DRAM May 2011 by Media World Ltd

249 DRAM MAGAZINE MAY 2011 ISSN 1470-241X

DRINKS RETAILING AND MARKETING

KAREN PEARSON • A ROSÉ FUTURE • DRAM AWARDS 2011

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DRAM

249

DRINKS RETAILING AND MARKETING

WELCOME

CONTENTS

ay is set to be a busy month with the judging for the DRAM Awards starting. But we have extended the entry deadline to until the end of this week for online entries only. Enter at dramscotland.co.uk. And if you think you are a potential Sunday Mail Pub of the year, persuade your customers to vote for you! This month Jason Caddy takes a look at what’s happening on the PPL front, just in time for summer, while he also penned our feature on Scotland’s female on-trade movers and shakers, while I caught up with the dynamic Karen Pearson at the Cul de Sac in Coatbridge. Indigo is the newest boutique hotel to open in Glasgow. Operated by Maurice Taylor, and part of the ICH Group, this new hotel, bar and restaurant, looks the part. See our design feature on pages 22 - 24. The Awards take place on 20th June at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow. Tickets for the awards are tight this year, because we can’t take as many at the new venue. So if you haven’t booked yet, please do. I wouldn’t want to disappoint. We will reveal all our finalists in the next issue. I also hope you enjoy our little summer cocktail book which comes free with this issue. See you next month.

May

2011

FEATURES

14 18 23 26

A ROSÉ FUTURE Jason Caddy takes a look at some of the women who help make the trade a success.

THE DRAM AWARDS 2011 Your last chance to enter the 2011 DRAM Awards.

SMOOTH OPERATOR Susan Young interviews Karen Pearson.

DESIGN FEATURE The new Indigo Hotel and Limelight Bar.

THE GENIE IS OUT OF THE BOTTLE Has Scotland rekindled its love affair with PPLs? Jason Caddy reports.

REGULARS

Editor susan@mediaworldltd.com

05 30

NEWS The latest news from around the trade.

SUE SAYS Straight talking from our very own Editor.

DRAM MAY 11

MAY 11 DRAM

NEWS COVER STORY ¬

‘COMPLACENCY’ A FACTOR ONE DAY IN HOURS SLASH YOU WILL in policy. Licensees assumed that they were fine. umfries licensees could have prevented he new global advertising campaign for Glenfiddich is now rolling out in Scotland. The ‘One Day you Will’ campaign aims to encourage consumers to make the most of life’s adventures. The creative features scenarios which look to inspire awe, including our cover picture showing mountainous landscape with two men looking out to the distance. Katie Rawll, Glenfiddich global brand director, comments, “One Day You Will takes Glenfiddich into a brave new territory for single malt. We pioneered the single malt category and have a long history of whisky innovation. Our new advertising campaign celebrates our consumers’ selfbelief and reflects our pioneering spirit and this future looking concept clearly differentiates Glenfiddich from our more traditional competitors.” The campaign is supported by a global PR, Relationship Marketing and digital communications platform, which will identify, foster and celebrate the world’s most pioneering people, ideas and endeavours. This will be supported by the launch of bursary programmes, which will enable Glenfiddich consumers to turn their ambitions into reality. Katie Rawll continued: “We are confident ‘One Day You Will’ will be a real success with a strong impact on the growth of our business. The campaign is testament to the pioneering spirit of the distillery’s founder, William Grant, and we continue to stay true to his vision.”

the slashing of their hours by responding to a consultation paper. Licensees and the Nithsdale Licensing forum sent out by the licensing board were given the opportunity to voice opposition to the curb which saw 11 licensees lose an hour’s trading from 1st May. A spokesperson from Dumfries and Galloway Council told DRAM, “Every single licensee was written to so that their views were represented. And the response from the Forum itself was in favour of an hours’ cut. Premises affected were given the chance to appeal the decision.” However, when DRAM spoke to licensees in the area, the consultation paper was branded ‘unclear.’ Nithsdale Licensing Forum member Maureen McKerrow, of the Globe Inn, said, “There was no indication in the consultation document that there was going to be any change

Their complacency was their own fault.” As we reported last month, 11 outlets lost an hour, and ten others were allowed to retain it. Several licensees who weren’t using the extra hour also agreed to forgo it. But the whole process was also very costly to all those involved. Said Maureen, “For those nightclubs that kept their 3am licence, it cost about £1000 in legal fees to essentially jump through a hoop, and keep a hold of what formed part of their grandfather rights anyway. And we do need a late night economy in the town or people will go elsewhere. “And Licensees with an entertainment offering, such as DJs, karaoke etc were unfairly dealt too, by being refused the extension. There was a lack of clarity from the Board about what constituted entertainment.”

BUZZWORKS SPEND £800K IN LARGS The Buzzworks Group has lavished £800K on refurbishing its second Scotts in Largs. It will open next month, hopefully before the first weekend of the month. The company opened the original Scotts at the Yacht Haven in Troon in 2004. “There are elements of the Scotts DNA in the design,” said Buzzworks director, Kenny Blair, pictured left. He continued, “Scotts in Largs is more of a modern version with great outdoor spaces, but there’s no retractable roof on this one!” Buzzworks bought the business from the administrator in March 2009. It was called Regatta and was owned by the Nardini family. Buzzworks ran it as Regattas from March 2009 until December 2010, before the refurbishment.

R&L PUB LEASE DEADLINE Licensees have until the 25th May to snap up one of 76 available freeholds in Scotland following the collapse of Robert Tchenguiz's R20 property group. Some 207 pubs, all tenanted, are held by a number of companies under the R&L Properties banner, with 76 in Scotland. These include The Griffin and The Park Bar in Glasgow. Robert ‘Bobsie’ Mullen is tenant at the Griffin. He is nervously waiting to see if he has got the freehold. “It’s a waiting game, and I’ve gone for the freehold, but the vultures are gathering so it’s difficult to know who’s going to end up with it.” The pubs were once managed by Scottish & Newcastle Pub Company on behalf of Tchenguiz, and were then moved over to be managed on a day-to-day basis by LT Management Services and recovery outfit, Licensed Solutions, at the end of last year. Accountancy firm Deloitte has been appointed administrator, and the freehold sales are being handled by Christie & Co. There are six in central Scotland, two in Highlands and Islands, three in north east, with the remainder scattered in Glasgow and Edinburgh and outlying areas. DRAM MAY 11

NEWS

Glasgow venues One Up and 29 were aiming for a world record by serving up 30,000 cocktails at the recent Girls Day Out Event at the SECC. Gary Bowman, Assistant General Manager at One Up joined colleagues for the marathon session. He is pictured with just a few of the cocktails that were a hit with the ladies.

WWW.DRAMSCOTLAND.CO.UK

ELECTRICITY ISLAY GETS FIRST CASH AND CARRY WARNING Islay’s licensed trade now have a Cash and Carry He continues, “We now offer more than 300 Licensees are being warned not to use illegal bypasses to electrical meters. If caught they could face having their licences suspended. Already three pubs The Carfin Vaults in Carfin, The Stables in Viewpark and the Cottage Inn at Newarthill, have been warned by police and called in front of the licensing board. Police visited the pubs and found ”alleged illegal bypasses to electrical meters”. Police then made separate reports to the Procurator Fiscal and the Licensing Board. A Strathclyde police spokesman said, “The review hearings followed recent joint operations where officers from Strathclyde Police, personnel from Scottish Power Revenue Protection Unit and North Lanarkshire Council Licensing Standard Officers visited licensed premises to address issues of concern. At the hearing the Board issued warnings to The Carfin Vaults, The Stables and The Cottage Inn. Meanwhile a Motherwell pub, The War Office, has already had its licence suspended for 14 days, while the Old Original Bar in Blantyre was closed for three days and the licensees were reported to the Procurator fiscal.

to call their own. Local wholesaler Hasties, owned by Dunns Food and Drink, has now expanded and has opened the Cash and Carry at its Port Ellen premises. Says Managing Director, Jim Rowan, “We did some research and spoke to our customers, and realised that there was a lot more we could offer them as a Cash and Carry. As well as our licensed products, we can now offer an expanded food service range and janitorial products too.”

food products on-site, and customers can also choose from 3,000 lines that we offer to our wholesale customers, as we deliver twice a week to the island. Islay’s tourism industry has really grown, and as it has developed, so has the menus that restaurateurs, publicans and hoteliers are offering, and we are well positioned to meet their requirements.” He concluded, “It’s early days, but already we have seen sales rocket.”

J.D. WETHERSPOON AIMS FOR 100 SCOTTISH PUBS Pub chain J D Wetherspoon has its sights set on another 49 units in Scotland, in addition to the 51 it currently operates. Speaking exclusively to DRAM, J D Wetherspoon spokesperson Eddie Gershon said, “The success of units in smaller towns like Hawick and Wick has shown us that there is demand for what we offer in smaller Scottish towns, as well as the big cities. There is scope for 100, I’d say, but don’t ask me to give you a time scale for when we’re going to do it.. The company has already confirmed plans to open outlets in Brechin and Forfar, and is looking to buy a venue in Montrose. It also has sites earmarked for Orkney and Peebles. Deacon Brodies in Dundee and the adjoining Doghouse are being converted into one big ‘art house’ bar, which will cover three levels. Leaseholder, Sarah Hill is undertaking the renovation to make the venue more appealing to students. Deacon Brodies will now become ‘The Underdog’, and an internal stairway will now link it to The Doghouse, so that people can move between the venues. Downstairs there will be Moroccan-style furnishings and acoustic music, in the middle there’s the Doghouse bar and live music venue and a coffee/cocktail bar/cafe will monopolise the balcony overlooking the stage. The new venue should open next month.

SHORTS Pubs and clubs in Aberdeen will be granted an extra hour of opening time during the Oil and Gas UK three-day conference in September. Pernod Ricard has revealed a good 3rd quarter 2010/11 in line with the 1st half of the financial year. Over the first nine months of the 2010/11 financial year (1 July 2010 to 31 March 2011) consolidated sales (excluding tax and duties) totalled €5,902 million, an increase of 11% compared to €5,326 million for the same period in the previous MAY 11 DRAM

year. During the period, sales grew by +16% in emerging markets and by 2% in mature markets. SABMiller Plc has revealed its Chief Financial Officer, Malcolm Wyman, is to retire at the end of August. He will be replaced by James (Jamie) Wilson, currently Finance Director for SABMiller Europe. Wilson joined SABMiller in 2005 and has held a number of senior positions in the group. He has had 23 years of experience in the global beverage industry, having held a number of senior executive

positions before joining SABMiller, notably Group Finance Director and Managing Director - Operations of Highland Distillers plc; Executive Chairman of Maxxium, Strategy/Finance Director for Scottish Courage Ltd; and Strategy/Project Director for Scottish & Newcastle plc. He has a law degree from the University of Edinburgh, is a qualified chartered accountant and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation. Royal Mile Whiskies are opening a new drinks shop in Pitlochry. The company

O.V.D. is upweighting investment in Scotland this summer with its Everyman’s Got a Sweet Spot marketing programme. This year’s activity will have a pet theme, with a recent survey by O.V.D revealing that more than 25% of Scots show more affection to their pet than their partner. Tapping in to this and the unique Scottish sense of humour, all ‘Everyman’s Got a Sweet Spot’ activity will carry this theme – including new creatives for press and online competitions.

KNOCK BACK FOR FAT SAMS undee licensee Colin Rattray has vowed to fight on after the Dundee Board declined his application for a two-hour licence extension. The Fat Sam’s owner wanted to remain open until 4.30am on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. He had hoped to sell alcohol until closing time and claimed a new food service would help to counteract the effects of the alcohol sold. "I'm gutted,” said Rattray. “They have extended the hours of public houses to 2.30am and casinos until 6am — that means everyone in the trade is advancing in on the nightclub's hours while we're being held back. We have to change the way the business operates so I'll look at this application again." Members of the board refused the application by six votes to two, following a plea from Chief Inspector Dave Barclay. He said, "Mr Rattray

runs an excellent establishment but we would have to redraw working arrangements and that would have an impact on Dundee. We would need a minimum of four additional officers, but potentially up to six. These officers would have to be brought into the town to cope with the thousands of people coming out of the clubs and on to the streets and that would mean we couldn't police outlying areas properly.” Colin Rattray’s solicitor, Archie McIver, told the Board, "The chief constable's fears are predicated on an extra 300 people coming into the city, but these people are already there, and are already being policed. If you grant the application the sale of alcohol is ancillary to the sale of food, surely that will have a beneficial effect on alcohol these people will have consumed?”

THE £100M PLAN FOR LOCH LOMOND The entrepreneur behind Victoria’s nightclub, now Azure, is not only developing a hotel next to the nightclub, due to open next year, but has also has set his sights on Loch Lomond for his latest venture, a £100m theme park. Wayne GardnerYoung, whose WGA Group currently has a business portfolio worth in the region of £60£70m, also owns the Buchanan Arms Hotel in Drymen, and is currently trying to get a £22m

has an excellent reputation as whisky, spirits and cigar specialists with shops in Edinburgh and London. A new 208-bedroom hotel is set for Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. The hotel which is Motel One’s first establishment in Scotland, is being developed by the Chris Stewart Group. As well as a budget hotel there are also plans to construct 30,000 sq ft of residential space, six office premises and two restaurants. Belhaven Pubs Division has confirmed that it acquired Morrison’s Cold

transformation of a West Lothian wasteland into an adventure park off the ground. His ambitious new project at Loch Lomond includes a hotel, cafés and restaurants to sit alongside a five-star touring caravan site with a spa, plus a variety of holiday apartments and lodges, zip slides and treehouses. The project will be funded by European venture capitalists and Mr Gardner-Young.

Beer Company in Stirling at the end of March. The deal is rumoured to be worth around £2M. VC2 Brands, has reported a successful year with turnover reaching £3m; up from £1.8m the previous year. Co-founder Graham Coull commented, “We are thrilled with the growth that VC2 has experienced over the past year, due largely to expanding export markets, national retail listings and continuing new product innovation, which is a real speciality for us.” The company is planning to add a

Perth’s Station Hotel has reopened for business after its owners, Supportico Ltd, fought a losing battle with Perth and Kinross Council, to turn the building into the centrepiece of a ‘care village.’ Instead the owners are investing £1m in the hotel. Already 15 bedrooms have been refurbished with plans to upgrade a further 15, and the function suites will be reopened too. Isle of Arran distillery has reported its best ever results. Sales grew by 27% to a record high prompting the business to invest to expand production by 40% (100,000 litres of alcohol). Brand sales for Arran were especially strong growing by 42% year on year. Export sales for the business were up 45%, compared to the export growth of 10% for the total Scotch whisky market. Operating profits were up by over 450% to £173,028 on turnover of £2,712,343. The company also reported a bottom line improvement of £133,670 over 2009.

golden rum to its spirits portfolio which includes Boe Superior Gin, Paris Rose Liqueur, Stiffy’s flavoured vodka and on the brewing side TSA Brewing Co have William Wallace 80/-, Lomond Gold and 1488 Premium Whisky Beer. Paul Bray has been appointed as the new general manager of the Macdonald Inchyra. He was formerly GM of the Jurys Inn in Glasgow. The hotel has just revealed a major refurbishment of its Spa and public areas including its restaurant, bar and reception. DRAM MAY 11

BAR NEWS TONY MACARONI OPENS IN ITALIAN CENTRE TM Restaurants has opened Tony Macaroni in Glasgow’s Italian Centre, at 17 John St. The company has taken a 15-year lease on the 1800 sq ft unit, which also has a mezzanine. The unit has had a number of guises. Cafe Ostra way back in early noughties and latterly Tuscan Square. Chris Bryce from the company told DRAM, “We’ve given it a whole new lease of life and we are making more of the conservatory

overlooking the courtyard.” And Tony Macaroni number five will open in June. The old Starka in Brandon Street, Motherwell, is currently under construction and will open around midmonth. Lanark will follow in 2012. Glasgow is the fourth Tony Macaroni after Livingston, East Kilbride and Byres Road, Glasgow. TM also owns and operates Nardini’s in Largs.

MALMAISON MOVES INTO DUNDEE Malmaison is planning to open in Dundee. The group aims to take over the Tay Hotel, which is currently being restored by developers who have planned a two-storey extension, with 91 bedrooms, a private dining room, brasserie, whisky snug and cellar. A Malmaison spokeswoman said that although the deal had not yet been finalised, the company was working closely with developers to restore the building. She said, "It is potentially a Malmaison project. We are interested in it and we are working with the development team. A planning application for the hotel was submitted to Dundee City Council last week, lodged by the building's owners, MEC Services (International) Ltd. Glasgow architects Curious House is responsible for the plans. It also designed the Aberdeen Malmaison and the Hotel du Vin in Edinburgh, which is owned by the same company. T.G.I. Friday’s has opened in Aberdeen’s Union Square Shopping Centre. The restaurant is the second Friday’s in the city. Tim Cullum, T.G.I. Friday’s UK Operations Director said, “We are, of course, delighted to have created 98 new jobs in the area at a time when they are increasingly hard to come by. ”This is a continuation of our strategy of investment in prime locations and we consider Union Square to be a key site.”

£2.5M DORMY REOPENS The £2.5m Dormy Clubhouse refurbishment at Gleneagles has been unveiled. The Dormy closed in October last year, finally opening its doors last month. A Gleneagles spokesperson told DRAM, “Inside has been a mammoth refurbishment. It is now 180 covers, where it used to be only 80, and it’s now very much a bar and grill concept. All produce is sourced locally. In terms of design, one of the most MAY 11 DRAM

interesting features is the wine wall, essentially wine racks embedded in the walls. There is also a private dining room, with a capacity for up to 80 guests.” The project is part of an ongoing development programme for Gleneagles and comes on the back of £18m investment since 2007. Golfers were able to use alternative clubhouse facilities during the closure, including the restaurants within the hotel.

Scotland's hotel sector is "outperforming" the rest of the UK, based on the latest figures released by industry analysts. PFK said that year-on-year occupancy levels rose by 1.5% during the month of February. Aberdeen saw the largest increase in visitors to its hotels, with a 8.1% rise. The high oil price is thought to have contributed to the boom. Glasgow saw occupancy rise by 0.8% and rooms yield increase by 0.9% while occupancy in Edinburgh fell 0.4% but revenue increased by 2.6%. Rooms yield, the industry measure of revenue, was also up by 2.8% in Scotland. The budget sector continues to be hardest hit with both occupancy and rooms yield falling for rooms priced below £50. Alastair Rae, from PKF, said, "It was another positive month for the Scottish hotel sector, outperforming the rest of the UK with increases in both occupancy and rooms yield.” In England occupancy levels were down 1.7% and fell by 4.8% in Wales. 1901 on Pollokshaws Road in Glasgow has been transformed into a bar and grill, following a bit of a facelift inside and out. It has new signage and a new management team. 1901 Bar & Grill general manager Christopher Queen said, “We’re delighted with the results and, judging from the feedback from our regulars, they’re happy too! The bar will continue to serve up a broad selection of premium lagers, cask ales, malts and wines.” And it’s just been awarded a Cask Marque in recognition of its real ale care and quality. The bar where Edinburgh fire fighter Ewan Williamson died tackling a blaze two years ago has reopened with a new name. The former Balmoral Bar on Dalry Road is now Benson’s Bar. Said licensee Jinty Contreras, “It's sad for the family because they've had such loss and such sadness, but this takes us that wee bit forward. We hope to make a happy bar out of the sadness, but not to forget the laddie. She has consulted Mr Williamson's family, and hopes to put up a plaque in his memory on the outside of the building. She added, "We will be doing a charity night for the firemen, to show them we're still thinking of them.”

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A ROSÉ FUT FEATURE BY JASON JASON CADDY CADDY

SCOTLAND HAS SOME VERY DYNAMIC WOMEN IN THE ON TRADE. THIS MONTH WE TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS.

Catherine Conaghan Northern Divisional Sales Manager Diageo Reserve Brands, Scotland Catherine was the first female sales person to join Guinness UDV some 16 years ago. Now she heads up what is effectively a stand-alone arm of Diageo’s business, Reserve Brands, focussing on luxury, premium spirits and their malts range. “I knew that I wanted to manage people, and my role has always been a sales/commercial one. In the last ten years since the merger, I have moved from managing sales for the West of Scotland to the Northern Division. What I love about this company is that there’s a degree of organisational change every three years or so, with brands joining and leaving the portfolio. This keeps the job fresh,” she says. Catherine’s passions include her family and her “two bambinos”, running, good food and live music. “Diageo is very flexible for working mums, compared to when I started.”

Lynn Mortimer Managing Director Lynnet Leisure, Glasgow Lynn is MD of the business, which is very much a family affair, and handles the day-to-day running of the business, while father James takes care of the wheeling and the dealing. “My dad’s a PR man extraordinaire, he attends as many trade events as he can, and, like me, he’s a regular face in all our units.” “It’s important to be visible and approachable for customers alike. It’s important to deal with people from all walks of life with the same professionalism,” she says. Flagship venue, One Up, on Royal Exchange Square, together with The Grill and 29, make up a trio of Glasgow venues that continue to go from strength to strength and it is all credit to Lynn’s unswerving dedication. “The weddings business is doing great and we had FROM TOP a great January/February, although the last CATHERINE CONAGHAN, two months have been quieter with the kids JULIE DUNN & being off.” And she has also weaved some of LYNN MORTIMER. her magic over the Rogano, which remains MAY 11 DRAM

one of Glasgow’s most famous and best-loved eateries. They also have various other ventures too.

Julie Dunn Operations Director Dunns Food and Drink, Blantyre Julie, a languages graduate, always knew that she wanted to work for the family business. She cut her teeth at the Stirling Depot in the Food Service side of the business. She said, “I took the Operations Director role in 2001 when Dunns Food and Drink was born. I got the role because of my name, but I have grown into the job which involves staffing, lorries and personnel issues, and I love it.” Julie married to a policeman recently returned from a seven-month maternity leave. She comments “I now have to share my business love with my love for the kids. I thought I would have lost my business ego in the time I was off, but it has returned! I like being an employer, it’s part of who I am, and I’m very content in this role. As for future aspirations, I want longevity and a point of difference in what we offer.”

Alison Blair Director Buzzworks Group, Ayrshire Alison is extremely focussed on the continued success of Buzzworks Holdings. She says “We have become more focussed on finance in recent years, but so far so good. In fact I’d say that because of the economic downturn we have been managing things more closely and this has helped us better manage the business.” Buzzworks own and operate Elliots in Prestwick and Scotts in Troon and various other Ayrshire outlets too. Alison, a director alongside brothers Colin and Kenny, is very much the unsung hero of the Ayrshire-based group, but her role takes in training, working with the accountant on cash flow, wages overheads and coaching senior management. “Colin, Kenny and I bring a great balance to the company dynamic, and we are all about continuous development and innovation.” Away from the trade, Alison liked ballroom dancing, long before it became fashionable, and the great outdoors – particularly kayaking, cycling and hill walking.

TURE Siobhan Edwards Director Lisini Pub Co. Lanarkshire

five years, but she began working for them after graduating, when she lived next door to its Cambridge outlet. She also had a brief stint at Edinburgh’s Pierre Victoire.

Siobhan and sister Lisa head up the Lisini Pub Co., which operates Angels in Uddingston and the Parkville in Blantyre and two other venues with another currently on the cards. She was a human resources manager in the forces for three years. But after suffering a brain haemorrhage, she went back to Uni and got an MSC, ready for a “proper job” which turned out to be working in sales for UD for five years in Manchester. From here she went on to work for Coca Cola as sales manager for the South of England. “I’ve worked in male dominated environments, and people don’t always expect strong women,” said Siobhan. “It was a good challenge for me opening the Parkville and we have reinvested and see ourselves as regenerating the local community. Lisa and I complement each other really well. She’s finance and I’m creative. Neither of us ever rest on our laurels, and always try to keep it fresh and give the customer what he or she wants.” Siobhan’s husband’s is currently on tour in Afghanistan, although he’s home this month for three weeks!

Lynne Parker General Manager Café Gandolfi/Gandolfi Fish, Glasgow

Sarah Fox General Manager Browns, Glasgow Cambridge graduate Sarah heads up newly opened Browns in Glasgow’s George Square. “I manage a team of 90 people. That’s a lot of bodies, but I think women have more of a nurturing instinct and bring out the best in their staff, although from a guest perspective, some still look over my shoulder for a man when they ask to speak to the manager. I’m proud to say that female managers have always been well represented at Browns,” she said. Sarah was born in America, where she has worked on-and-off across the pond for several years. “My hospitality mentality was formed in the States, to naturally surpass the guest expectations. I think the UK gets a bad rep on this score, but it’s not always deserved. I’ve had some excellent service here. Inconsistency is the main problem I encounter as a guest.” She loves the fast pace of the role and the fact that every day brings something brand new. Prior to this, FROM TOP LEFT Sarah ran SIOBHAN EDWARDS, B r o w n s ’ LISA WISHART & Edinburgh ALISON BLAIR operation for

Originally from Newcastle, Lynne has been at Glasgow’s Café Gandolfi since December 2002. She is General Manager of both the Café and neighbouring Gandolfi Fish, managing a combined staff of 65. “I love everything about the job and Seumas is a great guy to work for and with,” said Lynne. “The business has developed so much and it remains fresh and interesting. As well as buying and hiring staff etc., I also do three to four shifts a week, which I enjoy, and it’s important to be hands-on.” Lynne began her career at The Willow Tea Rooms, before joining 24-hour café Insomnia, where she did the graveyard shift. “The staff turnover was so high there was a bonus for anyone who managed six months. But no one ever made it that far.” She became a charge hand at Pierre Victoire, and following its closure, worked at Brel in the west end before taking on her current role.

Lynne Alldrit Beech Tree Inn, Drumgoyne Rob Roy, Buchlyvie Lynne is owner/operator of the Beech Tree Inn, Drumgoyne and the Rob Roy, Buchlyvie. Lynne’s background includes a spell working with Nick Nairn at Braeval in Aberfoyle and at One Devonshire, before she acquired the Rob Roy. One day she just decided to follow her dream and put her money where her mouth is and buy the Beech Tree in 2004 she decided to follow her dream. She says of the last 12 months, “It’s been a tough year, no doubt, and it’s been a case of head down, battle on. You have to be more and more creative, and at the Beech Tree we have played to our strengths and focused on appealing to the family market. We now have rabbits, goats and ducks for the kids.” Lynne took over the lease at the Rob Roy in 2008, and both units keep her very busy. And her dedication to making them continue to be successful ensures that she doesn’t really have much time for anything else away from the ¬ demands of the business. DRAM MAY 11

A ROSÉ FUTURE ¬ Sue Buchanan

Regional Trading DirectorScotland Waverley TBS, Scotland Sue took over the top job in Scotland at the start of the year but she is first to admit when Sue began her career with Waverley, the trade was a very different place. “There are a far greater number of females in the trade now. In fact I’d say that in Waverley it’s pretty much 50/50 with area sales managers compared to less then 1% when I was on the road in the early 80s. “I like the sociability of the job and developing my sales team. It’s also a vibrant industry to work in and I think that we are beginning to turn a corner. However, there is still a lot of concern in the trade, particularly over healthy drinking, from the point of view of legislation. We are also witnessing a huge drive towards improving standards, which I celebrate.” Even when Sue is away from the job, Sue can’t stop her eye roving over the gantry at the product range and, unsurprisingly, at the wine offering.

Petra Wetzel Owner WEST Brewery, Glasgow Everything changed for German-born Petra when drinking a pint with her father while he was visiting her as a student at Glasgow University. “We ordered a pint of…let’s just call it a pint, and my father said ‘Is this the best that they have?’ and the rest as they say is history.” The WEST Brewery on Glasgow Green has this year celebrated its fifth birthday, which is not bad going for a woman who “didn’t even like beer all that much” when she first landed on Scottish soil. WEST prides itself on fusing traditional German brewing techniques with cutting-edge technology. Away from brewing, Petra can be found hill walking, or with her wee boy, Noah, walking along a beach somewhere, dog in tow. She also puts a lot of store by good food, and travels back to her native Germany about three times a year.

Sarah David Licencee at Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh Not long after starting to study medicine, Sarah took on the general manager/bookers position at the Liquid Room, where she remained for almost 14 years. She worked to put Edinburgh and the Liquid Room on the touring map for live bands and MAY 11 DRAM

DJs. Then in 2004, Sarah began discussions with Festival Inns about her vision to create something new and fresh on the music scene for the city. Cabaret Voltaire was born. “My aim was to create an intimate space with top of the range facilities in which breaking acts, both live and DJs, could come and play the Capital. Over the years we have hosted the first Scottish performances for many acts – including Calvin Harris, The Script and Editors.” Sarah also plays an active part in UNIGHT Chair Group, helping to cut crime relating to late night trade in Edinburgh. Away from her job Sarah is unsurprisingly a live music junkie. “I try and attend as many music festivals as I can throughout the year all over the world, which can be a bit of a Busman’s Holiday,” she says. “I also take long walks with my dog and have taken up a bit of novelty cake/cupcake baking!”.

Ruth Wither Trading Director Montpeliers, Edinburgh Ruth Wither is passionate about training. Montpeliers has a reputation for excellence in this field, thanks to her. As well as this, she has now turned her expertise to Flow Hospitality Training – a separate concern specialising in providing training through interactive online modules. Clients include Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Matthew Clark. But Ruth never takes her eye off the ball. “It’s been a difficult time, but there’s no excuse for anything but excellent service. We have all had to work hard and take a proactive approach to the recession and push for every penny. Our sales are quite buoyant, because of this. It’s all about being lean and keeping costs down.” Despite Montpeliers employing an equal ratio of men and women front of house, Ruth feels women in the trade thin out the higher the position. “The majority of our managers are still men by far, but we do have some fantastic women assistant managers coming up through the ranks.” Away from work, she likes cycling and travel, as well as being a Hearts season ticket holder.

FROM TOP SUE BUCHANAN, RUTH WITHER, PETRA WETZEL & LYNNE PARKER

dram awards 2o11 mardi gras 20th JUNE, 2011

THE DRAM AWARDS ARE ALSO SUPPORTEDDRAM BY MAY 11

EN TE R

ON LI NE

by ww 20 w. th dr ma am y sc 20 o 11 tl at an th d.c e l o. at uk es t.

BENROMACH AWARD FOR SUCCESS Ssshare the secret of your success with this year’s DRAM judges to pick up this accolade. Whether you’ve successfully continued your family business, successfully expanded over the past few years, adopted innovation to develop your business, or have grown your turnover, we would love to know what you think your secret is. This award is open to hoteliers, restaurateurs and licensees… ssshare your secret with us. Enter now with details.

BII TRAINING AWARD This award is aimed at rewarding licensees who embrace training. It is crucial that all staff are trained, and the BII is looking for the company or individual who demonstrates training excellence, and the effective use of resources to achieve measurable results. Do you believe in getting the best out of your staff through training? If so you could be eligible for this award.

REPERTOIRE BEST OUTSIDE AREA Do you think you have the best outdoor area in Scotland? Are your customers delighted with the effort you have put in to ensure that when they drink outside the surroundings are just perfect. Whether it is an outside terrace, smoking area or dining area, we are looking for the most attractive place to enjoy a drink al fresco. Enter now.

GASTRO PUB OF THE YEAR

DRAM

It has never been more important to offer your customers good food. It doesn’t have to be fine dining, but quality, freshly prepared pub grub is what our judges will be on the look out for. It’s not the size of your menu that will gain you marks but the quality of the food and the efficiency of the service. If you think you have great food on offer in your pub, let us know. Enter now.

GLENMORANGIE WHISKY BAR OF THE YEAR Glenmorangie, one of Scotland’s best loved malts, is looking for a bar that is worthy of the accolade Glenmorangie Whisky Bar of the Year. The judges will be looking for licensees that go to extraordinary lengths to promote Scotch whisky within their own establishment. An excellent range of whisky on the back bar is a necessity and staff should also be well trained and enthusiastic when it comes to recommending whisky to their customers. A good Scottish welcome is also important. Do you think that your bar deserves the accolade? If so enter now.

THE KRAKEN RUM COCKTAIL BAR OF THE YEAR Do you think that you have the best cocktail bar in Scotland? Are your bartenders well trained, imaginative and good with customers? The judges will be looking for expertly made cocktails, a willingness to experiment and a good knowledge of spirits, including rum. Tell us why you think you are the best cocktail bar and include a recipe for a cocktail featuring The Kraken Rum. How would you unleash the Beast.

MIXXIT BAR APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR Mixxit have devised a bartender apprentice programme which is now in its fourth year. They select bartenders from throughout Scotland to take part in this mentoring programme which includes cocktail training, bar skills and product knowledge. In June the selected nominees (10 in total) will face a panel of judges, and the best performing bartender will win the accolade Mixxit Bar Apprentice of the Year, which will be announced at the DRAM Awards. (Mixxit is the trading and educational programme of Maxxium UK).

MOLSON COORS CHAMPION IN INDUSTRY Molson Coors is looking for an individual or group who qualifies for its new Champion in Industry Award. To be eligible you have to demonstrate that you are a ‘champion’ in all areas of the licensed trade. It’s not just about running a successful business, but a passion and commitment to developing all areas of your business is essential too. Do you have a great team? Do you champion beer and can you demonstrate that you have a passion for the beer industry? Do you excel at enhancing your customers experience in your outlet and actively drive footfall? Are you knowledgeable on legislation? It’s a challenging industry and Molson Coors is looking for a ‘Champion’? Enter now.

CAPTAIN MORGAN’S SPICED AWARD FOR BEST LATE NIGHT VENUE Can customers discover their party spirit at your bar or venue? Do you open late, and provide great entertainment in a safe environment? Is your venue a favourite haunt of customers that like to stay up past the golden hour? A great atmosphere, a good range of spirits, and a good looking venue are all essential if you want to win one of this year's top awards the Captain Morgan’s Spiced Award for Best Late Night Venue. Bars eligible would have to be open past midnight.

REKORDERLIG NEW BAR OF THE YEAR Does your venue offer the best in customer service? Does your drinks range show a creative edge and have a premium offering? Are you independently owned? Did you open after June 2010? If you can answer yes to all of the above then we would like to hear from you! Your venue could be in with a chance of winning ‘New Bar of the Year’, sponsored by Rekorderlig Cider. Rekorderlig Cider is one of the fastest growing fruit ciders in the marketplace. Proud of its iconic and beautifully Swedish roots, it combines the highest quality ingredients with a clear identity enabling it to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

STRONGBOW MANAGER OF THE YEAR Strongbow, Scotland’s biggest selling draught cider, is on the lookout for Scotland’s top manager. Do you put the ‘hard graft’ in to ensure that your bar or pub is a success, or do you know someone who does? Strongbow will give the honour to the manager who has the strongest work ethic, and who can demonstrate the difference that he or she has made to the business. If you think you, or someone that you know, deserves the award, please enter now.

SUNDAY MAIL PUB OF THE YEAR Scotland’s leading Sunday newspaper is looking for the best pub in the country. Do you have a welcoming atmosphere? Do your customers come back, and come back again? Get your customers to fill in the entry form when it appears in the Sunday Mail and tell us why you think you are eligible for ‘Pub of the Year’.

TENNENT’S QUALITY AWARD A dedication to quality has helped to make Tennent’s Lager the No 1 Scottish brand - and Tennent’s is looking for a pub that is also dedicated to quality. Excellent customer service, great beer, a good range of products behind the bar, fine food and a great ambience would all be part of the quality experience. If you think you deserve this accolade enter now.

URBAN REALM AWARD FOR BEST DESIGN Urban Realm, Scotland’s leading architecture and design magazine is looking for Scotland's best designed licensed trade outlet. Judges will be looking at the creativity involved, best use of space and innovative touches. Is your bar, restaurant or hotel, worthy of the accolade. If so enter now with accompanying photography. Outlets have to have opened or refurbished since June 2010.

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SMOOTH OP LICENSEE INTERVIEW

KAREN PEARSON HAS MORE THAN 15 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN THE TRADE AND HAS WORKED FOR SOME OF SCOTLAND’S BIGGEST AND MOST COLOURFUL OPERATORS. SUSAN YOUNG CAUGHT UP WITH HER AT THE CUL DE SAC IN COATBRIDGE. aren Pearson doesn’t just look great but “After working part-time for a few months is a sharp operator too. Just ask any of George Swanson and Ron McCulloch decided Scotland’s key players. At one time or to invest heavily in the club by putting on some another she has worked for most of them. big names, and they asked me to work fullKaren’s CV reads like a ‘who’s, who’ of the time for them, along with another marketing licensed trade – Big Beat, CPL, Lynnet, person. They wanted to get people travelling Saltire… the list goes on. But for the last 18 from all over to come to The Tunnel. It was a months she has been master of her own job I loved.” destiny. And she is looking good on it. Three years later Big Beat gave Karen a When the Cul de Sac in Coatbridge was lucky bigger role when she was despatched to enough to reach the finals of the Sunday Mail Sydney, Australia to look after the launch of Pub of the Year competition last year, no-one Home, the company’s first overseas club. She was more surprised than co-owner Karen says, “I was sent over there with Brian Reid to Pearson. The bar open Home. It had only been open “IT WAS A REAL LEARNING was a real six months, and” CURVE FOR ME. THE BIGGEST culture change. says Karen, “We LEARNING LESSON WAS THAT Australia at the didn’t know who put YOU THOROUGHLY NEED TO DO time was quite us forward for it, but YOUR RESEARCH INTO AREAS behind the UK. the response from AND COUNTRIES AND KNOW IT Local clubs at the our customers when time there were IS GOING TO WORK, BEFORE it came to voting for dark and dingy. YOU DECIDE TO INVEST.” us was great.” They weren’t The Cul de Sac is a used to smart KAREN PEARSON clubs stylish bar/bistro, or big with a great outdoor capacity clubs, area, which on the day I visited had just been and when we brought in Paul Oakfield to re-painted. Karen was looking very relaxed if launch it, they were blown away. But they a bit tired, having been up at 6.30am to let didn’t realise this was the sort of the painters in. entertainment that would be on regularly, they But says, Karen, that is nothing. Having spent thought it was a one-of. Big Beat definitely the last 18 months, working 24/7, alongside upped the ante in Sydney, offering a great business partner Brian Timmons, it’s only now venue, and good customer service. But it that she is managing to get one or two days wasn’t easy. Everything is more of a challenge off a week, and in fact she has even booked a when you are not familiar with the city, never holiday. mind the country! It was a real learning curve Karen explains, “We didn’t have a lot of for me. The biggest learning lesson was that financial backing, so we have had to really you thoroughly need to do your research into work at making this a success. It’s been areas and countries and know it is going to tough. Although I knew it was a good location, work, before you decide to invest. It was a and that Coatbridge had a good catchment struggle. Take recruitment for instance, I had area, there have been times, when I thought, to go round clothes shops to recruit people!” will we ever get there. But I’m delighted to say After nine months of living in the sunshine, that since the start of this year, things have she decided to come home because she was just taken off.” homesick. Karen started her working life in the retail When she moved back from Australia she industry and worked part-time for the Tunnel went to work with Derek Ogilvie. She says, “I doing PR. That was 15 years ago. It was knew Neil Connolly, who now owns Moskito, owned by Big Beat at the time. Says Karen, from when he was GM at October in Princes ¬ MAY 11 DRAM

PERATOR

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Square. When I came back he was Derek Ogilvy’s operations manager, and he asked me to help get their new Budda club up and running. It only had a capacity of 300, and I was used to working for clubs that had a capacity of 2000/3000, so it was easy peasy. And I enjoyed working with Derek, he made it fun. The original Budda concept was his idea. He’s now the baby psychic! And of course Neil has gone on to run the very successful Moskito.” After leaving Derek, Karen went to work for promotions company Wall to Wall as operations manager, with a team of 60 staff. This was a change for her. She explains, “When I joined they were doing a lot of promotional work for drinks companies, so it meant that I was still involved with bars and clubs, but I didn’t have the 3am finishes… but I missed the late finishes! I spent two years there before joining CPL, initially at the Shed but then I was moved to Cube, where I was assistant manager. I spent two years there and thoroughly enjoyed it.” Then Craig Amner, who Karen had worked with in Australia, and who was Operations manager for Lynnet at the time, recruited Karen to work at Universe in Coatbridge, a former Big Beat club. She spent 18 months there as GM, before moving to work at Hamilton Palace. Says Karen, “I was brought in to sort Universe out, and when it was running smoothly I moved onto work at Hamilton Palace. Again I enjoyed working for James Mortimer and probably wouldn’t have left, if Stuart Thomson had not persuaded me to go to work for Saltire Taverns when they opened Le Monde in Edinburgh” She continues, “I was in charge of the new club, Shanghai. It was great to be involved at the start, but I didn’t move to Edinburgh, instead I commuted. This meant an average 90 week! I wouldn’t get home ‘til 7am, then had to back at the office in Edinburgh by midday. Even though I was only 32 I MAY 11 DRAM

was exhausted and only managed to keep it up for a year, before a meeting with Darren Lawrie, who came through to Edinburgh to see me. He asked me to come back to Glasgow GM of Byblos when it opened. I’m not sure that it wasn’t the attraction of working back in Glasgow that was the main reason I went to work for Byblos. I was there for just under a year then David Davidson approached me to ask me to take over The Winchester. I did say ‘no’, but would do a consultancy to open it. And at the same time I paid my way through a course ‘Train the trainer’, a qualification which would allow me to teach the new licensing act. I did this because I thought I might set a company up doing training, and if not it would allow me to train my own staff. I got my BII AB and I taught the 2005 act for six months.” Then Colin Beattie offered Karen a role at his company Senex Investments, which had five pubs, some property, and office space. Karen comments, “I loved working with Colin. I was his area manager, but my remit didn’t include Oran Mor. I learned a lot from him, particularly because I am a good listener. His life experience within the industry means that he is a fountain of knowledge. If it wasn’t for my two years with him, I don’t think I would be as strong as I am now.” Although Colin Beattie tried to find Karen a place of her own, it was John Smith, the man behind Dundas Heritable, who came to Karen and invited her to look over a pub that he needed a tenant for. It was called No 24 in Coatbridge. Says Karen, “In the words of Colin Beattie, ‘it needed a cuddle, a big one’. It wasn’t inviting and didn’t seem to know whether it was a café, bistro or bar. John invested heavily, bringing the bar up to scratch, and I worked closely with the designers. Then I invited Brian to come on board. He had worked with me since he was 18 as my assistant manager at most places I had been.

NEW CUT TO BE DIFFERENT.

The bar was closed and stripped out in October 2009 and we opened the Cul de Sac on 17th December 2010. We were delighted with the finished bar. I must say that John Smith has been a constant support from day one.” She continues, “Brian and I have a very comfortable, easy, good fun working relationship. We have both worked really hard, but it seems now, as if we have finally turned the corner. I have my joie de vivre back, and I am more relaxed. Particularly now that we have got it over the line, and it seems to get better every week.” She adds, “Our suppliers have been fantastic. Wallace’s deliver six days a week, and are just round the corner. The rep pops in regularly. We sell between 14 and 18 kegs a week, with our best seller Tennent’s followed by Fosters, but it’s our rose wine that flies out the door, cider too. Now the good weather had come in we can’t buy enough! Desperado also sells very well here; it’s a personal favourite of mine. We pour with Eristoff vodka, I think it’s nicer than Smirnoff personally, and we do get a lot of backing from Bacardi. We do sell a lot of premium spirits here, like Belvedere and Grey Goose. I’m surprised at how well they do and pleased to see that people don’t mind spending extra on premium products. It’s great to have a good looking gantry but no point in having it good looking if the products don’t sell.” Karen compliments her staff. “We have a great team here. And when it comes to new recruits I buddy them. We have an extensive training programme. Obviously I am quite clued up, but the local LSO’s here have been very supportive. Local police are very good here too, although I don’t see them very much. We are a strictly over 21 bar. I think if a business wants longevity it needs to be over 21. I can have 28 year olds and 80 year olds in the same place at the same time; it’s nice to see a broad spectrum of market segments quite happy together.” What is certainly nice to see is someone so enthused about their business and the licensed trade in general. Anyone that has worked for the people she has definitely deserves a medal for longevity! And long may her enthusiasm continue.

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DESIGN FEATURE BY JASON CADDY aurice Taylor’s Chardon Management has lit up a gloomy part of Glasgow with the opening of its £15m Hotel Indigo - part of the InterContinental Hotel Group. Hotel Indigo, is a 94-bedroom boutique hotel on Waterloo Street, which started life as the Glasgow Corporation Electric Light Station in 1892. A year later, the streets of Glasgow were illuminated by electricity generated from it. Like its sister venues in the InterContinental Hotel Group, this hotel has been designed to reflect the building’s heritage – and location, on Glasgow’s answer to Wall Street. There are two revolving door entrances, one takes you into the hotel, the other into the Limelight bar and restaurant. The ground floor features an open plan space incorporating the reception area, the bar and the restaurant. What strikes you right away is the wall behind the reception desk which has a textured look but which is in fact a digital

print of Central Station. And it looks superb – like a shadow has been cast over it somehow. The back wall at reception houses two paintings of the Glasgow grid system in arched alcoves. So you’re in no doubt about which city you’ve landed in. There are also two red chairs and a standard lamp. The whole space is light and bright, with white terrazzo floor tiles and white painted walls. From the reception, you enter through a huge archway into the bar area, Limelight. It’s not huge but it’s bright and comfortable, stylish and practical too. The first thing I noticed in Limelight was the long canvass painting hung high above a seating area in front of the bar. It depicts various Glasgow luminaries past and present. In fact, it’s like a roll call of Glasgow-boys-and-girls-made-good. Shipbuilder John Brown, Billy Connolly, Stanley Baxter and Lorraine Kelly, to name but a few. And this theme is continued with a wall of portraits of ¬ DRAM MAY 11

¬ Glasgow’s great and good in the restaurant. Some of

Glasgow’s up and coming artists were commissioned to paint people associated with the city. All the walls and ceilings have been stripped back to reveal its original cornices and ceiling roses. There is a lot of white and light grey in the public areas offset by splashes of pink and silver. Most notably the silver cylindrical lampshades hanging from the ceiling with illuminated pink inside. The furniture in the bar is a mix of deep pink couches and mustard chairs. And the restaurant features booths, uphostered in deep pink. The bar itself is very impressive, yet simplistic in design terms. The bar back has been built using mirrored shelf gantry. The marble bar top is also grey and the bar front is veined marble. It’s under what looks like a mezzanine, whereas in fact this space is off limits as it houses the hotel’s offices.

MAY 11 DRAM

To the right of the bar, and through another archway, is the restaurant. It’s oblong-shaped with tables down the middle, separated by silvery beaded curtain partitions. There are horseshoe-shaped booths in pink, with a fern-like print pattern along either side. The cylindrical light shades are in a plain silver mesh and the floor is, again, light brown parquet. There are also some splashes of lime green on the chairs. The paintings are all along the left hand wall, and at the far end are mirrors, reflecting the light back into the space. And the beaded lights and curtain partitions reflect this beautifully. The hotel has five floors, one has been built on, and each floor of bedrooms has a coloured theme. There are two green floors, two pink and one turquoise. The rooms also feature digital artwork. For instance on the pink floor, the rooms have at least one pink wall, pink lights, chairs, bespoke digital artwork and the corridor features a bespoke carpet. It’s all very striking, and there’s not a hint of Indigo in sight.

THE GENIE’S OUT OF THE BOTTLE FEATURE BY JASON CADDY HAS SCOTLAND RE-KINDLED ITS LOVE LAGERS? JASON CADDY REPORTS. ales PPLs were up last year in Scotland by 3% against a decline in standard lagers of 4%. So if you haven’t got enough of a premium presence in your fridge, it’s time you hopped on the world bottled beers bandwagon. Despite the recession, research shows that customers are still prepared to pay for quality. A report this year on Premium Alcohol Brands in the UK published by market research company Mintel said, “The desire for greater quality alcohol has increased steadily over the past few decades. Our research shows that the vast majority (64%) prefer to opt for quality over quantity when it comes to alcoholic drinks.” And this is a view echoed by the brewers too. MGD is still the number one PPL in Scotland’s on-trade, with 24% market share. Miller Brands' Nick Miller says, "Throughout the recession, we've seen that consumers still want to treat themselves to affordable luxuries." So which brands are setting the heather alight? We asked licensees across Scotland for their views. “We have gone out of our way not to stock the usual suspects like Miller, Budweiser and Becks, and customers who are looking for these brands naturally land on Corona,” says Alec Trousdale, manager of the Queens Arms in Edinburgh. “The wedge of lime has a lot to answer for and it still makes the brand

AFFAIR

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PACKAGED

terrifically popular in the summertime. But our top seller is definitely Peroni because of the suave Italian association, helped by the Italian Scots community. Then it’s Corona and Coors Light. Peroni also just tastes great. Asahi is also going great guns. I think its sponsorship of the GQ Man of the Year Awards has made it popular with male drinkers.” The importance of supporting licensees cannot be underestimated. But as far as Alec is concerned, only one brand really merits a mention, on this score. He says, “As far as support goes, Molson Coors has been the best with Coors Light. It’s reasonably priced and this brand is massive in Ireland and guys on stag dos always drink crates of the stuff. I think this is one to watch in Scotland’s on-trade.” Glasgow licensee Carlo Citti, owner of Campus and Club 520, says, “Sales of PPLS and premium brands in general are really healthy. Tiger Beer, Heineken and Red Stripe are my top sellers. But there’s been an influx of cans and this is where beer companies are missing a trick. Why aren’t there more stylish 330ml cans? Late night operators need an alternative to glass in this sector. “In terms of top-selling brands, the old guard are falling by the wayside and Tiger, Heineken and Red Stripe – and of course Corona – are coming up. There was a massive surge in Corona sales when it introduced its can. But DRAM MAY 11

THE GENIE’S OUT OF THE BOTTLE ¬

they are no longer available in the UK – at least for the moment.” Rachel Krempa, manager at Paramount in Aberdeen, says, “There is quite a bit of money in Aberdeen and people want to pay for quality and Tiger beer sells well for that very reason.” Kate Long manages the now Belhavenowned Morrison’s Cold Beer Co in Stirling, she says, “Peroni leads the way as our best-selling brand. Cobra, Blue Moon and MGD, are also worth a mention – as are Asian beers Asahi and Kirin. There’s a fairly healthy demand, but we are the only pub in Stirling selling such a range of beers.” In terms of marketing, there’s not a tremendous amount happening in Scotland. The likes of Budweiser and Becks haven’t done anything worth writing about with a Scottish trade focus. MGD’s Clean Streets campaign is in full swing, combined with the Miller Filtered Music event. It features stripped back performances from bands including The Doves, Ash and Bombay Bicycle Club has seen the brand continue its success. Tiger beer will be launching the third phase of its digitally-led national campaign, Know the Not Known, over the summer. But, again, most of the push is targeted down south. Corona Extra is now being marketed by Molson Coors after the brewer agreed a deal to distribute the brand in the UK. CEO Mark Hunter said, “Corona Extra is one of the world’s top 5 beer brands and, as an established premium lager, is a great addition to our growing portfolio of world beers. We are committed to providing MAY 11 DRAM

significant marketing support behind these brands.” Heineken UK is really pushing Birra Moretti in Scotland, in outlets like Tony Crolla’s Vittoria on the Walk in Edinburgh, with in-bar support for licensees. And the investment is certainly paying off. “In the first quarter (January to April 2011) Birra Moretti has seen a 17% uplift in the Scottish on-trade,” says Birra Moretti brand manager, James Woodman. The Morgenrot Group has signed an exclusive agreement with Heineken UK to distribute Cruzcampo. Senior Account manager Graham Archibald says, “The big brands are still important, obviously. But customers are looking for something exciting. Something different. 330ml bottles are a staple in the trade, but we are pushing the litre bottle for sharing, with a couple of glasses. “Quilmes is also doing great and it’s now listed in Glasgow’s Pitcher and Piano, Republic and Beer Cafe.” And as if you needed any more convincing, Kieron Barton, boss of Chilli Marketing, who look after Cusquena in Scotland, is positively evangelical about PPLs. He says, “Despite the negative economic climate, the blue touch paper has been lit under this category. There’s definitely more enthusiasm and verve. Scotland is on a par with London in terms of interest in bottled beers and stocking policy. We are very happy with how Cusquena is progressing.” It’s a challenging time, but historically businesses that take a few creative risks in austere times, weather the storm. One sure fire way to start is by making sure that your premium offering is up to scratch.

SUE

SAYS

his is bureaucracy gone mad and Malcolm Duck was right when he says it’s like a Monty Python sketch. Edinburgh Council chiefs have sent out wind speed charts to cafes and restaurants which have outdoor licences, and have asked staff to carry out a daily assessment of wind conditions to ascertain whether it’s safe to put parasols and street furniture out. The guidance from the council suggests a strong breeze causes larger tree branches to move, while a gale indicates whole trees in motion. It is health and safety gone mad and we’re funding this nonsense! It’s time to cut it out! Let’s resort to common sense. In Edinburgh there’s also the issue of awnings on listed buildings which Historic Scotland is opposed to. If you have had an awning on a listed building for years, it’s ok, but if you have just bought a place and refurbished it, and want to put an awning on, you can’t get planning permission...

Now that the SNP are back, you can bet your bottom dollar that so is minimum pricing. While many drinks companies don’t support the move, it will benefit the on-trade immensely. I am sure it will also have a positive effect on wholesalers too. They won’t have to explain to customers why the big supermarkets are selling bottled beer at a price they can’t buy it at! I popped along to the opening of the new Indigo Hotel and Limelight bar recently, and Maurice Taylor and his team were out in force. It was an excellent evening, apart from a wee mishap with my jacket which got doused in red wine and no, I wasn’t inebriated, but the poor waitress was mortified. I am delighted to say it all came out without a mark. But I do think Indigo will put its mark on the Glasgow scene.

doesn’t mean to say there should only be cheap wine on offer, if your customers like to fool themselves into liking expensive wine, you have to have it on offer! Analysis from The British Medical Association Scotland, says that GP’s and practice nurses spend more than 600 hours every working day talking to patients about their drinking habits, could this be because there is a questionnaire that most patients now have to answer on how much they drink, and GP’s receive a payment for every single response? Call me a cynic! A couple in the UK could be the world’s most loyal hotel guests having holidayed at the same hotel in Scotland, in the same room 50 times. Graham and Wendy Lomas, both 71, have travelled 33,000 miles in total to return to their favourite spot, the Pitlochry Hydro Hotel in Perth, every year since 1998. Their service must be good!

SCOTLAND’S TOP BARS 2011 Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen & throughout Scotland

Once again we are on the lookout for Sunday Mail Pub of the year. The first step is getting your customers to vote for you, and the second is, if you get through to the final 12, getting them to call in. It’s a great accolade, and past winners will tell you that it has helped their business, so it is worth in putting the effort. A few posters around the place wouldn’t go amiss. The wine industry was shocked last month when Richard Wiseman, a psychologist at Hertfordshire University, claimed that most people can’t tell the difference between cheap plonk and fine wine, but “fool themselves into thinking expensive wines taste better.” He had carried out a blind taste test at the Edinburgh Science Festival, and invited more than 500 people to sample a variety of red and white wines ranging from a £3.49 bottle of Bordeaux to a £29.99 bottle of Champagne. 53% of people were able to distinguish between the cheap and expensive white wines, while only 47% correctly identified the reds, suggesting a 50:50 chance of identifying a wine as cheap or expensive based on taste alone. The wine experts say the tasting is ‘flawed’ and ‘unfair’. Personally I think that the results are not far short of the mark. Having sat through various wine tastings and tasted expensive and cheaper wines, it is not easy to distinguish between them unless you have a Master of Wine qualification. That MAY 11 DRAM

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HOTEL INDIGO OPENS

Maurice Taylor and his team at Hotel Indigo put on an excellent opening bash as you can see from the guests happy smiles above. DRAM MAY 11

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TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SPACE CALL 0141 221 6965 Editor: Susan Young • Chairman: Noel Young • James Devlin • Production Manager: Advertising Executives: Martin Cassidy, Yvonne McKeown • Administration: Kate Robinson Published by Media World Ltd. Subscriptions: DRAM is available by subscription for all other qualified persons involved in the Scottish Licensed Trade at the rate of £48 per annum including the DRAM Yearbook. The publishers, authors and printers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions. Any transparencies or artwork will be accepted at owner’s risk. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the copyright holder and publisher, application for which should be made to the publisher. Articles published in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. © Media World Limited 2011. MAY 11 DRAM

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ROUNDUP GLASGOW BARMAN, DAVID SMILLIE SERVES UP A TASTY GIN WIN avid Smillie from the Blythswood Square Hotel in Glasgow was crowned the winner of a new cocktail competition hosted by The Glasgow Bartenders Club and Caorunn Scottish Gin. The competition, which took place in The Drake bar in Glasgow put the city’s best bartenders to the test during an evening of cocktail creativity and showmanship. David dazzled the judges by showcasing his exceptional mixology skills as he triumphed over stiff competition from a selection of Glasgow’s leading bartenders, with his Caorunn cocktail – ‘The Blushing Bride’. In a four hour live final, David and his fellow entrants were tested to the limits in rounds where they showcased their Caorunn cocktail creation against the clock in front of an audience of industry peers. Entrants‘ cocktails were judged on flavour, aroma, technical ability, presentation, showmanship and product knowledge by a panel of industry experts. Entries from leading bars

including the Blythswood Square Hotel, Metropolitan, Booly Mardys, IVY, OranMor, BoBar, Gazelle, and Lebowskis. David won an all expenses paid trip to the Highlands, to Balmenach Distillery in the Speyside (the home of Caorunn) for himself and two colleagues. Dean Evans from Tiki (now at IVY) was the runner-up with the ‘Balmenach Cup’ – a Caorunn creation infused with port and strawberry syrup in a wine goblet. Rob Wilkie from IVY came a close third with ‘On the Mark’. Caorunn’s Brand Manager Ibolya Bakos "The Caorunn Cocktail Competition was a fantastic celebration of Glasgow’s cocktail culture. The standard at the competition was extremely high and we are delighted that so many fantastic bartenders entered to showcase not only their creative flair but bartending as an art form.”

DRAM DRINKS RETAILING AND MARKETING PUBLISHED BY MEDIA WORLD LIMITED UPPER FLOOR / FINNIESTON HOUSE / 1 THE STABLES YARD / 1103 ARGYLE STREET / GLASGOW / G3 8ND t. 0141 221 6965 e. dram@mail.com web. www.dramscotland.co.uk MAY 11 DRAM

Winning Cocktail The Blushing Bride

This was served in a stemmed cup glass. The spec was: 37.5ml Caorunn 20ml Dandelion infused Gancia 40ml pressed apple juice 20ml lemon juice 20ml grenadine 10ml egg white This was shaken together and double strained with an apple fan garnish.

DRAM MAY 11

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