hall and the thriving Canal Street area with bars, restaurants, and cafes.
• Burns Howff is a traditional wet-led community pub with a town centre position and excellent transport links to Glasgow and Paisley, making it a strong trading location for a wide range of operators.
• The pub is popular amongst locals, regularly streaming live sports and hosting pool teams.
• There is a lounge available to hire for private functions, with potential to develop this side of the business further under new ownership.
• In addition to the main pub, the property includes three flats on the first floor: a studio, a one-bedroom flat, and a two-bedroom flat, providing additional rental income.
• After around 15 years of ownership, the current owner Gayle Brown is looking to retire and has put the pub on the market.
• Tony Spence, Associate Director – Hospitality at Christie & Co, who is managing the sale, commented on the pub’s strong trading performance and benefits.
• Burns Howff is on the market with a freehold asking price of offers over £275,000.

Renfrew (Glasgow Express) February 21, 2026 – Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has been instructed to market Burns Howff, a well-established traditional pub in the heart of Renfrew, Scotland, for the first time in approximately 15 years. The freehold property, which includes three income-generating flats above the premises, is available with offers invited over £275,000. Current owner Gayle Brown, who has run the business for around 15 years, is seeking retirement.

What is Burns Howff and Where is it Located?

Burns Howff is a traditional wet-led community pub situated on Fulbar Street in Renfrew, Scotland. As reported in the initial coverage by Paul Trainer of GlasgowWorld, the pub lies just a short walk from Renfrew’s historic Town Hall and the bustling Canal Street area, which features an array of bars, restaurants, and cafes. This prime town centre position, combined with excellent transport links to nearby Glasgow and Paisley, positions it as a strong trading location suitable for a wide range of operators.

The property’s central location enhances its appeal to local patrons and potential new owners alike. No additional sources beyond the primary GlasgowWorld article by Paul Trainer have emerged detailing further specifics on the exact address coordinates or immediate neighbouring businesses, but the description underscores its accessibility and community integration.

Why is the Pub Being Sold After 15 Years?

After approximately 15 years of ownership, Gayle Brown, the current proprietor of Burns Howff, has decided to put the pub on the market as she looks to retire. Paul Trainer of GlasgowWorld reports that this marks the first time the property has been offered for sale in that period, signalling a significant transition for the longstanding community venue.

No conflicting reports exist from other media outlets on the motivations behind the sale, maintaining consistency across available coverage. This retirement-driven divestment aligns with common trends in the hospitality sector where long-term owners seek to exit after decades of operation.

Who is Handling the Sale and What Do They Say?

Tony Spence, Associate Director – Hospitality at Christie & Co, has been appointed to manage the sale of Burns Howff. As quoted by Paul Trainer in GlasgowWorld, Tony Spence commented:

“We are delighted to bring the Burns Howff to the market, situated in Renfrew. This fantastic business trades well and benefits from consistent trade from a loyal and local clientele. The rented accommodation on the first floor also provides a steady income. Please get in touch for further details.”

Christie & Co, the specialist business property adviser instructed to market the pub, highlights its established status in their official statement. The agent further elaborates on the venue’s attributes, noting its popularity among locals.

What Makes Burns Howff Attractive to Buyers?

The property agent from Christie & Co describes Burns Howff as popular amongst locals, regularly streaming live sports as well as hosting pool teams. According to Paul Trainer’s GlasgowWorld article, the agent states:

“The pub is popular amongst locals, regularly streaming live sports as well as hosting pool teams. There is also a lounge available to hire for private functions, with the potential to develop this side of the business further under new ownership.”

In addition to the main pub, the property includes three flats on the first floor: a studio, a one-bedroom flat, and a two-bedroom flat, providing additional rental income. This dual-income potential – from the wet-led pub operations and residential lettings – adds significant value, as emphasised in the Christie & Co briefing relayed by Paul Trainer.

No other media sources have provided divergent details on these features, confirming the pub’s community-focused amenities and development opportunities.

What is the Asking Price and Sale Terms?

Burns Howff is on the market with a freehold asking price of offers over £275,000. This pricing, as detailed in the GlasgowWorld piece by Paul Trainer, reflects the freehold nature of the sale, encompassing both the pub and the upper flats.

Tony Spence of Christie & Co invites interested parties to get in touch for further details, indicating that viewings and additional financials are available upon request. Coverage remains singular from GlasgowWorld, with no alternative pricing or terms reported elsewhere.

How Does the Location Benefit Operators?

Renfrew’s town centre setting offers Burns Howff excellent transport links to Glasgow and Paisley, broadening its customer base beyond local trade. Paul Trainer of GlasgowWorld notes the pub’s proximity to the historic Town Hall and the vibrant Canal Street precinct, which bolsters footfall from bars, restaurants, and cafes in the vicinity.

This strategic positioning supports a wide range of operators, from those focusing on community gatherings to those leveraging sports viewings and events. The wet-led model, traditional in character, aligns well with the area’s demographic.

What Development Potential Exists?

The lounge area at Burns Howff is available for hire for private functions, presenting untapped potential for expansion under new ownership. As per the property agent’s comments reported by Paul Trainer in GlasgowWorld:

“There is also a lounge available to hire for private functions, with the potential to develop this side of the business further under new ownership.”

The three upper flats – a studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom unit – already generate rental income, offering stability alongside pub revenues. Tony Spence underscores this as a “steady income” stream in his statement.

Who is Gayle Brown and Her Role?

Gayle Brown has owned Burns Howff for around 15 years, overseeing its operation as a community hub during that time. Paul Trainer’s GlasgowWorld article identifies her as the current owner now seeking retirement, though no direct quote from Brown appears in the available coverage.

Her decision concludes a significant tenure, paving the way for fresh management to build on the pub’s loyal clientele.

What is Christie & Co’s Expertise?

Christie & Co specialises in business property advisory, particularly in hospitality. They have been specifically instructed to handle the marketing of Burns Howff, with Tony Spence leading as Associate Director – Hospitality. His positive assessment of the business’s performance reinforces its market readiness.

The firm’s involvement ensures professional handling, from valuation to buyer outreach.

Are There Any Other Sources Covering This Story?

To date, coverage of the Burns Howff sale originates solely from Paul Trainer of GlasgowWorld, with no additional reports identified from other media outlets such as local Paisley papers, Scottish hospitality trade publications, or national property news services. This singular sourcing maintains uniformity in all details provided, from pricing to property features.

As a journalist with 10 years’ experience, the absence of corroborating articles suggests this breaking local business story has not yet proliferated, though it merits monitoring for updates on bids or completion.

What Does This Mean for Renfrew’s Pub Scene?

Renfrew’s pub landscape, enriched by venues like Burns Howff near Canal Street, faces a potential shift with this sale. The pub’s role in streaming sports, hosting pool teams, and private events cements its community status, likely ensuring continuity under new ownership given its trading strength.

Local operators eyeing expansion may view the £275,000+ entry point, plus flats’ income, as compelling. Christie & Co’s optimism, voiced by Tony Spence, points to sustained viability amid Scotland’s hospitality recovery.