Former landlord now has his own special unique pub

David Laing may have traded the rolling hills of Scotland for the quiet charm of Somerset, but life at Catherine House Care Home is anything but dull.

When the team learned David had once run a pub, they didn’t just nod politely and move on. No, they built him one!

“David’s Bar,” a cozy little nook strung with fairy lights, now stands as a testament to his years behind the counter, pouring pints and spinning stories. And with Burns Night just a week away, David—armed with a lifetime of wit and a love for haggis, neeps, tatties, and a wee dram—has every reason to revel in the celebration of his heritage. After all, who better to toast the Bard of Ayrshire than a man who knows his whisky as well as he knows his poetry?

David’s life has been both varied and fascinating, something he enjoys sharing with others. After studying agriculture at Auchincruive Agricultural College in Ayr, he went on to work in Nigeria, growing rubber trees. These experiences are part of what makes David such a valued member of the Catherine House community, where his stories and history are celebrated, and reflected on by the care teams to help continue living his life as authentically as possible.

“David chose to live at Catherine House because the team had a relaxed and caring attitude”, his daughter told us. “The home has a beautiful peaceful garden at the end of his hallway which he loved to sit in and read his daily newspaper in the summer sunshine.“ From enjoying traditional favourites like mince and tatties to ‘pouring a pint’ at a custom-built bar, his days are filled with the things he loves.

Since moving to Catherine House, David has found a routine that suits him and has felt much more settled. He often praises the lunchtime meals, with corned beef hash and mince and tatties being among his favourites. These meals reflect his love of hearty dishes is undoubtedly influenced by his Yorkshire mother, who frequently whisked and baked Yorkshire puddings.

David has always enjoyed a wee dram of Scottish malt whisky, a love rooted in his years managing a hotel bar and later a pub—a connection that’s been embraced at Catherine House. In a response to learning about his bartending past, the team built a wooden bar to enhance the space and encourage David to get involved with the facilities. ‘David’s Bar’ was an instant hit! Alight with fairy lights, it gives him a special place to relive his whisky days, his career, and his bar experiences, showing that life in a care home can still feel personal and purposeful.

Celebrations at Catherine House are always a highlight for David, especially those that honour his Scottish heritage. His love of malt whisky has become a key feature of the Scottish New Year, Hogmanay, where he likes to take part with the traditional dish of haggis served with neeps and tatties.

This iconic Scottish meal is also a centrepiece of Robert Burns Night, celebrated with poetry recitals and traditional dancing, complete with kilts. With another Burns Night just around the corner, David is excited to take part in the activities Catherine House has planned, including all the finest Scottish delicacies—and, of course, whisky. Pull up a stool at David’s Bar, and you’ll see: life at Catherine House isn’t about slowing down—it’s about finding new ways to keep the stories flowing.

Catherine House Care Home in Frome provides more than just a place to live—it offers a space where residents, fondly referred to as family members, can continue to enjoy their interests, connect with others, and feel part of a supportive community. For David, it’s a place where his personality, passions, and past are recognised and encouraged, ensuring he remains active and engaged in daily life.

To find out more about Catherine House Care Home visit: https://catherinehousecarehome.com/

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