The Porthead Tavern, 2 High Street, Irvine, KA12 0AY

An excellent opportunity to acquire a busy bar and restaurant business located in Irvine town centre. Our clients have owned the property since 2015 and are now selling due to retirement.

The Porthead Tavern is extremely popular with locals and there is no doubt that an ingoing purchaser can add to what is an already successful business.

Situated in the historic harbour area of Irvine, North Ayrshire, The Porthead Tavern enjoys a prominent and characterful setting close to the coast. The location benefits from strong local footfall and steady passing trade, while also attracting visitors drawn to Irvine Harbour, the beach, and nearby leisure and cultural attractions.

Easily accessible from the town centre and surrounding residential areas, the tavern is well placed to serve a loyal community audience alongside tourists and day‑trippers, making it a highly appealing destination for both food and drink throughout the year.

Irvine train station offers a direct service to Glasgow City Centre with the journey time taking around 35 to 40 minutes. The service runs frequently throughout the day.

Upon entering the property, the main entrance provides separate access to the function room which is situated on the first floor, the restaurant is to the rear and the bar is to the right.

The public bar is arranged around a central multi-sided wooden bar which dominates the room. The interior is classic and informal with a warm and slightly rustic character. This area can accommodate for around 50 via loose tables and upholstered chairs. The ceiling features exposed dark timber beams with the large multi pane windows to the front allowing for natural lighting.

Customer toilets are located within the corridor which leads to the restaurant area. As you enter the restaurant, the bar is directly opposite and adjacent to the fully fitted commercial kitchen. This area has been tastefully decorated for casual dining and can accommodate for around 60.

The function space is situated on the first floor can accommodate for a further 50. During peak times, this area can be used as an overflow for the restaurant.

Additional customer toilets are located to the rear.

All fixtures and fittings are included (excluding any personal items). A full inventory will be provided to interested parties after a deal has been agreed.

The Porthead Tavern is a traditional white-painted stone property occupying a prominent corner position on a cobbled street.

The property has two storeys at the front and steps down to a single storey extension.

There is a large private parking area to the rear to accommodate around five cars. On-street parking is available on a first come first served basis.

The Porthead Tavern is a well known family business which has been catering for customers in the area since our clients purchased the business back in 2015. After purchasing the property, our clients carried out a full and extensive refurbishment which has created a comfortable and relaxing environment with a modern appeal. The business includes a separate bar and restaurant with a function area situated on the first floor. The function space is used primarily as an overflow for the restaurant but can also cater for birthdays, baby showers and even small weddings.

There is a private car park to the rear which is used rarely. The ingoing purchaser could consider converting this area to a beer garden which would increase the trading space considerably which will in turn generate higher revenue.

Our clients have also accumulated a strong following on social media which could be utilised further to generate more income. The business reviews across Google and TripAdvisor are also very good.

All staff will transfer under TUPE after the sale has completed. A full staff schedule will be provided when appropriate.

Trading accounts will be provided after a formal viewing. Interested parties may be required to sign an Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

Monday - Closed
Tuesday to Thursday - 11.00am - 11.00pm
Friday & Saturday - 11.00am - 12.00am
Sunday - 11.00am - 11.00pm

The Rateable Value as at 1 April 2026 is £34,600. Confirmation of actual rates payable can be obtained from the local Authority.

Premises License