Dram 333 june 2018

DRAM DRINKS RETAILING AND MARKETING

333

@dramscotland

DRAM MAGAZINE ISSN 1470-241X

/dram.scotland

UNCLE BOB & HIS MERRY MEN RAISE FUNDS FOR THE BEN

D

gorgeous a wisp of smoke.

A SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALT BEAUTIFULLY BALANCED WITH TM

DRAM DRINKS RETAILING AND MARKETING

WELCOME Welcome to the June issue and congratulations to Uncle Bob and his team for completing the 82-mile cycle for The BEN. See Roundup for another great pic.

This month I have an interview with one of the sunniest people in the trade Anna Christopherson of the Boda Group. She was a real pleasure to sit down with and it was a glorious day too. In fact the last four weeks have been amazing - we’ve our Summer Drinks focus in this issue - see pages 9 and 10. I have to say I can’t wait to try Kopparberg Black on draught and I am enjoying my pink gins too.

This month the Radisson Red Sky Bar opened and we have a design feature on that and one on the newly refurbished Candy Bar in Edinburgh. Of course - the World Cup is going to be a key focus for the next four weeks - and we have June’s Guide to the event, brought to you by Sims Automatics, on page 13.

CONTENTS June

2018

FEATURES

9 13 18 22

Some interesting facts and figures.

WORLD CUP GUIDE June’s dates.

LICENSEE INTERVIEW

Susan Young talks to Anna Christopherson.

DESIGN FEATURES:

Candy Bar, Edinburgh and Red Sky Bar, Glasgow

REGULARS

‘Til next month.

Susan Young Editor susan@mediaworldltd.com dramscotland.co.uk

4 6

@dramscotland

SUMMER DRINKS

/dram.scotland

30

NEWS

All the news from around the trade.

BRAND NEWS

The latest brand news.

SUE SAYS

Find out what the Editor has to say this.

DRAM JUNE 2018 3

GALLOWGATE BAR FOR DRINKS GURU Drinks consultant Andy Gemmell has returned to the pub game with the purchase of a bar in Glasgow’s Gallowgate across from the Barrowlands. Andy, who also heads up marketing agency The Drink Cabinet, has wanted to open a bar for a few years.

He told DRAM, “The Drink Cabinet office is just next door and the area is starting to come alive so it was an easy decision to get back into the bar game for me as I’ve just been looking for the right opportunity for the last 5 years.

“The area is currently going through a resurgence with significant investment and other venues such as St Lukes, The Barras Art and Design Centre, West Brewery and Drygate all making the East End of Glasgow the new place for Glasgow to be proud of.

“My vision is to create a bar and hospitality experience that Glasgow and Scotland can be proud of in an area which has huge potential to be the next food and drink hotspot in the city. Utilising our expertise and creative resources of Glasgow and Scotland to celebrate everything that is amazing about this country and its produce.

Training the next generation of Scottish hospitality professionals will also be high on my agenda.”

The bar is currently being transformed with an opening date likely to be later this summer.

ACID BAR PLAYS HOST TO POP-UP EATERIES

Five March is one of Glasgow’s most recent openings. The bar, leased by Joanna Nethery, who formerly ran Distill in Finnieston, has opened in Elderslie Street in what was formerly The Scaramouche.

The new-look bar now has an open kitchen, the bar has been refreshed and the outside area has also been cleaned up and decked out with plenty of seating

4

DRAM JUNE 2018

on picnic style tables.

The food menu offers plenty of small plates with veggie and vegan options, and the food has already been getting plenty of attention on social media.

Meanwhile across the road Scott Gemmell of the Liquid Academy has taken over the running of MacPhabbs. The bar is now part of the Star Pubs and Bars estate .

The Acid Bar at SWG3 in Glasgow is to play host to a constant rotation of pop-up restaurants and street food vendors starting on the 14th June with plans to showcase the city’s growing street-food scene.

The format will be similar to the venue’s rotating exhibition programme, with the first resident, Ka Pao, setting up shop for a 4 week period. Mutley, SWG3 Founder & Director, said “Residencies are a popular concept in London, but haven’t really been developed here in Glasgow. People are always looking for new dining experiences and Scotland’s street food scene has never been stronger, so hopefully this is something new and exciting for foodies to get their teeth into.”

Ka Pao takes its inspiration from Southeast Asian cuisine and has previously held pop-up events at venues across Glasgow. Ka Pao Head Chef Sandy said, “SWG3 is a real incubator for creativity in Glasgow, so we are very excited to be joining the community down here and to call the venue home for the next few weeks.”

NEWS Brett teams up with Welch

TATTU JOINS THE ST ANDREWS SQUARE FAMILY Tattu, a fast-growing family-owned Chinese restaurant group, is the latest company to announce it is opening at St Andrews Square. The restaurant will open in the ‘The Registers’ the development at the corner of St Andrews Square owned by The Chris Stewart Group (CSG).

Tattu has taken on a 20 year lease for space across the ground and basement levels of the building and plan to open in spring 2019. Stephen Denham, Group Asset Manager for CSG, said, “Edinburgh has nothing like Tattu and so we are delighted to have attracted the restaurant to The Registers. Its premium Chinese cuisine and approach to interior design, using beautiful natural materials and different art forms to celebrate eastern culture, makes this restaurant unique and a great fit for the style and quality we want to achieve for the development.

MORE VARIETY FOR BERGSON Michael Bergson has added The Variety Bar in Glasgow to his growing bar and restaurant portfolio which now includes Soho, Little Soho and Buck’s Bar all in the city. Michael told DRAM, “It’s the first place that we have taken over that we have kept as it is. We have tidied it up a bit, and put some more food on, but we really didn’t do too much as it is was, and is, an insitution. It

has a reputation for good music and it has the right crowd.” He continues, “The good news is that we have already seen the figures improve and that’s before the building work on Sauchiehall Street has finished, so I’m expecting the figures to keep growing. We inherited a great team and they all have worked at the bar for a while and know what they are doing which is ideal.”

Chef Patron, Roy Brett, Chef Patron of Ondine in Edinburgh has opened a restaurant with Gary Welch, owner of Welch Fishmongers, called The Fishmarket. It is located at Newhaven Harbour, where boats have landed their catch since the 16th century and the restaurant has terrific views.

Allied Irish back Bon Vivant Group Allied Irish Bank (GB) has backed Stuart McCluskey of Edinburgh’s Bon Vivant group, with a finance deal of almost £1 million to support the groups expansion.

Stuart McCluskey from the Bon Vivant Group said, “Allied Irish Bank (GB) is providing £950,000 towards three new venues. We will be opening a second El Cartel in Teviot Square in the summer, once refurbishments are complete.

McCluskey will also be operating the new bar and cafe bar at the Edinburgh Grand Hotel in the city. He said, “As an independent Edinburgh business, we are particularly proud to have been selected as the operators for two new venues within the Edinburgh Grand development on St Andrew’s Square. A number of UK national chain outlets have opened on the square as part of its renaissance, so we applaud the Chris Stewart Group for selecting an Edinburgh firm to operate the bar and cafe bar.

El Cartel will be opening in summer 2018, and The Edinburgh Grand, a Chris Stewart Property Group development has just opened and by Autumn will include two venues operated by the Bon Vivant Group.

Dai Pai is set to open up on Glasgow’s Byre’s Road this summer. While there has been no launch date yet, they have said it will be very soon.

Dai Pai is famous for its Asian street-style food inspired by the food stalls of Hong Kong, they are already up and running in both Edinburgh and Dundee.

Its menu offers a huge selection of classic rice and noodle dishes, gyoza and sushi burritos!

Kilmurry & Co is set to open very soon on Kilmarnock Road in Shawlands. The restaurant will specialise in brunch, featuring ‘eggs nine ways’, but it is also be offering a dinner menu offering quality locally sourced ingredients. There will also be plenty of veggie and vegan options.

Wetherspoons has created another stir following its recent announcement it is cancelling all of its social media accounts. This time it has confused customers by making drastic cuts to its food menu and of course it has no social media accounts to explain what is going on to customers.

Some of the axed items are customer favourites including its the 8oz rump steak, all variations of the hot dog and the New York Deli burger. This is likely to have changed due to the fact that the company’s butcher shut up shop.

Did you know?

Compass Group has opened a third Chop House in Edinburgh’s Bruntsfield.

Managing Director Mark Fraser commented, “When we were looking for a location for our third site, it was important for us to choose a spot with a real sense of place. Bruntsfield has a true community spirit and we’re enjoying getting to know the locals. Our menu is devised to be shared, making dining at Chop House a truly sociable experience. One we feel is perfectly suited to a terrific neighbourhood like Bruntsfield.”

DRAM JUNE 2018 5

BRAND NEWS Cider

Beer

NEW MARKETING CAMPAIGN PUTS FANS IN THE PICTURE Innis & Gunn has put its fans in the spotlight for its new The #YourPint advertising campaign. The brand is sharing thoughts and stories from loyal drinkers about its craft lager. The campaign sees the brewer respond to the wildly popular misspelling of its brand name (Innes instead of Innis) with tongue and cheek bill board ads dedicated to those who have made this mistake including Trainspotting author, Irvine Welsh.

The campaign also plays tribute to the cheeky drinkers who ‘borrow’ Innis & Gunn pint glasses to sell on eBay and makes fun of those who opt for a half pint.

Dougal Sharp, Innis & Gunn Founder and Master Brewer said, “Whether it’s misspelling our name or selling our glasses on eBay, we’re happy as long as drinkers love our Lager as much as we do. The #YourPint campaign is all about celebrating our fans and having a laugh along the way – which is the best thing to do over a pint!”

KOPPARBERG MAKES IT ON TO BAR WITH DRAUGHT KOPPARBERG BLACK Kopparberg now has a draught offering in the shape of its new Kopparberg Black! It’s the first time the Swedish brand has offered a draught variant and its exclusive to the on-trade.

This new flavour, an apple cider with a hint of blackberry and blackcurrant, will be served up extra cold and will offer a premium alternative to other draught fruit ciders from a stylish, sleek, black standalone font, or font lens and tap handle.

Kopparberg Black will also benefit from the £6m marketing push by Kopparberg, revealed last month called ‘Outside is Ours’ which encourages consumers to make the most of the great summer weather. Kopparberg Black will also make an appearance at summer festivals throughout the UK. Rob Salvesen, Senior Marketing Manager at Kopparberg, comments, “The move to offer a premium draught variant feels like a natural progression for Kopparberg, with its current position as the best-selling premium packaged fruit cider in the UK on-trade. As such, we’re extremely excited about the arrival of Kopparberg Black to our portfolio, not least being able to offer consumers a fruit cider on draught made to be more sessionable and a premium alternative to what is already on the market.”

6

DRAM JUNE 2018

Whisky

NEW DISTILLERY FOR THE CAIRNGORMS Speymalt Whisky Distributors, the company behind Elginbased family-owned, whisky specialist Gordon & MacPhail, has announced plans to build a new single-malt distillery at Craggan.

The new distillery will be located near the River Spey and will be the only distillery to have been built within the Cairngorms National Park in the last 15 years.

The fourth generation family business, which also owns Benromach Distillery, is investing millions in this new venture which they hope will become a major tourist attraction and a significant local employer. The new distillery has not yet been named, but if all goes well with planning permission construction is set to start in 2019.

Ewen Mackintosh, Managing Director, Speymalt Whisky Distributors Ltd explained, “Building a second distillery is an important part of our business plan and we have spent some time researching a suitable site. We believe we have found the perfect place for our new distillery at Craggan. It’s a stunning location with strong transport links and can accommodate the distillery, warehousing and a visitor experience.”

Gin

A SAVOURY GIN FROM TANQUERAY Tanqueray has added to its flavour line-up by launching a limited edition savoury gin called Tanqueray Lovage. It includes all of the signature botanicals of Tanqueray while adding a savoury twist of the English garden herb, lovage.

Tanqueray Lovage joins the recently launched Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla.

Tanqueray’s Global Marketing Manager Joanna Segesser said, “Innovation is at the heart of everything Tanqueray does. Just like our founder Charles Tanqueray, we love experimenting and working with new botanicals, so it’s a pleasure to see one of Charles’ original recipes being created at a time when savoury cocktails are on the rise. We can’t wait to see how bartenders use Tanqueray Lovage in their cocktail creations.”

IRISH CRAFT GIN LANDS HERE Blackwater Gin, Irelands first craft gin, has landed on the shores of Britain only three years after launching in Ireland.

Blackwater distill a combination of small-batch, aged and flavour infused gins, including Blackwater No.5 which is the only Irish gin to have been awarded the Gold Award at the WSC 2017.

Owner of Blackwater Gin, Peter Mulryan, said, “The time is right for us to now break into the British market where we are seeing strong, consistent growth in this spirit. To add a further dimension with our unique Irish gin will further enhance the consumer offer in both the on-trade leisure sector and the off-trade.”

THE ORO LAUNCHES GIN Scottish distillers, The Oro Distilling Company, has announced the launch of its first ever gin. Oro. It is a small-batch, slowdistilled London Dry gin which the company describes as ‘the first Scottish dry gin’. It is made with a blend of fifteen botanicals with juniper, vanilla and coriander being most notable.

Owned by the Clynick family, based in Dumfriesshire, the new gin was developed by head distiller Ray Clynick and creative director Jacqueline Clynick, along with their team of experts in science, chemistry and distilling.

Ray Clynick, Head Distiller at The Oro Distilling Company, commented, “We are delighted to be introducing our debut gin to the world, with Oro Gin. Months of scientific research has gone into developing the first Scottish Dry gin, and we are confident that the end result will bring a unique dimension to the premium gin market.”

Liqueur

LIME LIQUEUR MAKES ITS WAY BACK Monin Original, the refreshing lime liqueur, is back after a short hiatus. Olivier Monin, whose grandfather founded the business says, “My grandfather Georges Monin... was inspired by flavour from the very beginning and at family gatherings he would experiment with different flavour combinations. This drink was one of the first he brought to market and the lime citron vert has remained a French speciality ever since. While the range has grown to offer hundreds of products for multiple applications, Monin Original remains in its original bottle cut and like the rest of the range, the label is virtually untouched. We wanted to share this wonderful drink with the UK - to enjoy a little taste of our heritage.”

DRAM JUNE 2018 7

NEW

O N LY O N TA P AVA I L A B LE 4TH JUNE

The world’s best-selling fruit cider now with blackcurrants & blackberries

4% ABV

For more info contact sales@kopparberg.co.uk

8

DRAM JUNE 2018

More Brits drink cider than any other nation – we account for 40% of all global cider sales. The category now accounts for around 9% of total wet sales in the country. However sales of some brands have fallen significantly for instance Stella Cidre saw a 36% drop last year.

According to Britvic soft drinks are still growing by value in the on-trade.

£64.6m +1.2%

The Stickers on fruit are edible.

VALUE GROWTH

162k OUTLETS

r e D m r i m n u ks S

-0.3%

OUTLET GROWTH

The most popular summer drink Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Cafe has been serving is a Delicious Mission according to Bar Manager Jamie Buchan.

The cocktail is rum-based, includes Ringquinquin, Mente Verte with lime and pineapple syrup.

What cocktail has the least calories?

Caipirinha 152 Mojito 161 Daiquiri 163 Margharita 192 Negroni 195

An apple will keep you awake better than a coffee.

WHEN THE SUN IS OUT, DRINKERS ARE OUT...

TOP 5

soft drink manufacturers

CCEP

Kopparberg is the bestselling premium packaged fruit cider in the UK on trade.

We have our summer cocktails out at the moment and the most popular is probably our rum-based cocktail ‘Cruising to Caracas’. It a mixture of rum, honey, fresh melon juice and liquers, it’s been really popular on the sunny days.

Our sales are definitely up with the sunny days, it’s the start of tourist season in Edinburgh so it’s getting busy and on the sunny days we have our outdoor courtyard which fills up.

Connor O’Keeffe, bar manager, devils advocate

£1.7bn (-3.3%)

BRITVIC £1.5bn (-5.0%)

RED BULL £172m (+3.7%)

FEVERTREE £140m (+65.1%)

BARRS

£108m (+2.1%)

DRAM JUNE 2018 9

The Principal Grand Central in Glasgow is celebrating 150th birthday of one the city’s most famous patrons – Charles Rennie Mackintosh with a new cocktail which has been inspired by the designers rose motif. The hotel’s bar now has a Bouquet of Roses cocktail menu. Each cocktail is named after a different coloured rose, infused with a beautiful blend of ingredients.

Heineken’s Strongbow Dark Fruit is the second most popular draught cider – the most popular being Strongbow. But Dark Fruit will be challenged this year

by Kopparberg Black – now on draught.

Do you know you can go to Kopparberg on holiday?

A pint of Carling has 138 calories.

r e D m r i m n u ks S

Kopparberg is located approximately 110 miles west of the Swedish capital, Stockholm.

The holiday blurb says “Snowboard or ski down the trails of Romme Alpin and Safsen Ski Resort. The first is 35 miles from Kopparberg, while the second is 25 miles.

Merely 18 miles north of Kopparberg is where you’ll discover Ludvika. This area is the perfect place for a day trip, as it boasts the Hagge Golf Club and Ludvika Ulrika Church.”

Doom Bar, the UK’s most popular caskconditioned ale has 203 calories per pint.

Did you know that there are a few stories around the creation of the Margarita... The most widely spread rumor is that an American socialite named Margarita Sames created the drink for her friends in 1948. One of her party guests was Tommy Hilton, who added the drink to the bar menu at his hotels. This is probably not true, though: The first importer of Jose Cuervo used the tagline “Margarita: it’s more than a girl’s name” in 1945 – three years before Sames debuted her drink.

A bottle of Heineken 150 calories.

This summer, expect to see less lemonade and more truly original mineral waters with natural flavours far beyond lemon or cucumber.

Healthier cocktails including skinny, low- and no-alcohol options are becoming more and more popular among drinkers.

Our highest selling summer drink at the minute is Pink Gin and tonic. We definitely had an increase on sales on the sunny days across the board.

Leona Setchsield, Manager, Revolution, Aberdeen

10

DRAM JUNE 2018

CGA’s Drinks Report shows that the value of on-trade cocktail sales jumped by 7.5% in the first quarter of 2018 – outpacing a 4% increase in the wider spirits market. An estimated 8.7 million British consumers now enjoy cocktails when drinking out-of-home.

The cocktail of the summer?

NEGRONI This blend of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth is proving a winner with Scots as bartenders tell DRAM it is flying.

YOUR EDGE IN PAYMENT & BUSINESS MANAGEMENT powered by

BEST RATES GUARANTEE

ces software

- Durable touch screen EPoS with optional extras - Integrated with contactless payment and mobile top-up - Standalone debit/ credit card payment facility available - Combined with a back office with full stock control - Complete with in-depth financial reporting facility - Quick and easy to set up customer loyalty schemes - Support for hardware/ software/ back-up available - Create immediate on the fly product promotions - Bespoke screen customisation, the way you want it - UK based customer support, 24/7 365 days - Finance options available (subject to credit approval)

R

R

0000 0000 00 0000 000 0000 0 From

0.40% Per transaction*

DebitCard

R

R

0000 0123 23 4567 45 567 5 67 8910 8 From

0.75%

CreditCard

Per transaction* *T&Cs Apply. Rates are subject to change.

sales@3rtelecom.co.uk

01992 574 650

www.3rtelecom.co.uk

DRAM JUNE 2018 11

WATCH THE WORLD CUP ON THE BIG SCREEN Just incase you missed it... The World Cup games will be held in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Kazan, Sochi, Volgograd, Yekaterinburg, Kaliningrad, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov-on-Don, Samara, and Saransk, Russia, from June 14 to July 15, 2018.

MONDAY 18 JUNE Sweden vs South Korea 1pm - ITV Belgium vs Panama 4pm - BBC Tunisia vs England 7pm - BBC

SUNDAY 24 JUNE England vs Panama 1pm - BBC Japan vs Senegal 4pm - BBC Poland vs Colombia 7pm - ITV

TUESDAY 19 JUNE Colombia vs Japan 1pm - BBC Poland vs Senegal 4pm - ITV Russia vs Egypt 7pm - BBC

MONDAY 25 JUNE Uruguay vs Russia 3pm - ITV Saudi Arabia vs Egypt 3pm - ITV Spain vs Morocco 7pm - BBC Iran vs Portugal 7pm - BBC

WEDNESDAY 20 JUNE Portugal vs Morocco 1pm - BBC Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia 4pm - BBC Iran vs Spain 7pm - ITV THURSDAY 21 JUNE Denmark vs Australia 1pm - ITV France vs Peru 4pm - ITV Argentina vs Croatia 7pm - BBC FRIDAY 22 JUNE Brazil vs Costa Rica 1pm - ITV Nigeria vs Iceland 4pm - BBC Serbia vs Switzerland 7pm - BBC SATURDAY 23 JUNE Belgium vs Tunisia 1pm - BBC South Korea vs Mexico 4pm - ITV Germany v Sweden 7pm - ITV

TUESDAY 26 JUNE Denmark vs France 3pm - ITV Australia vs Peru 3pm - ITV Nigeria vs Argentina 7pm - BBC Iceland vs Croatia 7pm - BBC WEDNESDAY 27 JUNE South Korea vs Germany 3pm - BBC Mexico vs Sweden 3pm - BBC Serbia vs Brazil 7pm - ITV Switzerland vs Costa Rica 7pm - ITV THURSDAY 28 JUNE Japan vs Poland 3pm - BBC Senegal vs Colombia 3pm - BBC England vs Belgium 7pm - ITV Panama vs Tunisia 7pm - ITV

SUNDAY 15 JULY World Cup Final 4pm

Ronaldo of Brazil is the World Cup’s most proflific goal scorer – he has scored 15 goals.

BRANDS FROM COMPETITING COUNTRIES

The only year that all four nations have made it into the World Club was 1958 when it was held in Sweden.

Beer is Panama’s most popular alcoholic drink. Brands include Balboa, Atlas, Panamá, Soberana and Cristal.

Sweden – Kopparberg South Korea – Jinro Soju Belgium – Hoegarden Panama – Soberana England – Carling Columbia – Aguardiente Japan – Asahi Poland – Zywiec Russia – Baltika Portugal – Sagres Morocco – Casablanca Uruguay – Sangria blanco Spain – San Miquel Denmark – Carlsberg Australia – Fosters France – Stella Artois Peru – Cusquena Argentina – Quilmes Croatia – Azacca Brazil – Brahma Costa Rica – Imperial Mexico – Corona Germany – Weihenstephaner

The tournament is the world’s most widely viewed sporting event.

THE No1 CHOICE FOR GAMING AND LEISURE EQUIPMENT FOR PUBS, BARS & RESTAURANTS

0141 946 0444 WWW.SIMSAUTOMATICS.CO.UK 12

DRAM JUNE 2018

More than 3 billion people will watch at least part of the tournament.

incorporating the DRAM AWARDS 2018

If you want to attend there are still some tickets available: Table of 10 – £1,200 (inc VAT) Individual ticket – £120 (inc VAT) Contact Cheryl on 0141 221 6965 or email cheryl@mediaworldltd.com

www.scottishbarandpubawards.com

CALEDONIA INNS

GUIDE 23 YEARS OF CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN THE SCOTTISH LICENSED TRADE

incorporating the DRAM AWARDS 2018

AWARD CAT

DOG FRIENDLY PUB OF THE YEAR

CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD

Dog Firendly Pub of the Year is sponsored by Antos. They are hunting for a pub that provides a welcome for pet dogs. Do you know a pub or bar that allow customers to bring their friendly pooches inside? Do they provide a water bowl, and the occasional treat? If so, they could be in the running for this accolade. Judges will be bringing their own dogs on mystery visits (volunteers are queuing up!!)

If you think you know a pub or hotel that fits the bill – enter it now.

Customer service is paramount when it comes to running a successful business. BII Scotland is on the lookout for a pub, restaurant or hotel which fully embraces the customer service ethos. Do you know a business that does this? If so, they could be eligible for this Award.

Judges will look at the measures that are in place to ensure staff are well trained in customer service.

Short listing will be done by Mystery Shoppers and if necessary this will be followed up with a meeting with the judges. If you want to put a nomination in, do so now.

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Buzzworks and Flow are partnering to offer one young entrepreneur the opportunity to be mentored by one of the industry’s most experienced and successful individuals over a twelve month period.

Are you successful already, but would hugely benefit from great operational and financial advice, to allow your business to grow to the next level? If so let us know you think you would benefit. All candidates will be interviewed too.

Send your information to susan@ mediaworldltd.com

HOTELSCOTLAND SOCIAL MEDIA AWARD

AWARD FOR SUCCESS

HOTEL BAR OF THE YEAR

Social Media is very important when it comes to promoting your business. How well are you doing it? Do you think you are the best in Scotland? What a great way of demonstrating that you are by getting your customers to vote for you – not just in this category!

We’re looking for examples of great content, interaction and results.

Enter now at www. scottishbarandpubawards.com Visit scottishbarandpubawards. com/information-for-bars-pubs/ marketing-materials/ to use on your social media.

Success stories deserve to be recognised and celebrated. Do you know a licensee/proprietor that has grown their business over the past year. . Perhaps they have successfully continued a family company, or expanded, adopted innovation to develop their business, or have grown turnover?

This Year’s Scottish Bar & Pub Award judges would love to know of any hoteliers, restaurateurs or licensees, who fit the bill. Why not put them forward now to www.scottishbarandpubAwards. com.

Hotel Scotland, Scotland’s only dedicated hotel publication, is on the lookout for a great hotel bar.

Great service, a well put together drinks list, and inviting decor could help put you on the map as Scotland’s top hotel bar.

Hotels are the largest segment when it comes to malt whisky value sales accounting for more than 22% of sales and hotels sell five times more champagne than the market average.

Now you know. To enter ths category or to vote for a hotel bar go to www.scottishbarandpubAwards.com.

14

DRAM JUNE 2018

TEGORIES 2018 CASUAL DINING AWARD This year we are looking for a restaurant that also boasts a bar, that has created the perfect ambiance and food offering for casual dining, one of the biggest food trends of the moment.

Tasty, good value food, excellent customer service and a relaxed and inviting environment are all crucial. Do you think you know a venue that fits the bill? Why not nominate now.

WINE BY THE GLASS AWARD Do you have a great range of wine by the glass or do you know a bar, pub or restaurant that does? If so it could be eligible for this Award. A choice of wine range and the opportunity to buy it by the glass has a great appeal to the modern consumer. Judges will be looking for staff with good wine knowledge, a range of wine by the glass which offers a good balance of Old and New World wines, and which includes wine that you can drink on its own or with food. Do you, or does your favourite bar or restaurant seek to improve the customer experience by offering a step up in the quality of wine in its wine by the glass range, and has the wine on offer helped to improve the reputation of the outlet? If so enter your favourite wine by the glass venue now.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY & COMMUNITY AWARD

COCKTAIL BAR OF THE YEAR

Diageo is on the look-out for pubs, bars and people that embrace social responsibility and who also put something back into the community.

Do you know a pub or bar that has developed good relationships with local police, community safety partnerships, community groups, licensing boards and/or licensing forums to help minimise alcohol-related crime and disorder? Do they go the extra mile to promote responsible drinking; what do they do differently from other bars in the area? Do they interact with the local community. Let us know and they could be the proud recipients of this Award.

Do you think you know the best cocktail bar in Scotland or do you think you ARE the best Cocktail Bar in Scotland? If so why not enter the Disaronno Cocktail Bar of the Year category? Judges will be looking for a bar with a good ambience and well-trained staff who have a strong customer focus, as well as, the ability of staff to put their own spin on a Disaronno Sour. Expertly made cocktails, a willingness to experiment and a good knowledge of spirits are essential. If you think you fit the bill or you know a bar that does, please enter now telling us why you think so.

NEW BAR OF THE YEAR

BEER BAR OF THE YEAR

Kopparberg is on the lookout for Scotland’s best new bar The Kopparberg team is looking for a bar that has proved to be a success with customers – it doesn’t have to be the most stylish or the biggest, but owners should demonstrate creative forward-thinking and be inclined to think outside of the box when it comes to developing their business. It goes without saying but good customer service and an excellent range of products behind the bar is essential. Do you know a bar that deserves the title? If so put them forward for the accolade now.

Judges will be looking for an outlet with a range of good quality, well maintained beers, and a team who are passionate and knowledgeable about their line up. A passion for beer and the ability to educate their drinkers on all things beer is a must.

A team who aren’t afraid to champion beer with food – anything from a low alcohol lager, to a punchy IPA. If you know a pub that fits the bill, or you are one... vote at www. scottishbarandpubawards.com

DRAM JUNE 2018 15

incorporating the DRAM AWARDS 2018

AWARD CAT

THE PUB SPY AWARD

COUNTRY PUB OF THE YEAR

PUB OF THE YEAR

Pub Spy has been a great success since it returned to the Sunday Mail in 2016. This year the judges at the Scottish Bar & Pubs Awards, will be whittling down the positively reviewed pubs and four will make it through to the Award ceremony. The Pub Spy pubs will receive further mystery visits and customers will be encouraged to vote too at www.

Scottishbarandpubawards.com.

To see if you are eligible check out the Sunday Mail.

It’s never been more difficult to attract people to your pubs and it is even more difficult when customers have to drive to get there. That’s why this year we are looking to recognise the hard work that goes into making a country pub work by creating a category specifically for them. A welcoming atmosphere, great food, service and a good range of beers goes without saying. But do you know a country pub with an extra special something? If so enter it now.

This year the Sunday Mail Pub of the Year Award will go to the ‘best of the best’ at the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards.

This means that all the winners from the individual pub and bar categories will go forward to be considered for the ultimate accolade Pub of the Year.

With the overall winner picking up the coveted Sunday Mail Pub of the Year mirror.

BAR APPRENTICE 2018 WHISKY BAR OF THE YEAR Whisky is Scotland’s national drink and we know that there are some great whisky bars out there. The Wee DRAM is looking for licensees who 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 know a bar worth nominating?

16

DRAM JUNE MAY 2018 2018

The Bar Apprentice is back for its 11th year with – William Grant & Sons backing the initiative with brands Glenfiddich Single Malt Whisky, Hendrick’s Gin and Sailor Jerry, with more to be announced. They have a brand new programme lined up for this year’s apprentices – an experience you can’t buy! The programme aims to inspire and educate as well as giving practical experience for working behind the bar or on the floor. The 2018 apprentices will be mentored by a team of experts from William Grant & Son’s.The apprentice who embraces the experience and makes the most progress will receive the accolade William Grant & Sons Bar Apprentice 2018 and will be presented with the award at the Awards Ceremony.

guide BEST OUTSIDE AREA There is nothing better than having a pint of beer or a glass of wine in a well-presented outdoor area. Do you think you have the best one in Scotland or do you know a great outdoor area. We are looking for a well-designed, comfortable area, that welcomes all ages, and that can be utilised throughout the year.

If doesn’t to be huge but it does have to fit the criteria. You can enter at www.scottishbarandpubawards.com

TEGORIES 2018 DRAM MANAGER THE YEAR Due to popular demand this year we are introducing an award for Manager of the Year. We are looking for someone who is hard working, forward thinking with a ‘Can do attitude’. Someone who motivates their staff and is also a dab hand at ensuring everything in the venue runs smoothly, and someone who is also an expert at customer care. If you know someone who fits the bill. Put them forward now at www.scottishbarandpubawards.com

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT This honour is bestowed upon the person who during their career, have made a significant contribution to the licensed trade.

Last years winner was Linda Johnston of Auchrannie. Past recipients have also included:- David Urquhart, Billy Dunn, Bob Taylor, Lord MacFarlane, Angus Meldrum. Maroulla Nicholas, John Gilligan and Jonathan and Jeff Stewart.

WHISKY BRAND OF THE YEAR ��������������������������������� VODKA BRAND OF THE YEAR ��������������������������������� GIN BRAND OF THE YEAR ��������������������������������� BEER BRAND OF THE YEAR ENTRY DEADLINE 20TH JUNE GET YOUR CUSTOMERS TO VOTE FOR YOU AT SCOTTISHBARANDPUBAWARDS.COM

DRAM DRAMJUNE MAY 2018 2018 17

LICENSEE INTERVIEW BY SUSAN YOUNG

I

t was a beautiful day in Edinburgh when I caught up with the lovely Anna Christopherson. She is as bright and cheerful as the bars that she and husband, Mike, own. They include Boda – named after her hometown in Sweden – Hemma, Joseph Pearce’s, Sofi’s, Victoria and Akva where we met for the interview. They make up the Boda Swedish Bars and Restaurant Group.

Since establishing the business in 2003, the couple have lived and breathed their business. But they also live and breathe the communities that the bars are located in.

In fact, the day before I visited, Akva hosted a Garden Party at the bar and Anna dressed as a dinosaur. She tells me, “It was great. At first people were a bit shy about getting involved but we soon dragged people up from different tables. We based the garden games around Nordic Gods and Goddesses who had to eat golden apples to have eternal youth. People had to run around saving the apples from me ... dressed as a dinosaur! There were a lot of crazy people playing these totally stupid games! It was a great way of getting people to meet.”

She continues, “It might have been ridiculous but everyone enjoyed it.”

Anna is not just well known in her adopted home, but further afield too. In fact she tells me she has been interviewed by more than 20 journalists, from the Daily Mail to the Guardian, due to her ‘Plogging’ initiative. She explains, “One of my friends tagged me in a Facebook post regarding a new Swedish thing – which involves picking up litter while you are jogging. The Swedish word for picking up is ‘plocka upp’ and when you combine that with jogging you get ‘plogging’. I started out doing it with some friends and it just grew. So now we have a club where we go out ‘plogging’. I even suggested it to Ikea. I thought if they could get their staff out doing it, it would be a ‘win-win’ – lots of media coverage and litter collected too.”

She says, “I was brought up in the countryside in Sweden, we were all very close to nature. I was always taught to pick up litter and I have always done it. David Attenborough has done a great job at publicising the dangers of plastic to the environment but lots of us have been aware of the plastic issue for years, and I’ve always done my bit. For instance, we have had a green policy for the last few years – we have a bottle deposit system – people can come in with a plastic bottle and we either give them 10p for it or fill it with water for free even if they are not customers.”

It’s not the only initiative that Anna and Mike have instigated in their venues. They were one of the first businesses, that I can recall, to furnish their bar with recycled furniture. Says Anna, “I used to work in property when I lived in Sweden and I learned a valuable lesson when we opened a business in Denmark. The idea was to have really cool office accommodation for start-ups and we had a big budget to furnish them. Unfortunately start-ups often don’t survive, so the business model was flawed. We were left owed money and eventually we had to close the business. It was one of the biggest failures in my life! I sat there and went through the inventory. We had to sell everything for a lot less than we had paid for it and I thought this is stupid. Why are we buying fancy things that no one thanks us for? My business mind kicked in! And when we came to Edinburgh and decided to open a bar I thought I didn’t want to go down the cool route – instead I wanted people to feel welcome and I wanted to create a homely bar. So we bought old furniture that you would

18

DRAM JUNE 2018

BY SUSAN YOUNG

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

have in your home and revamped it. It is quite timeless décor. That became our ethos.”

She smiles, “If you came to my house you would see exactly the same. Lots of bright colours, furniture from my grandmother and some modern furniture too.

She also tells me that at home she and the family speak Swedish. Her two children, who were born in Edinburgh, also consider themselves Swedish. Anna explains, “Mike and I call both Sweden and Edinburgh home and my kids say they are Swedish. Although their English DRAM JUNE 2018 19

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR LICENSEE INTERVIEW is better than their Swedish – we they are amazing and that they do all speak Swedish at home. can do anything – the world is The rest of my family still live in their oyster. The problem is they Sweden and we try to spend six don’t know what they want to weeks in the summer there.” do. I tell them what I do, which As well as teaching her kids, who is to have micro-ambitions. I are 11 and 12, Swedish, she is set small goals for myself. For also instilling into them her own instance, I might say I will try to work ethic. She tells me that they run three times a week – if I can come in and help clear glasses. do it great, I feel good. No one The first bar that Mike and Anna else benefits, but I know that I opened was Boda – it is in Leith, succeeded. You don’t need to where the couple live. Says Anna, have a massive grand plan. Just “We live in Leith and I love it. It is do what you can do but do it a great area with lots of different well. That gives you a feeling of people and lots of different satisfaction.” nationalities. I think it is good to Today Anna and Mike have be inclusive and varied. We do grown their business to six WE HAVE BEEN INVESTING have certain issues in the area, bars from just one. Says Anna, MORE IN OUR STAFF TO GET but there are also lots of artists “We started out doing food, and it is a very natural society. and it has just evolved. When THEM TO STAY LONGER AND I hope it doesn’t ever change! In we had kids we made the bars WE LET THEM GET MORE fact this summer we are having child-friendly, and they are petINVOLVED AND HELP THEM TO our own ‘Chill’ Festival. It offers friendly too. But the Swedish UNDERSTAND THE BUSINESS. visitors a respite from the hustle ethos continues. For example, and bustle of the Fringe. We’ve we have a Swedish Midsummer ANNA CHRISTOPHERSON linked up with ten other bars in celebration complete with a Leith … I do hope tourists want Maypole and Swedish dancers. to see other parts of Edinburgh rather than just the Grassmarket. We also have Aquavit tastings, and so on. There are various clubs You’ve heard of ‘Netflix and Chill’, well we are doing Cocktails and from jogging to knitting and at Sofi’s. We do clothes swaps too – Chill! Each bar is doing different cocktails – and we have linked up it’s a cutsy bar. We also have singles’ nights, speed dating, dog with a local charity called Project 42. If you buy a wristband you owners’ nights and so on. All our bars are neighbourhood bars – we can get a yoga or Pilates class for £5, and if you buy for a second like to get involved with the local community and people who come person it will go to someone who couldn’t afford a class.” get to know each other. Even at Hemma, which is in the city, the Not that Anna needs to worry about affording a class, but she local businesses have got to know each other. We like to think of admits that 2017 wasn’t the easiest year. She tells me, “Last year ourselves as the original social network.” was really tough. And when things are tough you have to get better As far as trends go Anna sees session drinks, longer drinks and and smarter at what you are doing. You have to work a little bit bigger bottles becoming more popular. As for food, although better and be tighter with budgets. We have been investing more veganism is popular, she believes the way forward is ‘Flexitarian’. Says in our staff to get them to stay longer and we let them get more Anna, “I probably eat 90% vegetarian/vegan but I will have meat. involved and help them to understand the business. At the end of Our best seller in Joseph Pearce’s is our ultimate veggie burger, not the day, we are not a charity. We are here to make money and we our beefburger.” She also thinks that perhaps the trade need to rehave to pay our bills.” think opening hours. She says, “In Edinburgh, look at the number of She continues, ‘Recruitment has certainly been harder and it is big places that have been established. They are massive – they are so hard to get kitchen porters. No one wants to do it. I have tried big chains with big budgets. But people are drinking less, and they to recruit through job centres, the Princes Trust … you name it. will have to adjust. In Sweden, most bars are not open Monday and But people don’t show up. There are not so many Europeans now Tuesday, and I think it may come to that here too. We as a profession looking for jobs. They wanted to learn English and they worked hard need to do more and we have to take risks but still have fun and think because they were motivated. We are certainly missing them. But out the box. Not everything we should do is about food and drink – we luckily we do have a good reputation. Often staff do leave, but then are all about sociability too. After every event I always think how could come back perhaps to another position.” we do it better. Next year how can we make it bigger?”

Anna believes that it is more difficult for youngsters now. She With that attitude Anna and Mike’s business will continue to thrive, says, “I often have this conversation with people who work for me of that I am sure. She may have donned a dinosaur outfit, but her between the ages of 18 and 25. Their parents have told them business ethos is as far from that as you can get! n 20

DRAM JUNE 2018

A tailor-made EPOS for your hospitality business MAKE BETTER DECI SION S IZettle Pro and Backoffice give you in-depth reports. Track staff, stock and sales, all from the safety of your cloud-based portal.

GET SEVEN DAY SUPPORT

GIVE TOP-NOTCH SERVICE

Includes telephone, in-app and online support, seven days a week (8am– 8pm from Monday to Friday and 9am–6pm from Saturday to Sunday).

Enhance each customer’s experience by taking orders and payments directly at their tables.

£39

per month +VAT for a single iPad licence Try iZettle Pro for seven days with our free trial*.

Call 0800 404 5805 to get started.

*Terms & conditions apply DRAM JUNE 2018 21

George Street, Edinburgh

CANDY BAR DESIGN FOCUS

E

dinburgh’s Candy Bar has just been given a makeover by owners Montpeliers. The George Street basement venue, bought by the company in 2002, has been refreshed to appeal to the bar’s sophisticated audience.

Innes Bolt, Managing Director of Montpeliers, told DRAM, “Candy Bar hasn’t had a full refurbishment for over five years and we all felt it was time to freshen the interior up and move the product on a few notches. The market place is incredibly competitive now in Edinburgh and it would be very easy to get left behind.”

He continued, “The brief was to strip the existing product back to its original features and put back in a fresh, cleaner and more simplistic product. Our market place is still the same young student/ professional crowd looking for a fantastic night out. However, they are much more discerning so we have improved the music, drinks and food offers. The environment is a bit of a blank canvas so we are also in the process of inviting local artists to come in and help us evolve the interior design. This will always be a work in progress and something we are very excited about. We managed to stick to this throughout – there’s always tweaking to be done but that’s part

22

DRAM JUNE 2018

Proud to be associated with the Candy Bar and wishing all the best.

sales@freshfoodcompany.co.uk www.freshfoodcompany.co.uk

BY JOCELYN O’KEEFE of Candy’s product.”

Now in the Candy Bar, which is known for its sweetie-jar covered walls, there is a serious lack of candy!

The colour scheme has been drastically changed. The base of the new colour scheme in the bar is very earthy with lots of brown and green. It has a lot of neutral tones thanks to the use of exposed brick and brown tones in the wood and upholstery. This allows the splashes of colour to really pop, but the only main colour they have used is green. Although this will most likey change soon as the bar has plans to invite artists and graffiti artists in to decorate the brick walls.

The front and side walls have been stripped and pushed back to expose the original brick, this immediately opens up the space making it feel bigger while creating a far more rustic feel to the place. The ceilings have also been raised, and there is an industrial edge to the design as the steel features have now been exposed.

There is also a brand-new bar, complete with shiny emerald tiles covering the wall of the bar in a herringbone pattern. The deep green tiles featured on the bar are also used sparingly along the

Scotland's specialist one stop shop wholesaler for food and drinks

Proud supplier to Candy Bar Order Online - and now by App too!

TEL: 01698 727 777 www.dunnsfoodanddrinks.co.uk 32 GLASGOW ROAD, BLANTYRE, G72 0JY DRAM JUNE 2018 23

DESIGN FOCUS right-hand wall and the place is adorned with plants everywhere you look. There are plants hanging from the ceiling, shelves run along the walls where plants sit, and plenty more are dotted around the bar and on tables.

The new layout creates a spacious and open feel, with only a few tables in the centre of the space and long, slim high tables to the right of the bar. The majority of the seating runs tight to the walls, leaving plenty of room in the centre. They made the decision to upcycle a lot of their furniture. Neil Bowie, General Manager of The Candy Bar, comments, “We didn’t want everything to feel brand new, we wanted to keep things with marks on them and let them look a bit more rustic and used.”

The seating is an eclectic mix of upcycled steel bar stools and colourful plastic chairs. As well as fixed seating along the front wall and booth-style seating, both of which have been upholstered in caramel leather.

The lighting is also a mixture of styles. There are glass lanterns, steel industrial-style lights and modern droplet lights. This accentuates the combination of themes in the bar.

The kitchen has had to be updated as well to accommodate the new menu, which offers a slightly smaller but higher quality selection from the previous ‘all food for £5’ menu.

Says Innes, “The Candy Bar has always been a vibrant party bar for the young professionals and students alike, it’s been an institution since it opened in 2002. It has a great daytime and early evening food offer that accommodates everyone, but as the night progresses it operates more like a late-night bar than any of our other businesses and it’s a great pre-club location.” n 24

DRAM JUNE 2018

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE TEAM AT CANDY BAR ON THEIR NEW LOOK! Coors Light is the UK’s 5th biggest lager brand*.

Enjoy Coors Light at Candy Bar.

*Source: CGA On Premise Lager MAT 27/01/2018.

DRAM MAY 2018 25

DESIGN FOCUS

26

DRAM JUNE 2018

TunnelStreet, Finnieston, Glasgow

RED SKY BAR

BY SUSAN YOUNG

I

f you are looking for a bar with a view there can be no better venue in Glasgow than the new Red Sky Bar at the Radisson. Owned by Forrest Hotels and operated by Radisson Red, it really does have the most spectacular views of the River Clyde, the Hydro, SEC, the Armadillo and the Park area of Glasgow.

Designer Mark Brunjes of CM Design has made the most of the panorama with floor to ceiling windows that wrap around the bar area and minimal clutter which allows to you to focus on the jaw dropping vista. He says, “I was very excited to be invited to design the Red Sky Bar and terrace at the new Radisson RED hotel. The design for the hotel is very unique and our client wanted a contemporary classic design for the RED Sky Bar which would appeal to a wide age group but it was important that nothing should detract the panoramic

views of the river clyde, the ‘squinty’ bridge, the Finnieston crane, the Hydro, the Armidillo, along with the headquarter buildings of the BBC and STV across the river.”

He continues, “The client wanted the RED Sky Bar to provide an alternative offering and not to fit within the “Radisson RED brand”, but it needed to relate in its DNA to the building it’s sitting on top of, and continue to create the WOW factor for guests. The client’s vision was to create a true destination bar and be the first of its kind in Glasgow.”

The bar, which is situated on the 9th floor of the hotel, seats up to 120 guests at a time and also has a special private function room with its own, private views of the city skyline, and a roof terrace.

As you come out of the lift into the Red Sky Bar the first thing that DRAM JUNE 2018 27

DESIGN FOCUS strikes you, is of course, the view, but generally the the design of the bar is quite pared back with pops of colour. For instance as you come into the bar, on the right there is a comfortable seating area with a vibrant piece of art hanging on a marble-effect white wall above a modern rectangular living flame fire.

Says Mark, “The marble clad fireplace feature wall has a long horizontal glass fronted contemporary fire with artwork above, and display bookcases either side with objet d’arts and books on Art, Music and Glasgow history. The rug in front of the fireplace is handmade to a Paul Smith design.”

He continues, “The bar front is Portora Gold marble, an unusual black marble with a gold vein and the bar gantry is formed in square brass tube, with LED illuminated glass shelves. The rear of the two gantries has clear glass to the corridor, so when arriving by lift there is an immediate view through the floor to ceiling windows.”

The ceiling shows off the exposed ducting and is matt black in colour while pillars which are strategically placed the length of the bar have been clad in shimmery tiles – they refect the light and create some 28

DRAM JUNE 2018

visual drama. They also have a shelf at posing height – which will allow guests, when it is standing room only, to perch the drinks at the pillars. Mark comments, “Any walls that are not glazed are tiled in floor to ceiling in 1200 x 1200mm Calacutta Gold porcelain tiles, a white marble with a subtle gold vein.”

The predominant colours throughout are dark gray, light gray and bright red. All the modern sofa’s are dark gray with little stripped colourful cushions – and all the furniture is movable. There is a mix of sofa’s, round white posing tables, tall stools and regular square tables – all the lower tables have dark wood tops. The bar stools have bright red upholstery and the other bright red pops are evidenced in the light shades which hang immediately in front of the windows.

The floor, which has a herringbone design, is also dark and the design draws your eye to the view.

The bar itself runs the length of the room, and just in front of the bar there is an area of off-white tiles, which the bar stools sit on.

The bar top is a shiny black material while there is a further dark

marble effect used on the base.

It may seem obvious but the whole bar has a very airy feel – the bar stools are not closed in and the chair legs are also visible which allows you to almost look through the furniture. It does feel a bit corporate, a bit like a very nice airport lounge, but then with the volume of people who have visited so far, waiting time for the lift at night, is a bit like waiting to board a plane.

It also boasts a terrific roof terrace, which is at the far end of the bar. The terrace seats over 30 people and has the Red Sky Bar iconic logo on the wall, the perfect backdrop for those social media photos!

Mike McColm, who honed his love for innovative cocktail creations at Glasgow institution, Tiki Bar & Kitsch Inn is running the bar.

He comments,“We want Red Sky Bar to become a favourite Clydeside hang out for everyone, not just those staying at the hotel. We want to create an atmosphere that suits all occasions, be that special drinks to celebrate birthdays, pre- drinks before shows at the Hydro, or a quick pint after work.” n DRAM JUNE 2018 29

@dramscotland

SUE SAYS

/dram.scotland

What a treat it has been for the trade over the last four weeks – I don’t know about you but I cannot remember having a sustained amount of weather at this time of year, just about ever. Great news for those with outside areas and on-street tables. But it also drives people out socialising and can get them into new habits.

It’s a habit I am keen to get back into … you might have noticed, or you might not, but I’ve been keeping a low profile for the last six months – because I managed to detach my retina. Not great news when you are a journalist and when you like socialising!

However the good news is that finally I am back to normal.

Although my last wee op was brought forward which threw deadlines out, so we will be back to our normal schedule next month. But next month will also be my last one as Editor because I am delighted to report that Jason Caddy is returning to the DRAM team and he will be taking over from me, and I am also absolutely delighted that Lynn Kelly is returning as Commercial Manager. Obviously I am not going anywhere but it will allow me to focus on some of my pet projects.

All the research that I have looked at over the last year is focussing on how important it is to create the complete customer experience, it’s not just about service, but it includes the environment and food too. So when we are out judging this year for the Awards... that’s exactly what we will be looking at. We have been overwhelmed (just about) by the number of entries – as we go to press we are at 2,500... and there are still 10 days to go before we stop taking votes. If you have not yet got your customers to vote for you why not utilise our marketing material at www.scottishbarandpubawards.com to share on your social media. You’ve got to be in it, to win it!

Harry Hood of Lisini has been very vocal (as have many others I know) about the current rating situation and I have promised him that I will organise a lunch so that we can discuss it, and plan a PR plan to put the case to the people that matter. I do know that there is a lot going on behind the scenes, however perhaps it is time to put the issues at the forefront of politicians minds, sooner rather than later. And of course the media... with House of Fraser just announcing 6,000 jobs are going perhaps it is time to do some research and find out what the impact of the increases will be on Scotland’s job scenario. If you would like to get involved... contact me at Susan@mediaworldltd.com We have another new face at the DRAM – Jocelyn O’Keefe, and although she is very much a junior reporter, and learning on the job, I have to say I am learning from her too. She is 19 (going on 30) and has been working in bars since she was 16... (enough said)... and its been an education. For instance I didn’t realise how little youngsters actually use the phone to call each other! So now I know what it is so hard to get hold of younger bartenders it will be texts from now on. I also realise how important Instagram is for encouraging younger folk to visit your bars! So that is Jocelyn’s next job.

30

DRAM JUNE 2018

I visited the Cold Town Brewery at Canongate in Edinburgh last month. Owern Nic Wood of Signature Pubs gave us a taste of his new brew and it was really lovely. In fact, as many of you know, I don’t drink beer but... I did enjoy Cold Town because there was no hoppy aftertaste. He tells me it is flying out the door in his pubs (I’m not surprised) and his brewing team are certainly doing their bit – they don’t brew it, they deliver it too.

Congrats on the new venture.

Supplying the latest gaming machines, skill and quiz games, pool tables, jukeboxes and more to the license trade.

Now supplying

ice making machines and glasswashers!

OUR PRODUCTS We supply the latest gaming machines, skill and quiz games, pool tables, jukeboxes, plasma screen TV’s, CCTV, sound systems and more OUR SERVICE We deliver, install and maintain our products. You can rely on us to deliver excellent service and back up.

Gambling commision approved

CALL US 0141 649 9922 EMAIL US info@newcoinautomatics.com VISIT US Unit 9, Shawbridge Street, Glasgow

SHOWCASE PROPERTY & SHOWCASE • Over 30 years business sales experience • Well respected within the marketplace • Unrivalled Director-led service • Competitive fee structure

Confidential PubliC House, lanarksHire

former CHurCH, keitH street, Hamilton

anglers inn, guildtown, PertHsHire

House o Hill Hotel, newton stewart

Freehold: oFFers in the region £375,000

leasehold / Freehold: oFFers invited

Freehold: oFFers in region £350,000 leasehold: option available

Freehold: oFFers in excess oF £325,000 (incl. cottage oiro £395,000)

• Under the same ownership for over 20 years • Prime trading location-parking to the rear • Well respected and presented “locals” bar • Very easily run, single bar operationwet led only • T/O for Y/E June 17 was c. £300k net • Barrelage (MAT) in the region of 325 • Includes 2 one bed flats (currently let) • Ideal for single operator or as part of portfolio

32

DRAM JUNE 2018

• Outstanding Bar/Restaurant/Development Opportunity • GIA circa 486 sqM (5,236 SqFt) • Prominent position within town centre • Close to Palace retail park with Asda, Boots, Vue Cinema etc • Surrounding pubs, restaurants, nightclub, hotels etc • Adjacent to large council car park

• Award winning village inn • Located 6 miles north of Perth • Lounge bar, restaurant and 5 e/s letting rms • Extensive refurbishment within last 2 years • 1 bed flat and private car park • Ideal for chef/family operator • Offers potential to grow turnover

• Family run hotel and established restaurant • 2 e/s rooms, breakfast room, function room, public bar and restaurant • 2 bed self-contained owners/managers flat • 12 acres of land offering development potential • Potential to expand the business further • Renowned for its food, setting and atmosphere • 2 bed cottage (for sale at separate neg.)

SHOWCASE

SHOWCASE

CATERING EQUIPMENT

KIRKLEES DEVELOPMENTS LTD

HOG ROAST UP TO 200lb

From Only £1920

MAGNUM 8 BURNER

From Only £1460

ZENITH 5 From Only £645

Call us or visit our web site to order Tel: 01484 401134 www.kdev.co.uk enquiries@kdev.co.uk All prices exclude carriage and vat DRAM JUNE 2018 33

ROUNDUP COVER STORY Uncle Bob and his team of merry cyclists had great weather for their fundraising cycle in aid of the BEN. The cyclists, who included Michele Pagliocca from the Butterfly & Pig, John Hutchison of Heineken, Steve Graham and Steve Buckley from Manorview and David McGowan of Broughton Brewery and a further 24 cyclists, left from the BEN Pitlochry Estate and stopped off at Blair Athol Distillery for lunch. Says Uncle Bob, ““A great day was had by all and I would just like to thank the cyclists and support team in Pitlochry and surrounding area raising, as well as our sponsors Amstel and Inverarity Morton. You can still contribute to the fundraising effort by logging on to www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/bensoc/unclebob

Wedding Celebrations Congratulations to John Burns of Bloc+ and Kiran Dulai – who tied the knot in Santorini last month. We have a wedding photo, but if you get the chance ask John or Kiran to share the wedding video – it’s absolutely fabulous. Kiran wore a traditional Indian Sari – while John donned the traditional Scottish kilt...it looks like an amazing party!

Then that is hardly a surprise!

Another hospitality duo got hitched a couple of weeks ago – Emma Tomkins married Andy MacSween. Emma is the daughter of Alan Tomkins, and is involved in running the Glasgow restaurant and bar business which includes Vroni’s and Ollies, while Andy is GM at Ox and Finch. They transported the guests to the reception in traditional Tunnock’s Double Decker buses. The bride and groom are currently on Honeymoon, but we would like to say congratulations to them both.

JURA REVEALS ALL There was a nearly a take-over of the Kelvingrove Cafe in Glasgow last month when Jura Single Malt Whisky unveiled its new signature series and a bold new direction. The event at the Kelvingrove Cafe was absolutely packed and guests saw, for the first time, its new signature series - Journey, Jura 10, Jura 12, Seven Wood and Jura 18. As you can see the new range went down a storm. The cocktails went down a treat too!

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: news@mediaworldltd.com w: dramscotland.co.uk Editor Susan Young • Chairman Noel Young • Editorial Jocelyn O’Keefe • Advertising Syliva Forsyth, Jacqui Allan • Production Lorraine Gourlay, Dougie Wagstaff • 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 2018. Printed by Stephens & George Print Group.

34

DRAM JUNE 2018

Co m pli

m en

ta

A Wee guide to EDINBURGH 2016

guide to...

EDINBURGH

DRAM

cocktails Winter warmers 2017

View the Mediaworld portfolio at dramscotland.co.uk UPPER FLOOR / FINNIESTON HOUSE, 1 THE STABLES YARD / 1103 ARGYLE STREET, GLASGOW G3 8ND

t: 0141 221 6965

ry

INVERARITY MORTON Beyond Expectations since 1945.

Inverarity Morton is Scotland’s leading independent wines and spirits merchant.

We are able to supply the licensed trade with an unrivalled portfolio of packaged drinks products.

Our wine list features over 1400 wines handpicked from around the world.

0141 620 6100 sales@inveraritymorton.com www.inveraritymorton.com

We have an extensive range of boutique premium spirits, with craft beers, real ales and soft drinks also forming part of our drinks portfolio.

We deliver beyond expectations.