Busby pub celebrates triple award success

A Busby pub is one of six locals to have been selected from 2,400 around the UK to receive a prestigious Recognition Award from Heineken-owned Star Pubs.

Article Source: Star Pubs
Last Updated: 17 June 2025 11:30

The award recognises the contribution The Cartvale on Main Street makes to the local community. And, in further good news, The Cartvale has been short listed as a finalist for a Star Award in the industry-wide Great British Pub Awards. The winner will be announced at a gala ceremony in Leeds in September. The announcements follow the nomination of The Cartvale for best pub in East Renfrewshire in the Pub & Bar Awards.

The Cartvale’s publicans – husband and wife team Rick and Liz Houston – were presented with their Recognition Award by Star Pubs regional operations director Matt Dyson as they prepare to mark their fifth anniversary at the helm.

East Renfrewshire residents Rick and Liz took over The Cartvale when it was struggling during the first lockdown in 2020. Since then, the duo have invested around £60,000 and worked tirelessly to reverse its fortunes, transforming it into a great quality family and dog friendly pub and a focal point of Busby life that serves the needs of all and employs 35 people.

The investment has funded the creation of a stunning destination garden and a popular private dining room that is booked for family gatherings ranging from birthdays and weddings to christenings and communions. Packed out on warm days, the large garden hosts events and boasts an outdoor bar, seating for 150 people and a special woodland area that dogs can enjoy off their leads.

The Cartvale has won a reputation for top-notch all-day food and drink, which starts at 11am with barista-quality coffee and cakes. The drinks selection features everything from cocktails to craft beer, whilst the food menu spans classics, like fish & chips and steak pie, homemade burgers, sell-out Sunday roasts and authentic Italian stone-baked pizzas made from scratch right down to the dough. Customers’ four legged friends have not been forgotten, either, and enjoy complimentary water bowls and treats on the house.

A friendly hub, where people feel comfortable to come on their own, The Cartvale provides meeting space for organisations like the East Renfrewshire Carers Group and puts on a wide variety of activities to bring people together. These include DJ nights, a quiz, live music and screenings of sports tournaments. The pub also gives back to causes in the broader community, such as sponsoring Busby Football Club and showcasing upcoming local musicians.

Says Rick, who has more than 30-years hospitality experience: “We’d always wanted a pub of our own and had looked at lots of different sites. As soon as we walked into The Cartvale it struck a chord with us. We’re honoured to receive this award. The Cartvale is like a family, and we couldn’t have done it without our fantastic team or the backing of residents. They have supported The Cartvale every step of the way and through all the challenges the pub industry has faced over the last five years. We’re very grateful.”

Comments Star Pubs’ operations director for Scotland, Matt Dyson: “The Cartvale is an exceptional local that is constantly evolving and launching new ideas. This award could not be more well deserved. It speaks volumes about the impact The Cartvale has as a community hub that is an asset to Busby. It is a tribute to Rick and Liz – thanks to their hard work, passion and commitment The Cartvale is back on the map and thriving again.”

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