Mr McCarrigan has run the Duke of Wellington in Rattray St for nearly nine years but as his lease was due to expire, he decided to relocate.
He had been a long-time admirer of the historic Queens Garden Court building, just 100m away on the corner of Rattray and Crawford Sts but the idea of running a pub in it came to fruition only when he discovered it opened on to a small courtyard, offering space for smokers.
"It's magnificent, outside and in. It ticks more boxes than I could ever ask for."
The building had been well maintained but had been vacant for three years. It had previously housed insurance offices.
It had many of its original features, including "unbelievably stunning" ceilings and wood panelling, he said.
He was having much of the woodwork and the ceiling restored to its former glory.
"This has never been open to the general public to see."
For his regular customers nothing would change except the location, he said.
His last trading day at his present premises would be March 25.
He hoped to open the new bar in April.
