Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake have drinks licence approved for new Scottish sports bar – with work to convert historic cinema set to begin later this year

Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake have been granted a drinks licence at their new sports bar in Scotland.

The A-listers are inching ever-closer to turning the New Picture House in St Andrews into a ‘unique’ bar and restaurant in the town famed for being the home of golf.

Woods, who graced the St Andrew’s links many times at the top of the golfing world, and chart-topper Timberlake already operate a bar under the T-Squared Social name in New York and have been keen to bring their brand across the Atlantic.

The category-B listed cinema venue sits close to the Old Course where Woods lifted the Claret Jug twice at The Open.

The famous duo have confirmed work on the venue will start before end of 2024 and revealed officials have given approval for an alcohol licence, on the back of planning permission being granted last month.

Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake (seen together in 2012) have been granted a drinks licence at their new sports bar in St Andrews, Scotland

The A-listers are inching ever-closer to turning the New Picture House in St Andrews (pictured) into a ‘unique’ bar and restaurant in the town famed for being the home of golf

Plans for the new bar (artist’s impression pictured) were approved last month

Plans submitted to Fife Council, which were backed by the owner of the cinema, said T-Squared Social would bring a ‘fun, family-friendly’ destination to the area under one roof.

The proposal was considered acceptable in terms of design, detailing and choice of materials and would protect and enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area

Developers said the cinema will close next month before opening its doors in time for the 2025 summer season under its new guise.

That would mean it is open in time for residents of the student town to take a seat to watch Wimbledon, the UEFA Women’s Euros and the US Open.

Christopher Anand, managing partner for T-Squared Social, said: ‘We are delighted to be announcing our intention to commence works later this year on this exciting new entertainment concept including the cinema.

‘It will ensure that a cinema offering can remain in the town for this and for generations to come.

‘As we progress with the construction works we look forward to continuing to engage with the local community and council on our ongoing activity.’

David Morris, managing director for New Picture House will stay and manage the transition to the new venture.

The new entertainment hub will be dual-purpose with rooms serving as cinema screens at times, but as dining or drinks areas at others, with sports simulators in many of the planned spaces

Woods and Timberlake already operate a bar under the T-Squared Social name in New York and have been keen to bring their brand across the Atlantic

There is also a bank of dart boards factored into the plans which have been approved by Fife Council

T-Squared Social is a nod to Tiger’s and Timberlake’s first and last names respectively

He said: ‘I am delighted to be personally working with T-Squared Social to support the transition of the business to the new venture.

‘While inevitably the cinema has had to close to make way for the forthcoming renovation, this is an exciting time for both the cinema and for St Andrews.

‘I cannot wait to open to doors of this new entertainment offering to the community, ensuring the continuation of an economically viable cinema for the town.’

Giving the plans the go-ahead, Fife Council said: ‘The proposal is considered acceptable in terms of design, detailing and choice of materials; and would protect and enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area.’