DRAM Scotland May 401

Drink Cruzcampo® Responsibly. Brewed in the UK.

WELCOME

Another month has whizzed by and it has certainly been eventful.

Our Cover features Jason Cockburn, Sales and Operations Director for Molson Coors in Scotland celebrating having secured pouring rights at the OVO Hydro. He is pictured with Debbie McWilliams, OVO Hydro’s Director of live entertainment.

SHG hosted its regular lunch at the start of the month at Eusebi which was excellent. There are some pics on page 29.

I also visited the new Zhima - it certainly has the Wow factor. Read all about it on page 30. It’s certainly shaping up to be a Summer of Sport and Nicola Walker reveals some pubs and bars which are going all out to make the most of every sporting occasion.

Also check out our awards pages - and remember we are happy to give you visuals to encourage your customers and sales reps to vote. Contact Nicola Walker at NicolaWalker@mediaworldltd. com

I am delighted to say that our digital presence is constantly growing. If you haven’t signed up for our newsletters and be first with the news why not do so now.

See you all next month.

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

COVER PIC: JEFF HOLMES

May 2024 FEATURES

FOCUS ON CIDER

All the news and some interesting facts on the UK cider market.

15

20

23

STARTING 11 FOR A SUMMER OF SPORT Nicola Walker checks out some of the best bars showing sport.

MAKING THEIR MARK ON HOSPITALITY

Three of Scotland’s most dynamic hoteliers.

SCOTTISH BAR & PUB AWARDS

The categories for the 2024 Awards.

DESIGN FOCUS

Zhima, Glasgow 30

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

SUE SAYS

Our publisher Sue pulls no punches. /dram.scotland

Old Fish Bar pivots to cocktails

Shawlands has a new cocktail bar in the shape of The Old Fish Bar and their first menu will be completely alcohol free. The former fish and chip shop has been taken over by Stefano Azzaro.

Stefano, originally from Sicily, has been in Glasgow since 2019 and has 15-years’ experience in hospitality. The venue will offer a themed cocktail and small plates menu that will change ever six weeks. Despite previously owning a bar in Italy, this is his first venue in the UK, and he has spent the past year bringing his vision to life.

Stefano says, “I’m very excited to open and the first menu is testament to our innovative spirit. Every drink has been inspired by the flavours of sea and is based on a story or legend featured on our menu. We’ve used a lot of seaweed, a sea moss from the Highlands and even albumin extracted from fish skin.

“I was initially sceptical about adopting a completely alcohol-free model for the first menu. However, after extensive research and experimentation, including the exploration of various non-alcoholic spirits and controlled fermentation techniques, I am confident in our new direction. Rest assured though, the traditional spirits that are currently on our shelves are simply on temporary hiatus will return, with the next menu.”

AYE EAT JOINS AYE INVERNESS

MAISON BY GLASCHU MOVES INTO PRINCES SQUARE

Maison by Glaschu, owned by the Superlative Restaurant Collection, will be launching this month in Glasgow’s Princes Square. The French inspired bar and brasserie is being created by the team behind Gost, Glaschu and The Duke’s Umbrella, Owner, Andy McCartney, said, “We’re looking forward to being a part of the Princes Square community with the launch of Maison by Glaschu. The new bar and restaurant draws inspiration from our fine dining sister restaurant, Glaschu, serving up the best of Scottish produce in a more relaxed brasserie setting.”

Courtney Flynn, Head of Sales, PR & Comms, Superlative Dining Collection, added, “We are delighted to be adding a new concept for the group, French and Mediterranean-inspired dishes with delicious cocktails and of course lots of Champagne!”

The kitchen will be headed up by Director of Food, John Molloy, who says, “MAISON will be a game changer in the city centre - a brasserie perfectly tailored to the all-day dining needs of Glasgow. The food has a classic French brasserie feel to it, while taking inspiration from our sister restaurant, Glaschu, and really utilising the outstanding Scottish produce we have available on our doorstep. I can’t wait to open our doors and for people to see what we’ve been working on.”

2ND EDINBURGH VENUE FOR SIX BY NICO

Six By Nico have submitted plans last month to The City of Edinburgh Council that will see them occupying the former Foundry 39 site on Queensferry Street in Edinburgh.

The large bar and restaurant unit has not been in use since appearing on the market in October 2023. The plans and images submitted by Six By Nico include changes to the shop front that will create a whole new look and feature the sleek branding the company is associated with.

This unit will be Six By Nico’s second venture into the capital with their first located on Hanover Street.

AYE STAY IN

Aye Eat Restaurant, owned by husband-and-wife

David and Roberta Shayer opened in Inverness last month. The couple, who also own Aye Stay Guest House, have designed the venue themselves and describe it as ‘a Scottish restaurant using great local Scottish produce’.

David explains, “We wanted to make it an experience as well as a restaurant – so it felt like you are in the Scottish Highlands when you come in the door. The venue used to be an electrical store, so we had to build it from scratch.

“The interiors are all custom made by local tradesmen. We have two custom built lodges which act as private dining areas. Plus, we also have a feature wall of 160 different sporrans This creates a great feature for photographs and social media moments.

“We are open 7 days from noon to 11pm. One unique thing we have here is a Josper Grill, it’s a real charcoal oven, so you get a unique BBQ flavour taste. It’s the first one in the Highlands. We even do Highland Cow steaks cooked on it.

We also like to do twists on traditional Scottish dishes like stovies, cranachan and we even have an Irn Bru cheesecake.

“Our guesthouse is only a 10-minute walk from the restaurant, and we can do up to 800 guests a month there, but the restaurant is not just a tourist place, we want it to be for locals as well.”

NEWS

Firewater gets set for Dundee

After teasing an opening last year, Firewater Dundee is set to open in midMay. Located in the old Industry nightclub unit on Seagate, the brand, which was one of the first Glasgow venues to offer the Living Wage, are looking forward to bringing their ‘Real Music, Hard Liquor’ slogan to the east.

The venue has a capacity of 740, nearly double the size of its sister venue in Glasgow and will have a ground floor bar, a basement nightclub and even a mezzanine level that will house their DJ box and a small area that can be used for private functions for up to 20 people. Co-owner, Lisa Macdonald, says, “The building has been fully refurbished. It’s been a big project, but we’ve installed

Edinburgh Nepalese restaurant Gautam’s is getting a new sister restaurant, Thamel by Gautam’s. It will be located in East London Street. The restaurant will take the place of the former Harmonium Bar & Kitchen site.

Gautam’s will be a ‘cosmopolitan Nepalese kitchen and speakeasy bar’. An opening date is yet to be revealed however the venue is undergoing a full refurbishment courtesy of JA!COCO! who have recently also given Gautam’s a new look. Owner Khima Gautam also owns the popular Solti restaurant in the capitals Old Town.

OLD TOLL BAR TEAM GETS SET TO EXPAND WITH NEW CAFE

The team behind the Old Toll Bar, The Red Door Club and Ryans Bar in Govanhill are opening a new venue, this time in Giffnock.

The Giffnock Café opens at the start of this month and promises a café brunch option as well as small plates, wines and cocktails. It takes over the space formerly occupied by Ian Brown Food & Drink.

Operations Manager for the group, Grant Montgomery, says “Giffnock is a great area and a lovely neighbourhood. We want to be a destination venue for the area and bring something unique.

“We will have around 40 covers inside and we are planning on putting in an outside decking area that will seat around 20 more.

“It’s been incredibly touching that Ian and Sheila thought we were the right people to take on this unit as they really made a stamp on the neighbourhood, having had the venue for 12 years. We really want to do this justice and bring what we already do in terms of cocktails, bar offering, service and reputation and couple that with great food. We’ve never had the space to do that before.

“We have amazing chefs coming on board and we are looking to do pairings and tastings with wine, whisky and such like. It will be a whole new experience for us, but we have the capabilities to make it an amazing venue.”

some great features like a disco ball wall in basement and a disco ball ceiling on the ground floor.

“Everybody knows Firewater as an iconic brand as Firewater Glasgow has been open since 2001. We are so excited to be expanding and coming to Dundee. Everyone has been so nice, and the other local business have been really supportive. The feedback from potential customers has also been great and we’ve had lots of messages on our socials to find out when we’re opening.

“Everyone is welcome and we’re hoping to get a really mixed crowd in. It’ll be great to show people the brand-new club and to get open 7 nights a week doing what we do best.”

Mediterraneo in Glasgow has been acquired by father and son, Eufemio and Romano Perella who also own Amore Italian restaurant in the city. Jonathan Clough, of Smith and Clough, who sold the restaurant comments, “Mediterraneo was established in 2009 by Mario Romano, who was described as the Grandpapa of Glasgow’s Italian dining scene, however after his death in 2011 the business was taken over by brothers Mariano and Nunzio Russo who had run it up until now.

“The business has been bought by father and son duo Eufemio and Romano Perella who own and operate Amore Italian restaurant, at the top of Ingram Street, as well as a number of other restaurants and fish & chip shops throughout Glasgow. We understand that they plan to refurbish and rebrand the premises later this year.

“I would like to wish Eufemio & Romano all the best with their new venture which I am sure will be a tremendous success.”

NEWS

The

Bungo is up for sale

The Bungo located on Nithsdale Road in the Southside of Glasgow has been put on the market for offers over £1.1 million by owners Catherine Hardy and Jacqueline Fennessy. The popular neighbourhood bar and restaurant in suburb Strathbungo originally opened in 2011 and is extremely popular with locals. The ground floor bar and restaurant which caters for 150 covers also has a basement function and event space with a capacity of 100. The venue is run completely under management with a 2023 turnover of circa £1M net with 72% gross profit. It has been listed for sale by Smith & Clough Business Associates who said, “The Bungo enjoys an excellent reputation for its quality food and service, all served in a relaxed environment with a real neighbourhood spirit, serving up a variety of contemporary menus including brunch, small plates, a la carte.”

Ibiza comes to Glasgow

Café Ibiza looks set to get the party started with its launch this month, just in time for the summer season.

The former Botany Bar & Restaurant on Maryhill Road has been purchased by Jack Quirk and is currently closed for refurbishment. Billed as an ‘Ibiza style party bar and restaurant’ the venue promises ‘Glasgow’s largest summer terrace, healthy brunch and small plates, party igloos and house DJs and entertainers.’ The venue was originally opened by Alan Tomkins and his nephew Calum Lawson in 2015 as The Strathmore, before becoming The Botany Bar in 2018. In 2020, it was bought by Crawford Brechin who has now sold to Jack Quirk through Smith & Clough.

Aberdeen expansion for the Adams Brothers

The team behind The Adam Lounge and Big Manny’s Pizza have revealed plans to launch a new Irish bar in Aberdeen. Brothers, Phil and Ashley Adams are set to transform the former Café D’ag unit on Crown Street, with plans to open in July.

Phil comments, “The unit caught our eye as soon as it went on the market and we’re doing a full refurbishment and rebranding as an Irish bar. We haven’t decided on a name but it’s a great location and we’ve got a lot planned.

“We’ll be showing all the sporting events and have live music will starting at 9pm every night, so we’ll be catering to a later night crowd as well. Big Manny’s Pizza will operate the kitchen with an Irish twist and be called ‘Big Manny’s Irish Kitchen’. You’ll get all the things you would expect from us like New York style pizzas and West Coast smash burgers, but you’ll also be able to get traditional Irish pub fayre.

“We already have a great manager on board and we’ve started building the team, the cocktail menu and developing our own inhouse range of keg cocktails for high quality speed of service.”

Meanwhile, their Big Manny’s Pizza brand is also expanding after opening in Stonehaven last month. Phil added “It’s going great, it’s been incredibly busy on its opening week, so it’s been a brilliant start. The kitchen residency in the new venue will be Big Manny’s 6th location!”

THE BIRDHOUSE TAKES FLIGHT

A new gastropub has opened on the former site of Bru on Glasgow’s Dumbarton Road in Broomhill called Birdhouse Bar & Kitchen.

Ian McAnally, who also own Tokyo Joes in Greenock, took over the unit in December before closing briefly last month and relaunching.

This is Ian’s first foray into the Glasgow hospitality scene after he moved to Glasgow from Ayrshire in August last year. In fact, he now stays just around the corner from the Birdhouse. Ian says, “The place is looking lovely since the refurb. It has its own identity and has that gastro pub look and feel about it. We’ve introduces Chesterfield button back seating, antique furniture and a bar created from salvaged and reclaimed wood.

“All our food is made from scratch. Our head chef was previously the head chef at No.16 on Byres Road, so we offer really high-quality food.

“The aim is to be a friendly local which offers something for everyone. We’ve also supported staff who lost their jobs due to the closure of the Virgin Hotel in Glasgow with our GM and two chefs coming from there. It’s great to have amazing bars down this end of Dumbarton Road and we’ve had great support from Mark and the team at our neighbouring bar, The Thornwood.”

The new venue serves brunch, sharing plates and classic pub dishes and is also operating as a bar serving a selection of wines, spirits, cocktails and craft beers till midnight.

A taste of Turkey

Rumi, a new Turkish restaurant and cocktail bar, is set to open its doors in Glasgow’s Hope Street next month on the site of the former Bella Italia. It is the first venture for Turkey native and entrepreneur, Zafer, who moved to Glasgow in 2007. Since then, he has been working in hotels and bars across the city and says that it has been his dream to share the flavours of his homeland. Now he is set on making his dream a reality. Named after the 13th-century Persian poet and mystic, Rumi, the restaurant aims to broaden the selection of Turkish food available in the city. As well as kebabs, it will offer authentic seafood, aromatic stews, Turkish starters and small-plate mezes and mouthwatering desserts. They promise ‘each dish will be crafted with care and authenticity.’

Zafer said, “We are thrilled to introduce RUMI to the vibrant food scene of Glasgow. Our mission is to offer a truly authentic Turkish dining experience, where guests can savour the flavours of Turkey while immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of Turkish culture.”

MOLSON COORS PARTNER WITH OVO HYDRO IN FOUR YEAR POURING DEAL COVER STORY

A new exclusive four-year pouring deal will see Molson Coors Beverage Company’s selection of premium beer and cider brands being offered at OVO Hydro in Glasgow.

The premium line-up of beverages includes Pravha, a lighter tasting Czech-style Pilsner and Scotland’s third-biggest lager brand by value and Madrí Excepcional the fourth-biggest lager brand in draught by sales volume. The number one super premium cider brand in GB Aspall Cyder, and premium flavoured cider brand Rekorderlig in packaged format will also be available, alongside zero alcohol options Staropramen 0.0 and Rekorderlig Alcohol Free.

Paul Brow, On Trade Sales Controller at Molson Coors Beverage Company, said, “The partnership with the iconic OVO Hydro venue is a perfect match and we can’t wait to get started. Our diverse portfolio offers a variety of options that appeal to the range of consumers visiting the OVO Hydro as its popularity, capacity and calibre of worldwide artists continues to grow.”

Jason Cockburn, Sales and Operations Director for Scotland at Molson Coors Beverage Company, added, “We are excited to be partnering with the largest entertainment venue in Scotland and one of the top ten arenas globally. We are a people-first business, and we see this reflected with OVO Hydro, which creates memorable experiences for its customers from across the world.

“The venue has not only revolutionised Scotland’s live entertainment sector but has done so while taking steps to reduce its environmental impact, a commitment we share at Molson Coors. We’re looking forward to supporting them as they continue their exciting journey.”

This year the OVO Hydro will welcome acts including The Killers, Olivia Rodrigo and Stevie Nicks and the partnership, brokered by AEG Global Partnerships, strengthens Molson Coors’ mantra of ‘uniting people to celebrate life’s moments’.

The OVO Hydro also has ambitious targets to build upon its A Greener Arena certification as part of its industry-leading net zero roadmap, including the adoption of an innovative cup return scheme. Molson Coors is an ideal partner to support these ambitions, with all Molson Coors’ pints brewed using 100% renewable electricity, and the brewer has made impressive progress towards its 2025 environment goals, reducing direct carbon emissions by more than 60% since 2016 - exceeding its global ambition to reduce direct carbon emissions by 50% by 2025.

BRAND NEWS

First consumer campaign for Cruzcampo®

HEINEKEN UK has launched its first consumer marketing campaign for Sevillian lager brand Cruzcampo®, with significant investment set to ramp up demand for the brand in the on-trade by driving customers into venues. ‘Choose to Cruz’ emphasises the brand’s Spanish heritage, tapping into consumer demand for Mediterranean styles this summer, while also speaking to the more relaxed drinking occasions that Cruzcampo® is so well suited to. Live now it will run until July 2024, with the £10m campaign appearing across TV, VOD, OOH, radio, digital audio and social media, alongside influencer activity.

Cruzcampo® was launched into the on-trade last spring by HEINEKEN UK in response to increased demand for Spanish lager among UK drinkers, a sector which is growing +34.9% in value MAT, accounting for one in four pints of total draught premium and world lager.

The impact Cruzcampo® has already had in the UK on-trade since its launch has been unprecedented. It is now pouring in over 9,600 outlets and is the 14th largest draught brand, establishing itself as the biggest brand launch in over a decade in the beer, wine and spirits category, a remarkable rise considering it’s been on the market for less than a year.

As part of the campaign, new PoS materials will be available to publicans via the Eazle platform. This will include Sevillian-themed garden kits for certain outlets with orange trees, cushions, blankets and ceramic tile coasters. The PoS materials have all been designed to capture the attention of new and existing customers, and encourage them into venues where they can taste Cruzcampo®. For operators interested in working closer with HEINEKEN UK and to find out more information about Cruzcampo®, they can head to eazle.co.uk/huk/en/cruzcampo.

Grace Daley, Senior Brand Manager for Cruzcampo®, says, “Due to its status in its home nation of Spain, Cruzcampo® is a brand that already has a lot of positive sentiment from consumers ‘in the know’. Holidaymakers returning from Spain, particularly from Seville, had been calling for the brand to be brought to the UK, well before it was launched last year. This existing love, combined with the huge demand for Mediterranean lagers, has resulted in great early success for operators who have listed the brand, and they continue to drive fantastic momentum for Cruzcampo®.”

The volume of cider produced in the UK annually is thought to be around 130 million gallons.

To be classified as ‘cider,’ a drink must have an alcoholic strength of less than 8.5%. It is thought around 56% of apples grown in the UK are used for making cider.

Cider remains a popular Summer drink and more people choose fruit cider in a beer garden than any other drink(1) 2/3 of UK cider drinkers mainly drink it in the summer but 63% said that seasonal flavours would encourage them to drink it in Autumn/Winter(2). After all there is nothing better on a cold winters day than a glass of mulled cider!

(1) Germinate Research May 2023 (2) Mintel’s UK Cider Market Report 2023

With the cost-of-living crisis hitting consumers hard data indicated that spirits and cocktail drinkers are increasingly turning to fruit ciders(1). Fruit ciders are worth nearly £750m to on-trade operators and remain popular with consumers, with sales growing in volume and value over the past year(2). There are certainly plenty of options out there.

Kopparberg is the UK’s bestselling On and Off Trade fruit cider brand(2/3) (1)CGA Cost of Living Pulse Survey Oct 2023 (2)CGA OPM MAT to 02/12/23 (2)CGA data, Package Fruit Cider, value, MAT to 04.11.23. (3)IRI Data, Ext Marketplace. Fruit Cider. Value Sales. 52wks to 24.12.23.

CIDER

In 2022 the UK cider market was estimated to be worth £3.4 billion

33% of men and 25% of women drink cider at least once a week but their tastes appear very different with 48% of men and 23% of women preferring apple compared with 17% of men and 37% of women preferring flavoured(1) (1)Toluna Survey April 2023 Summer Pubs

An ancient custom of wassailing is still practised in some cider orchards today and involves reciting incantations or singing to the trees to promote a better harvest in the following year.

Cider has shown great resilience over the past 12 months, securing its place as the fastest growing drinks segment within the on-trade(1). It is Thatchers Cider though that have added more volume to the cider category than any other producer over the last 4 years, up 19%(2) The category was reported to be worth £2.95bn in 2023(3) (1)CGA by NIQ – GB On Premise Management Service, July 2023 (2)* CGA OPMS P13 30.12.23 (3)Westons Cider Report 2023.

At one time farm workers were actually paid in cider! Sources suggest the top workers could earn up to 8 pints a day. Although the Truck Act of 1887 prohibited the practice of paying wages in cider, it still happened well into the 20th Century.

Cider sales by volume currently stand at Apple 61.4%, Flavoured 38.1% and Pear 0.5%. Sales of apple cider are 90% draft and 10% packaged. This changes dramatically when considering flavoured cider which stands at 44% draft and 56% packaged(1) (1)CGA Strategy, June 2023

Alcohol-free is currently the fastest-growing cider segment, albeit from a small base, with 12.5% of the UK population declaring themselves teetotal and a growing number of young people opting to abstain. In fact, 30% say they opt for No and Low at least once a month(1). There are now some great products out there including Thatchers Zero and Kopparberg Alcohol Free options in Strawberry & Lime, Mixed Fruit and Pear. The availability of an alcohol-free cider option would encourage purchase for over a fifth of 18-34-year-olds across both apple and flavoured options(2) (1)KAM Heineken Summer Cider, May 2023 (2) CGA On Premise User Survey, 2023

74% of people say they specify a brand when ordering with 44% willing to premiumise, and 40% on the lookout for new flavours(1) In 2023 a BandTrack survery noted that a third of cider consumers drink out at least weekly, with an average spend of £101 per month on the On Trade(2) (1)KAM Heineken Summer Cider, May 2023 (2) * CGA Strategy, June 2023

Cocktails using cider appeal to 51% of drinkers, rising to 66% among 18–34-year-olds(1). A few options include Cider Sangria, Cider Mimosas and Fruit Cider Punch. Another great summer idea is cider slushes!

(1) Mintel’s UK Cider Market Report 2023

As well as being a great ingredient for cooking there has been a recent trend towards pairing ciders with food. Lyme Bay Winery advise, “ciders rich in tannins are found to pair well with meat and strong cheeses, dry cider matches well with savoury food, sweet cider works mainly with desserts and ciders that are more crisp and acidic work perfectly with fish and other seafood”.

Sustainable choices

Customer trends towards sustainable choices continue to grow and ciders are no exception. Ciders with environmental certifications are thought to be more appealing than those without by 45% of drinkers. Almost half cider drinkers would like to see more ciders available that are made with wonky fruit(1) (1)Mintel’s UK Cider Market Report 2023

CIDER 48%

Kopparberg have teased us with the launch of a big Summer marketing campaign launching at the end of May. Their Summer Punch flavour, a seasonal flavour which is a summerexclusive will be back this year as well! The flavour is described as “pairing crisp apple cider with a splash of peach and takes you on a trip to a Swedish summer by the lakes with music and friends.”

Thatchers have launched Juicy Apple at 4% ABV which they describe as “easy drinking and mouth-wateringly fresh with the sweet aroma of crunchy apples”. It is made using 100% renewable electricity, including power generated from the 3,500 solar panels at their Myrtle Farm and will be exclusively available in bars and pubs. It joins their range alongside Gold, Haze, Blood Orange and Apple & Blackcurrant.

It is now estimated that at least 8%(1) of the UK population follows a gluten free diet making cider the perfect drink since most are naturally gluten free! Many people associate a gluten free diet with a healthier lifestyle and choose cider because it as seen as more natural product, it has clear ingredients/nutrition lists, it’s a lower ABV than spirits or wine, it features active fermentation, and some ciders are even zero-carb.

(1)Statista

Flavoured ciders tend to be more popular with younger drinkers, no doubt due to the sweeter taste and variety available. 30% of those aged 25 to 34 now drink cider On Premise, more than any other age group(1) . Almost half (48%) of 18-34-year-olds would purchase flavoured cider rather than apple because they like being able to switch between flavours(2). Kopparberg is the UK’s most loved alcohol drinks brand amongst 18-24 year olds(3) (1)CGA Strategy, June 2023 (2)KAM Heineken Summer Cider, May 2023

Premium fruit cider brand Rekorderlig is launching two new flavours Peach-Raspberry and Blackberry-Blackcurrant. The Peach-Raspberry variation has been introduced after consumer data highlighted demand for a peach flavour without too much sweetness. It is the only peach-led premium fruit cider widely available in the on-trade and aims to attract both fruit cider lovers and a new range of consumers. Both flavours are 3.4% ABV, are available in 500ml bottles and will be supported by a six-figure summer investment in a wide scale media campaign across major media.

ON MATCH DAY

STOCK UP ON THE NO.1 SCOTTISH ALE & NO.1 SCOTTISH STOUT THIS SUMMER*

The very latest LED screens from top manufacturers

We specialise in multi-screen installations

Whether your venue is large or small we can offer advice on the best screen set-up to suit your needs.

This month Nicola Walker talks to eleven great bars renowned for sports to find out what makes them top of their game, their plans for the Euros, and how they intend to score with customers this summer.

5 years ago, Harry’s Bar, named after late owner and football legend Harry Hood, is certainly going all out for the Euros.

Head of Marketing, Bill Sullivan says, “We’re incredibly popular, especially with locals. For the Euros, on top of the seven TVs we already have, we are bringing in five more – two in the terrace, two in the restaurant and an extra one in the bar. No matter where you are sitting in the venue, you will have the best seat in the house.

“Before every Scotland game we will have a piper and live music to create a great atmosphere. We’ll have free pies at half time, plus drinks promotions, themed cocktails, themed food deals, bespoke

‘We Can Boogie’ T shirts, giveaways and a James McFadden will be the face of it as well. We own the URL ‘www.icanboogie.co.uk’ which will be the hub for all our digital activations. We’re really going for it and our aim is to make all Lisini venues the go to place to watch the Euros across Lanarkshire.

“We’re looking forward to a great month of trade over the Euros. Obviously, we are also looking for some sunshine and for Scotland to play well! Its’ all about the experience for our customers and creating as great an atmosphere as we possibly can.”

The Three Sisters Edinburgh

Renowned for being one of the top venues for sports in Edinburgh, The Three Sisters is planning some great events over the summer. They already show a range of sports including rugby, football, golf, darts, horse racing and GAA, as well as international sports such as NFL, basketball and ice hockey.

General Manager, Michael Davies, said, “We have always been big for rugby and international events so we want to be the place to be for the Euros as well. We’ve been upgrading our AV over the last six months and have the giant screen in the courtyard as well as over 32 other screens. You can’t help but see a screen in the venue.

“We will not just be showing the Euros, we will be immersing ourselves in it. We are turning upstairs into a Bavarian Bier Hall and our menu will be ‘Schnitzel and Stein’ themed. Even our outside food vendor will be converting to a German theme.

“Our live room is turning into a Fan Zone, partnering with Capital FM who will be broadcasting from there and interviewing fans during the games. We are expecting it to be huge. All our table packages are already fully booked for the opening Scotland game, so it’s standing room only!

“For the Paris Olympics we will be leaning into a French theme and are planning a mini bar Olympics event in our courtyard. We want to offer something different and attract some families for this as well!”

Malones

Aberdeen

The Tap Yard Glasgow STARTING 11 FOR A SUMMER OF SPORT

The Tap Yard burst onto the Glasgow scene last year and really is a step up from your average sports bar. As well as three 75-inch screens above the bar which can all show different sports, there are 11 booths that have their own TV integrated into the table, two of which even have their own beer tap!

Owner, Iain Reid explains, “Every TV works individually and we have three Sky boxes so you can choose whatever sport you want to watch. Our food is also a big thing, great quality and all freshly made, plus we offer some great premium beers without the premium price tag. We actually have 11 different starting beers on tap.

“We have been open since August and we’ve had the Rugby World Cup, a season of football and the Six Nations – it’s been amazing. We can also show Formula One, golf, boxing, and the Olympics. With us, it’s about the sport, but all the offerings around that are what makes it such a great experience. The Scotland games so far have been mad, and we’ve really established ourselves as the place to be.

“For the Euros we will be offering a free pint if Scotland win and will be part of the huge fan zone planned for Merchant Square. It will have a brand-new laser projector plus bench seating, and you’ll be able to buy drinks from anywhere in the square.”

Malones Aberdeen uses the slogan ‘Malones for atmosphere’ throughout its social media. This is no doubt because of its reputation for showing all sports and showcasing live music every night.

General Manager, Paddy McCrossan, explains, “In Malones it’s always easy to create a great atmosphere because of the layout of the pub; it’s a nice size and it’s really open, so once you get a couple of fans cheering it really takes off.

“We have three Sky boxes, two outdoor TVs, eight indoor TVs and two projectors so for the Euros we’ll certainly have the Scotland flags flying. We’ll be showing all the games with sound and have live music on right after the games.

“We also show all the Irish sports and there’s not a lot of places around here doing that. The GAA is a big one for us. This peaks in August/September, so that’ll follow on nicely after the Euros.

“Obviously being an Irish bar we expect to sell a lot of Guinness. On an average week we sell 15/16 kegs and on St Paddy’s Day we sold 40! So, we certainly expect the summer sports season to be a busy time for that as well. We also have events in our Bit on the Side side bar - like two quiz nights and a new darts night.’There’s always something going on here at Malones.”

The Imperial, Inverness

The Imperial in Inverness opened in December 2022 and is part of the Cru Hospitality family. It certainly has everything you would look for in a great sports bar including a pool table, darts, gaming machines, 13 TVs, three Sky boxes, TNT and Viaplay.

General Manager, Matthew Culley, explains more, “We are now primarily a sports bar. We have a pool team, a darts team and a dominoes team, plus we show all the sports with the commentary. We’re allowed under 18s in until 9pm if they are having food, so we can have families in to watch the sports as well. Everyone is welcome.

“Through the Euros we are showing every game. Our marketing team are planning full décor internally and externally and there will be free half time food for Scotland games.

“Whilst the Euros will be a big one for us, we do all sports. We are very customer driven so if someone wants to come in and watch a certain sport then we can put that on for them with the commentary. We can show 3 different channels at once and tailor each area of the bar to a different sport if need be.“We have been getting busier and busier. I obviously expect the Scotland games to be very busy, but we expect to get a good turn for some of the other games as well due to tourism in the area.”

Black Ivy Edinburgh

The Fox Troon

Black Ivy in Edinburgh is another venue that has a great reputation for sport and they certainly have plenty planned for the Euros. It has a beautiful outdoor area that is equipped with heaters and canopies, plus nine in house projectors.

General Manager, Calum Anderson explains, “We’re pretty well known in the area for sport. For Scotland’s international games we have a piper, free pies, a balloon arch and the right music for the build-up.

“We’ll have screens on the terrace so people can sit out there and watch it as well. Anyone is welcome and all our areas will be showing the Scotland games with commentary, plus of course our usual good beer, cocktails and great food. We’re even doing a pint of Amstel for £4.75 which is pretty unbeatable value.

“We will show all the Euro games in the lounge area and the Club Room. We’ll have the sound on in those areas, but this won’t disrupt the rest of the venue. It’s lucky we have that flexibility.

“We always show big sports competitions like Wimbledon, the Olympics, and the golf as well. The terrace is great as we can do things like offering strawberries and cream and Pimm’s out there for Wimbledon. We always do a nod to every event that’s on, whether it’s complimentary, or offering a deal that is really good value for our customers. This year we are promoting a ‘Summer of Sharing’ theme and we’ve put on some sharing food options and sharing cocktails.”

Greens Dumfries

Husband and wife, Liam and Cas Logue took on Greens Dumfries in June 2022 after the pub had been shut for three years. After closing briefly for a refurb in July 2023 things have been going from strength to strength and it even boasts a pool hall with four tables and two darts boards. Liam says, “The first year was a struggle but now things have really taken off. We try to do a lot of unique events to bring people in and promote ourselves as a friendly place with a great atmosphere. We have six teams across two Dumfries pool leagues, plus we have our own in-house pool league on a Wednesday night.

“For watching sports, we have eight TVs with BT Sports and Sky Sports. We were busy for the Six Nations, and we are hoping the Euros will be the same. We will be decorating the pub and getting right into it.

”We’ll show any sports we have if there is a demand for it. The darts have been popular recently because of Luke Littler, so we have seen an upturn in people coming in to watch that as well. That’s why we’re looking at launching a Thursday night dart league.”

The pub also sponsors a Sunday league football team, Queen of the South Ladies team and a local cricket team. Plus, it fundraises for the local community through race nights, bingo and even held a 24-hour darts marathon which raised over £1000 for Prostate Cancer UK.

Buzzworks venue The Fox in Troon serves up tank beer, comfort food and cocktails, plus it’s a great place to watch some sports. Not only that, but it has its very own golf simulator where you can practice your swing while indulging in some of their food and drinks packages.

General Manager, Fraser Shaw, said, “The Fox is modern, cosy, inclusive and offers something for everyone. We have regular live music and show sports on a high-definition projector and on five TVs throughout the venue. A big event for us this year is obviously The 152nd Open at Royal Troon. We will have live music every night of open week and will be open all day, every day with our usual great deals.

“As for the Euros, we will be showing all the games with regular weekly Euros based events. For the Scotland games we will also have the commentary on, half time pies, themed cocktails and even a piper!

“We will be showing the Olympics as well and you’ll be able to watch two different events at one time from any seat in the house. We expect to see solid increase in sales over of the summer which will allow us to showcase what the venue has to offer and to recruit both new and return business.”

Church on The Hill Shawlands

O’Marleys, Dundee

Church On The Hill has recently had a refurb and gone all out to enhance its sports offering. Owned by the Signature Group, the venue now has a media wall made up of four TVs, a projector, 11 internal TVs, three Sky boxes and even electronic darts! Operations Manager, Jac Weston, shared their Euros plans, saying, “Church on the Hill has a massive beer garden so for the Euros we’re going to have a Digivan with a massive screen on it showing the three Scotland games outside. Hopefully in the dry weather! We are turning our beer garden into a football pitch with astroturf so it will feel like walking into a stadium. Plus, some of our tables are becoming tabletop football games.

“Offering wise we have a special burger menu named after various famous players that are taking part in the tournament, as well as six pint beer towers of Cold Town beer! We want to create the feeling if you can’t go to Germany, then this is the next best thing. We’re really going for it!

“The summer of sport will be a great opportunity for us to showcase the work we have put into Church on The Hill. We will also be doing more things in the beer garden over the summer including putting in outside games for kids. Sports, family, and community are our main focus here.”

Independent Irish Bar O’Marley’s in Dundee launched in June 2023 and have spent the past year expanding their sports offering. They have a massive beer garden, so they will certainly be hoping for a summer of sun as well as great sports.

Unit Manager, Craig Halliday, says, “The Euros will be a first for us in that we are planning a massive event in a marquee in our large outside area. We have a 98-inch TV there and we’re putting in another one for the Euros. We also have 11 TVs inside and a 12th planned to go on our terrace.

“If the weather is good, we’ve got a large TV that can go outside and face a hill where we are putting in tiered seating. That way you can watch the football while sitting in the sun. We also have a fully functional permanent bar outside that is great for these events.

“We’ll be doing themed drinks, cocktails and food depending on who’s playing at certain times. There are loads of things happening in Dundee around the Euros so we’re hoping it brings a great crowd to the area to explore and that people will pop into see us.

“On top of the football we also show a lot of Pay Per View events such as boxing, the Superbowl, the Royal Rumble, Wrestlemania and even Gaelic football.”

Cold Beer Company Stirling

The Cold Beer Company shows everything from football and rugby to ice hockey and basketball. With three pool tables, two dartboards, 15 screens and three Sky boxes, it clearly is the place to be in Stirling when big sporting events are on.

Assistant Manager, Kieran Selhi, says, “We show everything, and we always have the commentary on for all games. On big racing days we even do fun things like having a member of staff dressing up in a horse costume and running back and forward to the betting shop!”

“Scotland games are massive events for us. The GMs father plays the bag pipes, so he comes in and plays before and during half time. We hype up the crowd with great tunes and completely cover the building in flags. We even have a TV in our interior decking/smoking area.

“Aside from that, we sponsor our local American football team, The Stirling Clansmen and a local women’s football team as well. They come in every Sunday. Plus, we get a lot of Americans in for the American football. We’re also a massive student hub, specifically on a Wednesday when we offer a 20% discount.

“On weeks with big sporting days we can see our weekly net profit increase by up to 30%. We have a huge range on tap; lager, IPA’s, two stouts and Belhaven Best. We’ve also seen Belhaven Black really start to take off recently.”

Raising the Bar on Back-Bar Solutions

Operating seven days a week with maximum call-out times of 6 hours for gas and 2 days for draught. Leave your tech services to Scotland’s specialist.

Draught installs

Cellar management

CO₂ detection systems

CO₂, mixed gas and air compressor systems’ install and maintenance

Temporary bar hire

Refrigeration

Staff training

MAKING THEIR MARK HOSPITALITY

By Susan Young

In our sister magazine Hotel Scotland we interivew hoteliers from across the country and this issue we take a look back at three hoteliers who have made their mark on the Scottish hospitality scene. They all prove that hospitality is a career with massive opportunities.

The news broke this month that Apex Hotels has bought Meldrum House Country Hotel and Golf Course in Aberdeenshire.

The man at the helm of the hotel is Managing Director Jordan Charles who I interviewed last year, and who is staying with the business.

When the news broke he said, “This is a great opportunity for Meldrum House as we have had a couple of record years of performance and solid economic growth. The new owners have great plans, vision and ambitions and I look forward to helping them drive the business forward with our team.”

He joined the hotel in 2018, and was in charge during the pandemic which due to the efforts of the management team actually came out of the experience on a good footing.

Explained Jordan, “We were one of the businesses that exited the pandemic stronger than we went in.”

This was due in no small part to their decision to invest in Domes for the outside area which are spectacular. The Domes have been the most successful project the business has ever done and although it started out with one 3.6m Dome there is now a family of them, with a dining capacity of 72 plus the 10sqm Titan Sky Bar.

Jordan, who is in is early 30s, hails from Cumbernauld, did a law degree at Stirling University, completing his diploma at Strathclyde, before entering the world of hospitality… actually, that’s not quite true. He completed his degree while working full-time in hospitality!

Says Jordan, “I worked at Westerwood Hotel, part of QHotels and a well-managed hotel, when I was at High School. When I went to Stirling University, I continued to work there to earn cash to help me through Uni. During my last year at Stirling, I managed to work full-time and during my diploma year at Strathclyde, I took on the role of Banqueting Manager. It worked quite well because I went to Uni full-time Monday to Thursday and then worked the weekends.

“When I graduated, the GM at the time, Paul Bray, presented me with a unique opportunity to progress more in the hospitality industry in the role of Conference Manager where things were

booming and busy. After all the years at law school and my spare time in hospitality, it made me weigh things up and I realised my passion lay with hotels, and I’d make a much better hotelier than a lawyer.”

He went on to join the Cambridge Belfry as Food & Beverage Manager before getting his first deputy role at the Telford Hotel and Golf Resort - a 114 bedroomed hotel, with a large leisure facility and golf course in the heart of Shropshire before returning to Scotland and Meldrum House. Says Jordan, “Andy Burgess, the CEO at the time, and the directors had fantastic vision which was a really exciting proposition. They wanted it to be a mini-Gleneagles with regards to the quality of the venue. I could see the opportunity and potential and was delighted to accept the role of GM when I was offered it.”

Within a few years, with Andy Burgess as his mentor, he progressed to Managing Director. Jordan also sits on the board of Visit Aberdeenshire; he was formerly vice-chair of Aberdeenshire Hotel Association and is Chair of HIT Scotland for the Grampian HIT Dinner. He says, “I love HIT Scotland. I’m a huge advocate of what they do. I like it because you see can see the benefits it brings your team.”

One of the highlights of Jordan’s personal career was picking up an Acorn Award. Says he, “I’ve always had a desire to be successful. When I got the job at Meldrum House, the turnover was £3.5m in sales and the golf club turned over £800K. In the last year, we turned over £5.2m in sales and golf turnover grew to £1.2m. I would like to see the business continue to flourish.”

That’s certainly the intention of Apex Hotels, Chief Executive Officer Angela Vickers said of the purchase, “After a strong trading period across our portfolio, the acquisition of Meldrum House represents an opportunity to continue to diversify Apex Hotels, giving our guests even more choice of a city or countryside option. “This is an exciting time for the company and after getting to know the team at Meldrum House it was clear they share the same aims and ambitions we have at Apex. Meldrum House will be one of our flagship hotels and we are delighted to be the next custodians of this historic property.”

Jordan Charles MD Meldrum House Country Hotel and Golf Course

MARK ON

Mike Baxter CEO and co-founder of House of Gods has just opened his latest hotel in Glasgow. He describes the hotel as “a place where everyone knows how to have a great time.” Saying, “We’re here to treat each and every guest like the rockstar they are.”

When I first interviewed him I actually called him the Rock’n Roll hotelier because of his outlook on life. But no doubt the last two years have taken its toll because it is never easy opening a new hotel.

The 22-bedroomed House of Gods Edinburgh, opened in 2019 and was named Sunday Times Hotel of the Year Scotland in 2020. He is aiming to replicate that success in Glasgow and the next city on his agenda is Manchester.

Mike and his brother Ross have instilled into their hotels the ethos of ‘decadence.’

He told me, “If I want to stay in a hotel I want to escape my life and my own four walls and I think other people feel the same way. I literally want to fall down a rabbit hole. So with House of Gods, we have created something more experiential and exciting for our guests.”

The passion that Mike has for his hotel is very evident, but surprisingly, he and his brother Ross, do not come from a hotel background. Before opening the hotel Mike was in property development, and Ross was an offshore engineer in the oil industry.

Mike was always ambitious. He explains, “At school, I looked old for my age and I would rent a nightclub and sell tickets to nights there.” When he went to Aberdeen University he continued promoting nights and became one of Aberdeen’s key promoters running the hugely popular Wednesday nights at First Leisure’s Amadeus. This led to him opening his own bar, Eskobar, in 1997, when he was only 22.

Says Mike, “We lived the life. They were halcyon days and we had a lot of fun. I maybe was a bit too young because I was going out and enjoying myself, and just happened to own the bar.” But by the time he had hit his mid-twenties, he was using his money more wisely and investing in property development.

It was the brothers’ desire to invest in property that led

OF GODS INTERVIEW

ROBOTICS: THE FUTURE? MIKE BAXTER HOUSE

them to open The Baxter hostel in Edinburgh’s West Register Street, which, on the day it opened, had 100% occupancy and subsequently, in 2016, a hotel in London called Kip. Explains Mike, “It is much more of a utility hipsters style hotel – which is

Then they had the idea of the House of Gods. The two saw an opportunity in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket in a building that had been left devastated by the 2002 Cowgate fire. Says Mike. “233

They opened House of Gods in 2019, with Mike designing the interiors and Ross taking charge of the operational side of the

Says Mike, “It has been incredibly successful. The difference between House of Gods and some other hotels is that it is a lifestyle brand. Guests don’t come to us because they need an accommodation solution solved – they come to us because they want to live their best lives.”

Their latest hotel in Glasgow’s Glassford Street has 28 “maximalist rooms and suites’, a downstairs cocktail bar and lounge and a fantastic rooftop restaurant and bar inspired by the Garden of Eden.

Much like its Edinburgh counterpart, exquisite interiors are at the heart of the House of Gods experience. From hand-painted 24 karat-gold embellished de Gournay wallpaper in the lobby bar, to the marble fountain crowning the rooftop bar, the attention to detail within the hotel is to be applauded.

Says Mike, “Creating the ultimate escape here has been our main priority. In addition to offering services like early check-in and late check-out as standard, we have worked alongside incredible artists and craftspeople to create a destination which celebrates true extravagance. From working alongside Siobhan Mackenzie who has designed our team’s uniforms to creating a custom toile de jouy wallpaper designed by Gregory Lewis, who has previously worked with a multitude of key fashion brands including Chanel, Fendi, and Christian Louboutin to name just a few.”

It’s certainly been well worth the wait.

JONATHAN DOHERTY WORQ GROUP

Jonathan Doherty may come across as very laid back, but the man behind the WORQ Group is more industrious than just about anyone I know, and I know a fair few people! He admits to being a workaholic, a trait he tells me he inherited from his father.

His hospitality business includes, Riva Hotel in Helensburgh and Boutique50 in Glasgow’s west end, as well as Revolver Glasgow. He also has restaurants Chianti in Falkirk and El Santo in Glasgow plus Scotland’s largest log cabin construction and design group – Log house Cabins Scotland.

I met Jonathan at his LGBT-friendly hotel, Revolver, in Virginia House above Delmonica’s in Glasgow’s Merchant City. But first I had to navigate past the giant teddy sitting on a bean bag in reception - a familiar site for guests checking-in. This definitely sets the scene –this is no ordinary hospitality business – but a hybrid hotel/hostel venue which has 38 rooms with a capacity for 128 people where rooms start at £25 and go up to £300. In fact, you don’t even have to check-in at reception, Revolver has its own app which allows guests to check in remotely and find out all they need to know about the hotel and Glasgow.

That’s just one of the reasons it picked up the accolade Independent Operator of the Year last year at the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards with the judges saying, “The accolade goes to an operator who really knows how to identify new opportunities, to innovate and to respond to emerging market trends. It’s a dynamic and forward-thinking business that exudes creativity in what it does and how it delivers in the marketplaces it serves.”

Revolver is a multi-faceted venue which offers various types of accommodation and which is a social hub. Says Jonathan, “I think I can see things in a building that others don’t. When I used to travel for work, I would stay in three or four star hotels, but when I travelled for fun I stayed in nice hostels. In the hotels, the bars were always empty, and the rooms were quite standard, but in hostels you could get a private room and you had an area where you could interact with other people of a similar age. I thought it was a good mix but that it should also be available for the single working traveller, and this is where the concept of Revolver began.”

Jonathan was born in Edinburgh and moved to Ireland when he was four. His father was an entrepreneur and had a very strong work ethic which Jonathan says he inherited from him. He told me, “I think I have always been a serial entrepreneur. I started working at the age of 14 when I started my own carwash business and I also worked in petrol stations over the summer when I was 15/16.

“I’ve done a lot of different jobs, from running catering vans at festivals, to sales. I dabbled in financial trading and have done gorilla marketing – I really enjoyed that. It was unique and we had some crazy creative ideas, but it was all on advertising vans and trailers –there was nothing online.”

But one business which was online was an e-commerce site that he set up with his best friend.

Explains Jonathan, “Ireland was in a bad recession, and we decided to buy liquidated stock off administrators by the truckload and sell it online. The business grew really quickly and we ended up employing a lot of people. It was a crazy time. People used to queue outside our warehouses at 7am in the morning to find out what bargains we had. One of the things I most regret was selling it after two yearsIreland doesn’t have an eBay and the market leader now was set up at the same time as our business - although we did get a fair bit of cash for it. However, because we were young, we blew it all in a year on things like a penthouse and cars - all the typical things that young people like. It was a real lesson to us.”

In his late 20’s he made the move back to Scotland and followed in his father’s footsteps with his next business, “I fell into design and construction when I moved back and my original plan was to refurbish properties. Says Jonathan, “My father had been doing this most of his life. Although he had great success, all businesses have their ups and downs, and my dad was no different. He lost everything in 2009 but that didn’t deter him and he built it all back up again. I have learned from him how important it is to be resilient.”

He continues, “It was the deal that attracted me to Riva. It had been empty for four years and was an old 1800s building. No normal person would have taken it. However, I would travel anywhere for a good deal.” And travel he did, from Edinburgh to Helensburgh for 18 months before booking into a low-cost hotel at Kelvingrove.

He smiles, “Three of us did all the stripping out and I built the bones of our own construction fit-out team from that – we learned a lot. Then we started doing fitouts for clients, But we still had a passion for doing our own thing – we took over number one commercial street Edinburgh and turned it into Hemingways. Then opened Chianti and Boutique50 before launching Revolver and El Santo.”

At the same time he opened Boutique 50 plans for Revolver were well underway. Says Jonathan, “After Riva I said I wouldn’t do an old building again. Then along came Virginia House which was perfect for my Revolver concept.

“This is a brand I definitely want to develop into different cities. There is no reason why we cannot scale up and the plan is to expand into Europe too. Revolver is very much about ‘be who you are’, we really promote that ideology, and that is reflected in the unique customer we get.”

WORQ has many other strings to its bow, with hostels and hotels down south, it is also a facility management company and Jonathan is co-owner of Scotland’s biggest log cabin construction and design group. He is also planning a new hotel in Warrington which he hopes to have open next year. Concludes Jonathan, ‘We are lucky we have a great team.” That may be the case, but it certainly helps to have a dynamic boss too!

Amonth in and the entries are coming in at a great rate. Due to popular demand we have added two categories. We now have Best Outdoor Area and Restaurant of the Year on the rota. I would like to say a huge thank you to our sponsors Benromach, Brugal 1888, Campari, Caledonia Inns, Cold Town Beer, De Kuyper, Deanston, Hospitality Health, Hospo, Inverarity Morton, Jameson, Kopparberg, Molinari Extra, Montpeliers, Schweppes, Sims, Staropramen, The DRUM and of course our media partners the Sunday Mail look forward to welcoming you to the event.

WHISKY BAR OF THE YEAR

BEST COCKTAIL BAR OF THE YEAR

THE 2024 CATEGORIE

Benromach is a traditional Speyside distillery, intent on making single malt the right way with true character. They keep things simple. A handful of distillers relying entirely on expertise and senses to make the finest handmade whisky; Speyside single malt matured exclusively in first-fill casks, with a subtly smoky character.

Now Benromach is looking to crown a bar ‘Whisky Bar of the Year’. Each Benromach whisky has its own character, and this year they are looking for a bar with true character and staff with a passion and enthusiasm for whisky, who are able to engage with their whisky-loving customer base.

Since the year of 1888, the founder of Brugal rum – Don Andres Brugal - believed in pursing the best possible in rum mastery, and through five generations of the Brugal family in the Dominican Republic, their dedication to create the highest quality, double-aged premium rum has not changed. This year, Brugal 1888 are looking for the Best Cocktail Bar in Scotland - a bar that is dedicated to being the best possible. Could this be your bar? Do your bartenders craft cocktails that have the wow factor? Do you use Brugal 1888 as an ingredient in your cocktail creations? Is your service second to none? If so, you could be in the running for this award. We are looking for the best of the best in the Scotish bar scene. Please enter your bar online and invite your customers to vote for you too - all votes will be taken into account. This will be followed by a mystery visit, before an official visit the award judges to sample your best Brugal 1888 cocktail creation. The winner will be announced at the awards on the 27th August at the Doubletree Hilton, Glasgow. Enter now.

Caledonia Inns and Montpeliers are partnering to offer one emerging entrepreneur the opportunity to be mentored by two of the industry’s most experienced and successful individuals over a twelvemonth 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 what you think you would benefit. All candidates will be interviewed and receive a visit from the judges who include David Wither and Billy Lowe.

Campari UK is taking up the Bar Apprentice mantle. The programme, which is now in its 17th year, aims to inspire and educate bar apprentices as well as giving practical experience to those working behind the bar or on the floor. The 2024 apprentices will be mentored by a team of experts from Campari UK and will get an experience that you can’t buy. The programme is supported by Campari UK’s brands - Aperol, Campari, Crodino, Wild Turkey, Appleton Estate, Grand Marnier, Espolon and Wray & Nephew. The apprentice who embraces the experience and makes the most progress will receive the accolade Campari UK Bar Apprentice 2024 and will be presented with the award at the Awards Ceremony on 27th August. If you would like to be put forward for the experience or you have a member of staff that you would like to put forward email:- susan@mediaworldltd.com

CATEGORIES

CRAFT BEER BAR OF THE YEAR

Based in the heart of Edinburgh, Cold Town Beer is a small Scottish craft brewery that follows the ethos ‘If you don’t love our beers, we don’t brew them again’. In other words, if test brews don’t wow drinkers, they don’t go on draught sale across the country or into cans. Putting the customer front and centre is fundamental to the successes that Cold Town Beer has achieved including winning Product Development Team of the Year and Excellence in Marketing at The 2023 Scottish Beer Awards. Today the awards boot is on the other foot. Brewing beer is meaningless unless the environment and customer experience it is served in is spectacular. For that reason Cold Town Beer is proud to sponsor Craft Beer Bar of the Year. Why not ask your loyal customers to give you their seal of approval and enter now!

MIXOLOGIST OF THE YEAR

De Kuyper Mixologist of the Year is looking for a bartender who has a real passion and knowledge for creating cocktails. De Kuyper is known as being one of the main innovation drivers in the industry, so they are looking for a cocktail creation that really embraces innovation through ingredients, colour and technique.

To enter please send us your innovative cocktail recipe using one of the De Kuyper liqueurs from the extensive range available, with some information about why you chose this cocktail by 30 May.

The top 5 cocktail creations, as selected by the judges, will be invited to show off their skills ahead of the ceremony on 27th August. All 5 finalists will receive an invitation to the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards with the overall winner being announced and trophy presented on the night.

Are you passionate about all things whisky, with a bold and industrious spirit? Do you love to share your whisky knowledge with your colleagues and customers, but dare to do things a bit differently? Or do you know someone that inspires you when it comes to whisky, with their hard work, optimism and authenticity? This category, ‘Whisky Guru of the Year’, is for people who not only have a great knowledge of whisky but are bold and fearless educators and advocates, with a real passion for craft. It is open to all on-trade employees or employers whether in the bar, pub, restaurant or hotel industry. Enter now.

CASUAL DINING AWARD 2024

There are many great Casual Dining Restaurants in Scotland and this year we seek to recognise those that stand head and shoulders above the competition with our Award for Casual Dining. Do you have a relaxed atmosphere, and serve good value quality food? Are your staff adept at customer service, and do your chefs know how to serve up tantalising, tasty food? Are you family-friendly and customerfocused? Then this award could be for you. Get your customers to vote now.

Head to www.scottishbarandpubawards.com to enter.

DOG FRIENDLY PUB OF THE YEAR

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

MANAGER OF THE YEAR

BEST DRINKS OFFERING

THE 2024 CATEGORIES

The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 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 and if you think you are the most Dog-Friendly Pub in Scotland get your customers voting! The two-legged variety!

Health and wellbeing in hospitality is being embraced by companies the length and breadth of Scotland and this year we are seeking the hospitality operator that does the most to ensure its team is looked after and part of that criteria will include its response to looking after the health and wellbeing of its team. Do you work for a business that you feel goes above and beyond, or do you think you are one? Do you offer the best environment for your team to thrive and do you support them? Let us know now.

The role that bar managers play in the hospitality industry cannot be underestimated. That is what every successful bar or pub has got in common – a great manager. This year we are looking recognise the contribution that managers make to the success of a venue. Do you know a manager that has the ability to lead his team, and motivate them, and at the same time has a service ethic and personality which is appreciated by customers? If you are a customer why not nominate your favourite manager and if you are a member of staff and you think your manager deserves recognition please put them forward for this accolade.

As a composite wholesaler Inverarity Morton is looking for a venue that demonstrates a diverse drink offering, from wine, spirits, beers and soft drinks to staff knowledge, mixology and customer service. Whether you own a bar, restaurant or hotel we are searching for a venue that displays creative forward-thinking and is inclined to think outside of the box when it comes to developing its drinks list. This award is dedicated to a venue that’s bold and daring, just like its drinks offering. If you think you deserve this award, get your entry in now.

The world’s best Irish Whiskey - Jameson’s, is looking for Scotland’s best Irish Bar. The brand was invented by John Jameson, a Scotsman born in Alloa, who moved to Dublin in the 1770s and created Jameson’s, which went on to gain worldwide acclaim. Now the brand is looking for a bar or pub in Scotland that has a reputation for great service, good craic, live music and of course for celebrating all things Irish - from hearty Irish dishes to the drinks it serves. Are you a great Irish pub or do you know one? Encourage your reps and your customers to vote. John Jameson’s motto was ‘Live a bit more and fear a bit less!’ You have to in it to win it, so get your entry in now.

CATEGORIES

NEW 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 its business. It goes without saying but good customer service and an excellent range of products behind the bar is essential. Do you know of a deserving bar, or perhaps you own one yourself? If so, nominate them for this award today.

HOTEL BAR OF THE YEAR

BARTENDER OF THE YEAR

Molinari Extra, Italy’s number 1 Sambuca and the Italians Liqueur of choice, is looking for a Hotel Bar that you love. A hotel bar that epitomises the best of all things Scottish. Do you know a hotel that offers great service, and a bar that allows you to relax – either pre-activity or post activity or are you one? The judges will be looking for a bar with ambience, a good range of drinks, cocktails too, and it goes without saying... service with a smile. Head to www.scottishbarandpubawards.com to enter.

We all know great bartenders are at the very heart of every good bar and this year Coca-Cola™ owned adult sparkling mixer, Schweppes, which has just launched its first European-wide Brand Ambassador programme, is looking for Scotland’s best bartender. Are you friendly and sociable, are you knowledgeable about the drinks you serve - an expert at mixing them, and at delivering exactly what the customers asked for? Schweppes is looking for a bartender with patience, confidence and the ability to communicate and who goes above and beyond. Do you know a bartender who fits the bill or are you one? Feel free to nominate colleagues too. You can enter at www. scottishbarandpubawards.com

SPORTS BAR OF THE YEAR

This summer is promising to be a cracker for Sport with both the Euros and the Olympics, The Tour de France and Wimbledon and your customers are looking for a great experience. That’s why Sims Automatics have taken up the challenge of finding Scotland’s best sports bars. The best sports bar offers an environment that encourages socialising. Cutting-edge technology such as high-definition screens and advanced sound systems, and good Wi-Fi is essential. And while they enjoy watching sport they also enjoy participating so pool tables, fruit machines and juke boxes are also a draw, but not essential. The best sports bar also have staff that offer good service but who are also genuinely passionate about sports. Do you fit this criteria or do you know a sports bar that does. Enter now.

Staropramen is proud to be the #1 Prague Beer* in the world. Expertly brewed since 1869, Staropramen has over 150 of experience in brewing making us true experts. A traditional premium Prague style beer brewed with passion using only the finest ingredients. Now the team behind the Molson Coors brand are on the hunt for a bar or pub that consistently delivers great quality beer and indeed one that has high standards throughout. The judges will be looking for great service, beer served at the right temperature and in the right glassware, great food and the warmest of welcomes. Venues will be mystery shopped before the judges visit. If you know a bar that you think deserves an award for outstanding quality or you are one, let us know by voting at www.scottishbarandpubawards.com. *Source: Czech Beer and Malt Association 2024.

INDEPENDENT PUB GROUP OF THE YEAR

BEST OUTSIDE AREA

FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2024

THE 2024 CATEGORIES

The DRAM is on the look-out for Scotland’s top Independent Pub Group. Groups that look set to impress the judges will be dynamic and forward-thinking, with a taste for growth and expansion and a commitment to investing in their employees. You don’t have to be big but you do have to be good. Enter your nominees at www.scottishbarandpubawards.com

Customers now embrace wining and dining outside, whether they have just popped out for a beer or a cocktail. This award will go to the pub, bar, restaurant or hotel bar that has created an exceptional outdoor space which enhances the customer experience. It’s not just about the way your outside area looks, it’s about the service element too and ease of ordering, and about demonstrating how your space is contributing to the success of your business. If you know a great outdoor space, or you have one, enter now.

It has never been more important to have a clear and ongoing digital strategy and forward thinking hospitality operators have embraced digital. This award aims to recognise that. We are looking for trade businesses that have successfully used the power of social media, digital advertising, and website design to build their brand and connect with customers with the aim of driving footfall to their establishments. How have you managed to keep your business to the forefront. We are looking for creativity and a clear strategy. Let us know why you think you deserve this award.

Scotland has some very successful family businesses which have thrived over the years and they deserve recognition for the hard work that goes into making a family-owned hospitality business work. Do you think you deserve recognition or do you know a family business that does? We are looking for a business that is forward thinking, dynamic and includes more than one generation of the family. Although Hotel SCotland is sponsoring this category it is open to all family-owned businesses in hospitality. Enter now.

Scotland’s leading Sunday newpaper is looking for the best pub in the country. Do you have a welcoming atmosphere? Do your customers come back time and time again? Get your customers to fill in the entry form when it appears in the Sunday Mail or online at www. scottishbarandpubawards.com and tell us why you think you are eligible for ‘Pub of the Year’.

PEOPLE

BY NICOLA WALKER

SHG APRIL LUNCH

The quarterly Scottish Hospitality Group lunch took place on 17th April at Eusebi in Glasgow. Members heard from Daniel Johnson Scottish Labour Spokesperson for Business and Emma Congreve from the Fraser of Allander Insitutute.

They also got a chance to catch up and share their ongoing challenges and successes.

This month Group also welcomed new Supplier partners including Coca Cola and Dunns and Rusk & Rusk have also joined the group as a member. Members of the group collectively turnover more than £600m and employ in excess of 6,000 staff. Anyone looking to get involved contact info@scottishhospitalitygroup.com for details.

BEN APPOINTMENTS

Fraser McIlwraith of Dark Art Drinks has been reappointed President of the BEN. This will be his second year in the role. James McGuire from Coca-Cola has been appointed Vice-President.

James was formerly a trustee of the charity and brings a wealth of experience, strategic insight, and a profound understanding of the challenges faced by those in our industry..

ZHIMA

35 St Vincent Place, Glasgow G1 2ER

DESIGN:

BY

SUSAN YOUNG

When Paul Sloan first told me about his plans for a new contemporary Chinese restaurant that would put the theatre into Chinese dining in Glasgow I wasn’t surprised. Paul and his team at Hunky Dory are not known for doing anything by halves and they have certainly delivered.

The new Zhima, which translates to ‘sesame’ in Mandarin, opened last month and it is a masterpiece. The company has spent £1m transforming the former Prezzo into what is a stylish and elegant restaurant and bar. The footprint remains the same, but the whole restaurant has been re-configured. He initially described it to me as being Hakkasanesque - in that he wanted a restaurant with the same luxury feel, and a similar vibe, and it definitely has that. As you walk in you are met by striking black fretwork. Paul tells me some originally came from China, but others were created locally in Glasgow.

He wanted to deliver a more private dining experience and the fabulous fretwork splits the many booths. He explains, “A lot of people mentioned to me that they felt that many existing Chinese restaurants were not private enough, so I have created a restaurant which has cool dining booths which give you an element of privacy.”

The restaurant caters for 136 diners, while the sumptuous bar can seat 16. There are two-seater booths, four-seater, and large six-seater booths, as well as a private dining room which seat 12.

Paul’s vision has been brought to life by his usual designer Dominic Paul of ibdp Interiors, and his own fitout business delivered on the brief. He smiles, “My business partner (and cousin) Mario Gizzi looks after the financial side, and we did the fitout. The way we work together does work very well.”

What strikes me about the design is the attention to detail which is very evident, and the quality of the fabrics used in

Rodgers Butchers Wholesale Ltd

Clydebank Business Park, 11 South Ave, Unit 7-8, Simpson Court, Clydebank, G81 2NR

Rodgers Butchers 315 Byres Road, Glasgow, G12 8UQ

DESIGN

the upholstery.

As you enter and head towards the bar there is a seating area which is not boothed. This area is immediately adjacent to the windows and features blue velvet chairs which have been trimmed with gold, marble-effect tables and fixed seating. The fabric here looks like watermarked velvet which perfectly matches the back of the bar stools.

A feature wall draws your eye, complete with 16 gold masks encased in black and gold frames. Paul explains, “We found the masks in China and we covered them in gold leaf before having frames made for them. Although the initial outlay wasn’t very much, because the masks themselves didn’t cost much, by the time we finished they were not as inexpensive.”

Whatever the outlay, it was well worth it. It’s a feature which is stunning, and it is also used in the private dining room to great effect.

The bar itself is beautiful. It is a bold gold with a classic marble top which is very deep. This adds to the feel of luxury.

The brass trimmed back bar, which sits on a black wall is also striking. The brass has been used to great effect. Even the posing tables in the bar have brass pedestals.

Upstairs there is a semi-circular wall with fixed seating - this

is one of the few relics from Zhima’s previous incarnation, but now it features exquisite gold shimmery wallpaper which is very oriental in style.

The rich gold colour is also evident in the bespoke artwork panels that hang in the booths and on the walls of the restaurant. It really is a feast for your eyes.

The designers have used a mix of green and gold and brown and gold velvet upholstery and the material at the backs of the booths are watermarked. The seating doesn’t just look good, it feels good too.

Each of the larger booths, which seat six, feature a large piece of artwork and the lighting here is square with some brass work. Whereas in the smaller booths and in the bar the lighting reminds me of vertical black birdcages. It’s very effective and at night keeps the restaurant moody.

There are also small Black table lamps that are put on the tables at night - which are battery operated which also add to the intimacy.

The bathrooms have all been retiled but outside the ladies there is a special area. Explains Paul, “Mario saw a special

make-up area when he was in a bar in Barcelona and he thought it was a great idea. So, I have put in a lovely Chinese cabinet with a big mirror and Chinese bowls with cotton buds.” I wouldn’t normally comment on the dishes and the cutlery, but they too match the decor. The plates are just delightful, it’s not often I take a picture of an empty one, but I couldn’t resist. The food too is delightful.

I think Zhima is sure to be a hit with customers of all ages.

Tel: 0141 4451700

Email: sales@cgcoffee.co.uk www.cgcoffee.co.uk facebook.com/CaffeCarraroUK www.instagram.com/Carrarocoffee/ twitter.com/UKCarraro

11.6” touch screen till

Product & menu setup Built in Thermal Receipt Printer Cash drawer Complete Package £1195+vat

15” touch screen till EPOS software

Product & menu setup

Thermal Receipt Printer Cash drawer

SUE SAYS!

/dram.scotland @dramscotland

Politics - who would be a politician these days? As Humza Yousaf said in his resignation speech it can be “brutal”. I suppose that is the issue and most folk with any sense will give it a bypass. However, by the time you have this magazine in your hands we will have a new First Minister. Personally, I would like to see Kate Forbes take the role. She is bright, listens to businesses and probably most importantly, she is not afraid to address issues head on. Mind you I still think most of the people running businesses in hospitality would make an equally good job of it... just saying!

I was really sorry to hear about the death of Eddie Tobin, although I have not seen him recently. I first met him when he had just left Bonkers Nightclub (which was not yesterday!) and I credited him with starting deep discounting - never one to miss an opportunity, Eddie gave me a call and we started meeting up and had some brilliant lunches where we put the world to rights. I will do an obituary next month because I really want to do him justice and as usual I am writing this column on our deadline!

I was fortunate enough to join Paul Sloan et al at the opening of his new restaurant Zhima. (See design). Over the years I have been to many openings, and I have to say this is up there when it comes to the Wow factor. I wish Paul and his team every success with the new venture. He claims that he only has one more place to do before settling into a more relaxed lifestyle ... that I find hard to believe!

The recent Scottish Hospitality Group lunch was enlightening. Not just to the members who heard from Labour Spokesperson for Business Daniel Johnson - Grant Hood and Lynda McGaw from Lisini filled him in on the financial pressures on the business from the cost of food to the rates impact. He asked whether they had considered cutting costs by reducing the quality of the product they used. Grant’s and Lynda’s face said it all!

DRAM DRINKS RETAILING AND MARKETING PUBLISHED BY MEDIA WORLD LIMITED t: 01560 600585 e: news@mediaworldltd.com w: dramscotland. co.uk

-Editor Susan Young • Editorial Nicola Walker • Digital Editor Nicola Young • Advertising Kimberley Andreucci • Accounts Lesley Smith

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 2024 Printed by Stephens & George Print Group.

I love the fact that Malcolm Simpson of Simpsinns went out to surprise his best friend Malcolm Binnie for his significant birthday, but I must say, when I realised the two of them were going to spend four days sailing a canal boat on the Canal du Midi - I was somewhat concerned. I had visions of one, or both of them, ending up in the drink! But luckily they managed to survive the experience - although Malcolm’s musical quiz skills were somewhat hampered by his vino skills! Love that wee video!

Congratulations to Molson Coors on securing the pouring rights at the OVO Hydro. Heineken UK have had them for as long as I can remember and I have been to some memorable events there as Heineken’s guest, but none more so than the recent Andre Rieu concert, which was actually the last night of their deal. I say this time and time again, the over 50s clientele is a missed opportunity - if you could have seen the numbers who turned out to see Andre Rieu, I think you might have been, like me, amazed. For years now everyone appears to target the 18-25 age group, maybe it is time for a rethink!

BRAND NEW CATERING EQUIPMENT AT LOW LOW PRICES

Other products: Dishwashers, Bottle Coolers, Digital Fruit Machines, Pool Tables, Jukeboxes, Pull Tab Ticket Machines, Cash Control Systems, Tills, CCTV, Bingo Supplies, Boxing Machines, Quiz Machines & much more