When we first walked into The Courthouse Hotel, we could see it straight away — a venue full of potential, history, and heart, just waiting to be brought back to life.
The Courthouse has always been part of the fabric of Smythesdale, but like any great building, it needed a fresh start — and a team ready to roll up their sleeves and make it happen.
Here’s how we did it — and why we’re just getting started.
🛠️ A Lot of Work (and a Lot of Love)
The first thing we tackled? The essentials.
We focused on getting the venue fully functional, safe, and ready for guests.
From deep cleaning to kitchen upgrades, equipment repairs, and redoing the gardens out the front, we put in the work behind the scenes so that everything would run — and look — the way it should.
We weren’t trying to reinvent The Courthouse — we were bringing it back to its best, with fresh pride inside and out.
🍴 Focus on Real, Honest Food
We didn’t want to overcomplicate the menu.
We wanted pub classics done right — hearty meals, quality ingredients, and flavours people know and love.
From a properly made Beef & Guinness Pie to wood-fired pizzas fresh from the oven, we focused on real food served by a team who actually cares about every plate that leaves the kitchen.
We’re not chasing awards — we’re chasing empty plates and big smiles.
🎉 Creating a Venue Locals Could Own Again
It’s not just about food and drinks.
It’s about community.
We set out to create a space where locals could gather — whether it’s for a quiet meal, a loud trivia night, a Sunday session, or a special celebration.
Private functions, birthdays, hens nights — these events aren’t just business for us. They’re memories, and we’re honoured every time someone chooses us to be part of theirs.
👩🍳 Building a Team That Feels Like Family
A venue is only ever as good as its people.
We’re proud to have brought together a team that is passionate, friendly, and committed to making every customer feel welcome.
From our kitchen crew to our front-of-house team, we’ve built a culture based on pride, respect, and service with a smile — because when our staff are happy, our customers feel it too.
🔥 The Best Part? We’re Just Getting Started
The Courthouse Hotel is alive again, but this is just the beginning.
We’re constantly looking for ways to improve, bring new ideas, and make sure that every visit — whether it’s your first or your fiftieth — feels like a great decision.
We’re proud to be part of the Smythesdale community, and we can’t wait to share this next chapter with all of you.
