ontradescotland.co.uk
MERRY CHRISTMAS! Magazine December 2021 Official Partner
Hero the Driver Scheme is Back!
Reward your customers for not drinking and driving by offering a free second drink when they purchase a CocaCola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar or Diet Coke. Enquire now about your Hero the Driver POS kit and free stock.* Kits include an LED Coca-Cola Truck, posters, window stickers and chalk boards.
Find out more about our Hero the Driver kits and free stock* by talking to your CCEP rep or by visiting My.CCEP.com. *Whilst stock lasts. 200 cases of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar available via My.CCEP.com in total on a first come first serve basis. One case per customer. Other offers available via CCEP Field Sales team. © 2021 The Coca-Cola Company. All rights reserved. COCA-COLA, COCA-COLA ZERO and Diet Coke are registered trademarks of The Coca-Cola Company.
WELCOME TO THE CHRISTMAS EDITION OF ONTRADE SCOTLAND MAGAZINE “It’s Christmas time there’s no need to be afraid ….....” The famous words of a song created to support others but if you watch or listen to mainstream media lately many across our industry may be afraid. We now have the New New varient which sounds more like the name of the new transformers movie than anything else, we also have the constant looming vaccine passport increase in implimentation all while the powers that be ignore better proven solutions to protect indoor spaces as well as customers & staff. However we encourace you to remain positive and focus on what can be done, things are by no means as bad as the doom mongers would like us to believe. The fantastc work being carried out by the trade bodies, SLTA, UKHospitality, SHG,Scottish Beer & Pub & NTIA has been outstanding, seeing them come together for the greater good is insperational. We understand there is a degree of nerves however this festive period has to be the launchpad for the hospitality industy to move forward into 2022 & how we can all work together in a better way in a positive way to provide the customer a great experience. Thank you to all of our partners & everyone involved in the title for your support over this edition & the last year it is massivly appreciated & never taken for granted. We understand you have a choice in how you communicate to the industry & we understand you can’t do everything but we will always be here to support you when you need us. Everyone at OnTrade Scotland wishes the entire hospitality industry & everyone connected to it a very prosperous festive period filled with love and laughter. May Santa (& wee nippy) be good to you all STAY SAFE STAY POSITIVE STICK TOGETHER & MERRY CHRISTMAS
Justin Wingate Director at TopGunMedia For press enquires or advertising opportunists please call or email: Email: info@topgunmedia.co.uk Telephone: 0141 471 4453
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C*LD T*WN CHRISTMAS
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Festive Cocktail Ideas from Thundercat
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Never Abandon Neon On This Ship
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A Prince's Touch
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Industry News MOLSON COORS LAUNCHES DRAUGHT HARD SELTZER TRIAL Molson Coors Beverage Company’s hard seltzer Three Fold is hitting the UK ontrade with the launch of its first ever draught variation. A trial of Three Fold’s ‘Red Berries’ flavour will begin at five locations in November, with plans to roll out nationwide in the first half of 2022. Three Fold on draught is the latest in a succession of key investments from the drinks manufacturer into the hard seltzer category. These include a £5m multi-channel marketing campaign already underway and a £25m upgrade to its Burton brewery, including a new dedicated canning line. Molson Coors introduced Three Fold in early 2021, recognising hard seltzer’s potential in the UK following rapid growth in the US. There, the category already commands a 2.6% market share of all beverage alcohol, according to drinks market analysts IWSR, up from less than 1% a year ago and ahead of the leading spirit Vodka. In the UK, hard seltzer sales have increased in value more than eight-fold in the space of twelve months. In the lead up to the trial in November, Molson Coors has been raising awareness around the Three Fold brand with a raft of takeover events at iconic venues in cities across the UK. These included sponsored bars at the Edinburgh Fringe, Shoreditch BOXPARK and the Legends bar in Brighton.
A FIRST FOR THE INDUSTRY AT THE BAR SHOW COMING SOON. Big Breakfast / Wayne’s World meets Newsnight “ where guests are encouraged to be themselves whilst discussing the issues and topics that matter to people across the industry. Head of TopGun Media & OnTrade Scotland , Justin Wingate , who will co host the show said ; “We are very proud to bring the hospitality industry something unique and fresh.”
At The Bar the “chat show “ for the hospitality sector in Scotland by the Hospitality sector in Scotland , will be launching soon from TopGun Media . The show will be hosted from a different hospitality venue each moth from across Scotland and host a number of high profile guests from across the sector. The format has been described by a few already as “The
“Based on the feedback we have had over the last 12 months people across the industry want to see and hear from their peers , they want to be inspired and inspire others themselves. we want to give the people in the industry the platform to openly discuss the issues that matter in a non sterile non censored enviroment, our industry has many amazing characters and personalities as well as a vast amount of knowledge and experiences and we believe strongly in letting those shine through .” “We believe it is important to give everyone across the industry the content they want to engage with in the way it suits them whether that be At The Bar via YouTube and our website , or the hard copy and digital editions of OnTrade Scotland or via our social media platforms, there is a medium for you to connect the brands and suppliers with the trade in a better way.”
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Brand News TRIBUTE TO A GENTLEMAN It is with great sadness that we recently learned of the passing of co founder of Bloodline Spirits & Rule Gin Colin McLean. Colin will be remembered as a husband and best friend to Julie Britz-McLean, and father to 3 beautiful children. It was our pleasure spending time with Colin & Julie at the recent 1st Birthday Bash and many commented on Colins “welcoming, relaxed and approachable manner”. A true gentleman in every meaning of the word & it was a pleasure to be in both his and Julie’s company. Everyone at TopGun Media & OnTrade Scotland would like to extend our deepest condolences and love to Julie and the kids and all of Colins family & friends at this very sad time. Rest Well Colin
BUZZWORKS BLACK FRIDAY DEAL FOR A GOOD CAUSE will go towards the family business’s chosen charity, Hospitality Action. Buzzworks have been working with Hospitality Action since the start of the pandemic and have already donated over £15,000 worth of funding to the charity. Hospitality Action provides a range of support services for people working within the hospitality industry, including a 24-hour hotline for advice, counselling session on stress, addiction and abuse, alongside grants for help with debt or short-term money concerns. Kenny Blair, Managing Director at Buzzworks Holdings, said: “Black Friday is usually a time for snapping up deals on the countdown to Christmas, however, this year, we’ve decided to do things a little differently by supporting those in the hospitality industry who could really use a hand. Hospitality Action have done fantastic work in aiding our colleagues over the past 20 months and we’re delighted to continue supporting the work they do by offering a donation from our online gift card & e-gift sales this Friday.”
Independent bar and restaurant operators, Buzzworks Holdings, has further demonstrated its commitment to the hospitality industry through their special Black Friday initiative. Five per cent of sales from e-gifts and online gift cards purchased online on Friday, the 26th of November,
Buzzworks Holdings currently manages 13 prestigious venues including Scotts in Troon, Largs and South Queensferry, Vic’s & The Vine in Prestwick, Lido venues in Prestwick and Troon, The Tree House in Ayr, The Long House and Duke in Kilmarnock, The Mill House in Stewarton, The Corner House in Kilwinning and The Coach House in Bridge of Weir and their newest venue, The Bridge Inn Linlithgow.
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C*LD T*WN CHRISTMAS W
e step in to Chritsmas and embrace the C*ld with the stunning veiws provided in the stunning Cold Town House in Edinburgh. We speak to the team behind the venue and what makes them tick and how they are pushing ahead in a positive way to give their customers an experience. Cold Town House sits at the foot of Edinburgh Rock with unspoilt and dramatic views of Edinburgh Castle. Built initially as a brewery it’s now the home of Cold Town Beer and boasts it’s own microbrewery and taproom serving the most delicious beer around. Often listed as one of Edinburgh’s best bars and awarded ‘Best Beer Bar’ at the Scottish Beer Awards 2021, Cold Town House offers not only the coldest, freshest beers it is also one of the most fun bar experiences in the capital. With pizzas baked fresh in their own stone ovens from special sourdough recipe made with Cold Town Beer customers flock at any time throughout the day and night. There are 3 levels to choose from. The vibrant Brewhouse bar on the ground floor offers live music and beer straight from the tanks upstairs. The Pizza and Prosecco first floor has an open kitchen where chefs cooks pizzas and bites in front of the customers and floor to ceiling windows into the micro-brewery giving a rare treat to all beer-lovers. The rooftop terrace is a sight to see. With 2 large ski gondolas and 2 firepits, the seating arrangements couldn’t be more
diverse. Drinks are served from an old-school Nissan van and diners can enjoy the floral displays, lights and of course the spectacle of Edinburgh Castle above them. Cold Town House is located in Edinburgh’s energetic Grassmarket, full of bars and restaurants that spill onto the pedestrianised area in the summer and provide a refuge from the cold in the winter. During lockdown most venues closed their doors but Cold Town House did their best to move with the regulations and provided take-away beer, drinks and food (bootleg beer served in milk cartons and fresh baked pizzas!) to locals who ventured out. When restrictions eased the outdoor roof terrace sold out for 4 straight months within 24hours and the team worked hard to adapt to using QR codes, reduced teams, PPI and supplier interruptions. But with all these challenges the vibe was always high and the customers always delighted. It was incredibly important for us to ensure our customers felt safe, yet had a great time when visiting. We invested in many COVID-19 safety measures from Perspex screens, QR Code menus, social distancing measures, point of sale
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detailing safety requirements and staff training. As our safety measures are efficient and staff training is thorough, we have found our customers to be relaxed, happy and willing to embrace the new ways of conducting themselves when inside a venue. I.e. when to wear a mask, making sure to track & trace etc. As the weeks go by we have noticed more confidence in our customers as we enjoy aspects of getting back to pre-pandemic. We now have customers approaching the bar to order drinks and have seen an increase in those asking for group bookings, especially for Christmas. We’ve also seen an increase in corporate bookings as companies take over the Pizza and Prosecco level to get their teams back together after so long working from home. Customer expectations haven’t dropped. However, understanding the challenges the industry has been facing along with staff shortages, supply issues, training a new team is important. We do have the occasional complaint from a customer who doesn’t appreciate the staffing and supply issues we’re facing but in general are customers and staff are adopting a #bekind philosophy! We would love to see a recovery programme for hospitality. There is still nervousness amongst certain demographics about Covid and the virus remains prevalent within our society. We would love to see the Scottish Government endorsing hospitality. It would be great for ministers to praise the endeavours of the trade and acknowledge the resilience of businesses in the face of extreme adversity. Whilst our venues are very much “open for business”, trading conditions are tough and a programme of support is essential to the rebuilding. Whilst we acknowledge financial support is unlikely, setting politics aside and encouraging folk to get “ back to the pub!” would be a huge help and a nod of recognition. Edinburgh Council will need to actively promote tourism. They will have to ensure that whilst investors build and renovate hotels in the city, there must be adequate capacity to fill them. The council must promote and market Edinburgh as a destination. The Highlands and Islands benefitted from the “staycation” popularity and our cities did not. We would like to see the economic recovery plan for Edinburgh city centre as we need to return to being a 12 month tourist city. We would also like to see a really exciting programme of events and cultural fun to bring the city back to life and promote the heritage whilst remaining focussed on the future. Now more than ever our customers are looking for an experience when dining out. From the moment our customers approach Cold Town House we ensure memories will be
created, especially over the festive period! With three floors and many quirks, there is so much to be experienced and enjoyed at Cold Town House. This year our Christmas decorations are bigger and better than ever. We have created a Christmas scent, so immediately when walking into the venue all your senses will be jingling. Each visit could be completely different. You may dine in a ski gondola, enjoy some of Edinburgh’s Castle’s best views from our Edinburgh Gin Winter Wonderland Roof Terrace, pour your own pints from our Cold Town Beer Tower’s, watch and meet our brewers in our on-site micro-brewery (you won’t get a fresher pint in Edinburgh!) Across the festive period we have created events to be enjoyed from Santa Brunches and Naughty Santa Parties. Our customer’s experiences are unique, memorable and incredibly important to us; we go above and beyond with any personal requests. If there is anything else a customer would like to see in Cold Town House, we are all ears! As with most food and drink venues, Christmas is important from a financial perspective. It typically carries a restaurant through the quiet shoulder months. We missed this last year with the restrictions which meant many of our industry-mates didn’t make it. As an industry we really need this Christmas to help keep us afloat especially with restricted operating hours (due in part to lack of staff and international travel) and reduced capacities due to social distancing and again, a lack of staff. We are all making the best of it and as a collective are hoping for a busy and empathetic Christmas! We have just hosted our first Cold Town House festive showcase. This was an opportunity to thank our customers and friends and celebrate the beginning of the festive period, it definitely started with a bang, and a conga! Throughout Christmas we have a chance for kids to meet Santa and adults to have their own fun too. Hogmanay has already sold out with a ticketed event on the rooftop but there is still availability for walk-ins in the rest of the building. We have big plans for 2022, with some big events coming up to celebrate the industry getting back to what we do best – serving happiness! We are looking forward to bringing back live entertainment We would like to thank all our customers for their continued Cold Town House support. Thank you to our suppliers and a huge thank you to our staff; we couldn’t and can’t do it without you! We are thoroughly looking forward to celebrating the festive season with everyone. If you would like to book your festivities with us, please contact reservations@ coldtownhouse.co.uk
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FESTIVE COCKTAIL IDEAS GINGERBREAD WHITE RUSSIAN Smirnoff vodka Coffee liquer Gingerbread flavouring Milk Cream
AFTER EIGHT HARDSHAKE
Smirnoff Vodka Creme de menthe Chocolate flavouring Soft Serve Vanilla Ice Cream Milk Cream 2 After Eights
THE CANDY CANE Gordon’s Gin Strawberry Purée Lemon Mint Soda
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CALEB’S CHRISTMAS CRACKER FIREBALL Bulleit Bourbon Orange Cranberry Cinnamon powder/stick
MERRY BUCKY XMAS Chef Yvonne’s Secret recipe Buckfast Mulled Wine
SNOWBALL HARDSHAKE
Baileys Malibu Chocolate flavouring Soft Serve Vannila Ice Cream Milk Cream A Tunnocks Snowball
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Talonmore is expected to be very popular this Christmas and Dry January for designated drivers, midweek celebrations and for those who do not drink alcohol. For more informat how you can stock Talonmore Non-Alcoholic Spirit email explore@talonmore.com or sig the bartender community group and enjoy 10% referral commissions and discounts at www.talonmoredrinks.com/pages/ambassadors
Cater for non-drinkers this winter “MINDFUL DRINKING The recent growth in mindful drinking seems set to continue. On Christmas Day itself, almost a quarter (24%) of UK adults will be With almost quarter of UK adults only non-alcoholic beverages drinking no aand low alcohol tipplesdrinking only. Brighton (40%), Norwich (40%)this Christmas Day, Talonmore Non-Alcoholic Spirit offers versatility for every special and Cardiff the alternative, capitals of which this growing moment. This(35%) 0%abvare spirit is also trend.” vegan and gluten-free, can be
enjoyed with tonic water for welcome toasts, in a multitude of alcohol-free cocktails as an aperitif or on the rocks2021 for a post-dinner dram. Tesco Christmas Report
U
tilising the warm burn of natural ginger, Talonmore is the only Scottish non-alcoholic spirit that is brewed instead of distilled for maximum flavour. Complemented with carefully selected natural ingredients, this is the perfect winter warmer with only half the amount of calories than the average gin or whisky. Garnish with a lime wedge or a sprig of basil to express the botanical notes.
Talonmore is expected to be very popular this Christmas and Dry January for designated drivers, midweek celebrations and for those who do not drink alcohol. For more information on how you can stock Talonmore Non-Alcoholic Spirit email explore@talonmore. com or sign up for the bartender community group and enjoy 10% referral commissions and discounts at www.talonmoredrinks.com/ pages/ambassadors
MINDFUL DRINKING The recent growth in mindful drinking seems set to continue. On Christmas Day itself, almost a quarter (24%) of UK adults will be drinking no and low alcohol tipples only. Brighton (40%), Norwich (40%) and Cardiff (35%) are the capitals of this growing trend.” Tesco Christmas Report 2021 10 ontradescotland.co.uk
A NON-ALCOHOLIC SPIRIT WITHOUT LIMITATIONS W: talonmoredrinks.com E: partners@talonmore.com @talonmoredrinks
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WTF IS PANTHER M*LK?! PANTHER M*LK IS AN ALCOHOLIC OAT MILK DRINK. FROM THE STREETS OF BARCELONA TO THE MUSIC SCENE OF GLASGOW. COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY AND CARING FOR THE PLANET.
SERVING: COCKTAIL BAR ESPRESSO MARTINI
IT’S COFFEE TIME
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100ML PANTHER M*LK ORIGINAL.
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25ML ESPRESSO COLD .
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SHAKE VIGOROUSLY.
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DOUBLE STRAIN INTO CHILLED / FROZEN MARTINI GLASS OR DAIQUIRI COUPE.
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SPRINKLE WITH CHOCOLATE POWDER.
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SERVE & ENJOY. FEELING LAZY? JUST ADD A DASH TO YOUR COFFEE!
SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS
SERVING: NIGHTCLUB / HIGH TEMPO
THE PINK ONE STRAWBERRY FLAVOUR SHOT •
POUR 25ML INTO A CHILLED SHOT GLASS.
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SERVE AND ENJOY! FOR THE BEST RESULTS KEEP IT COOL, CAT.
PantherMilk.com
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Never Abandon Neon On This Ship
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e are sure you have gathered embraces those how think out Ship in Glasgow smashes both The team behind the uniquely special embracing the new.
by now that OnTrade Scotland LOVES a bit of neon & of the box & dare to be different, and the beautiful Abandon boxes out the park. venue shine a neon light on the vision , the plans and
Abandon Ship Glasgow is the newest addition to the group. A spacious unit decorated with original Abandon Ship art, a fun spot where the party never ends. Platters of soulful smoked BBQ meats and veggies are washed down with a hefty range of draft and canned beers, not to mention the juiciest cocktail offering. The support from Glasgow Council has been great, they’ve really helped our move from Dundee and made the transition easy. Abandon Ship Bars has a very busy timed planned. Next month we’ll be opening up our first unit in England with Abandon Ship Covent Garden. A smaller more intimate unit that will carry all the flavour and attitude that our brand is known for. Closer to home, Abandon Ship Glasgow will be continuing our series of events, Berlin Pool Party. We’ll be throwing one each month with an array of live entertainment such as magicians, flair
bartenders, live artists all complemented with nail salons and tarot card readers. Each event will have live DJ’s throughout the day and evening, ensuring the party definitely doesn’t end. Despite staff shortages across the industry, we’ve managed to find a passionate group of likeminded folk to showcase our style to the guests across all three cities. Our suppliers have worked with us well during this time, despite nationwide shortages. Tennents has done exceptionally well in ensuring we get to properly shout about our Scottish Hospitality roots. The last year has been a challenge for everyone, however with the government guidance in place we want people to start feeling comfortable in bars again so we can start to remember all the fun that is had in our sector. Truly the place that unites us all, the BAR.
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comfortably stay in the just one venue the whole evening which is absolutely fine but I recommend choosing somewhere with an alternative place nearby in case of any big party nights, live music etc that might be too noisy or the opposite and you are the only customers which feels too exposed. Play it by ear and ask the date after the first drink if they want to stay there. Just drinks or dinner and drinks? There is no right or wrong and it will absolutely depend on the two people going on the date. If you have spoken on the phone at least twice, you will know if conversation flows well enough to go for dinner. If not, I recommend just drinks but please eat before going to line your stomach!
How to pick a First Date Venue By Jade Dating Consultant & Coach.
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ou’ve done it. You have secured a first date. You arrange the date and time and then they say “You pick the place!”. Instant pressure and panic sets in. Should you choose cosey and romantic? Or bright and busy? Just drinks or dinner and drinks? Where you pick isn’t important but why you pick a spot or how you both react to the same venue can tell you a lot about the match. If you live in a city, choices will be endless so here are my top tips: Central location that is easy to find: I cannot stress enough the importance of meeting in a public space and near public transport. Ask your date how they plan to travel in and find a spot that is a short walk from their train station, bus stop or has a drop off point for taxis. This is important for safety as well as time keeping…and of course to be weather safe as no one wants to arrive wind swept or running mascara due to rain! Make sure there is an alternative location within a short walk: There is always a possibility you will
Just coffee is ok for a first date too! If you are both one available during the day, or haven’t had much conversation then go for a coffee date! Again, you want central and easy to get to. Try find an independent coffee shop rather than a chain. If there is a possibility of having more than 90 minutes together, find a spot near a park or museum for a short walk to end the date. Choose somewhere that will inspire good conversation: Many bars and restaurants these days are old libraries, banks, Woolworths! Places like Lebowskis that was born following a love of the movie The Big Lebowski and the creation of the White Russian. The stories of some venues are really interesting and shared enthusiasm on a story is a good sign too! Think about mutual interests: By the time you have organised a date, you should know at least one thing you have in common that will help you pick. For example, if you are both wine lovers then you might want to look for a wine bar or if any venues have a wine tasting night on. If you share a love of the same cuisine and have opted for dinner then I suggest a tapas as sharing can have an effect on your bond as it helps with trust, respect and working together! Finally, don’t put too much pressure on the date and do enjoy yourself. Check train times or organise taxi/lift in advance and always let someone know where you’re going. Please remember, if you do not feel safe, you can speak to a member of staff at the venue and they will help. Enjoy your date! Recommendations: Jade: I recently had a first date at Hillhead Bookclub. This was an excellent choice as it is so close to Hillhead subway. The venue is stunning and something to talk about. Since I am a writer, it was sweet for him to pick a ‘library’. There is an option of ping pong and arcade games if you are the competitive types too! My date and I had arranged to have dinner but as the venue was busy, we agreed to walk down to Ashton Lane for food- and that isn’t the worst spot for a first kiss when it’s gone so well…
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A Prince's Touch that has housed many fantastic hospitality venues over the years is Adestination the stnning Prince’s Square in the heart of Glasgow city centre.
With sites from Il Pavone, Barca, & October as well as many other dining options it is a truly unique experience. We sit down with Katie Moody Head of Sales & Marketing for the centre to talk Christmas , food , & customer experience.
Princes Square closed its doors in March 2020 and reopened on 13th July 2020 with ‘Keeping Safe/ Keeping Social’ campaign which encouraged shoppers to come back to Princes Square and outlined all our safety measures in place – 2m distance; increased cleaning; which entrances to use and how to make your way around the mall safely. There was a strict
limit on the amount of people in each store at one time. Princes Square was quiet to begin with and it didn’t help when Glasgow city centre was locked down again after the spike in COVID cases. Our footfall is rising every week and customer sales
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are good. Alexander Millar Fine Art have moved to a bigger premises within Princes Square and now have a frontage on Buchanan Street and a bigger space to showcase their art. We had a couple of retailers move out but we’ve managed to fill the spaces and it’s looking good for 2022. Customer engagement has been very positive since returning. When we first opened after lockdown, we had a one-way system in place and customers were happy with this. There was a strict limit on the amount of people in each store at one time and we had no complaints from customers. Everyone understood the rules and followed them.
centre could still do with a clean-up so that visitors to the city see it in a positive way. If Scottish Government continue to keep business rates on hold, it will encourage new businesses to open and will mean that existing businesses have a chance to recoup money lost through the pandemic. Our suppliers were amazing throughout the period and we worked closely with them to ensure that they were up to date with what was happening and when we were closing, re-opening etc. It was a real strain for them too.
A few lines on what you would like to see from government or local councils to help move forward in a better way for venues like yourself .
We’ve got big plans for Princes Square for next year and beyond. The retail landscape is so different nowadays – we want to keep up with the times and have plans in place to elevate our food offering. We’re also working with brands and offering temporary pop-up stores.
Glasgow City Council could help a lot more by either reducing or cancelling parking fees to encourage people to go back into the city centre. The city
We’ve had several pop-up stores opening including Jamie Genevieve’s Vieve make up brand; Empire Clothing – a trainer and streetwear brand started up
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by an 18-year-old entrepreneur from Kilmarnock; Isle of Harris Distillers (recently crowned Scottish Distiller of the Year at the Scottish Gin Awards) will have a store in PS up until Christmas.
switch-on event – which normally attracts 10k visitors – but we’ve created a programme of Christmas events including live music; wreath making and candle making workshops and competitions.
We have another three pop ups planned before the end of the year – one is an international skincare brand; one is a London-based menswear brand and the other is a Scottish fabrics manufacturer. We have also created Princes Square Collective on our ground floor which invites eight up and coming and established brands by local designers and makers to showcase their products every weekend. This has been a real success for us.
We’ll be opening a new courtyard bar under our Christmas tree in conjunction with our tenants, NY Grill. We wanted to support our existing tenants rather than invite new ones in.
Sadly, we were unable to have our Christmas light
We look forward to the return of events in 2022 and we are planning these now. We’ll also continue to work with city partners, and we have had a successful partnership with First Bus and Kimpton Blythswood Hotel in 2021 which we hope to continue into next year. Keep your eye on Princes Square!
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DO YOU WORK IN THE DRINKS OR HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY IN SCOTLAND?
WE CAN HELP! ARE YOU IN NEED OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT?
The Ben is here as a safety net for anyone who works in our trade and is facing extreme financial hardship. We may be in a position to offer one-off financial assistance on a case by case basis. If this applies to you or any colleagues please contact
chris@bensoc.org.uk 0141 353 3596 79 West Regent Street Glasgow, G2 2AW
Benevolent Society of the Licensed Trade Scotland is a Scottish Charity SC 005604. Scottish Charity Regulator
merry christmas Make your Christmas menu easy with Lynas Foodservice. We have everything you need for this festive season, from turkey & ham to cakes & puddings, we’ve got you covered. Call us today to start ordering your Christmas essentials, seasonal meats & there is always room for ideas & inspirations from The Christmas Collection. Plus don’t forget that you can add to your Lynas Online shopping lists. Arrange a visit today with one of our experienced team.
We hope you, your family, your staff & your business have a very Merry Christmas & a great 2022. We are here for you.
Take your hospitality business to the next level with hungrrr What does hungrrr technology enable me to do? Hungrrr technology allows you to introduce a feature-rich mobile app and website for your business. Our white-label ordering solutions will enable you to online orders, streamline operations and increase staff efficiency at the touch of a button, taking your business to the next level. Which businesses is the technology suitable for? Our technology is designed especially for the hospitality industry. Whether you own a pub, bar, restaurant or takeaway, or manage a hotel, stadium or conference venue, we can provide you with a mobile app or web solution tailored to the specific needs of your business. How much does it cost? For the majority of our customers, the service is free, forever. That’s right – you’ll pay no setup fee and no commission, ever. All we ask is that you cover the cost of your hardware and merchant fees. This allows you to retain 100% of your well-deserved earnings. If you’re setting up a hotel, stadium or conference website, the cost will be slightly different, however we’re committed to ensuring that there are no hidden costs at any stage of the build process. How long does it take to get started? This will be different depending on each business. If you’re looking for a simple app for a single restaurant or takeaway unit, our team can get this up and running in 1 – 2
weeks. For more complex app designs, e.g. hotels looking for separate booking systems for leisure activities, dining venues and more, the process will take a little longer. Our team can help clarify timescales at the initial enquiry stage, to ensure you’re happy with the timescales. Can I host multiple businesses on the app? Yes, you can. Hungrrr technology already powers mobile apps and websites for thousands of businesses throughout the hospitality industry, from single unit restaurants, to larger chains such as Subway and Di Maggio’s. Whatever the shape or size of your business, we can tailor an app with our feature-rich technology to suit. How does hungrrr’s technology help my business? By introducing your own website and mobile app, you can reduce reliance on big marketplaces such as Deliveroo and Uber Eats, while driving up revenue and supporting your staff. By enabling guests to place orders, request the bill and book tables on your own app, you will leave front of house staff free to handle other priorities, especially useful over the busy festive period. Moreover, by hosting your menu on the app, you will have more opportunities to upsell with add size pricing, allowing you to drive up average order value. Even better, you can market directly to your customers who have downloaded the app with push notifications advertising special offers, themed nights, new menu additions and more.
Call 0330 900 2273 to request a free demo or email sales@hungrrr.co.uk. 24 ontradescotland.co.uk
Feature-rich technology for the hospitality industry Branded web and mobile app Ordering solutions Push notification marketing Full menu control Own customer data
Find out more about hungrrr
hungrrr.co.uk sales@hungrrr.co.uk Pubs
Restaurants
Takeaways
Hotels
Events
ontrade@gilsongray.co.uk Although the licensed trade in Scotland is now open and trading, and may feel as though the roller coaster it has been on is coming to an end, there is still a feeling of being of being a little out of control.
There are still huge challenges to the trade which make previous changes such as new legislation, the smoking ban and constant oversight pale into insignificance. As this goes to print the First Minister made her most recent announcement about Covid passports. That, at least, allowed the trade a small sigh of relief as it became clear Covid passports would not be extended to other types of operation and, in a move to try to make the system easier, a recent negative flow trust would be accepted for entry to regulated premises from 6th December 2021. Although it was made clear all of that was under review, hopefully that has not changed by the time you are reading this. The vaccine passport has been a huge bone of contention for the trade in Scotland, not least because regulations differ between Scotland, England and Wales, creating issues for customers’ understanding of the Scottish position, and the fact it is more onerous than some others. People over the age of 18 currently need to show proof
Jo Millar Head of Licensing
of both doses of the vaccine, or exemption, before they are allowed entry to certain premises and events. The First Minister announced on Tuesday 23rd November that from 6th December, entry can be gained with proof of a recent negative lateral flow test. This applies to: nightclubs and “analogous venues”; sexual entertainment venues; unseated indoor events with over 500 people; unseated outdoor events with more than 4,000 people; any event with more than 10,000 people in attendance. In nightclubs and smaller events, all people entering should be checked. With larger events a “reasonable number” of spot-checks have to be carried out. Anyone who has “good reasons” for not getting fully vaccinated - including particular medical conditions - are exempt. Employees working at the venues, people taking part in vaccine trials and anyone under the age of 18 are also exempt. There was a real fear the vaccine passport requirements would be extended but instead they were left untouched, with the introduction of lateral flow tests three weeks after the initial announcement. This was with the warning (which we are all used to hearing now) that the situation would be “under review”. That covers customers, but what can, or should, employers in the trade do if staff refuse to be vaccinated. Employers
Graham Millar Partner
Iain Grant
26 ontradescotland.co.uk
cannot, at present, force employees to be vaccinated. Graham Millar covers this in his article ‘Anti-vax’ but please contact us if you have concerns about employees refusing to be vaccinated. Approaching another year end it is time for a customary look back. Certainly since March 2020, everyone in the trade, and indeed worldwide, has gone through more than we could ever have expected. But apart from Covid, the UK also has Brexit to think about, which was pushed to the back of many of our minds until issues with availability of workers arose. There were some measures taken by the UK government to try to make movement of workers easier, however, the issue now is whether the shortage of drivers will impact availability of goods on our retail shelves. This extends to food as well as luxury goods and necessities. Will the licensed trade be able to get enough turkeys for their Christmas menu? The irony is the shortage is not of the turkeys – it is the logistics of getting the food delivered to the right place to meet demand. My colleague Iain Grant in our litigation team wrote a great Article called “Turkeys, toys and truckers- the plan to save Christmas” and Graham Millar in our employment team gave the trade advice on Foreign workers and Brexit in his article ‘Does Scotland have enough staff to support our Licensed Trade?’ in the September On Trade Scotland magazine. Still on the subject tof shortage of staff, Ken Glass in our Dundee office addresses issues in his article ‘How Brexit and the pandemic has changed the landscape for employment’. Ken considered the lack of workforce in Scotland which he described as “a squeeze on employment”.
He reports employers, even in the licensed trade (where there was previously always staff looking for jobs) being forced to use ‘aggressive recruitment tactics’. This includes resorting to introducing benefits for employees, particularly at senior level, such as bonuses and enhanced pensions. He also recommends tightening up employee contracts and ensuring staff are subject to non- compete and restrictive covenants. If you don’t have written contracts for staff or terms stopping your senior managers going to your competition, and taking your staff with them, it’s time to review that! We have had great feedback through Justin and his team at On Trade Scotland about our articles in the legal section of On Trade Scotland every month. But it would be great to hear from you direct. Please contact Jo, our head of licensing, on the dedicated On Trade Scotland email – ontrade@gilsongray.co.uk. We would love to hear your views, queries, input, feedback on what we have written about and what you would like us to cover. Ask us question – there’s no such thing as a daft question – and send us your thoughts. That only leave us to say We Are In This Together. We look back, not in anger, but certainly in awe at what the trade has weathered over the last 20 months. We wish you and yours a very happy holiday and festive season and a great 2021. We’ll be back in January for a fresh start so until then email us and let us know what you want us to write about. Contact Jo Millar, Iain Grant, Ken Glass and Graham Millar on the dedicated On Trade Scotland Magazine email at Gilson Gray – ontrade@gilsongray.co.uk
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
27
EVENTCAIR TASKED IN PROVIDING PRESIDENTIAL PROTECTION AT COP26 Glasgow-based Insite Group marked a significant milestone in its ambitious growth plans at the COP26 event in the city recently with its innovative Biosecurity System, EventCair.
A
s the World Leaders and more than 40,000 delegates descended on the city for the climate change conference, Insite Group member company Insite Specialist Services was called into action with its innovative EventCair biosecurity system designed and created in Scotland. Approached by Orientations, the Event Production Company for COP26, EventCair was tasked with providing protection against Covid-19 by creating safer, healthier environments for Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Barak Obama, Joe Biden, Boris Johnson, Sir David Attenborough, Emmanuel Macron, among many others. The project encompassed Preventing Infection in the main Arena as well as office and pavilion spaces and represented the biggest ever deployment of EventCair. The system is one of its kind in infection prevention and harnesses NASA-developed technology plus a photo catalytic oxidisation power pack which is proven to reduce airborne microorganisms to undetectable levels within ten minutes. The system is further enhanced by applying BioTouch, EventCair’s unique permanent nontoxic antimicrobial solution approved by EPA and the CDC, to any hard or soft surfaces and
high touch point areas. The system delivers not only the highest levels of cleanliness but also provides continuous 24-Hour prohibitive protection against many dangerous pathogens including the ability to inhibit the spread of Covid-19. The recent launch of this ground-breaking, unique, infection prevention system follow’s hot on the heels of the successful roll out of Insite Specialist Services Kill Prevent Protect and Room to Breathe systems which purify the air combined and apply an antimicrobial coating which is permanently bonded to almost any surface. In both cases, non-toxic and environmentally friendly processes are used, to almost eliminate allergens completely, mould, germs, influenza, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odours. With KPP focussing on commercial premises, such as offices, gyms and restaurants, RTB was further developed to incorporate additional steps specifically for the hospitality market to explicitly focus on the wellness experience. Commenting on the company’s COP26 project, Caroline Mackenzie of Orientations said: “We were delighted to have collaborated
28 ontradescotland.co.uk
with the team at Insite Specialist Services as part of our delivery at COP26 in Glasgow. They were an important integral partner whose services enabled us to deliver a safe and sustainable environment for all participants within the Blue Zone at COP26. We had the conflicting challenges of being acutely aware of the importance of infection control and mitigation required for a large indoor international event, whilst delivering an event with thousands of international attendees from almost 200 countries during a global pandemic; with the considerations of managing the needs of infection control side by side with other safety measures, whilst ensuring the minimising of environmental impact. The EventCair air sanitisation system combined with the BioTouch surface protection were key components of our heath protection “toolkit”. As part of our multifaceted health protection and infection control measures, the methodology adopted ensured that a high air quality was maintained and the reduction of infection spread through surface transmission was provided throughout the duration of the event. Our implementation of the services offered by Insite Specialist Services during COP26 enabled us to meet our obligations to other important stakeholders including
Environmental Health and Building Control, whilst still adopting a protocol that was both effective and sustainable. The team were a pleasure to work with and we can’t thank them enough for their support and professionalism.” Gordon Bruce, founder of Insite Specialist Services, added: This opportunity is a culmination of many years working in an unrecognised industry or even invisible world where Indoor Air Quality and dangers have been ignored. With my esteemed colleagues Scott McMillan and Dr Chris Pearson we have had the tenacity and the drive to continue our journey. COVID19 has ONLY helped make people aware that dangers lurk in our indoor spaces and we at Insite have scientifically proven solutions. We can only count ourselves lucky that this great event, by chance, turned up on our doorstep. Gerry Campbell, Head of Marketing at InSite Group said: When you get asked to protect the World Leaders at COP26, a Conference dedicated to saving the Planet, during a Global Pandemic you know people are listening and understanding more and more about what our Biosecurity Systems do. It is an incredible opportunity for all the team, and we are honoured to be part of this amazing Event.’
Insite Group is an independent main/principal contractor who specialises in the fit out, refurbishment and construction of commercial, retail, industrial, healthcare, and public sector property. The company employs 100 people and has annual turnover in the region of £20 million. It is based in Glasgow and operates throughout Scotland and the North of England, priding itself on a high level of repeat business from satisfied clients. To find out more, visit www.insite-group.co.uk For further information contact Gerry Campbell at gerry.campbell@insite-contracts.co.uk or on +44 (0) 7948516090.
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The King. Born and Bred. E S TA B L I S H I N G t h e K I N G i n t h e U N I T E D K I N G D O M
King of Cotton was established in the UK during April 1995,
Momentum gathered, and in 2003 the King of Cotton website
having been originally founded in the town of Gallarate,
was launched, making
Northern Italy in 1880 as ‘Re di Cotone’,
a wide range of quality
the Italian for 'King of Cotton’.
products available to all who desired
At that time, Re di Cotone was owned
difficult to find,
and run by Alceste Pasta. When Alceste
premium
retired one of his closest partners, Signore
products, at
Pastorelli, took over ownership of Re di Cotone. The Pastorelli
corporate prices.
family run the Italian business to this day and continue to supply outstanding cotton products throughout Italy to both retail and
King of Cotton is now the 'go to' supplier for corporations and
major commercial companies.
households throughout Europe. There are branches in London, Paris, Brussels, Nice, Marbella and Warsaw. With nine outlets
It was in 1995 that Hector James Gauld,
across five countries, King of Cotton’s finest cotton products can
asked his brother in law, Paolo Pastorelli for
be found extensively across the continent both online and in store.
permission to use the King of Cotton brand in the United Kingdom with the aim of
By choosing King of Cotton, you can be sure that you’re in the
suppling Hotels with premium products, principally from Italy
best place for all your bedroom and bathroom requirements.
but also sourced from around the world.
Behind the name lies a legacy and heritage that goes back to Gallarate, in the foothills of the Italian Alps 140 years ago.
So began UK’s very own 'King of Cotton’. Over the years King of Cotton developed a reputation for providing high quality cotton
We pride ourselves in having the highest industry standards
products, at fair prices with a high level
certificate ISO 9001 for our
of service.
continuous efforts to improve on customer service
Demand grew across the Hotel sector
and company efficiency.
and with guests making enquiries as to the source of the bathrobes and
It is our mission to supply
towels in their rooms, hotels began
customers with the highest
making these and other King of Cotton
level of service along with
branded items available for sale.
the highest possible quality of
The King of Cotton retail experience
goods, all sourced from highly
was born.
vetted, sustainable suppliers.
Turning a hotel room into a master bedroom. We’ve always had an extensive range of high quality bedlinen for the Hotel trade. The Hotel Superior Egyptian 400 thread sateen bedlinen is widely used by five-star hotels due to its easy-care finish. It’s also ideal for heavy and frequent laundering. Other popular linen includes the Hotel Classic Egyptian 300 thread sateen and the Easy Care Luxury 300 thread Polycotton sateen bedlinen.
Serving Scotland for 25 Years EST
We have an exceptional range of Duvets and Pillows
1880
KING OF COTTON which include Down Feel Microfibre/Cotton Percale, The world’s finest linen and towelling and Natural Goose Feather and Down.
www.kingofcotton.com
King of Cotton are offering Scottish customers a huge 25% discount on all bedding, duvets, pillows, bedding protectors, bathrobes, slippers and toiletries. Visit our website, when you get to checkout with your purchase, use the reader offer code: S C OT L A N D and you’ll receive a 25% discount.
READER OFFER 25% DISCOUNT USE CODE: SC OT LA ND
Offer ends 1st January
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