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SAVE OUR RADE
Magazine
November 2020
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Well it has been a challenging month for everyone especially the venues in the central belt. Keeping on top of all the changes as they unfold and trying to provide helpful relevant information is a challenge of it’s own . We have tried to engage with the Scottish Government numerous times over the last month to try and provide an interview or Q&A with either the First Minister or Prof Jason Leitch to directly answer some of the very relevant questions everyone in the trade and hospitality sector have on numerous points from the music ban to the curfew and everything else they have refused to communicate with the trade directly on. As yet we are being led a merry dance however we will keep pushing. We would like to thank everyone for the fantastic feedback we have received from everyone in the trade, owners, brands, suppliers and customers of the venue as well as agencies on the launch edition and to the magazine as a whole we have been overwelmed and Can’t thank you enough. We also would like to thank all of the brands and suppliers and our partners that have been involved in the title over the last 2 editions and moving forward that have shown the desire to engage and support the owners and the trade and ourselves. If we can be of any help to anyone in the trade or you have something you wish to share please feel free to get in touch.
Stay Strong Save Hospitality Save Our Pubs Save Night Life OnTrade Family
Justin Wingate Director at TopGunMedia For press enquires or advertising opportunists please call or email: Email: info@topgunmedia.co.uk Telephone: 0141 556 4111
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Open Letter to the First Minister
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Thundercat Roars
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Rogano commissions charity art campaign
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Introducing our new legal partners - Gilson Gray
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Our letter to The First Minister a First Minister, For the last few months, we have listened intently to the daily briefings and announcements from yourself and the representatives from your government as to the challenges facing the country in its response to the Covid 19 pandemic and whilst we can only attempt to understand how complex this must be for any government to be responsible for the safety and health of its people and constantly have to adapt to what is a unique and ever-evolving situation we feel as a business that is part of one of the largest sectors and employers in the country that there is a very clear imbalance in how the hospitality sector has been represented and treated over this time which has to be addressed NOW. We have been inundated with emails, letters and calls from all across the licensed trade & hospitality sector looking for clarity on the sometimes confusing statements and voicing the concern and anger at what they feel is a total disregard for the industry and the damage that is being done to their businesses, staff, and livelihoods with what seem like ill-thought trough measures, confusing statements and bizarre rhetoric. Many are angry, most are confused unsurprisingly but most of all we all feel badly let down. We are angry because your government has actively engaged with leaders from the retail sector, supermarkets & the cinema industry as well as the education sector however as of writing this letter you have failed to actively and directly work and communicate with leaders in the wider hospitality sector and license trade which has only added to the feeling of isolation, we would have to ask why this is the case? You have communicated with the mainstream media, trade press in the supermarket sector and retail sector however have as yet not provided the same engagement and platform to the trade press in the hospitality sector even after repeated requests, Why? We would like the opportunity to ask for answers on three main points on behalf of the industry which is as follows: 1. What evidence was in place to suggest that restricting or in the case of the central belt closing hospitality venues would provide a significant reduction in the infection rates when these venues have more restrictive measures in place than supermarkets & retail stores in the moment of 4 ontradescotland.co.uk
and the Scottish Government: customers and their interaction with other customers, stock and staff and have less volume of customer flow in the first place? 2. What factual evidence was in place to suggest that banning background music in venues would have any impact on the spread of the virus in any way given human nature when having a conversation in a quiet environment over a 2-meter distance is to lean in and speak more quietly to try and have a private conversation would surly be achieving the opposite effect of what was intended in the first place? 3. What factual evidence was in place to suggest the implantation of a 10 pm curfew on hospitality venues would lead to a reduction of infection rate given this would not only lead to the number of people descending on the streets at the same time seeking public transport etc instead of the normal staggered exiting over the course of the evening you would see but also given the reduced times of customers being able to potentially book a place in a venue actually encouraging people to have gatherings at home with arguably less social distancing and restrictive measures in place and also putting a potential burden on Police Scotland due to increased calls and having to attend house parties? We would ask that you actively approach the hospitality industry to answer these question and I’m sure many more through the trade bodies & associations & the trade press whether that is with ourselves at OnTrade Scotland or any of the other trade titles I’m sure would be happy to give you the platform to address these very important issues. The industry has some of the most intelligent business minds in the country how are as passionate about the safety of customers as they are about the security of their businesses and their staff who I’m sure would be happy to sit down and work with you to get a better way of safeguarding the public whilst protecting businesses and jobs. We have our clicky pen ready and we are happy to open the door for you. We all await your engagement as to have you can #SAVEOURTRADE. Justin Wingate Managing Director TopGun Media Ltd & OnTrade Scotland
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Industry News
SCOTTISH HOSPITALITY SECTOR LAUNCHES ‘SAVE OUR JOBS’ CAMPAIGN Some of the top names in Scottish hospitality have launched a new ‘Save Our Jobs’ campaign calling for urgent support from Westminster and Holyrood to safeguard up to 100,000 jobs before the nationwide furlough scheme comes to an end in just 10 days’ time on 31st October. Michelin star chef Tom Kitchin, Nic Wood of pub and bar collection Signature Group, James Thomson of Prestonfield
and The Witchery, Edinburgh’s Carina Contini and the Scotland-wide Crerar Hotels group are leading the campaign to appeal for urgent support from government before it’s too late. Hospitality workers have shared their ‘Save Our Jobs’ selfies on social media using the hashtags #SaveOurJobs and #ScottishHospitality to highlight the faces behind the jobs under threat.
DONALD MACLEOD HONOURED The larger than life boss of The Garage and Cathouse clubs in Glasgow was recognised for his work with the Nordoff Robbins music therapy charity. Donald, the charity’s Scottish fundraising boss, helped launch the hugely successful Scottish Music Awards 22 years ago and has worked with top acts like Simple Minds, Emeli Sandi, Biffy Clyro, Amy Macdonald, Dougie Maclean and Paulo Nutini. For the past 23 years, Donald has been an invaluable part and driving force of Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland, previously being both the co-chair of the Board of Management and Chairman of Fundraising. He continues to play a key role as Chairman of the charity’s Scottish Fundraising & Events Committee. Responsible for delivering the hugely successful Scottish Music Awards (SMAs), which since the beginning 22 years ago, has celebrated the works and achievements of many of Scotland’s talented array of musicians, artists and bands. Names such the Simple Minds, Emeli Sandi, Biffy Clyro, Amy Macdonald, Dougie Maclean, Paolo Nutini, raising an incredible amount in the process to support and maintain vital music therapy services in Scotland.
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BUCKS EAT OUT TO REACH OUT On Monday the 26th of October The Buck’s Bar Group ran the “East Out To Reach Out “ campaign as a a very positive protest against the restrictions and measures put in place by the first minister and Scottish government in their unfair treatment of the hospitality sector . The Campaign encouraged people to nominate anyone who they believed had suffered during the pandemic , whether that was someone who had lost their job, someone that has struggled to cope due to missing family or friends or just
someone that needed a pick me up and something to look forward too , the group were going to provide a free meal for he nominee and a guest. The Team were inundated with nominations and the event went exceptionally well . We take our hats of to Michael & Michelle & all of the staff at Buck’s Bar Group for they fantastic positive protest you made a lot of peoples day and brought a little bit of escapism to people who deserved it.
TRUST WATER LAUNCHED TO SUPPORT THE DRINKS INDUSTRY WORKFORCE
GILSON GRAY LLP BECOME MAGAZINE PARTNER TO PROVIDE LEGAL SUPPORT OnTrade Scotland Magazine are delighted to announce the exclusive partnership with Gilson Gray LLP to bring dedicated insight and support for all things legal & licensing. At a time when support and clarity are required most we have partnered with sone of the most respected and experienced firms in the sector that share our values and passion for the industry. Each month starting in the coming November edition , Joanna Millar Legal Director at Gilson Gray LLP will be looking at the key challenges the trade are facing and and providing valuable advice and insight. Joanna is hugely respected & has vast experience in the sectors and we couldn’t be happier to be able to bring this level of expert insight and support to everyone in the trade. If you have any questions for Joanna on any legal or licensing matters affecting you contact: Gilson Gray LLP Phone - 0141 370 8116 email - jmillar@gilsongray.co.uk
Trust Water has been launched by hospitality experts Mark Bickerton and Richard Bailey specifically to help support those working in the drinks industry, with 100% of net profits from every bottle sold being donated to The Drinks Trust. “People who work in the drinks industry are a resilient bunch” commented Mark Bickerton “but the sector has been hit badly by COVID-19 and we are only just starting to see how seriously this is affecting the lives of our colleagues. The Drinks Trust is always there for the industry and has provided support, care and assistance since 1886 and it is our ambition for Trust Water to make a difference to their work with those who need it most. By making a simple brand choice for Trust Water, the hospitality sector can help support its own people and help us reach our goal of raising £500,000 for The Drinks Trust in the first year.” The Drinks Trust CEO, Ross Carter added, “We are excited by the new brand that Richard and Mark have created which heralds a new approach of supporting the industry from within. With 100% of the profits being donated to The Drinks Trust, the number of lives that we can touch will be significantly increased and I hope that everyone in the industry will get behind Trust Water in a show of strength and unity. The hospitality sector continues to struggle in these extraordinary times and support from projects such as this will help our work immensely as more people turn to us needing support or assistance.” Mark Bickerton continued, “Richard and I have worked in the drinks and hospitality sector for over 25 years and are delighted to partner with The Drinks Trust on this exciting product range. We are very proud that Trust Water truly gives back to the people who need it most and look forward to speaking to our industry colleagues who are able to support our objectives and contribute to that ripple effect.” The Trust Water range is ideal for stocking within hospitality venues, making available for off-trade sales or for personal consumption by drinks sector staff, their family and friends. The Drinks Trust has recently announced an ‘End of Furlough Grant’ to support colleagues in the industry who have been made redundant and are facing financial hardship. For further information about the grant and other support available from The Drinks Trust, please email support@drinkstrust.org.uk or call 0800 915 4610.
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Brand News SCOTTISH BREWERY ATTENDS DOWNING STREET BUSINESS TALKS One of Scotland’s most awarded independent craft breweries was invited to join just six other Scottish-based businesses as part of a special virtual roundtable business event with the UK Prime Minister Boris Jonhson at Number 10 Downing Street on Thursday 15thOctober. The event, which was hosted by Boris Johnson and Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack, was set up to offer representatives from a range of sectors the opportunity to share their experiences and key issues affecting their businesses with the UK Government. Other participants included Genius Gluten Free, Orbital Marine, Gael Force Group, Trespass, Criton and Epidarex Capital. Harviestoun Brewery, based at Alva near Stirling, has been brewing in the shadow of the Ochil Hills in Clackmannanshire since 1983, so they were making craft beer in Scotland long before it became a popular trend. Still under independent ownership, they consider themselves a modern craft classic. Stuart Cook, Joint Managing Director at Harviestoun Brewery, said: “I was honoured to represent Harviestoun Brewery amongst only six other Scottish-based businesses as part of a special virtual roundtable business event at Number 10 with UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson and Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack. “This was a unique opportunity for Harviestoun and other selected businesses from a mix of sectors to share our experiences and key issues affecting our business with the UK Government at this extremely challenging time.
MEXICO FOR OUR FAST-GROWING TEQUILA BRAND, MILAGRO Milagro has averaged double-digit annual growth in the US since 2015 and is now the country’s fifth largest premium tequila brand. This acquisition will give us more control in distilling our liquid to our exacting standards, open up possibilities for innovation and protect the brand’s long-term sustainability. Over the last five years we have invested significantly in our operations for the long term, including the ongoing expansion of the Glenfiddich distillery, opening the spectacular Hendrick’s distillery in Scotland and bringing whiskey making back to the town of Tullamore in Ireland.
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Tonic water reinvented
THUNDERCAT RO Since opening his first venue Soho in 2008 with his wife Michelle, Michael Bergson has seen a lot of changes take place in the Glasgow nightlife landscape but maybe none as challenging as the last few months. In terms of what the customers were looking for in terms of experience to the Glasgow scene itself, many things have evolved and the husband & wife team have had to evolve with it. “Soho was doing ok, but it was right on the profit line pre lockdown, so we were thinking on a refurbishment to freshen things up as Soho was a 12-year-old concept by now.” “We wanted something that fitted with the way customers have changed, Glasgow had changed and the merchant city had changed, we wanted to provide an experience. We wanted something that aligned more with our Buck’s Bar venues which have been a great success, in their feel and surroundings but at the same time individual.” 10 ontradescotland.co.uk
OARS FOR TRUST AND FAIRNESS Contrary to opinion the name Thundercat was not a homage to a childhood cartoon or 80’s revival but came about in more of a unique way.
he looked up to in the trade over the years.
“We looked at a few names before settling on Thundercat, but we wanted something that felt American and had originally looked at Thunderbird, like the classic car but as this was gone with a venue down south using that name, Thundercat it was.
people who have built successful businesses in the hospitality sector over the years that have a real drive and passion to succeed and hope that learning base has given me a strong foundation to build on.”
With Buck’s having a Rock N Roll theme we decided to give Thundercat an old school funk vibe and provide some escapism with good food, good music and a great atmosphere. People ask why American ? Simply people a lot of the time want to feel like they are somewhere else even just for a night or a few hours, even if they don’t have a lot of money to spend, getting away from it really, and we like to think we provide that at Thundercat & Buck’s” Michael’s vast experience in the on-trade goes back many years for his youthful age, running some high profile venues for organisations like G1 Group to Lynnet Lesuire and he is happy to share that he has learned a lot from the people
“I have always tried to be a sponge from people around me as I learned my trade if you like, Michael told us,
Michael explained how important the staff are to the Buck’s & Thundercat brand. “The staff have been fantastic, and we are very proud to say we have not lost anyone over this time.” “At the beginning of the outbreak and just before the lockdown, of course, there was a bit of uncertainty, do we close? Do we stay open? What’s best for the staff & customers? Then came the lockdown. There were ups and downs during that period like I’m sure everyone experienced but since being able to open up again all of the staff have been keen to get to work and we have worked with them to make the venues are as safe as possible following all he restrictions to the letter and
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“In our opinion, there has to be far more trust displayed by the powers that be.” “If the government tell us what the risks are, what has to be put in place and the measures that have to be followed and then actually TRUST us as business owners to carry them out then hat would make the world of difference .” “If we can have some of the best innovators in the industry, like SWG3, Donald Macleod, the guys at Bamboo, John Blane why can’t we just trust the trade to get on with it.” “The more you trust people the more you will get out of them.” giving them as much stability as we can .” The restrictions, however, are another matter and whilst Michael, along with ourselves and many others in the industry understand that there is a public health matter to deal with and restrictions of some kind are a part of the new normal we all have to adjust to, the extent and illthought-out nature of some of them seem more of a knee jerk reaction than well thought through and we at OnTrade Scotland Magazine couldn’t agree more. He has been very vocal in his questioning of not only the restrictions like the music ban in venues but also the everincreasing measures enforced on the hospitality venues through his Linkedin feed which has gained over 30,000 views to date. Michael said in his post, “The Scottish Government’s National Clinical Director Professor Leitch made some truly astounding comments about his perceptions regarding hospitality yesterday. Do the powers that be even understand any of the restrictions they’ve already imposed? It would appear not. How can we blame hospitality for rising COVID cases if we don’t have any science to confirm this? To me, it all seems like guesswork. Decisions being made in accordance with certain individuals’ opinions and not facts.” “The key decision-makers are clearly out of touch.” “It’s time to support hospitality and keep the key measures in place. We have reached the point of regulation overload. Let us get on with it and trust us to continue to do so safely.” OnTrade Scotland Magazine fully supports Michael’s views which have been delivered in a very sensible way. Michael continued, “We have worked with the EHO from the start to understand what we have had to do and how we have had to do it, like screens between booths and other measures we actually got inspiration from OTHER HOSPITALITY VENUES, they weren’t really communicated to us by them in the beginning. We now have QR codes on the menus themselves, you have the covid measures next you at the table we have table service to limit he contact with numerous people, the customer is seated relaxed and isolated safely and able to enjoy the experience without it being a stop and start process that feels uncomfortable and unnatural and moving about everywhere.
Both The First minister & Prof Jason Leitch have both been on a call where hey confess to not having seen a report where the case is shown that the music ban has no foundation in protecting anyone. Some of the reaction to Michaels comments have been bizarre for example having the police attend his home to answer a complaint of being a COVID denier due to a disgruntled individual obtaining his details from companies house and reporting him. “The police had agreed that the music ban was wrong in their opinion and the opening of venues had reduced the cases of house parties and domestic violence cases reported so if the powers that be are not listening to the people enforcing the measures what chance do we as business owners have.” “The idea that because we sell alcohol in the venues that people totally lose the ability to social distance when they do that is total nonsense. We have worked closely with RS100 on our sound systems in the venues to provide clear quality sound and a big part of the atmosphere in Buck’s & Thundercat so having background music helps people distance to help mask conversations, we don’t “blare“ music like in a potential nightclub situation which restricting is understandable.” “We think that venues being allowed to open till 1am as they do in Spain would provide a far better structure instead of closing at 10 pm (or temp closing for 16 days like we have had ) as we do not see the medical evidence supporting this, it would also give a staggered exit flow from venues and help provide a revenue stream for businesses instead of forcing a bottleneck of a busy 2 hour period to then dump everyone on the street at the one time.” We fully support Michaels views which are echoed by many in the trade and call for the first minister and the Scottish government to provide more support to the hospitality trade and actually engage with people like Michael and other respected owners the way they have in the retail and supermarket sectors to work on a better way forward and most of all provide some trust. We are all in this together.
“We have worked with our IT team to set things up so this is a smooth and compliant process to provide trace and protect data in an accurate way and when the EHO came in they were very happy with what had been done .” 12 ontradescotland.co.uk
We are continuing to celebrate the great work you as venues are doing during this challenging time to adapt and still supply great food and drink to your customers. We have received an overwelming number of images and shares of the takeaway offering you have and we have loved sharing them with your potential customers through our social channels. KEEP THEM COMING.
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Justin Wingate Commercial Director TopGun Media Ltd ontradescotland.co.uk ontradescotland
OnTradeScotland
0141 556 4111 07595 313 071
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Gin Bothy - The Accidental Gin Maker Going from a world champion jam maker to a premium gin producer of distinction is not what you would call the standard path, however Gin Bothy as a brand, and Kim Cameron the founder, are in no way standard.
Since first meeting Kim at Scot-Hot just over a year ago and listening to her passion for the brand and her love of what she does is genuinely inspirational and is one of the things that makes Gin Bothy really unique. Kim told us “It all began just over 5 years ago when I was producing jam and had won a few categories in the World Jampionships in Dundee for my raspberry & gin jam. The bi-product of jam is juice and fruit and the idea evolved from there.” The game changer came in 2016 at the Ideal Home Show in Glasgow and since then Kim and Gin Bothy haven’t looked back, building one of Scotland’s premium artisan gin brands. “It was a massive leap of faith going to Glasgow with the expense and commitment, however our belief in the product we had to offer was, in more than one way, very “fruitful” as we had three sell out days. “The feedback was fantastic, so we decided to try Edinburgh at the Royal Highland Show in June that year and went up against the big boys...and sold out again. “We then moved to a bigger bothy in Kirriemuir and began to produce a range around Scotland’s seasonal fruit calendar. Our production schedule is inspired by what’s around us and wherever there is a river or a mountain there is a bothy. The old recipes and stories continue to be our guide!
“The flavours in our spirits really came from that inspiration. Our Original, where our spirit family starts from, is basically Scotland in a bottle – heather, milk thistle & Scots pine foraged from the surrounding area and using pure highland water. “Our Gunshot gin is our best seller and a firm favourite in bars. It was created as a sipping gin that could be put in a hipflask to drink neat. I’m not a whisky fan so wanted something full strength and smooth. It’s the same colour as bullets and gives you an inner glow, and won a 3 star Great Taste award in 2016.” “We only use 100% natural fruit, and all our gins are made by hand in small batches, which is why we don’t supply Gin Bothy through supermarkets. Every bottle, solid and square (like a bothy) is hand numbered so is truly artisan. “The gin journey has really been helped by the Scottish consumer’s quest for original flavours and experiential food & drink. For me gin is like cooking, in that whatever you add brings out a flavour.” Kim also reflected on the current challenges in the industry with the same inspirational nature as always “On our gin journey there have been highs and lows however none of us have worked this hard to give up. For us, taking the Scottish brand to export, working with Scotland Food & Drink to promote Scotland as a national brand, adapting in our own markets, and working together on our partnerships with retailers and wholesalers to build strong lasting relationships is the way we will hopefully come out the other side of this stronger and better.” Check out the full Gin Bothy range at www.ginbothy.com
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HISTORIC RESTAURANT ROGANO UNVEILS RO The doors of Rogano; Glasgow’s oldest restaurant may be closed for now however the Glasgow stalwart is working with a series of Glasgow based artists to take over its iconic store front. The boarded front covering the iconic restaurant front will over the coming months become a rotating canvas for a series of artist telling stories of Rogano through their art. Each piece will see a different artist tell their favourite Rogano stories on the massive plywood starting with illustrator and cartoonist Ida Henrich paying tribute to some of the Glasgow institutions most illustrious guests over the years. Small clues – some more obvious than others – allude to some of the most famous diners at the restaurant. Artist Henrich had this to say “Within my design, I wanted to celebrate the many special occasions from Rogano’s long history. The artwork is inspired by BBC 4’s ‘My Dream Dinner Party’ in which I envisioned some of the Rogano’s past star visitors around
the table. As the main star of the artwork, the food is at eye level. Hints within the artwork allude to the famous guests, but I also just wanted viewers to remember their own special occasions; eating oysters, trying lobster for the first time and sipping on fish soup!” While priming the wall, sketching the artwork and painting it, I have been stopped by passers-by. People have told me about their diamond anniversary with tears in their eye, about wearing ball gowns to dine here, meeting their soulmates, graduation parties many years ago and much more. One time a woman walked past and just said: “Oh good something positive is happening” and some young lads on their bikes have given me the thumbs up and told me that they would be back to see the final artwork – which I take as a high compliment! All in all, it has been a nice conversation starter about some good times, which is worth a lot in these strange times.” Upon completion each piece will have been in position for 8 weeks, after which a fresh canvas will go up and a new artist will take over. Each completed art piece will be available to purchase with each raising money for a different charity coinciding with the hopeful reopening of Rogano in 2021. Managing Director Lynn Mortimer said “When guests
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OTATING ART PROJECT thought we were closing for good we were inundated with their stories from the restaurant over the years. It is more important than ever for us to preserve the history of Rogano. Rogano has been part of the fabric of Glasgow for over 85 years and while we can’t meet with our friends at the moment we want to help evoke some of our guests memories from dining or drinking at Rogano over the years. We’re looking forward to being able to raise money for some of our favourite charities while allowing people to own a piece of Rogano history through some truly special public art.” Business development manager Claire Stuart commented “Rogano holds so many special memories for so many people - it’s so much more than a restaurant. It’s been incredible to deep dive into its long history – both through guests getting in touch to tell their stories to digging in the archives. The Rogano was always known for its seasonal window displays and while we have the boarding up, we wanted to share some of the venues stories from over the years by working with Glasgow based artists to bring it alive.” Ida Henrich’s Dinner Party mural is available to view outside the Rogano at 11 Exchange Place till the end of November when our next artist will be unveiled. 19
Jo Millar and all of the team at Gilson Gray are delighted to be partnering with OnTrade Scotland Magazine. The publication is a fresh new voice for the On Trade in Scotland and has already been able to bring key information and clarity to some issues surrounding recent closures and restricted operations, not least Jo’s article on the recent Eusebi Deli case and the definition of a cafÊ.
dealt with the occasional gripe, but in general saw these as challenges to overcome. Applications were lodged for new licences when the new law came in, fabulous smoking shelters appeared with a whole manner of decoration from flowers to skulls, fake grass and fake brick walls. The resilience and creativity of the licensed trade never ceases to amaze us. This year has presented some of its greatest challenges for everyone, not just in the UK, but throughout the world. While this virus has directly affected many, it impacts on everyone’s lives in one way or another. In these times OnTrade Scotland has done its best to highlight the plight of the licensed trade and support where it can. Jo Millar and Gilson Gray want to add their voice to that support. We can do that in a number of ways, but our role here is to give advice. That advice covers all aspects of your business, even areas you may not have thought about.
For a free business advice call, contact Jo Millar on 0141 370 8116 or email jmillar@gilsongray.co.uk
The licensed trade have gone through a horrendous time in the last number of years, but none more so than this year. New legislation, smoking ban and minimum pricing were all challenges presented to the trade which they
1. Landlords and rent: We are offering no win no fee assistance to operators in negotiation with their landlord. We have already had great success with landlords across the country, ranging from small commercial landlords who own one or two premises to large pension funds and volume property owners. Granted, there have been a few who have refused to give any concessions, but in many cases, we have been able to wear down even the most unsympathetic stubborn landlord and achieve at least some assistance! If you have not spoken to your landlord, or have not been able to secure any concessions, it is worth a discussion with us to see if there are any alternatives we can suggest.
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2. Liquor licensing: While many premises have not been able to trade and the future is ever changing, it is still important to keep your licence up to date. With changes in employees some premises have lost managers, but have not followed this up with a change to the licence documentation. Other premises are offering off-sale and takeaway. To sell alcohol by way of off-sale, that has to be part of your premises licence. Licensing boards gave concessions during lockdown to premises offering take away even though their licence does not state they can. But there is an expectation that premises will amend their licences now. Many boards have virtual board sittings and there may be ways to progress this. While making changes to premises may not be a focus for many operators due to cost considerations, there is an acceptance that the new “normal” may be with us for some time. Some premises are looking at changes away from an alcohol focus and towards more of a food focus which. In some cases, that means alterations are required. 3. Employment and staff issues: Many premises are facing the repercussions of the recent end to furlough and limited additional support in the face of restrictions. Employee redundancies and lay-offs are a consideration for almost every licensed trade
business at present, even though we know that is not the route many want to go down. If redundancies are necessary, no matter how small your business is, and how few employees you have, you still need to consult. The consultation process varies depending on the size of the business, but there must be a consultation. Take advice to make sure this is done properly and avoid future expensive employee claims. It is not a pleasant thing to deal with but we understand that and are here to help and guide you through the process, making it as positive as possible, not only for your staff, but also for you as their employer. 4. General business: Sadly, there will be some licensed trade businesses staring down the barrel of insolvency who are not sure if they will make it beyond November, Christmas or into 2021. For many that carries the additional worry of personal liability. For others who want to carry on trading, the how can be challenging. We can advise on business structures which assist in properly disposing of part of the business but nourishing the remainder into a successful option going forward. The aim is to minimise your personal exposure and maximise the potential of the business to allow it to trade through the current restrictions and issues and beyond.
The right advice has never been more important. We’re honoured to have been chosen as the exclusive partner of OnTrade Magazine Scotland. As one of Scotland’s full-service law firms we’re able to offer specialist legal, property and financial services. We’re here to help in a time when support and clarity are needed most – offering valuable advice and insight on everything from licensing, business financing, employment and real estate. Different people. Different approach. Different results. To find out more please call Jo Millar on 0141 370 8116 or email jmillar@gilsongray.co.uk
EDINBURGH I GLASGOW I EAST LOTHIAN I DUNDEE
gilsongray.co.uk
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Van Winkle brings a taste of Kentucky to the West End of Glasgow We meet with Derek Mallon owner of the Van Winkle venues to discuss the investment in the new venue and his passion for Bourbon and offering his customers more of the all American flavour.
Taking over and revamping the former site of The Hill, Derek has made a positive investment in the on-trade and this also will the create 10 jobs, with staff trained in-house and by industry experts to grow their knowledge of the bar’s extensive drinks list, and to ensure a safe environment for all its guests. Derek’s passion for bourbon blossomed when he travelled to Louisville, Kentucky in 2015 and rediscovered his love for the spirit. A tour of the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort from bourbon industry legend Freddie Johnson spurred Derek on to open Wan Winkle in the East End Quarter in November 2017. The bar quickly became well known for its bourbon tasting evenings, pairing great bourbons with some fabulous sharing plates. These nights will be a continuing theme at the Byres Road branch for anyone looking to get clued up on the American export. Derek told us, “We have plans to grow the Van Winkle brand due to the positive feedback from our customers since opening the venue in the east end of Glasgow opposite the iconic Barrowlands, and when the opportunity came up to bring Van Winkle to the west end it only made sense .” We want to take the brand to Edinburgh soon as we believe there is a real desire for something different in customers looking for more of an experience when they go out, they are more decerning they want to explore new tastes and flavours and at Van Winkle, we can offer that with the biggest collection of bourbons in Scotland standing at around 120.
“Our staff are really important at Van Winkle”, Derek went on. “We are a team of people that really engage the guest to provide an experience and try to go back to the personality of a bartender that is friendly and makes recommendations without the arrogance you can sometimes get in some venues.” “Of course, we don’t know everything however we believe in good training and working closely with brands like HI Spirits and Buffalo Trace helps provide that knowledge and expertise.” “We work with brands we believe in and want to work with our passion and loyalty is very important to us.” Van Winkle also has its very own Bourbon Bible to help visitors find their perfect pour. This alphabetical anthology showcases the bar’s growing range of bourbons in its entirety, which includes the sought-after Pappy Van Winkle range and exclusive Antique Collection. “There is a lot more appreciation for spirits in general now and people are more open to trying new things and experiences which is fantastic.” Derek explained, “It opens the door to be more creative with cocktails, and other offerings to the customer with Bourbon and other spirits.” “We also wanted to provide a great food offering to complement the music & the whole vide of the venues and the feedback from our customers have been great, we are really pleased.” Derek also commented on the current situation and had a positive message that we at OnTrade Scotland wholeheartedly agree with. “Yes, there have been a lot of challenges over the last few months and it has been difficult at times however the passion that you see in the trade and from the staff is fantastic and inspiring, we can’t just stop and give up we have all worked too hard to get where we are we need to keep moving forward.”
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A NEW ERA FOR SCOTTISH ALE It is evident that a period of market uncertainty has called for absolute confidence in the products publican’s stock on their bars. At a time where capacity is capped and offerings are limited, it is critical to ensure every single beer tap drives efficiency and profit, without sacrificing quality or consumer appeal. The recent success of our hero ale Ossian Smooth Flow has showcased the consumer appetite for a premium golden ale in the Scottish ale category. By evolving with the times and building on the strength of our – once Champion Beer of Scotland – cask credentials; we have extended the range of our Ossian brand to include a contemporary smooth keg ale. And the response from our drinkers and stockists has been outstanding! “Ossian Smooth Flow has filled the gap where beer drinkers as opposed to lager drinkers have been missing out. They love the fact that an ale can still be so flavoursome when chilled. The creamy nature of Ossian Smooth Flow makes for easy drinking too!“ – PETER KNIGHT, Owner of Teuchters, Edinburgh.
By taking Ossian’s two key ingredients – an award-winning recipe and Scottish heartland heritage – and reimagining them for today’s market; we are confident that Ossian Smooth Flow has unlocked a new era for Scottish ale. Our brewers have infused Ossian’s beautiful recipe with nitrogen to create a chilled, velvety mouthfeel that enhances the beer’s zesty citrus and baked caramel flavours. Unlike most traditional smooth ales that are dark and malty in character, this refreshing golden ale is light and sessionable. Coupled with a clean and contemporary design, which looks at the brand’s long-established origins under a new lens; Ossian Smooth Flow bridges the gap between the old and the new – boasting wide consumer appeal as well as trade confidence in a profitable keg solution. – CRAWFORD SINCLAIR, Commercial Director, The Innis & Gunn Brewing Co. Ltd.
Inveralmond Brewery’s award-winning golden ale is now available in a refreshing new format. Ossian Smooth Flow is a premium Scottish ale that provides a contemporary alternative to traditional styles.
ABV: 4.1%
MALTS: Pale ale, Caramalt, Wheat.
For more information contact: sales@innisandgunn.com
HOPS: First Gold, Cascade, Fuggles.
FORMAT: 30L KEG.
THE HOME OF S C OT T I S H K N O C KO U T FO OT B A L L 28 LIVE GAMES THIS SEASON
