brass & granite
A New Chapter for a Kilmarnock Icon
In the very heart of Kilmarnock stands a pub that locals don’t just know, they’ve missed. The Brass and Granite, a true Ayrshire institution, has been closed for over two years, leaving a gap in the town’s social life. For decades it was the go-to spot for a pint before or after a Kilmarnock match, a meeting place for friends, and a familiar setting for countless stories shared across the bar.
Long before it became The Brass and Granite, the building was known to locals as The Wee Thack. That name, still remembered fondly by many, speaks to just how deep the roots of this venue run in Kilmarnock’s history. Generations have passed through its doors, and with each reinvention it has remained a cornerstone of the community. After years of absence, the return of The Brass and Granite promises to bring back the pub atmosphere that locals have been longing for – pints poured, conversations flowing, and matchday spirit alive once again.
This much-loved institution is stepping into a bold new chapter. Ayrshire entrepreneur James Griffith, through his Future Remarketing group, has officially taken ownership of The Brass and Granite from Greene King. For James, the deal represents more than just another acquisition—it’s the continuation of a mission to breathe new life into some of Ayrshire’s most iconic venues. Over the past two years, his team has spearheaded the revival of Shoot Soccer in Ayr and transformed The Central in Prestwick with a stunning bare-brick restoration. Now it’s Kilmarnock’s turn.
For the first time in decades, The Brass and Granite is free from the control of a major brewery. That independence is no small thing. It means no corporate price lists or rigid restrictions—just the freedom to serve competitively priced drinks, book entertainment that fits the town, and run the venue in a way that reflects the community it belongs to. More importantly, it ensures that this cornerstone of Kilmarnock’s nightlife is safeguarded for future generations.
The vision for the pub is both ambitious and respectful. The team is determined to hold on to what makes The Brass and Granite special while enhancing it with fresh energy and modern touches. At the heart of the plans is a major interior refit. But unlike many refurbishments that strip a place of its personality, this one aims to highlight the pub’s best features. The iconic bar—the beating heart of the venue—will remain untouched, standing as a familiar anchor for regulars old and new.
Around it, however, big changes are on the horizon. The famous football corner, a must on match days, will be refreshed to make it even more welcoming for fans. A new pool table section will offer space for friendly competition. And above all, entertainment will be the focus. The Brass and Granite isn’t just reopening as a pub—it’s reintroducing itself as a hub for live performance and nightlife. Acoustic sets will bring a laid-back atmosphere to early evenings, while karaoke nights will invite the crowd to take centre stage. On other nights, DJ sets will turn the venue into a high-energy dance floor, with a brand-new booth and sound system ensuring the buzz lasts right through to closing time. Together, this line-up promises variety, vibrancy, and the kind of nights that make The Brass and Granite a true Kilmarnock favourite.
For James, the key is balance. “This isn’t about stripping away the pub’s personality,” he says. “It’s about making it warmer, more inviting, and better set up for the kind of days and nights The Brass and Granite has always done best.” The goal is to capture the essence of what makes the venue iconic—the laughter, the music, the sense of belonging—while creating the conditions for it to thrive in the years ahead.
The transformation also speaks to something bigger happening in Ayrshire’s social scene. Independent ownership, careful investment, and community-focused thinking are beginning to reshape the region’s nightlife. The success of venues like The Central shows that when you respect heritage while embracing modern expectations, the results resonate far beyond the bar.
As the work at The Brass and Granite gathers pace, anticipation is building. Locals are eager to see how their favourite haunt will evolve, and the early signs suggest a venue ready to recapture its place at the centre of Kilmarnock’s social life. With its independence restored, its heritage remembered, and its entertainment offering bigger than ever, The Brass and Granite is poised for a revival that promises no frills, plenty of thrills, and all the reasons you need to stay out just a little longer.
