New Scottish-inspired pub bringing community back to Docklands

A new community-focused pub is set to open its doors in Docklands, bringing a taste of the UK to the waterfront suburb. 

The soon-to-launch Invergordon Bar, founded by locals Erin and Dean, is aiming to open its doors in time for the Firelight Festival weekend.

“We’ve still got a lot of work to do. But if not, it won’t be too long after until we open,” Dean said.

For the couple, the pub is the realisation of a lifelong dream that began far from Docklands.

“My grandparents retired from Belfast to a little town in the Scottish Highlands called Invergordon, and a short time after that, my parents, my brother and I moved up there,” Dean told Docklands News.

“A lot of our time as a family was spent going from pub to pub to pub. It’s been in the back of my mind for most of my life and we just decided that now is the right time to do it.”

Now based in Docklands, Erin and Dean saw an opportunity to create the kind of friendly, neighbourhood “local” the area has lacked.

“We used to be part of a little social group that would gather at various Docklands’ bars and restaurants,” Erin said.

“That’s when we noticed that one thing Docklands was really missing was a proper local – a community pub.”

Invergordon Bar is designed to be more than a bar – it’s a gathering place for Docklands locals and the broader expat communities from Scotland, Ireland and England.

“Whether you’re newly here on a working holiday visa or you’ve been here 40 or 50 years, we want this to be a place where people can connect,” Dean said.

The food offering will be simple but carefully chosen, including traditional bar snacks and cold pork pies – a nod to UK pub fare. On tap will be a strong lineup of draft beers.

“We’ll have Tennent’s and Belhaven Scottish Ale, Kilkenny, Guinness, Heineken, Magners cider, and even our own branded Invergordon Lager. Plus, a large selection of Scotch whisky,” Dean said.

That local support is reflected in the success of their $100 membership program, which offers 20 per cent off drinks.

“We’ve had people from as far away as Tasmania and New South Wales signing up. We’re just about out of the 200 memberships available,” Erin said.

But for Erin and Dean, this new adventure is about much more than pouring pints.

“It’s not all about the alcohol – it’s about the connections,” Dean said.

“We want to build a community of people. Especially for young people coming on working visas, we want to help point them in the right direction and give them some guidance.”

The pub has even joined the Scottish Business Association and has taken on a role supporting a local Highland dancer.

“We’ve been given some responsibility to raise funds for a Scottish Highland dancer based here in Melbourne,” the couple added.

With traditional tartan signage already installed and finishing touches under way, Erin and Dean are now focused on welcoming their first guests.

“I’m most excited about just opening the doors and welcoming people in,” Dean said.

“There’s something really special about helping people feel like they’ve found their local.” •