Welcome to the July edition of OnTrade Scotland Magazine
The votes have been counted & the top 5 finalists in each category of the OnTrade Awards 2024 have been decided.
With over 18,000 votes cast over that last 2 months we would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote and we would like to congratulate all of the finalists for making the top 5.
Now it’s over to YOU the finalists your customers & suppliers to decide who wins. Votes can be sent to info@topgunmedia.co.uk or by DM to our Instagram page with you vote for the winner/ winners in the category / categories you are voting for.
The winner will be announced on stage on Monday 12th August at the 4th Birthday Bash in association with NE10 Vodka being held at the Doubletree by Hilton Glasgow Central. Tables are available for the party of the year for the hospitality industry by emailing events@topgunmedia.co.uk
Thank you to all of our commercial partners for their support and thank you to everyone who engage with us across all our platforms for another record month across our social with over 300,000 interaction for the first time it’s mind blowing.
We hope you enjoy this months edition and as always
STAY POSITIVE
STAY COLLABORATIVE
STAY TOGETHER
HAVE A GREAT JULY
Justin Wingate Director at TopGunMedia
Hayley Ewing Head of Events - events@topgunmedia.co.uk
Fiona Gauld Production - info@topgunmedia.co.uk
For press enquires or advertising opportunists please call or email: Email: info@topgunmedia.co.uk Telephone: 0141 556 4111
Industry News
BIFFA SUES SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT OVER DRS
Legal proceedings have now begun against the Scottish government for a £200m financial loss suffered by waste management firm Biffa.
The firm claims to have suffered these losses directly by investing in the failed deposit return scheme (DRS).
The recycling scheme was meant to go live last summer, but the UK government refused to grant an exemption to the Internal Market Act unless a UK-wide approach which excluded glass was adopted. The firm which was due to manage it - Circularity Scotland - later went into administration, with Biffa Waste Services Ltd one of its largest creditors.
The Scottish government said it could not comment on the ongoing legal action at the Court of Session.
Whilst The Scottish Greens co leader and public face of DRS Lorna Slater MSP , once so vocal about the scheme , did not wish to comment.
The DRS was supposed to boost recycling by charging a 20p deposit on every drinks container, which would be refunded through an empties return system. Biffa was appointed to collect all the recycled containers across Scotland on a 10-year deal. The company is now also suing for lost profits on top of the money it invested.
On Tuesday, during a short virtual hearing, advocate Roddy Dunlop KC told Lord Clark that he was representing Biffa.
Advocate Gerry Moynihan KC told the court that he was acting for the Scottish ministers.
It was agreed that a debate should take place later this year into legal issues affecting the case.
A representative of Biffa said: “Biffa was selected by Circularity Scotland Limited as the logistics partner for the delivery of the Scottish deposit return scheme and invested significant sums to support its timely and successful implementation.
“This was done in good faith and on the expectation and understanding that the delivery of the scheme had been mandated by the Scottish government.
“Having carefully reviewed our position with our advisers, we can confirm that we are taking legal action to seek appropriate compensation for the losses Biffa has incurred.”
A Scottish government spokesperson said: “The Scottish government cannot comment on ongoing litigation.’
ACHIEVERS AWARDS 2025 LAUNCHED FOR ENTRIES WITH NEW CATEGORIES
As the Achievers Awards 2025 launch with a fresh new look and branding, wholesalers are encouraged to celebrate their businesses and recognise the efforts of their staff in various roles by entering the long-established industry competition.
Entries open today for the prestigious industry programme, created by the Scottish Wholesale Association, that rewards outstanding performance across the wholesale trade in Scotland and is in its 22nd year.
Back at the O2 Academy Edinburgh venue, this landmark event highlights best practice and innovation within the industry and also recognises the dedicated people who keep its wheels moving.
Achievers are the only awards in Scotland dedicated to the wholesale food and drink sector with the gala awards celebration attended by over 500 people from across the wholesale industry and its supply chain each year.
Brand News
PIE SPORTS SERVE UP THE PERFECT TREAT FOR THE FOOTBALL SEASON
It’s an open goal for food and football fans this summer as Pie Sports bring the very best of matchday grub to fans in Scotland – at home for the Euros or at games for the new season ahead.
The pies are available online at Pie Sports so stock up now with the bumper PARTY box offer for the rest of the Euros – or nip along to your local Aldi and pick some up now for the game tomorrow night, or order online for delivery for the big one on Sunday.
And the epic pastry perfections pie-oneered by the craftsmen at Pie Sports – they created the kebab pie, which tells you all you need to know about these dudes – will be
available in three Scottish football grounds for the coming season.
Pie Sports’ Joe Aitken said: “Nothing says summer like a nice hot pie, we all know that.
“It’s a massive summer for football and for us at Pie Sports, so we hope as well as getting right behind our boys at the EURO’s, Scotland fans will get their teeth into the best of our home cuisine too.
“Our range has something for everyone from vegans to steak lovers, different exotic flavours and the iconic kebab pie.”
While home pies and shop pies are great, the real joy of a hot juicy meat pie is burning your chin at a rainy game – and you can do just that with Pie Sports at St Mirren and Partick Thistle.
And now they are signed up to deliver the ultimate matchday food experience to Falkirk as well.
Jamie Swinney, CEO of Falkirk FC, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Pie Sports to the club, the start of an exciting partnership.
“We received several bids for the contract, with Pie Sports offering the strongest package to the club for both quality and service, as well as the commercial return available.
“We’re excited about the new season and we’re sure the combination of Falkirk FC and Pie Sports is really going to add to match days for our supporters.
Paul Quinn from Pie Sports added: “There are four of us at Pie Sports – Brian and Ross at HQ, and Joe and myself taking care of the football ground side.
SPFL ANNOUNCES 20 PREMIERSHIP GAMES PER SEASON TO BE SHOWN ON PREMIER SPORTS
The SPFL has announced a new deal with Premier Sports to show 20 live and exclusive Premiership matches each season, from this summer.
The SPFL and Premier Sports have now signed a five-season contract for Premier Sports to show 20 live Premiership matches per season in the UK and Ireland.
Premier Sports acquired the rights as part of a competitive bidding process which attracted multiple bidders.
Graham Byrne, Head of Commercial Premises Premier Sports; “Pubs and Clubs across the UK can now enjoy Scottish football all year round on Premier Sports with the SPFL, Premier Sports Cup & Scottish FA Cup. We are delighted to kick off our SPFL coverage with Dundee v Hearts on August 10th. In July our coverage of the Premier Sports groups stages gets undwerway.”
SUB CLUB DAZZLE LAGER – A COLLABORATION WITH BREWGOODER
World renowned electronic music venue Sub Club has teamed up with local brewer Brewgooder to create its very own lager.
The crisp and refreshing Sub Club Dazzle Lager will be sold exclusively behind the bar at the Jamaica Street venue and its rooftop bar – and not only will the 4.5% easy drinking session lager work as the perfect partner for the dancefloor, each can enjoyed will help to nurture the next generation of musical talent, too.
For each can sold Sub Slub and the Brewgooder Foundation will donate 5p each to the Dazzle Project, raising more than £5,000 per annum for the programme, which aims to create equality of opportunity in the dance and electronic music scene in Glasgow and beyond through skills workshops.
Delivered in partnership with The Sound Lab, the Dazzle Project provides six weeks of introductory level tuition, aimed at breaking down barriers for individuals who wouldn’t otherwise get the opportunity. With touring DJs, producers and guest speakers from across the industry, addressing topics such as securing DJ residencies, the role of club nights, music communities and local radio, gender barriers, marketing, label management and many others.
By the end of the six weeks, the aim is to provide participants with the means to articulate their taste through Djing and provide the early, necessary information and skills to begin exploring their own electronic music journey. The broad aim of the Dazzle Project is to contribute to structural change in the
music industry, and improve the representation of marginalised groups in Scotland.
Sub Club, Managing Director, Mike Grieve said: “With a long standing ambition to have our own lager in the club, and having worked closely with Brewgooder over the last couple of years, it makes perfect sense for us to align our brands with this project as we share the common ethos of adding positive purpose to our commercial activities.
“The Dazzle Project is still in its infancy but already from the first exploratory series of workshops we have seen real life success with participants going on to do paid gigs and set up their own events. The additional funding this great new lager will provide will help bring more bright new talent to the fore, and we are really excited to get started – and as an added bonus, the new Subbie lager looks and tastes fantastic!”
Brewgooder co-founder James Hughes said: “Having worked with the Sub Club team for a couple years now, there has always been alignment of ethos and values. So when we learned about their Dazzle Project, we saw an obvious opportunity to collaborate and produce not only a great looking and tasting product, but also a house beer that will forever exist to enable better opportunities for others, which entirely aligns with the purpose we founded Brewgooder on back in 2016.”
Enjoy as a cherry shot or sip as a liqueur.
HOUSE OF GODSLOVED BY MORTALS
You’ve heard the rumours. Now it’s time to tell you they’re all true.After 3 years of renovations the infamous, multi award-winning House of Gods have opened its most opulent doors. The ability to live like the worshipped in the heart of the Merchant City amongst bespoke, one of a kind interiors across twenty eight maximalist rooms and suites really is an EXPERIENCE that transports you to a heavenly place.
On entering the historic red sandstone building you are you are instantly transported to what seems like a different time with a hint of yesteryear with a modern twist. Decadence, luxury, warmth and comfort are all feeling that embrace you as you enter just the reception area and that’s before you explore the opportunity to relax and lavish in the boutique lounges or dine amongst the heavens in the Sacred Garden Rooftop.
Revel in the brand new, railway carriage inspired cocktail
lounge amongst all the hustle and bustle of Glasgow’s most exciting new spot where they have just launched a new cocktail menu where traditional meets the inspired.
The atmosphere you can almost taste with the surroundings wrapping you in a warm blanket relaxed vibe.
THE SACRED GARDEN ROOFTOP BAR
A one-of-a-kind rooftop “Garden of Eden” designed to bewilder.
You lose yourself as you discover tantalising bites, drinks and delights all through the day and late into the night in a space that is as surprising as it is beautiful.
Perched above the hotel, and inspired by the mystique of ancient gardens, the verdant rooftop restaurant & hideaway bar is a one of a kind space packed with over 3,000 flowers and it creates and atmosphere all of its own.
You can Indulge like the Gods and gaze towards the heavens in the penthouse hidden hideaway. Beautiful and enticing seasonal dishes delivered along with the finest Champagnes, wines & cocktails.
A rendezvous for the adventurous, only for those in the know, and now you do.
You would love forgiven for thinking that with such effort in the bar , dining and reception areas that the bedrooms may have been neglected as “just for sleeping in” but you would be very very wrong.
With four main offerings each offering an experience you have to witness yourself to put into words.
THE CABIN
Is an oak panelled exquisite take on the cosy cabins of the Orient Express and harks back to the bygone days of
exotic and mystical travel.
THE CLASSIC
Versailles-inspired rooms are unapologetically extravagant and the ultimate hedonistic hideaway.
THE SUITE
True opulence in the utopia of hotel suites. Decadence in abundance, it’s the hotel room you may never want to leave.
THE PRESIDENTIAL SUITE
A true masterpiece of luxury, elegance and Rock n Roll loche. Indulge in one of the finest rooms in Scotland with the grandeur and refinement of tge unparalleled Presidential Suite.
Both the suit & presidential suite feature a stunning “ tub” bath in room whether you just want the ultimate relaxing soak or you are more romantically inclined.
The venue’s long awaited decent to the mortals of Glasgow has been highly anticipated given the popularity and success of its Edinburgh venue.
Luxury , experience , atmosphere , great service , polite friendly staff , stunning surroundings , great cocktails and indulgent food ….. you really do feel like a god.
CAMERON HOUSE HOTEL APPOINTS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
LWith over 28 years’ experience working within the hospitality industry, Gary brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the hotel. Joining the Executive Team, Gary will assist on the day-to-day running of the hotel, delivering high customer service and standards, along with assisting with recruitment, training and retention, whilst supporting the Resort Director, Michael Lavizani.
Glaswegian-born Gary has honed his expertise across a range of hotels in the UK, from Reading to Leeds, rising through the ranks within renowned hospitality brands including Hilton, Jurys and Thistle. For the past six years, he has worked within hotel management group, Klarent Hospitality, where he was a key figure within its senior leadership team; first appointed as Director of Operations for Doubletree by Hilton Glasgow Central, before taking the position of General Manager at its sister Doubletree hotel in Glasgow Strathclyde. Highly motivated, Gary has successfully led his hotel team to receive several awards throughout his career, including winning a gold medal accreditation at the 2013 Scottish Hotel Awards.
On his appointment, Gary Rice comments: “I have closely followed and admired the growth of Cameron House as one of Scotland’s leading resorts and I’m honoured to be on board. I look forward to contributing to the success of the hotel by leading, supporting and developing the esteemed team to deliver excellence and exceed guest expectations.”
Michael Lavizani, Resort Director at Cameron House says: “I’m delighted to welcome Gary to the Clan Cameron family. We’re dedicated to delivering exceptional service and experiences for our guests; a commitment which Gary shares as he takes on this pivotal role, bringing with him his passion, knowledge and leadership skills. I’m confident that he’ll continue to guide Cameron House to excel in its operations.”
Located on the banks of Loch Lomond in Trossachs National Park, Cameron House Hotel is home to 208 bedrooms including 28 suites, multiple dining outlets, an award-winning spa, marina and two golf courses, including the 18-hole Championship Carrick golf course. Cameron Lodges also located within the wider resort includes 115 self-catered lodges, cottages and apartments.
uxury five-star hotel, Cameron House on Loch Lomond, has appointed Gary Rice as its Director of Operations.
ASKR SERVES UP STELLAR SUMMER SEAFOOD …AND IT’S A STEAL
Edinburgh chef Dan Ashmore is serving up the ultimate luxury on a budget with a brand new three-course £35 lobster lunch deal.
Dan’s new restaurant ASKR, his first, offers incredible fine dining with an edge, as he cooks using the stunning firepit at the heart of the space.
But with a cost of living crisis hitting us all hard, Dan is offering a lobster tasting menu dinner deal at an incredible price, with the same stunning premium experience – and a brand new lobster lunch offer that’s even BETTER value.
Dan said: “We’re all feeling it right now, times are difficult.
“People want to eat well, want to socialise, need to in fact – it’s important to switch off from the everyday worries now more than ever.
“So we have put together a deal we’re proud of – a lobster menu which is honestly incredible value at dinner, and one at lunch that is really special.
“We have worked hard to make this happen and it’s thanks to our amazing supplier, a fisherman who sells us lobsters direct from his boat, delivered here to us fresh by his mum.
“That’s the kind of connection we have with our beautiful Scottish produce – and it shows in the food.”
The five-course dinner menu includes snacks, flatbread, beetroot (trust us), half a lobster, barbecued on the firepit and served with jersey royals and our secret butter, and a couple of nice treats to end. That’s £50, with optional courses of cheese and Death Star petits fours at £10 each.
But the big bargain comes with the all new lunch offering, a three-course steal featuring the stellar lobster dish from the dinner menu and coming in at £35 total.
The restaurant opened recently and Dan is keen to welcome diners in to try it, knowing they will want to return – so offers deals like this.
“We are open, we’re doing things our way and serving something unique to the people of the city now. It’s a tough market, so come in and see us – I promise you won’t have had a meal like this before.
The most awarded vodka in the British Isles
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MONDAY 12 AUGUST
ONTRADE AWARDS 2024
VENUE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
WUNDERBAR
RADISSON RED FLIGHT CLUB
COLDTOWN HOUSE
MAGGIES ROCK N RODEO
ONTRADE AWARDS 2024
COCKTAIL VENUE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
THE ALCHEMIST
THE SPIRITUALIST
VODKA WODKA
SACRED GARDEN (HOUSE OF GODS ) MISSOULA
SPONSORED
ONTRADE AWARDS 2024
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HOUSE OF GODS
RADISSON RED
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON GLASGOW CENTRAL
AC HOTEL
RADISSON BLU
ONTRADE AWARDS 2024
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THE GARAGE
WUNDERBAR BALLROOM
HAUS
CLUB TROPICANA
SUB CLUB
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SIGNATURE GROUP
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Since our humble beginnings nearly 70 years ago when the Company was founded by Bobby Lynas, Lynas Foodservice has been dedicated to one word, Service.
The aim is simple, to serve our customer with the best product and the best service we can provide.
We deliver to over 5,000 independant and chain customers every week throughout Ireland and Scotland. Our customers come from right across the catering spectrum so with our extensive range we will have the right product to suit your needs and your business.
Contact us today to find out more and arrange a visit with one of our experienced team.
We are here for you.
MEAT VERSUS PLANT-BASED DIETS - WHO WINS IN THE BATTLE FOR GREEN FOOD CREDENTIALS?
Consumer expectations in terms of the food we eat have transformed in recent years. People - especially the younger generation - are more likely to want to know where their food has come from, how it has been processed, and whether it will have a negative impact on the environment.
Much has been said about a vegan diet being good for the planet, and we’re regularly bombarded with messaging that aims to persuade us to eat less meat. Just a couple of generations ago, when our fruit and veg was locally-grown and in season, the environmental case for a plant-based diet would have been clear-cut.
But nowadays, consumers are used to eating what they like, rather than what the Scottish climate can necessarily provide. We want strawberries all year round, so retailers import these and other foods from abroad during the winter.
And that’s when the environmental picture becomes much more muddled. It’s harder to work out how the carbon footprint of flying in exotic produce such as sweet potatoes and quinoa compares to eating Scottish meat from the farm a couple of miles down the road.
With global food miles – the distance travelled by food products from production to consumption - accounting for nearly a fifth of all food-systems emissions - the importance of eating local produce has arguably never been greater.
During the Covid restrictions, many people ate more locally because, to an extent, they were forced to. Some buyers found their local farm shop or butcher for the first time, realised they were not prohibitively expensive and preferred the produce. Slowly but surely things are creeping back to normal – although people who live in rural areas are still more likely than those in towns and cities to buy and eat locally.
As well as reducing food miles, there are other clear benefits to buying locally produced food, like supporting Scottish farmers during challenging economic times. The cost of living has been at the
forefront of the farming community’s mind for the past few years, and that of our licensed trade operators who also serve food.
Eating locally produced food rather than produce that has travelled halfway round the world also reduces food waste and uses less packaging. It can also help strengthen bonds within communities, sparking conversations between shops, restaurants and local suppliers.
It’s true to say that quality local produce comes at a cost, and price is always an important consideration for traders and for consumers. But research demonstrates that locally produced food can remain attractive if it delivers on quality, taste, sustainability and ethics.
According to a 2023 survey by The Knowledge Bank – the research arm of Scotland Food and Drink - 60% of Scottish consumers said they were willing to pay more for some types of food produced in Scotland –particularly game, seafood and red meat. In the same research, 66% of respondents cited supporting local businesses as a reason to buy local
produce, while 48% did so because they thought the quality was better.
Scottish beef, for example, is world-renowned for its quality and sustainability credentials. And, thanks to the Quality Meat Scotland website, you can trace your meat right back to the farmer, ensuring it ticks all the right boxes in terms of animal welfare. When buying local, such as at a farmer’s market, you can also talk to the producer directly about the origin of food and production methods.
It’s great to see initiatives like the Galloway Food Hub, a social enterprise that aims to give better access to local food by creating a hyper-local food chain, springing up. They’ve even set up an online shop, where people can buy wool and candles along with their fruit, vegetables and meat.
Going back to the vegan vs omnivore diet debate, for me the question is this: when you look at the bigger picture, is persuading meat lovers to switch to ethical, sustainable, locally-reared meat perhaps a more realistic goal than promoting giving up meat entirely?
KAREN CRAIG, DIRECTOR, ANDERSON STRATHERN
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