By Michelle Price
Special to the UCBJ
GAINESBORO – Fans of the Bull & Thistle Pub in Gainesboro have lamented its loss since the famed eatery closed its doors in June 2018. Where else in the Upper Cumberland could you find European culinary delights such as sticky toffee pudding?
Rumors have been flying recently of a possible reopening of the restaurant that drew diners from across the state. The UCBJ has recently spoken with Bull & Thistle co-owner Diana Mandli who confirmed that the restaurant will be reopening later this fall.
“We have not set a firm date yet, but the way things are moving along, I feel like mid-November is a likely target,” said Mandli.
Patrons will notice some changes when they visit the establishment. Mandli assures guests that the overall theme won’t change because after all, it is the Bull & Thistle, but a minor facelift is underway to keep it fresh.
The menu will get a change-up also. The favorites, such as the filet and the sticky toffee pudding, will remain but there will be new dishes for people to experience.
There will once again be a full bar. Mandli and co-owner Loui Silvestri have already applied for the beer license and will apply for the liquor license shortly.
“There’s just folks who really enjoyed having a glass of wine with dinner,” added Mandli.
“We will still have our live music on Friday and Saturday nights, just like always,” shared Mandli. “I really love to book different bands. There’s lots of talent down in Cookeville, but my thing was, I really liked to book bands that came from other places that maybe you wouldn’t get a chance to hear otherwise. So, I spent a lot of time auditioning different groups and singers just to try to keep it exciting for folks to know that they could come here and maybe get a whole new favorite band that they’ve not heard before.”
“I’ve really missed everybody,” added Mandli. “We’re so excited.”
