ONE of Greenock's most popular town centre pub restaurants is understood to be in the midst of a refurbishment after it closed its doors.
The sign above the Westburn Street establishment Tokyo Joe has now been taken down, 12 months after it was first marketed as 'to let'.
In recent weeks it shut altogether with the former management believed to have moved outwith the town.
READ MORE: Tokyo Joe pub on the market for more than £100,000
But owner Rosemount Taverns is now looking to attract new management with a major refurbishment underway.
The independent pub and restaurant firm is looking to make it more attractive to those interested in taking it on.
The Tele understands that the firm is in talks with prospective parties with a view to taking it on.
A source said: "The owners are keen to get someone in there.
"Work has been underway for the last four weeks. Rosemount is investing in it so that someone can come in and make a go of it.
"They want to revive this part of the town centre. If you get one restaurant or pub, it helps attract more people to the street."
The former Tokyo Joe premises is on the market with property firm CDLH, offering the pub restaurant space at £30,000 pa.
It was originally put on the 'to let ' market in February 2023 with the former manager running it for six years.
The restaurant had already undergone a make over with capacity to accommodate 100 customers with booth seating, tables, and chairs.
The closure of Tokyo Joe follows a major redevelopment of the nearby West Blackhall Street with the aim of attracting more pubs and restaurants into the town centre.
In the next year there are plans to redesign the town centre with the Oak Mall to be partly demolished.
Owners are marketing it on their website as in a prime location with an opportunity to be a sports bar and with other entertainment options.
READ MORE: New store opening in Greenock as part of £20 million revamp
Rosemount Taverns also owns the Green Oak bar in Greenock, which has also recently been refurbished.
The firm owns around 50 pubs and restaurants across the country and offers them to leaseholders.
The Tele has contacted Rosemount Taverns for an update.
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