NEWS All the news on pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels.

A Ball Pit for grown-ups!

Edinburgh is to get a ball pit for grown-ups when Ballie Ballerson opens shortly in the former McSorley’s Irish Bar in Forrest Road. It’s flagship site is located on Curtain Road, Shoreditch in London but the Edinburgh site is the first one to open outside of England, It will include a waist-deep, wall-to-wall, mirrored, LED disco bottomed ball pit filled to the brim with clear balls, which are cleaned, disinfected, and dried regularly to take on the colour and effect of the ever-changing ball pit vibe. The 300-capacity, 7500 square foot bar will be spread over two floors and is currently being renovated by a team that includes classically trained graffiti artist Armando and up and coming graphic designer Emma Thurlow to create custom murals and UV designs throughout including Ballie’s signature slogans.Founder, Wenny Armstrong (above) said, “We’re so excited to bring all things Ballie Ballerson to Edinburgh. Scotland was an easy choice when expanding Ballie Ballerson outside of England because we know Scots are always up for a good time. It’s been difficult keeping it a secret but we’re so glad to get the news out there and be ready to welcome some new ballers through our doors.’ Ballie Ballerson will be open 6pm – 1am, Wednesday – Sunday. Bar entry is free and ball pit entry will be ticketed with managed time slots.

KORA MAKES ITS DEBUT

Chef Tom Kitchin and his wife Michaela’s new Edinburgh restaurant KORA, which in Greek mythology is the ‘Goddess of Flowers, vegetation and spring, has made its debut. The 65- cover Bruntsfield restaurant which officially opened on 2nd July, also has a separate stylish bar area and the restaurant will operate 4 days a week, Thursday to Sunday. Kora’s Head Chef is James Chapman while the front-ofhouse team is led by General Manager Greig Munro, who is supported by Assistant Manager, Sophie Copland who joins the team from Kitchin’s award-winning gastropub The Scran & Scallie and Bar Manager Kevin Stuart completes the team. Chef Tom Kitchin comments, “We have a first-class team, ready to lead a new kind of restaurant and bar that puts local talent, local suppliers and local produce centre-stage. “We’re really proud to be able to give some of our existing team members fresh challenges. The hospitality industry offers incredible opportunities for talented and passionate people and it is exciting to see our team grow and establish themselves. We’re pleased to also welcome some new faces who have spent time at our other venues immersing themselves in our ‘From Nature to Plate’ philosophy and commitment to excellence.”

MANORVIEW ADD THE BOTHWELL BRIDGE TO ESTATE

Manorview Group, the Scottish boutique hotel operator, has added the 11th venue to its collection with the acquisition of Bothwell Bridge Hotel in Bothwell, South Lanarkshire. This follows the acquisition of the Brisbane House Hotel in Largs last month. The Bothwell Bridge Hotel, a 90-bedroom hotel with dining, wedding and function facilities, has been owned by the Martalo family since 1980. It was originally known as The Clyde Hotel, with the building dating back to the early 19th century Steve Graham, Founder & Director of Manorview said, “We look forward to taking the baton from the Martalo family and continuing the legacy and story of this wonderful hotel and historic property. We take great pride in our properties, and this will be no different.” Manorview will continue to operate the hotel as is, honouring all existing bookings and ensuring wedding couples enjoy their day as already planned and agreed. But they also plan to invest heavily in the property in the near future. Steve continued, “Opportunities to acquire properties of this kind don’t come along often, so we are delighted to be bringing Bothwell Bridge into the Manorview collection. Like many of our venues, the building itself has fantastic character and quality, and offers so much potential for the future. While our initial focus will be on getting to know the business better, looking after customers, and supporting the existing team, we fully intend to invest heavily in the interior and exterior of the venue in the coming years. This is something we’ve done on varying levels with every venue we’ve acquired since our inception in 2006. Breathing fresh life into historic buildings is something we’re very passionate about.” The eleventh venue in Manorview’s collection will add 50% to the group’s bedroom capacity, something the business was keen to invest in. David Tracey, Manorview’s Managing Director said, “Scotland has so much to offer national and international guests and adding 90 bedrooms to our capacity will ensure that as a group we can host even more visitors. The venue mirrors the model of many of our other hotels and we look forward to bringing our learnings from other properties to the table, as well as fully understanding where Bothwell Bridge sits in the market, to give future guests the best possible experience.” Armando Cirignaco, former General Manager of Bothwell Bridge Hotel, said, “The Martalo family is proud to have served the Bothwell community for more than four decades and, as we pass the reins to Manorview, we know we are leaving the business we have built in excellent hands with another family firm. We would like to thank the local community for their custom and loyalty and we wish the new operators every success.”

STATION HOTEL GOES ON THE MARKET

The Station Hotel in Larbert is on the market for the first time in 20 years for offers in the region of £775k for the freehold. Drysdale & Company are marketing the hotel, which is immediately adjacent to the train station. Despite the challenges of the last couple of years business has traded well but the owner John Black now is planning to retire with his wife. The property includes a private car park, as well as a large beer garden to the rear of the building, which has utilised a marquee to host events in the past. A separate lounge bar/ restaurant on the ground floor level and commercial kitchen. A further lounge/function room is available on the first floor which is also where the bedrooms are situated. Stuart Drysdale, owner and Director at Drysdale & Company says, “The Station Hotel is an institution within Larbert presenting an excellent opportunity as a business for either an owner/operator or to be purchased and managed by a multiple site operator. The high barrelage level recorded will be attractive to a group that can source their own beer supply from this free-of-tie hotel. Mr Black, the present owner, has been personally involved in the operation of the business for over twenty years. We look forward to marketing the opportunity for sale to allow him and his wife to enjoy their retirement.”

NEWS

RICKSHAW & CO WHEELS INTO PARTICK

Rickshaw & Co – the new bar and restaurant which has opened on the site of the former Hyde Cocktail bar in Partick, is a vibrant new addition to Glasgow’s west end and offers a modern perspective on street food from the bustling food markets of India and Bangladesh. The expansive space is split over two floors, complete with a 120-cover restaurant mezzanine, an outside terrace and a café bar. As you enter their doors, you’ll find a giant monkey mural by the entrance and an Instagrammable decorative rickshaw which customers can jump on for photos. With bright block colours throughout and beautiful handpainted booths that embody the Bengali culture, you’ll find everything from animated orange tigers and stunning yellow peacocks as part of the creative decor. Co-owner Tushar Ahmed, said, “It’s been over two years since we started this project and it feels good to be finally opening those doors! Come to Rickshaw and Co to soak up the feelings, aromas and flavours from Bombay to Dhaka. Rickshaw is located at 9 - 17 Patrick Bridge

Chef referral scheme launched by Buzzworks

Buzzworks Holdings has introduced a new employee bonus scheme for any staff member who refers a friend to join the company with a focus on recruiting chefs. The referral scheme could see the referrer walking away with up to £1,500 if they recommend someone who takes up a full-time, permanent position. The move comes following Buzzwork’s recent acquisitions and ongoing expansion plans. Nicola Watt, Head of People at Buzzworks Holdings, said, “With Buzzwork’s ambitious expansion plans, we are in constant need to match new recruits to our current vacancies in order for the business to really thrive. “We know how powerful word of mouth can be, so we are looking to our own people and our communities to refer motivated and talented individuals, utilising an impressive bonus pot to reward and thank successful referrals.” Buzzworks estate is now 17-strong and includes Scotts in Troon, Largs and South Queensferry, Vic’s & The Vine in Prestwick, Lido venues in Prestwick and Troon, The Tree House in Ayr, The Long House and The Duke in Kilmarnock and their newest venue, The Fox, Troon.

PIZZA FOR THE PEOPLE

Pizza Geeks in Edinburgh are giving back to the local community through their ‘Pizza for the People’ initiative by opening their Haymarket restaurant every Tuesday between 1-3pm to offer a slice of pizza to anyone who needs it. Since Pizza Geeks launched their ‘Pizza for the People’ initiative back in 2018, they have so far given 23,805 pizzas to those in need. Originally ‘Pizza for the People’, saw sales of their featured pizza matched and donated to homeless and disadvantaged people within their local community. Since then, they have been constantly looking for ways they could expand it to the wider community. Patrick Ward and Finlay Clarkson, Co-Founders of Pizza Geeks said, “With the cost of living crisis causing so many worries for people all over the country we feel now is a good time to do so. “Community slice is for anyone who could use one so please if you know anyone who is struggling at this time let them know and hopefully pizza geeks can help a little bit”