13/10/2026
This week marks 4 years since opening the doors, and looking back to when this was all just a wild idea, I can't help but feel incredibly proud.
I was told I was mad to open a pub post-COVID, that the pub trade was dead and it would never work. Don't get me wrong, it certainly hasn't always been plain sailing and I've weathered a few storms along the way, but looking back, I wouldn't change it for a minute. I'm just so glad I took the risk.
All I ever wanted was to see The Commercial open, thriving and serving Fauldhouse again. This pub was here long before me, and I hope it'll be here long after I'm gone. Being a temporary custodian of it, is a real privilege.
By far the best part of these last 4 years has been watching genuine, lasting friendships form between people who might never have met otherwise. That's what a proper community pub is all about. It's something I don't think I fully appreciated until I was working behind the bar, but it's honestly amazing to watch. I've also made some incredible friends along the way who mean so much to me, and I'll be forever thankful that they're now part of my life.
I know I can be a crabbit bastard at times (it's the Riley in me! 🤣), but love me or hate me, my heart is always in the right place and I'm always doing what I believe is best for the pub and the village.
There's a hell of a lot of blood, sweat and tears that goes into running a pub. It's a 24/7 commitment, on top of a full time job, I genuinely couldn't do it without the team I have behind me. They're an absolute brilliant bunch, and I'm forever grateful to have them.
Today, a few of us celebrated with a trip to the Tennent's trade show for a few well-deserved freebies, It was really nice to get a bit of time to switch off and celebrate 4 years open.
Thank you all so so much for your continued support over the last 4 years. Whether you've been here from day one or have only recently walked through the doors, it really does mean a lot.
Here's to Year 5 🍻
4 years open and still dancing! 🎉
Michael x
