IT was love at first sight for Jacquie Nesbitt and Molly's Bar.
She describes the Westgate Street pub as a "proper boozer" with homemade Scotch eggs to die for.
Not only does she know a thing or two about pulling a pint through her 30 years' experience of working in the pub trade, but the Irishwoman has also brought some of her favourite Emerald Isle traditions to Gloucester.
"I am Irish and I like the Irish so I think that is a good theme to go with," said Jacquie, 50, who took over the premises at the end of March.
"But it is a pub for everybody and it is warm and welcoming. The Irish are used to sitting at a table and having drinks come to them, which is quite a nice quirk for here, so we do table service, although it is not always possible when it is busy."
Jacquie spent 12 years working at some of Fuller's flagship pubs and became Master Cellarman around 20 years ago, at a time when it was unusual for a woman to secure such a status.
She has also run the Hare and Hounds in Churchdown and her last pub was the King's Head in King's Stanley, near Stonehouse. It was while she was working there that she discovered Molly's, formerly the Union, was up for grabs and she knew it was the place for her as soon as she set eyes on it.
Since taking over less than three months ago, she has noticed an upturn in custom and says her Shamrock Pie, made with steak and stout, is becoming increasingly popular.
"But not as much as our fish and chips; that dish is outselling everything and it is really good," said Jacquie.
"But I do like our homemade Scotch eggs, though, they are my favourite. Good, quality sausage meet is the key."
Not only is affordable food taking off but Molly's Friday night karaoke and live bands every Saturday are also drawing in the punters.
Jacquie added: "One night per month there is always an Irish band and we are also hoping to start rock and roll bingo, where a CD will play music and if a customer has that band and song on their card, then they tick it off."
As well as a varied programme of events and killer fish and chips, it is the customer service 'with a smile' that can make the difference in seeing a customer return or not.
Regular Sue Windridge, 53, said: "Jacquie is really trying to do something here in order to get the clientele back and bringing the music in was a good move. This is the first time I have seen the pub so well stocked."
Jacquie is determined to make a success of Molly's but concedes the industry is a tough one for every landlord in Gloucester who all have to compete for custom with bigger pubs and clubs which operate in the city.
But Jacquie, who also a soft spot for a heart red wine, added: "We can't buy in at the same rate as the bigger pubs and clubs so it is very difficult for us all. We are all feeling it.
"This has been known as a pub for a long time and a good boozer-type place. It has opened and closed and had so many managers that people lost confidence but they are starting to come back. Not only do we have the old customers coming back, but also new ones which can't be bad.
"But it is the first impressions when you walk into a pub and a smiley face and a nice greeting which are very important.
"The rest of the publicans here have made me feel so welcome and have come and introduced themselves to me which is very helpful as a stranger to the town. They have also said if I need any help, all I need to do is ask."
It was Roger Hopkins' first visit to Molly's last Tuesday after a recommendation from his brother.
The 43-year-old from Gloucester said: "I like the Thatcher's but this is a nice, quiet relaxing pub so you can come here and enjoy the music."
1 Molly's Bar's best selling beer is Jail Ale, from Dartmoor Brewery
2 Jacquie Nesbitt's favourite pub snack is a Scotch egg – especially the homemade ones on offer at her establishment
3 Her ultimate pub quiz question keeps to the Irish theme: How many counties are there in Ulster? Answer: nine
