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WELCOME
W
elcome to our special awards issue which focusses on all the winning pubs and people. Find out who they are and what the judges had to say about them on pages 17 to 38. We certainly commemorated our 20th anniversary with a great bash at the Glasgow Hilton. A good time was had by all as you will be able to see from the pictures. There is no shortage of news about new places opening. In fact there are so many places opening and refurbishing it is hard to fit all the news in. Next month will also be a bumper issue with all our design features. This month, due to our focus on the awards we only have one design feature and that is Harry’s Bar in Edinburgh. See page 40. Another place which has just been refurbished is The Albert Bar in Airdrie run by Colin Fulton. Read what he has to say on page 13. The awards video will be up online shortly so look out for it at www.dramscotland. co.uk Susan Young Editor susan@mediaworldltd.com
@dramscotland
/dram.scotland
CONTENTS September
2015
FEATURES
13 17 40
NEW LEASE OF LIFE
The Albert Bar in Airdrie has a new look and a new lessee. Susan Young reports.
AWARDS SPECIAL
All the winners revealed from the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2015.
DESIGN FOCUS
Warren Campbell visits Harry’s Bar and Grill in Edinburgh.
REGULARS
04 09 43
NEWS
All the news on pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels.
BRAND NEWS
All the latest brand news.
SUE SAYS
Straight talking from our very own Editor.
DRAM SEPTEMBER 2015 3
Bó Kantina opens as BMB moves
G
lasgow restaurant Burger Meats Bun is on the move. Ben Dantzic who owns the restaurant with James Forrest told DRAM, “We are on the move! The new site will be much bigger. However I cannot confirm where the new Burger Meats Bun will be, but the team is very excited about it.” Meanwhile Ben and business partner James have a new concept that will replace Burger Meats Bun in the West Regent Street premises: Bó Kantina. The new restaurant and bar which takes its inspiration from Korea aims to combine “a laid-back interior and atmosphere with serious Seoul cuisine, using only the finest ingredients sourced from local artisan suppliers and producers, to create a relaxed, but high-quality experience.” The menu features ‘street food’ sharing starters such as Bao and tacos with East Asian inspired fillings. The Bó Kantina bar will be open late Thursdays to Saturday and will serve up a selection of classic cocktails.
Park Lane goes Tiki Aberdeen’s Park Lane bar has undergone a refurbishment and has re-opened as Park Tiki with, as you would expect, a Tiki-theme. The revamped bar underwent a three-week refurbishment and now it features Tikiinspired décor such as woven grass and wooden fixtures. Owner Forbes Innes said, “The new themed bar underwent a total revamp. We now have a beach hut built over the bar with lots of bamboo and grass. The venue has an exotic feel to it.” 4 DRAM SEPTEMBER 2015
Have you heard? Wilkie House on Edinburgh’s Cowgate will re-open later this month as Stramash, a new live music venue. Owners, Bruce Taverns, have invested £500K on a refurbishment, which will see the building, which has a 900-capacity, aim to capitalise due to the fact that former live music venue, The Picture House, has now closed. Bruce Taverns also own Whistlebinkies, The Mash House The Fiddler’s Arms and The Royal Mile Tavern. Stramash will cover two floors and boast a large stage, three bars as well as large TV screens to show live sporting events. It will be opening nightly from 7pm to 3am. Stefano Giovanazzi, the founder of Paperino’s, one of Glasgow’s most popular family run Italian restaurants, will open his latest culinary venture, Caffè Parma, at the Western Tennis Club on Hyndland Road, this month. It’s the first solo venture for the restaurateur, who joined his family business, more than 25 years ago. Says Stefano, “Caffè Parma’s menu will reflect my own passion for Italian cuisine and fish, blending locally-sourced ingredients with traditional recipes to create a light, refreshing dining experience that brings something a little different to the West End.” The new restaurant is situtuated in a completely new building. Stefano told DRAM, “The Western Tennis Club has built the restaurant, and I have collaborated with them on the spec, and I am leasing the building from them. It will be open to non-members and members alike.” The restaurant has 55 covers and a large outdoor seating area overlooking the tennis courts, Stefano is hoping his regular customers will make their way from Byres Road to Hyndland. Paperino’s is now closed and is set to become a Pizza Express.
Giovanazzi to open Caffè Parma
NEWS
WWW.DRAMSCOTLAND.CO.UK
Macdonald Rusacks set for £7M investment Macdonald Hotels have been granted planning permission for a 44-suite extension to their St Andrew’s Rusacks Hotel, overlooking the 18th green at The Old Course. The £7m extension to the 128-year-old hotel will also include a rooftop restaurant, bar and terrace, as well as glass-fronted suites. Macdonald Hotels deputy chairman Gordon Fraser said, ““This development will set a new benchmark for luxury in St Andrews. We’ll now enter the next stages of the planning process and anticipate beginning work during 2016.” The new restaurant, bar and 1,050sq ft roof terrace, will seat 145 people, and will offer spectacular views over the Old Course and the West Sands.
Cheese and wine cafe for Stockbridge Smith & Gertrude, a new cheese and wine bar, is due to open next month in Stockbridge, Edinburgh. The new Hamilton Place bar will pair fine wines with matching cheeses as well as serving a selection of small batch gins and craft beers. Run by husband and wife team, Amy and Duncan Findlater, the new venue has been inspired by their travels. Duncan told DRAM, “The idea basically started when I travelled all over the place starting in the States and then in Australia for a while. Food pairing was such a common thing everywhere, especially with food and wine. There’s a big culture of independent places with specialised menus.” The Compass Group is set to open its Leith Chop House Bar and Butchery this month. Occupying the former Leith Lynx bar and kitchen, the new eatery on Leith’s Constitution Street, will offer diners steak dry-aged and butchered on the premises, as well as, tasteful cocktails. It’s the first new outlet for the business in a number of years. The Compass Group portfolio includes Sygn, The West Room and Monteiths.
The former Tempus bar at the George Hotel, Edinburgh will re-open as an all-day restaurant called The Printing Press & Grill this Autumn. The design of the new bar and restaurant is currently under wraps, but the new venture will see 70 jobs being created across the board. The George Hotel will also welcome the addition of a new neighbouring coffee house which will be called Burr & Co. The new restaurant is being managed by Stephen Begg.
The Hill owner, Audrey O’Brien, has taken over the lease of Kudos on Glasgow’s Waterloo Street and transformed it into The Woods – a bright and airy new restaurant and bar with space for 460 people. The bar also benefits from a quirky beer garden.
n.b. bar & hotel
Tempus transformed to Printing Press
Aberdeen hotelier Gary Atkinson is making plans to open a new hotel in Glasgow. Gary, who recently bought out business partner Andrew Chandler, now aims to expand his Carmelite Hotel brand, not only in Glasgow but in other cities too. He revealed the news after securing a £5.8m refinancing package.
Mitchells and Butlers have announced plans to open Scotland’s third Miller and Carter Steakhouse and Glasgow’s first, in the city later this year. The new steakhouse will occupy the Saint Vincent Street Post Office which is set for closure soon. There are currently two Miller and Carter Steakhouses in Edinburgh. TriBeCa has opened its first Edinburgh venue at Bruntsfield. The restaurant, which has 80 covers, is the fourth to open. As expected the Edinburgh TriBeCA has been kitted out in the group’s signature “Big Apple” style decor and features a yellow taxi on the wall. A new G1 pub and kitchen Franklin & Sloane has opened in the heart of Kilmarnock. The new venue was designed by Jim Hamilton. DRAM SEPTEMBER 2015 5
NEWS Billy Lowe sells Le Monde and Angels Share to Glendola
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dinburgh entrepreneur, Billy Lowe, has sold his Saltire Taverns business which includes Edinburgh’s Le Monde and Angels Share Hotels and their associated restaurants and clubs, to the Glendola Leisure Group in a multi-million pound deal on 31 July. This latest multi-million pound deal by Lowe, elevates him to one of the most successful licensed on-trade entrepreneurs of his time, having built up multiple on-trade businesses and successfully sold them, over the course of his 35 year career in the industry. It means that Glendola Leisure will now add two hotels to its estate - which currently includes Waxy O’Connor’s, Alston Bar & Grill and Horton’s in Glasgow. Glendola is also a sister company to the Carlton Hotel Collection part of Hotel Management International Ltd (HMI) which is owned by Peter Salussolia’s Foundation Group. The hotel group currently manages and owns ten four star hotels with about 1000 hotel rooms. Seven of these hotels are located in the Netherlands, two hotels in England and Scotland and one in Belgium, and has one in the pipeline for Market Street in Edinburgh which will have 98 rooms, and two roof terraces. Lowe set up Thistle Inns in 1988 and sold it to Scottish Brewers for £20m in 1997. He then went on to build a new portfolio of bars and clubs encompassing well-known brands such as The
As we went to press Paul Hislop, Brendan Hegarty and new partner Richard Cook were celebrating the opening of St Jude’s in Glasgow’s Bath Street, after a substantial refurbishment. The trio, who took over the venue at the beginning of the year, have given the old townhouse, a former haunt of celebs, which was originally opened by Paul Wingate and Bobby Paterson as an offshoot of the London club Groucho St Judes, a complete overhaul. The basement houses a new nightclub in the shape of Lola’s. More next month.
Rutland Hotel, Espionage nightclubs and the Frankenstein Pub Co. He subsequently sold these businesses with Glendola buying his Frankenstein Pub Co. and Signature Pub, The Rutland. Lowe then set about transforming Saltire Taverns into a Edinburgh based bar and hotel-led venture operation, with the initial purchase of a building in George Street which he transformed into Le Monde Hotel. He followed this with the purchase of The Hudson, which he subsequently revamped and renamed, Angels Share, in Edinburgh’s West End. This latest deal with Glendola Leisure, which concluded on Friday 31st July, saw Glendola take over the two hotel’s with immediate effect. This includes the current employees. Lowe will continue on in an advisory capacity. Lowe told DRAM, “I am very happy to have sold my business to another family run company in the shape of Glendola. We are delighted that Le Monde and Angels Share along with the Saltire Taverns team will develop further with Glendola who are committed to growing their Scottish business aggressively over the next few years.” He concluded, “I’m not retiring, I’m looking forward to having a less hands-on involvement in this industry, but the freedom to spend a lot more time with my wife Karin and my children Hannah, Billy, Lucy and David. I plan to spend more time enjoying my other interests, travelling, playing golf, walking my dogs, Rocky & Olly, and working more closely with my theatre and film production company.”
Glenapp Castle sold Paul and Poppy Szkiler are the new owners of historic Glenapp Castle Hotel in Ballantrae, which was put up for sale by owners, MacMillan Hotels, earlier this year. Family-owned MacMillan Hotels bought the building in 1994 transformed it into a luxury five-red AA star hotel with 17 rooms. The Szkilers, who bought the hotel through the London-based investment fund that he chairs, Truestone Impact Investment Management, have said that they plan to expand the hotel. John Orr, former Castle manager at the hotel for 12 years, has been appointed General Manager.
Gallagher takes up Apex role Helen Gallagher has been appointed as the General Manager of Apex Hotel’s new 104 bedroom City of Glasgow hotel – its first venture in the city. Helen has 15 years’ experience in the hospitality industry latterly as GM of The Scotsman in Edinburgh. She will lead the opening of the new four star premises on Bath Street this autumn following an extensive £10.5m refurbishment. Angela Vickers, CEO of Apex Hotels, commented, “Helen has an excellent reputation in the industry and her experience speaks for itself. We see a significant opportunity in the Glasgow market – the hotel is well-located and we have invested substantially in refurbishing the property to the Apex standard. With 60 new jobs being created, we are building a strong team ahead of our autumn opening.” DRAM SEPTEMBER 2015 7
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BRAND NEWS
ALL THE L ATEST BRAND NEWS
Beer New keg format for McEwan’s IPA McEwan’s IPA is set to launch new keg after a successful preview at this year’s McEwan’s Party at the Palace in Linlithgow. The beer first launched last year as part of the ongoing reinvention of McEwan’s. Tara Karimian, Brand Manager for McEwan’s explains, “New age IPAs are a burgeoning category and are continuing to soar in popularity across the country, growing at a tremendous rate of 212%. The drinkers behind this growth are generally younger, more affluent customers who are willing to pay more for a great pint with real credentials.”
Dunns secure Rodenbach Dunns Food and Drinks have landed an exclusive agreement to bring two sours beers, Rodenbach Grand Cru and Rodenbach Caractère Rouge to Scotland, for the very first time. Niall Deveney, Marketing Executive at Dunns Food and Drinks, comments, “Craft beer is moving so fast that you can’t afford to stick with what you have or you will get left behind. These sour beers provide more of a boundary shove, than a push on the definition of what beer should be.” Rodenbach Caractère Rouge has an ABV of 7% and holds a perfect 100 score on ratebeer.com. Developed in 2011 in collaboration with the top chef Viki Geunes (2 Michelin stars), this exclusive beer has been created by adding an extra six months’ fermenting maceration with cherries, raspberries and cranberries to beer that has already undergone two years’ maturation in oak casks. Rodenbach Grand Cru with an ABV of 6%, is known as the “Flemish RedBrown beer”. It is a mixed fermentation beer matured in oak vats, giving a sweetsour taste and intense bouquet with a very long aftertaste (much like a Grand Cru wine).
A new super-premium expression Jack Daniel’s No 27 Gold Tennessee Whiskey, which has had extra barrel maturation and mellowing, is to be released here. Nidal Ramini, Brand Owner of Brown-Forman, said, “The arrival of Jack Daniel’s No 27 Gold Tennessee Whiskey in the UK is testament to the increasing popularity of American whiskey we’re seeing in both the on- and off-trade at the moment.”
Whisky Kingsbarns Distillery launches new make spirit Visitors to Kingsbarns Distillery Visitor Centre can now buy new make spirit. Distilling started in January 2015 and the Distillery Manager and his team were so delighted with the quality of the spirit being produced that they decided to bottle the spirit for all to try. The New Spirit Drink is bottled at 63.5%, the same strength at which the casks are filled and available for sale in 20cl bottles priced at £14.95. Distillery Manager, Peter Holroyd, comments,“The spirit itself is an elegant, fruity and floral spirit and I can’t wait to see how it is going to develop into Scotch whisky over the coming years.”
anCnoc teams up with Patrick Grant Edinburgh-born designer Patrick Grant and anCnoc Whisky have collaborated to launch a limited edition expression of anCnoc with Patrick designing the label and packaging. Patrick, who is the creative director of bespoke tailors Norton and Sons of Savile Row and founder of Ready to Wear label E.Tautz & Sons, as well as a former Menswear Designer of the Year, is inviting consumers to give their feedback by suggesting what they think embodies anCnoc. In a social media campaign, that uses the hashtag #ModernTradition, Patrick will use the crowd-sourced ideas and inspiration to inform his final print designs. Patrick has been involved in the tasting and profiling of the special edition liquid. The Patrick Grant Limited edition will be available from February next year. DRAM SEPTEMBER 2015 9
BRAND NEWS Gin
Asparagus Gin - ‘before you ask, no it doesn’t!’ Portobello Road Gin have created the first ever London Dry Gin made with British Asparagus. The limited edition ‘Directors’ Cut’ distillation contains a unique blend of botanicals including asparagus from Cambridgeshire, harvested by Director Paul Lane. The concept of the ‘Directors’ Cut’ edition was conceived by the four Directors of Portobello Road Gin: Ged Feltham, Paul Lane, Jake Burger and Tom Coates who wanted to satisfy their desire to produce a very special gin, for which they could hand-source the botanicals themselves. 1,000 bottles of this distinctively nutty-flavoured spirit will be available for juniper-loving fans to buy this October. Paul Lane comments “We’ve played around with the botanical of British Asparagus at the Ginstitute for a couple of years, where gin fans can come up with their own creation but this is the first time we’ve worked with a producer directly to select the produce and create a gin for sale. This is not a gin for everybody but those who like it love it. Before you ask, no it doesn’t...”
Edinburgh Gin now boasts a new custom-made slimline bottle which has been designed to make it easier for bartenders to pour. The Italian-made Bruni glass bottle has been specially designed to convey the premium cues of this unique gin product and as well as its new, bespoke glass shape, the bottle also features a cork stopper, a delicately branded lid overlay with art-deco icons and an attractively designed label. The exterior has Edinburgh Gin subtly etched onto the glass as well as embossed lines at the base for easier handling. Commenting on the new bottle, Alex Nicol, Managing Director for Edinburgh Gin, said, “In an increasingly crowded category we needed to stand out from the competitive set. We also discussed the practical issues of handling the bottle with bartenders, consumers and our designers, Stranger and Stranger. I’m confident we have developed an elegant solution that is attractive to both consumers and trade alike.”
10 DRAM SEPTEMBER 2015
A super premium Scottish gin has been launched by Scotland’s first farm to bottle distillery, Arbikie. ‘Kirsty’s Gin’ is the second spirit to be released by the company following its launch of Scotland’s first potato vodka, which was awarded ‘Best Vodka’ at the Paris ‘Cocktail Spirits’ Awards in 2015. ‘Kirsty’s Gin’ is named after Arbikie’s Master Distiller Kirsty Black (above) who has been developing the gin for over two years. It retails at £35 per bottle and is available UK-wide through major retail outlets distributed by Gordon and MacPhail.
Whisky New bottlings from John Dewar John Dewar & Sons Ltd. has launched a new range of proprietary bottlings from Royal Brackla distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries. The new expressions of this regal single malt, Royal Brackla 12 year-old, Royal Brackla 16 year-old and Royal Brackla 21 year-old will be available from September 2015; a regal opportunity to savour whisky fit for a King. Stephen Marshall, Bacardi’s Global Marketing Manager – Single Malts says, “This is the one that was described as ‘The Drink Divine’ by the Royal household in the 1830s, that’s no small claim, so we had to take our time and the entire team have done an amazing job that really does justice to Royal Brackla’s incredible heritage. There’s only one whisky in the world that can be the first Royal whisky, I feel privileged to have worked on this”. The new portfolio consists of three age statements, each bottled at 40% ABV: Royal Brackla 12 Years Old, Royal Brackla 16 Years Old and Royal Brackla 21 Years Old.
Qcumber is a new Premium Mixer from Qcumber, that will be launched this October and an extensive sampling campaign in November will aim to build awareness and gain trial. Available in 200ml crown-cap bottles, Qcumber Premium Mixer hopes to add a fresh dimension to the buoyant mixer category. Created from natural cucumber essence and spring water, all Qcumber products are made from 100% natural ingredients and are free from artificial sweeteners, colours, preservatives and flavourings.
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If you’re simply looking for your first venture into the licensed trade or you are an established operator looking to expand, then please get in touch to find out how we can help.
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NEW LEASE OF LIFE LICENSEE INTERVIEW
THE ALBERT BAR IN AIRDRIE HAS A NEW LOOK AND A NEW LESSEE. SUSAN YOUNG REPORTS.
T
he Albert Bar, or The Albert, as it is now known, re-opened just after Christmas with a fresh look and a new landlord, Colin Fulton. The Airdrie bar, is owned by Manorview, and leased out to Colin, and he is very happy with the arrangement. The bar, on Clark Street, was a spit and sawdust bar, and has now been revamped to Manorview’s usual high standards with the help and vision of Manorview Developments. Says Colin, “We are a local pub, but the décor matches any city centre venue. The quality of the refurbishment is excellent. It is still homely, but with the modern tartan upholstery, the fresh wooden wall cladding and our new large windows, which let in the light, the pub feels like a modern but traditional pub. Our customers love it, and that has shown in our takings which are up by more than 30%.” Originally it was Colin who gave Manorview owner, Steve Graham, a call. He explains, “I had a pub in Dunoon called The Lorne, and I thought Steve might be interested in buying it for his pub group. But when he came down to see it he told me straight that it wasn’t for him. The strange thing was my partner, Heather, had been saying for a while that she wanted to move back to our hometown of Airdire, but it took Steve’s visit to clarify things. The timing was right for both personal and business reasons.” Colin has worked in the trade since he was 18, starting out at the Old Alhambra in Bellshill. He has owned and leased various pubs in Lanarkshire including The Segton in Coatbridge the Banker’s Draught in Airdrie and The Waverley Bar in Wishaw, as well as Yesterday’s in Airdrie. However it was a decision to move to Dunoon and take on the pub there that he says really made a difference to his career. He explains, “Four years ago I relocated to Dunoon with my new partner Heather, and left my ex-wife with The Segton, and sold on the lease of Yesterday’s. At the time Heather and I were looking for a fresh start. It was certainly that. We did like The Lorne, but most of all we loved
our customers.” He continues, “My time in Dunoon taught me that it isn’t all about the money, although it is important that you make it, but it is about the people you meet and keeping your customers happy. I’ve become a better publican, and I’ve also become a dab hand at Dominoes! I miss Dunoon, but now I am focussed on building my business here now.” Originally Colin had taken another lease from Manorview, but ill health meant that he wasn’t able to continue with it. Says Colin, “The great thing with dealing with Manorview is that they have a heart.
New lessee Colin Fulton with partner, Heather DRAM SEPTEMBER 2015 13
NEW LEASE OF LIFE When I got sick instead of putting pressure on me to stay in my original lease, they immediately got someone else in. This allowed me to recover without any undue pressure. So when I recovered, and The Albert came up I jumped at the opportunity. Steve showed me the pub, in its original state, and he told me his plans. So I came on board before the make-over and ran it with a minor refresh from Christmas, but I have to say even I didn’t imagine the pub could as good as it does now.” He continues, ‘I have had freehold pubs and leases over the years, and I have leased from various pub companies, but I feel Manorview are the easiest to deal with. They also give me comfort, in that they help me with the business. They didn’t just come in and make-over the pub, they also offered help with the accounts, and although I am tied to buying my drinks with Manorview, the prices I am paying are much less than some other leased businesses. Maybe not just as good as free-of-tie, but I am realistic and I know that they have to be making money too. I am very happy with the prices I am paying. I also know that some folk would say well they are looking after your accounts to keep an eye on what you are doing. But I can tell you I had a lease from a different company and in three years I didn’t present them with any accounts. I don’t think that was a good idea. If there are any problems arising Manorview will know because they can see the figures for themselves. I’m sure that should that ever happen they would be there to help address any issue. Whereas if all the landlord is interested in is getting the rent then that is hardly a partnership. Already Mark Hannah, who looks after me, is happy to lend advice, and I have found his input very helpful. We also benefit from getting the same prices that Manorview do for things like Sky and electricity – all the savings add up.” The pub does lots for charity and its regulars have raised more than £3K at various charity events hosted in the pub. It also has a darts team, live music every weekend and although it doesn’t 14 DRAM SEPTEMBER 2015
do food, it has a broad clientele. Colin says, “We have customers ranging from 20 to 80. Most are local, but as we are slightly off the beaten track, we are a destination pub. People choose to come here, they don’t just stumble across us.” The pub was closed for 6-8 months before Manorview purchased it and refurbished it through principle contractor - Manorview Developments. They overseen, developed and refurbished the bar back to it’s former glory. “The customer base has not really changed, but turnover is up 30%. My customers love the new décor, and they stay longer and spend more. Airdrie is quite a town for drinking, and all the pubs get a turn. Some of my customers feel like part of my family. Mind you I feel like part of the Manorview family.” Says Colin, The pub also sponsors a local football team and unlike some pubs is happy to have football fans in. Colin explains, “I don’t take any carry on. I show people respect and I expect them to behave. We definitely miss the big Rangers/Celtic matches I don’t know a pub that doesn’t want them back. When I had The Segton the four big old firm matches made me enough to pay for Sky for the whole year! So here’s hoping they are back next year.” As well as football fans, the Albert also welcomes dogs. Says Colin, “Before I went to Dunoon I wasn’t really a dog in pubs fan. But by the time I left I was converted. The dogs would come to the pub door and lead their owners in. We got to know them. I think they give a pub character, and well behaved dogs are welcome here too.” Now that Colin and Heather have settled into The Albert they are getting ready for their next step along the road... they are getting married. Says Colin, “Everything has being going really well at the pub, and it seemed like the right time to propose, so I did, a few weeks ago. Now we are looking at wedding venues... I’m hoping the boss is going to do us a deal!” Colin, I’m sure he will!
All The Team at Smiths Gourmet Butchers would like to Congratulate Maroulla Nicholas of The Glynhill Hotel on her ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ Telephone: 0141 375 9440 Email: info@smithsgb.co.uk www.smithsgb.co.uk
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Congratulations to Meroulla Nicholas for her Lifetime Achievement Award and also to all the other winners!
W
ell done to all our winners at the inaugural Scottish Bar and Pub Awards. The quality of the nominees was great, all voted for by customers and representatives in the industry. For example, our supplier awards involved making some 800 calls. We asked independent licensees to rate their suppliers out of 10. The good news is the lowest score was 6, and the average score was 8... that is a good satisfaction level across any industry. So well done to all our finalists. The nominees in the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards were put forward by their customers, who voted online. Mystery shoppers then paid a visit and in some instances there were multiple visits. What came out, time and time again, was importance of the quality of the service. Our winners all excelled in their individual categories and all had a warm meet and greet. There are festivals of music, of
the
incorporating the
DRAM AWARDS
Hotel team with Maroulla Nicholas and the Glynhill t) righ (far ng DRAM editor Susan You
whisky and of food, and we certainly celebrated with our own ‘festival’ of all that was good and great about the Scottish licensed trade. It would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors who this year included Benromach, the BII, Diageo, Glencairn Crystal who created new bespoke crystal trophies for us, Kopparberg, Made Brave, Molson Coors, Parlez, Tennents and of course the Sunday Mail. I’d like to say a special thanks to Diageo Learning for Life students and to Wm Grant for the pre-dinner drinks. And of course to the Hilton Glasgow for their excellent work. Thank you to James Mortimer for presenting me with my own award for services to the industry. It was much appreciated. Many congratulations to Maroulla Nicholas on her Lifetime Achievement Award and last but not least we launched our Hall of Fame - see more on page 38.
Over the years Maroulla has taken her family business The Glynhill Hotel and grown it. She started out working with her father, and did so until his death in 1997, but she subsequently carried on with her two brothers. No one would dispute the fact that for the past two decades Maroulla has been the driving force behind the business. In her role as Managing Director she has seen the business flourish. To today the hotel has 145 bedrooms, leisure facilities, a carvery, a 350 capacity function suite and a bistro with some 170 plus employees.
RECIPIENT: Maroulla Nicholas The Glynhill Hotel, Renfrew DRAM SEPTEMBER 2015 17
Beer Brand Owner/ Distributor of the Year
David Wither from Montpeliers (left) presents Ian Risby from Belhaven with the award
Drinks Wholesaler of the Year
Billy Lowe (centre) with Ian Cumming and Donald Campbell from Inverarity Morton
The finalists in this category were:
The finalists in this category were:
Belhaven
Dunns Food and Drinks
Heineken
Gordon & MacPhail
Molson Coors
Inverarity Morton
Wallaces TCB
Matthew Clark
WINNER: Belhaven
WINNER: Inverarity Morton
18 DRAM SEPTEMBER 2015
Food Wholesaler of the Year
Julie Dunn and Jim Rowan from Dunns Food and Drinks with Harry Hood (right)
Spirit Brand Owner/ Distributor of the Year
Alistair Don of The Doublet (right) with Stephen Rankin, Sales Director of Gordon & MacPhail
The finalists in this category were:
The finalists in this category were:
Bidvest 3663
Diageo
Brakes
Gordon & Macphail
Dunns Food and Drinks
Maxxium UK
Reids Food Service
Whyte & Mackay
WINNER: Dunns Food and Drinks
WINNER: Gordon & Macphail
FOOD WHOLESALER OF THE YEAR 2015
A WARM THANKS TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS..
Jim, Julie and all the staff at Dunns would like to say a big thank you to each and every one of our customers for all the feedback and comments which have contributed greatly to improvements in our service and which have helped us secure this award. We are immensely proud of the recognition. We are totally committed to improving our products and services every single day and are extremely appreciative of your business.
We look forward to enjoying your continued custom and support for many years to come.
01698 - 727 767
32 GLASGOW ROAD, BLANTYRE, G72 0JY
Central Scotland’s premier supplier of fresh fish and poultry Congratulations to Di Maggio’s on winning the Benromach Award for Success at the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2015 184 - 200 Howard Street Glasgow G1 4HW T: 0141 552 4368 F: 0141 552 4731 E: fish@bernardcorrigan.com
www.bernardcorrigan.com DRAM SEPTEMBER 2015 19
POUR yourself A DRAM... nominees of the
Join us in congratulating all the Benromach Award for Success 2015.
We’re very pleased to say that the Di Maggios Restaurant Group is the of the Benromach Award for Success 2015. We’re raising a wee dram and sending our from the whole Benromach team.
winner
congratulations
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The judges said of the winning company: This company has quietly, but very successfully, evolved into what is arguably the most successful restaurant company in Scotland. It has around 850 staff, seven restaurants, and various other concepts, and a turnover of £30M. But far from sitting on their laurels the company has more imminent expansion planned in Edinburgh and in Glasgow. In fact it is one of the few companies to successfully open in all of Scotland’s key cities – Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh.”
s at Stephen Rankin, Director of UK Sale rd to awa the Gordon & MacPhail, presents i Tony Conetta and Mario Gizz
WINNER: Di Maggio’s Restaurant Group Glasgow Maitre’D, proud supplier of DiMaggio’s ePOS solution, would like to congratulate the team on winning the Award for Success.
FINALISTS
FullerThomson Edinburgh
0141 332 5030 w w w. m a i t r e d p o s . c o m
Manorview Howwood
SimpsInns Ayrshire
DRAM SEPTEMBER 2015 21
Find out more about our youth employment and life skills programme at:
Congratulations to Maggie May’s Glasgow winner of the 2015 Diageo Award for Social Responsibility
Find out more about our youth employment and life skills programme at: Find out more about our youth employment and life skills programme at:
Waverley House, 16 Lawson Street, Kilmarnock KA1 3JP Tel: 01563 573 200 Fax: 01563 530 220
Congratulations to James and Louise on the Customer
Stephen McGowan (right), Chairman of the BII in Scotland presents James and Louise Rusk of The Butchershop with their award
Service Award from all the team at
The judges said of the winner: “From the meet and greet to the advice on the menu, the service was impeccable. So much so, that they even noticed when the oatcakes had run out and offered to top them up. Charming, helpful and efficient. We couldn’t fault it.”
Transition.
WINNER: The Butchershop Bar & Grill Glasgow
Congratulations
www.transitioninteriors.co.uk
to all at The Butchershop Bar and Grill on winning the BII Customer Service Award at the Scottish Bar and Pubs Awards. www.italianaromacoffee.co.uk
HAND ROASTING
COFFEE SINCE 1992 DRAM SEPTEMBER 2015 23
“It has been wonderful to win Gastro Pub of the Year. We were all so surprised and we are are so over whelmed. It is now the talk of the town! Thanks to you all for such a great night, we enjoyed it so much!” Brian Horsburgh from The Cross Keys
I thought it was The starter was was great too. O had. The come good and liked
“Wow, what a night!” James Sutherland from 56 North
“It was a great night. The food and the atmosphere was great. You guys did really really well. It was also a lovely surprise for my dad.” Lisa Wishart, Lisini
“From the Drinks Reception at the beginning to the closing remarks at the end, this was a superbly organised night in a new venue for the DRAM Scottish Bar & Pub Awards. The food was excellent and beautifully presente and enjoyed by everyone at our table; being awarded Whisky Bar of The Year 2015 was a fantastic way for us to top the evening off. Well done to Susan and Staff and to the Hilton.” David Graham, The Ballygrant Inn
“A great night had by all at the DRAM awards 2015. It was a privilege to be in the same room as people from across Scotland who devote themselves to excellence in all facets of the on-trade profession. Excellent food, drink and chat with friends old and new with great hospitality and entertainment made this a special night all round. The “Music Festival Chic” themed party saw guests rocking until the early hours. Looking forward to next year!” Andy Bell, Isle of Arran Distillers
s very successful. The food was outstanding. s good the main was brilliant and the sweet One of the best banqueting meals I’ve edian was quite witty, thought Paulo was d the venue. Bob Taylor, Rekorderlig
“It was a brilliant night. It all ran really smoothly and we were at a great table. The kids loved it and were so chuffed they got to go on stage! We all really enjoyed it!” Dennis Forsyth from Cheers
“I thought the night was great. The compere was brilliant, so funny and kept things in order too! The food was lovely, it is so hard to cater for so many people but I really did enjoy it. The gin cocktails at the start were fab too! It was a good opportunity to meet people in the trade – overall, a really good night!” Scott Clark, Clarks Lindsay Street
“I was super duper impressed with the food, it was the main talking point. We liked the festival stuff and the cocktail bar at the beginning was awesome, we also loved Paolo Nutini too.” Susie Fraser, Parlez
g
r
ed g
n
It was definitely on of the best. The entertainment was spot on for the crowd and the food was really sophisticated. The new structure of the evening made a difference too. It was a good crowd and people were on form. I managed to catchthe up with lots of people. It was definitely one of the best. Thegood entertainment Tomwas Cullen, Dunns Food and Drinks. was spot on for the crowd and the food really sophisticated. The new structure of the evening made a difference too. It was a good crowd and people were on good form. I managed to catch up with lots of people. Tom Cullen, Dunns Food and Drinks.
incorporating the
DRAM AWARDS
The judges said of the winner: “Despite having one of the toughest doors in Glasgow, because of its location, this venue stood out because the management embraced safe practice to the highest level. It is open until 3am, 7 nights a week, but from 2am it has a chill out hour when it restricts serving to ½ pints, puts jugs of water on the bar and provides taxi numbers for customers as well as allowing customers to charge their phones before leaving. FINALISTS & Alcohol Policy at Diageo (fourth Mark Baird, Head of Industry Affairs and the Maggie May’s team left) with Gerr y Tartaglia (second left)
WINNER: Maggie May’s Glasgow
They say that the main work of an entrepreneur is to make things happen. And certainly that’s what our recipient does. Over the course of the last few years he has gone from owning a few bars and nightclubs, to owning multiple hotels and from refurbishing them to building them. He has also expanded into a pub estate – with his pub partnership company, does his own construction and is also dabbling with wholesale to his own venues. He is one of the few on-trade entrepreneurs who has invested in a proper infrastructure ahead of growth, and that also shows vision. With a turnover in excess of £8m, a new boutique hotel in the wings and a passion for building his business, with the help of his team... this individual epitomises the word entrepreneur.
26 DRAM SEPTEMBER 2015
Driftwood Glasgow
Susan Young, Editor of DRAM with
Clarks on Lindsay Street Dundee
Steve Graham of Manorview
WINNER: Steve Graham Manorview
Suppliers of Meat, Fruit & Veg, Fish, frozen and dr y goods to the catering trade.
We would like to wish Steve Graham of Manorview congratulations on being awarded Entrepreneur of the Year!
0141 336 6543
Tel: email: andrew.mclay@mclaysfoods.co.uk
www.mclaysfoods.co.uk
Congratulations to Steve Graham for winning the ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ Award • • • • • • • • • •
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with idson from Glencairn Crystal (right) Host Craig Hill (left) with Andy Dav tre) and his team Matthew Ronald from Blue Dog (cen
The judges said of the winner: “The service was impeccable, and the bartender was very, very knowledgeable. He was young, and cool, and gave our mystery shoppers a choice of whiskies to put in their cocktail. He knew everything about them too. Despite going off shift the bartender also made an effort to check that they were enjoying their drinks. The bar had a very mixed clientele and a relaxed ambience. Perfect for a cocktail bar.”
WINNER: Blue Dog Glasgow
The judges said of the winner: “This is a very impressive bar and restaurant. The owner has made a superb job of maximising its business opportunities by creating a stylish and contemporary bar and restaurant, which meets the needs of diners, and bar afficonado’s and works across all age groups. Recently it has opened a ‘Secret Garden’ and it has also enhanced and enlarged its outside area. But what really impressed was the quality of the service which was first class.” FINALISTS Scotland Ann Smith-Nixon, Regional Manager es Jam with t) righ tre, (cen for Kopparberg h Nort 56 from ley Brad Gary Sutherland and
WINNER: 56 North Aberdeen 28 DRAM SEPTEMBER 2015
The Fort Hotel Broughty Ferry
The Howlin’ Wolf Glasgow
Siberia Aberdeen
Congratulations to
Gareth McKeown from The Pot Still on winning Mixxit Bar Apprentice 2015 Amanda Humphrey, Mixxit Manager, led ten of Scotland’s brightest young bartending talents through an in-depth training programme. Everyone who completed the course passed their final exams, qualifying as Mixxit Bar Apprentices. Well done to all of them.
Amanda Humphrey, Mixxit Manager at Maxxium UK, presents the Mixxit Bar Apprentice 2015 award to Gareth McKeown, The Pot Still, Glasgow.
mixxit.co.uk
The judges said of the winner: “This is an excellent whisky bar, with a huge range of whiskies. Both the owner and his son are whisky enthusiasts and they are happy to share their knowledge at the bar, and substantial it is too. Excellent service, an opportunity to try before you buy, and an enthusiam for whisky, which is infectious, made this bar stand out.”
FINALISTS
of Andrew Dobbie, Managing Director n Ewa and id Dav with tre) (cen e Made Brav Graham from the Ballygrant Inn
WINNER: Ballygrant Inn Islay
Ardshiel Hotel Campbeltown
Curly Coo Bar Stirling
The Pot Still Glasgow
The judges said of the winner: “This apprentice had never shaken a cocktail before taking the course and showed showed incredible progression throughout the programme. His enthusiasm to learn impressed the judges and his final whisky cocktail was well presented.”
FINALISTS
with Amanda Gareth McKeown from The Pot Still UK xium Max at ager Humphrey, Mixxit Man
Dillon Barrie Citation, Glasgow
Andrew Hyslop The Longhouse, Kilmarnock
Connor Mackintosh Elliots, Prestwick
WINNER: Gareth McKeown The Pot Still DRAM SEPTEMBER 2015 31
The judges said of the winner: “The enthusiasm and passion that the general manager and his boss had for craft beer was really impressive. They not only live it, they breathe it too. This combined with an excellent range, good marketing in bar, 27 lines of beer, regular rotations of its craft beers, and letting customers try before they buy, all contributed to its appeal. Of course it also had very healthy beer sales. FINALISTS
rations for Scotland for Hugo Mills, Director of Sales and Ope Weeraratna, Jamie Molson Coors UK (right) presents Sean with their award McComb, and the Montpeliers team
Bier Halle Glasgow
The Meat Bar Glasgow
RECIPIENT: Montpeliers Edinburgh
KE AUTOMATICS LTD 39 ROSSLYN STREET KIRKCALDY KY1 3HS T: 01592 652323
Suppliers of AWP’s, pool tables, juke boxes and other leisure and gaming equipment. Congratulations to all at Cheers, FRASERBURGH on winning the SOCIAL MEDIA AWARD at THE scottish bar & pub awards 2015
www.keautomatics.com
Denis Forsyth from Cheers and his family collect their award from Brian D’Souza, MD of Open Ear (right)
The judges said of the winning bar: “It is obviously very active on social media and knows how to get their customers on side. It uses Facebook and Twitter to keep customers up to date and certainly the number of votes it got was exceptionally high.”
WINNER: Cheers Fraserburgh 32 DRAM SEPTEMBER 2015
CONGRATULATIONS!
Sean Weeraratna and the team at Montpeliers Edinburgh Deserving winners of the Molson Coors Craft Beer Award at the 2015 Scottish Bar & Pub Awards.
the
Congratulations to The Ballygrant Inn on winning
Whisky Bar of the Year at the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2015
Congratulations to all the finalists and winners of the 2015 Scottish Bar and Pub Awards
34 DRAM SEPTEMBER 2015
The judges said of the winner: “It had a superb atmosphere and ambience as well as a very interesting menu. It was also very child friendly. It was the one of the best pub lunches we have ever had. The menu offered a cutting edge twist of classic pub dishes, and it was done incredibly well. It really was a great experience all round.”
FINALISTS
t) presents Susie Fraser, Director of Parlez (righ and The h burg Debbie McGregor, Brian Hors rd Cross Keys team with their awa
WINNER: The Cross Keys Kippen
The Cochrane Inn Kilmarnock
The Grumpy Goat Glasgow
The Ship Inn Broughty Ferry
The judges said of the winner: “This bar is a great addition to the Scottish bar scene. Staff were very welcoming, and well dressed and attentive too. The bar is quirky, and was absolutly spotless, as well as a good feel with a really nice crowd. Definitely the place to be seen at the moment. It also boasts one of the best ranges of gin in the country and some tasty gin cocktails too.” FINALISTS
r award from Lucy The Jolly Botanist team collect thei ire erto Rep of ager McGovern, Sales Man
OX184 Edinburgh
Sligh House Edinburgh
West on the Corner Glasgow
WINNER: The Jolly Botanist Edinburgh DRAM SEPTEMBER 2015 35
The judges said of the winner: “This outlet is an example of how it should be done. They clearly pride themselves on everything to do with quality. The cellar condition and upkeep was without fault, with up to date records of all cleaning schedules. The owner is committed to training and has a great pub with a great reputation for quality and of course the bar staff know how to pour a perfect pint.” FINALISTS
Alastair Campbell, Scott Clark collects his award from Managing Director of WallacesTCB
WINNER: Clarks on Lindsay Street Dundee
John Carrigan’s Eating House Hamilton
The Market Arms Montrose
The Raven Glasgow
The judges said: “This was a very strong category, but this year’s winner demonstrated a warm welcome to owners and well-behaved dogs. It not only had a small outdoor area, but also allowed dogs inside too in a tiled dining area, providing individual bowls at most tables. It also plays host to a Schnauzer club on occasion. There are not many pubs that would welcome 25 mutts and their well-behaved owners.” FINALISTS
Murray Robert McCracken (left) and Jamie ng You n Susa collect their award from
WINNER: The Ship Inn Irvine 36 DRAM SEPTEMBER 2015
The Ben Nevis Glasgow
Clachan Cottage Hotel Lochearnhead
Sofi’s Edinburgh
Congratulations to Clarks on Lindsay Street, Dundee. Winners of the 2015 Tennent’s Quality Award.
Tennent’s and the red T are registered trademarks of C&C Group.
The judges said of the winner: “This pub is an institution... it really is famous throughout the land for its good craic, it’s live music, staff and customers. It received the most votes from customers, past and present, and also got the thumbs up from the judges. A great outdoor area, a lively atmosphere and a manager who has given it her all.”
owner Jinty Lynch and Paul Jinty McGuint y boss Caroline Wright, Rennie, MD of Media Scotland Clinton collect their award from Allan
WINNER: Jinty McGuinty’s Glasgow Hall of Fame recipients with host Craig Hill and DRAM editor Susan Young
There are some amazing people in this trade who perhaps do not get the recognition they deserve. Although we present our Lifetime Achievement Award every year, we didn’t have a Hall of Fame... football teams have them, the Film Industry has one, and we think it is about time the Scottish licensed trade had one too. So we honoured our first recipients at the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards... the first members of the Scottish Licensed Trade’s Hall of Fame received their certificates and will even have their own website which will carry a biography on all those who become members. Going forward we will be inviting some key people to join a small committee to select the ongoing recipients. It goes without saying, but all our Lifetime Achievement fellows from the past 20 years will also be included. This will create a permanent record of the achievements of some of these great characters. It recognised their spirit, determination, personality and their contribution to the Scottish Licensed Trade.
38 DRAM SEPTEMBER 2015
Alistair Don who has celebrated 50 years in the trade and just sold his pub, the Glaswegian institution, The Doublet. Harry Hood the man that founded Lisini Leisure after a career as a footballer, and who is one of the real characters of the trade. Billy Lowe will probably be known as the man who new when to buy and when to sell. He has owned over 30 pubs, as well as hotels and nightclubs Stuart Ross credited with saving Belhaven, and probably one of the most respected men in the trade Elaine Scott the hostess with the mostest when it comes to running Great Glasgow pubs. She too has a pedigree stretching back some 35 years.
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HARRY’S BAR & GRILL DESIGN FOCUS
A
once loved landmark of the Edinburgh buoyant bar scene – Harry’s Bar & Grill has just been given a £375K revamp. Warren Campbell reports. Edinburgh’s Harry’s Bar & Grill has re-opened after a major revamp. The once legendary bar has retained the same frontage – albeit with a refresh, but that, and it’s name, are just about all that new owners, The Shilling Group have kept. John Duncan, Area Manager of The Shilling Group, told DRAM, “There were many debates whether or not to keep the name. At first, I was adamant we needed to change it but we collectively decided, as a gesture of goodwill, to its previous customers and the overall legacy of the bar to keep it.” While Michael McGuigan, The Shilling Group’s boss said, “I wanted a complete change for the venue – not just a renovation! I didn’t want the venue to feel like a basement and I think we have successfully achieved this by raising the ceiling and making better use of the space.” Guy Morgan of Morgan McDonnell Architects worked closely with John and Michael to create the venue’s design concept. According to John, inspiration was taken from ‘Manhattanesque’ bars like P.J. Clarke’s, featured in HBO show ‘Madmen’. He said, “We wanted to create a ‘hip’ stripped back bar that showcases a fine balance between opulent and rustic.”
40 DRAM SEPTEMBER AUGUST 2015 2015
BY WARREN CAMPBELL The hanging baskets and minimalist setting suggest to onlookers that the new Harry’s is a tranquil haven. As you enter through the glass door, those familiar with the old Harry’s will immediately see that the bar has been stripped back to basics showcasing its original stonework. The heightened ceiling reveals all the necessary heat ducting and makes a feature of it. While new floor to ceiling French windows, at the opposite end, fill the spacious bar with natural light. An interesting feature that catches the eye is the backlit wooden lath (a thin, narrow strip of straight-grained wood) on the left wall as you enter. The lath looks worn and distressed with obvious gaps throughout that have been cleverly fitted with minimal soft lighting giving the venue a warm and welcoming ambience. This detail has also been fitted at the front of the bar evoking an almost Asian feel. As you proceed further into the venue, you will notice original stone and brickwork with dark grey, almost black, wooden panels. It has a grey concrete floor throughout. The bar is situated all along the right hand side of the bar, while an open kitchen and dining area are situated to the left. The venue now seats 80 covers and has been fitted with black Chesterfield-inspired fixed seating throughout. Where the dance floor used to be, there is now a raised restaurant area complete with oak wooden tables, all with copper edgings. While the open kitchen is exactly where original bar
at Harry’s was situated. The new bar, on the opposite side boasts a long copper bar top and some custom-made copper artwork by Kirsty Smith. The back bar is back-lit and house a wide array of bottles. Collectively, the interior’s use of stone and exposed brickwork and button-backed leather creates a perfect harmony of shabby chic and luxury. It certainly marks a complete change from the previous Harry’s, which flaunted floral wallpaper and traditional fixtures you would typically see in an old man’s pub. The open plan kitchen, which has has been fitted on the left hand side of the bar, where the old L-shaped traditional looking bar used to be, and it features, the grill of the moment – a new charcoal Josper grill. There is now a rear garden terrace revellers can access through the glass doors at the back. The cosy garden area, similar to the front courtyard, oozes a natural and almost amicable vibe with its white brickwork, hanging baskets aplenty and the surrounding greenery. There is also a luxuriously fitted garden room that is equipped with suede seating, wooden panels and a traditional log fireplace to keep customers sheltered from the unpredictable Scottish climate. The new Harry’s is certainly different, and it is already proving a hit with customers. DRAM SEPTEMBER 2015 41
Tennent’s and the red T are registered trademarks of C&C Group.
@dramscotland
I
SUE SAYS
/dram.scotland
always love our awards... I don’t just get to catch up with so many people, but we get to give credit, where credit is due, to bar owners and bartenders who are doing an excellent job. This year for the first time we also applauded wholesalers and suppliers to the trade... and I, for one, think it was highly appropriate that they received their awards in front of the people that they supply. Well done to everyone. Thanks to everyone at The Hilton, Glasgow – Chef Derek Donaldson and his team pulled off a superb meal, and the ‘feedback’, excuse the pun, has been excellent. And the events, bar and banqueting teams were great too. I am not often speechless, but I was this year at the awards... when James Mortimer presented to me my very own award... to commemorate 20 years of supporting the Scottish licensed trade. I was very touched. Herald writer Ken Smith also had a great evening and he wrote a super piece in The Herald later that week. In it he said, “...what most of these owners have in common, apart from taking a large slice of my salary over the years, is raising millions of pounds for charity at events, auctions and charity dinners, but I don’t want to burnish their haloes too much. What they also have in common is that they employ thousands of people in Scotland, but rarely get the thanks for it.” He is not wrong. It is an excellent piece and the sort of positive PR the licensed trade really needs. It’s not just the direct jobs that the industry creates, but just think of the food suppliers, drink suppliers, joiners, electricians, designers, the list is endless. It is time that the Scottish government applauded the industry instead of taking regular swipes at it! Talking of charity this year we absolutely smashed it when it came to raising money for The Beatson - £4,300 was raised. So thank you everyone for putting your hands in your pockets for this worthy cause, for which Harry Hood is spearheading a campaign for. I was through at the Edinburgh Festival the other week, and got the opportunity to fit in a few bars... and a few cocktails. What a buzz, I just wish we had a similar festival in the West! I thought the service in all the bars we were in was excellent, but the bartenders at The Devil’s Advocate are worthy of mention – not only do they serve up excellent cocktails, the males have superb beards! The beard trimmers in Edinburgh must be earning a fortune because its not just the bar staff that have them the customers did too! As you can see from these cheery Denmark/Danish-based bartenders who were over for a break! The saga of The Kings Arms in Fenwick (my local for my sins) is ongoing. We had a wee respite when they allowed dogs in... but a missive from the Arran View Pub Services, the company brought in to run the pub for Star Pubs & Bars, has now banned them again. I found this sign, above right, stuck to my car the other day. It had been ‘borrowed’ from the Kings Arms, but not by me
Ken Smith’s excellent Herald article
(don’t worry I will return it). What a nice friendly tone! NOT! Do they really want to alienate everyone in the village, after all this is a local pub. As a local told me, “This is stuck to the front door, so even before you are in, you are being lectured to. They’ve also got one proclaiming kitchen closes at 9pm. Perhaps the Arran View Pub Services folk should take themselves off to The Ship in Irvine – famous for its steak pies, or The Drake one of Glasgow’s great gastro pubs, and see how much they benefit due by allowing dogs. Both pubs sell lots of food. What the Kings Arms needs is an operator that cares and caters for its customers. It’s not just about the fact that it has banned dogs again – but the fact that the pub ought to be practising good customer service. The aim should be to build its very sparse customer base by encouraging locals to use it, rather than by putting them off. I have seen some great local pubs, the Kings Arms is not one of them, but it could be.
DRAM SEPTEMBER 2015 43
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ROUND UP
As you can see from the pictures, everyone looked like they were enjoying themselves at the 2015 Scottish Bar and Pub Awards
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 Editor Susan Young • Chairman Noel Young • Editorial Warren Campbell Advertising Lucy McGovern, Robert McManus • Production Gareth Neil • Admin Cheryl Cook 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 £52 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 2015. Printed by Stephens & George Print Group. 46 DRAM SEPTEMBER 2015