Welcome to the August edition of OnTrade Scotland Magazine
Well it’s that time again …..
August is upon us and it can only mean 1 thing , well 2 if you count being disappointed by the 2 days of “summer” we get in Scotland but I refer to The OnTrade Awards 2024 being held at The 4th Birthday Bash this year in association with our friends at NE10 Vodka.
We have our 5 finalists in each category of the awards from the over 18,000 votes we recorded over May & June from across the industry and since announcing the finalists on the 1st of July we have at the time of publishing received in excess of 200,000 votes across the categories thanks to your customers and suppliers sharing their votes we are truly grateful as I’m sure the finalists will be for the amazing support and for those who have voted.
At a time when even I have wondered if we as an industry were losing our togetherness that so many have worked so hard for over the last few years especially , and that there was a air of arrogance creeping in or complacency the support the venues have been shown has shown me that if that is the case it is very much the minority and certainly not part of the thinking of those of us who want to help move the industry forward in a modern inclusive way not cling to out of date ethos , behaviours and the arrogance that there are not other ways of doing things just because it’s “ not been done before “
On Monday 12th August we want to celebrate, we want to champion and we want to entertain those in the industry that work so hard to make our industry what it is and that embrace standing out for the right reasons and that constantly try to improve.
To those who dare to be different
To those who embrace “together”
To those who look to collaborate
To those that RESPECT others across the industry and have NO ARROGANCE
WE SALUTE EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU.
We can’t wait to see everyone on the 12th and best of luck to all the finalists.
As always
STAY TOGETHER
STAY COLLABORATIVE STAY POSITIVE
HAVE A GREAT AUGUST!!! LET THE PARTY BEGIN
Justin Wingate Director at TopGunMedia
Hayley Ewing Head of Events - events@topgunmedia.co.uk
Fiona Gauld Production - info@topgunmedia.co.uk
For press enquires or advertising opportunists please call or email: Email: info@topgunmedia.co.uk Telephone: 0141 556 4111 10 8 12
Industry News
SCOTLAND FOOD & DRINK LAUNCH TRAINING PROGRAMME TO ENHANCE FOOD TOURISM
Scotland Food & Drink, the leadership organisation for the nation’s food and drink industry, has announced the launch of a pilot training programme designed to enhance bookable tourism experiences for food and drink businesses nationwide.
Seeking to recruit 50 food and drink businesses, the programme is designed to address the challenges faced by Scottish producers in making their experiences easily discoverable and bookable for international and domestic tourists.
Applications are open until July 31st, with the programme scheduled to start in August and run until March 2025. Participants can expect a range of tailored training activities, including online workshops, personalised mentoring, and expert-led masterclasses in food tourism.
Led by Scotland Food & Drink on behalf of the food tourism leadership group, which includes VisitScotland, the Scottish Government, and the Scottish Tourism Alliance, this programme builds on insights from the national tourism organisation’s Scotland Visitor Survey 2023, which revealed that nearly half (46%) of visitors engage in food and drink activities during their stay, with nearly a fifth (19%) of long-haul travellers specifically choosing Scotland for its culinary offerings. To capitalise on this growing interest, the programme promises substantial benefits, including training in online reputation management, content creation, and direct marketing.
Businesses will receive dedicated support from advisors to strengthen their online presence and attract the increasing number of tourists visiting Scotland.
Fiona Richmond, Head of Regional Food at Scotland Food & Drink, expressed her enthusiasm for the programme, stating, “Scotland’s food and drink experiences are unmatched, and this programme offers businesses a fantastic opportunity to improve their offerings, reach new audiences, and benefit from invaluable networking opportunities. We encourage all eligible businesses to apply and take advantage of the expertise on offer to further enhance Scotland’s reputation as a premier food tourism destination.”
RADISSON RED SKYBAR NAMED ONE OF WORLD’S BEST AS IT LANDS TOP 50 SPOT
Beating off competition from venues in the likes of New York, London and Paris and nestled in between a bougie bar in Bangkok and one on the Amalfi Coast, this is quite a result!
The rooftop bar in Glasgow has been named as one of the best in the world making the list at 46th position between a bougie bar in Bangkok and another on the Amalfi Coast.
According to the research, the Clydeside venue recorded 183 Instagram shares and a customer experience rating of 69.44%.
The Sky Bar hasn’t been shy of success in recent times with the venue picking up a hat trick of awards at last years OnTrade Awards including Hotel of the year.
The venue is also in the running for a number of awards in this years OnTrade Awards being held this month.
Brand News
CAMERON HOUSE WELCOMES
NEW DIRECTOR OF SALES
Scotland’s luxury five-star hotel and resort, Cameron House on Loch Lomond, has welcomed Claire Meir as its new Director of Sales.
Previously Director of Sales at Fairmont St. Andrews, Claire’s appointment marks her return to the Cameron House, where she previously held the position of the Director of Sales for MICE for six years.
An accomplished director with a strong track record working within the hospitality and travel industry, Meir has
GOLF
amassed over 20 years’ experience working within leading national and international hotel groups, including holding the title of Regional Director of Sales at De Vere Hotels and Director of Sales and Marketing for Marriott’s Forest of Arden Golf and Country Club.
On her new role, Claire Meir comments: “It’s a pleasure to be back and rejoining Cameron House as Director of Sales. I look forward to executing strategic sales plans and creative initiatives, along with maximising presence and performance as we head into the busy summer period and beyond.”
Michael Lavizani, Resort Director at Cameron House adds: “I’m delighted to welcome back Claire. With the commitment and drive to exceed revenue targets, I have no doubt Claire will hit the ground running. I look forward to working alongside her as we continue to capture new business opportunities and deliver exceptional experiences for our guests.”
Claire’s arrival follows the recent appointment of Gary Rice as Director of Operations and Claire McIntosh as General Manager as Cameron House continues to strengthen its senior team. Home to 208 bedrooms and suites, 115 selfcatered lodges, cottages and apartments, multiple dining outlets, an award-winning spa, marina and two golf courses, Cameron House is one of Scotland’s leading luxury resorts, located on the world-famous bonnie banks of Loch Lomond.
IT! CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY
WITH FREE COACHING AND KIDS’ SCAVENGER HUNT PLUS BIG FEED FUN
Family attraction Golf It! celebrates its first birthday next Monday – so they’re running a full week of events and offers to celebrate with even coaching available for all and a brilliant FREE scavenger hunt for families this Saturday.
The complex just outside Glasgow, at Hogganfield Loch near Stepps, offers a relaxed atmosphere and great value activities for all, to encourage new people to try golf and make it affordable for everyone.
Golf It! is the home of Big Feed, Scotland’s kings of street food, who are also running a series of activities and events for the occasion.
Golf It! boss Russ Smith said: “We’re thrilled to celebrate a year at the heart of our community and bringing the love of golf to so many new people and families.
“We want to welcome everyone back, or to check us out for the first time if you’ve missed out so far, with some brilliant offers and free fun like the scavenger hunt.
“Thank you to everyone who has come down over the last 12 months and to the community groups who have become such a huge part of Golf It!
“And to all of our team of Trailblazers and supporters and everyone who has discovered their new love of golf with us –that’s what it’s all about .
“And of course thank you to all our partners - Big Feed, Scottsdale, Seven Lochs, Titleist, Game4Padel, Lullaby Lane, Callaway, AIG and St Paul’s Youth Forum.”
Enjoy as a cherry shot or sip as a liqueur.
WUNDER IN THE WEST END
The phenomenon that has become Wunderbar with its mix of live music and fantastic atmosphere enjoyed by Joe Public and stars like Poste Malone will now bring its unique vibes to the west end Wendy’s of Glasgow.
Given the success of the city centre Wunderbar, it would have been silly not to open a venue in the West End. We know how strong the brand is and are confident it will resonate with the West End community. Next, we’d love to see the brand expand beyond Glasgow.
At Wunderbar West End, customers can expect the same high standards set by our city centre venue. While the décor and offerings are similar, there are unique differences to cater to the West End’s demographic, with a greater focus on bier. We
continue to feature live music every day, but the atmosphere has a bit more of a pub feel, along with additional features and tailored experiences to suit the West End locale.
Here, you’ll find our lively main bar, always buzzing with excitement. Steal the spotlight in the Yodel Hütte karaoke den, where guests can take to the stage in their private function room, and unwind in our sprawling 200-capacity bier garden, WunderGarten—perfect for soaking up the sunshine with a pint in hand.
Given its operating hours, we recognise the need for food in this location and are excited to announce that we will be launching our food menu soon. Keep an eye on our socials for further details.
Wunderbar has become a real focus for live music why do you feel this is so important to help driving footfall?
Live music plays a crucial role in driving footfall to Wunderbar. As true ambassadors of grassroots music, we’re thrilled to showcase a vibrant lineup of independent local artists who keep the party going seven days a week! We have a huge talent pool of local singers and DJs who work together seamlessly to create an unparalleled day-to-night experience. Our curated live music program significantly enhances the overall customer experience, draws in diverse crowds, encourages longer visits, and helps build a strong, loyal community around Wunderbar, all of which are essential for driving footfall and sustaining business growth.
The group have a fantastic eye for detail when it comes to the look and feel of your venues how important is the aesthetic to the success of the venue?
The aesthetic of Wunderbar is integral to its success as it influences first impressions, reinforces brand identity, enhances customer experience, boosts social media appeal, showcases attention to detail, ensures functional design, and differentiates our venue from competitors.
Our Wunderbar aesthetic directly impacts the atmosphere and ambience of the venue. Elements such as lighting, furniture, artwork, and decor work together to create the desired atmosphere we want, whether it’s cosy and intimate or lively
and festive, enhancing the overall vibe that our patrons seek. Planning our new venue’s location and theme involves a multifaceted approach that covers market research, financial planning, design, compliance, operations, and marketing. Each step is crucial to ensure the venue’s success and sustainability in its new location. Ensuring the theme and offering resonates with the local community, collaborating with designers to create a visually appealing, welcoming and functional space that aligns with our theme and planning elements like lighting, music and decor are key to providing the lively atmosphere Wunderbar is renowned for.
Our motto is all about the love of a good time, and we fully embrace it! Wunderbar West stands out with a unique and specialised music experience that sets us apart from other venues in Glasgow’s West End. With our focus on live music, live sports on the big screen, an extensive bier selection, innovative cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere, we offer something distinctly different from the norm. Here, you can enjoy exceptional music while staying immersed in the excitement of sports games and savouring your favourite drinks. By delivering an immersive and exceptional experience, we aim to attract a diverse clientele seeking a fresh alternative in the West End, carving out a unique niche in the local market.
Our West End venue is open every day from 12 PM to 2 AM, offering showtime seven days a week. We are excited to announce that we will be launching our food menu soon, keep an eye on our socials for further details. Our diary is now open for Christmas party bookings! Please enquire at westbookings@wunderbarglasgow.com
NAVIGATING NET ZERO: ESSENTIAL GUIDE LAUNCHED FOR SCOTLAND’S FOOD & DRINK SECTOR
To equip Scotland’s food and drink businesses with the tools to reduce their emissions in line with the national 2045 target, the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Net Zero Commitment has released a new handbook designed to help food and drink businesses navigate the complex language of sustainability.
The Navigating Net Zero Handbook, available for free download, breaks down key Net Zero terms and offers practical advice to support businesses in their sustainability efforts. This resource is essential for equipping companies with the knowledge they need to join industry peers in achieving climate change goals.
The race to Net Zero is on, and Scotland’s food and drink industry is lacing up for the long run. As the driving force behind this, the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership’s Net Zero Commitment Programme is dedicated to guiding businesses of all sizes through the process.
Achieving Net Zero emissions is crucial for curbing global warming and keeping Scottish businesses competitive worldwide. A recent PwC survey[i] found that 80% of consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainably produced goods, indicating a readiness to spend nearly 10% more on environmentally friendly products.
With VisitScotland’s 2023 Visitor Survey revealing that 46% of visitors enjoy food and drink activities, and 19% of longdistance travellers specifically choose Scotland for its culinary offerings, the need for Scottish businesses to meet their sustainability goals is evident.
Emphasising the importance of this latest initiative FDF Net Zero Programme Director Iain Clunie said: “As members of the food and drink industry, it is crucial that we take proactive steps to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to the global effort against climate change.
“Understanding the language around emissions and Net Zero is vital for driving real change in Scotland’s food and drink industry. By knowing and understanding these key terms, businesses can better engage in conversations, interpret data, and make informed sustainability decisions.”
NEW LUXURY HOTEL & APARTMENTS OPENS LESS THAN AN HOUR FROM GLASGOW
One of the west coast’s most anticipated luxury destinations, DeiRa Hotel & Apartments - less than an hour from Glasgow - is now open and welcoming guests.
The stunning new premises - located in the heart of Prestwick - opened earlier today (15 July) in time for The Open Championship at Royal Troon, and promises an exceptional blend of elegance, comfort, and five-star service.
Conveniently located near Prestwick Railway Station and just a short drive from Glasgow Prestwick International Airport, DeiRa (which is expected to be graded 4-stars) is easily accessible from Glasgow by car or train. For guests staying during The Open, the hotel is just a short walk from the famous course at Troon, making it the perfect base for the iconic event.
“We’re delighted to finally open the doors to DeiRa Hotel & Apartments,” said Perry Uppal, owner of DeiRa and Taj Bar & Kitchen. “The team have been working hard on this for a while, and we’re really excited to welcome all of our guests, where they can expect the five-star service that Taj has become renowned for”.
DeiRa will also be offering a brand new brunch menu, both for their guests and for walk-ins, with dishes such as Taj Naan Rolls, the Parsi Omelette and their iconic Full Bhoona Breakfast, which includes traditional aanda bhurji, sweet cured bacon, pork links, square sliced sausage & black pudding.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing getaway or a golfing weekend, DeiRa offers the perfect combination of location, luxury and convenience.
The most awarded vodka in the British Isles
HOSTED BY NATALIE
JAMES
MONDAY 12 AUGUST
ONTRADE AWARDS 2024
VENUE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
WUNDERBAR
RADISSON RED FLIGHT CLUB
COLDTOWN HOUSE
MAGGIES ROCK N RODEO
ONTRADE AWARDS 2024
COCKTAIL VENUE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
THE ALCHEMIST
THE SPIRITUALIST
VODKA WODKA
SACRED GARDEN (HOUSE OF GODS ) MISSOULA
SPONSORED
ONTRADE AWARDS 2024
HOTEL OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
HOUSE OF GODS
RADISSON RED
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON GLASGOW CENTRAL
AC HOTEL
RADISSON BLU
ONTRADE AWARDS 2024
NIGHTIME VENUE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
THE GARAGE
WUNDERBAR BALLROOM
HAUS
CLUB TROPICANA
SUB CLUB
SPONSORED BY
ONTRADE AWARDS 2024
LIVE MUSIC/GIG VENUE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
RADISSON RED WUNDERBAR BARROWLANDS
KING TUTS THE GARAGE
ONTRADE AWARDS 2024
CASUAL DINING VENUE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
BUCKS BAR KONG
ANGELS
PAESANO LIDO TROON
ONTRADE AWARDS 2024
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
DEAN BANKS @ POMPADOUR
CUT BOTHWELL
DUCK & WAFFLE
CHÂTEAU X
EL SANTO
ONTRADE AWARDS 2024
NICHE/EMERGING BRAND OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
BUCKFAST
COLDTOWN BEER
DRAGON SOOP
WEST BEER
PANTHER MILK
ONTRADE AWARDS 2024
SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENT AWARD FINALISTS
BUZZWORKS
SIGNATURE GROUP
WODKA VODKA
BUCK BAR GROUP
BANNANA MOON
ONTRADE AWARDS 2024
CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD FINALISTS
BUCK’S BAR LITTLE SOHO JORDANHILL THE SPIRITUALIST
SCOTT’S GREENOCK DOUBLETREE BY HILTON GLASGOW CENTRAL
SPONSORED BY
SPONSORED BY
COMMUNITY-LED DISTILLERY SECURES £140K FUNDING BOOST AHEAD OF OPENING
The community-led Cabrach Distillery, on the rugged edge of Speyside, has received a funding package of almost £140,000 from responsible finance provider Social Investment Scotland (SIS), supporting its longterm ambition to revive the local area.
The Cabrach Distillery – which is gearing up to open in late summer – will operate as a one-of-a-kind social enterprise. Registered as a community interest company (CIC), it will be the flagship asset of The Cabrach Trust, helping to breathe new life into the rural area. The remote community was once home to a thriving illicit whisky trade, a legacy which the distillery is celebrating with the production of a new Single Malt Scotch Whisky and dedicated heritage centre.
The Cabrach is an area that has suffered from significant loss and depopulation. At the turn of the 20th century, the population was around 1000 people but today it is under 100 with the Trust working to safeguard the community. As well as creating a dozen local jobs, it is hoped the new distillery will attract visitors from near and far, generating income to be reinvested in its impactful regeneration plans.
The funding package of almost £140,000 from SIS, comprising both a loan and a grant, has supported the distillery with the process of setting up for the bottling of its inaugural whisky proposition, The Feering is a Speyside blended malt Scotch whisky derived from casks generously donated by The Cabrach’s distillery near neighbours. Funding will further support day to day start-up operations of the distillery, such as production and performance monitoring.
As well as the distillery, the Trust also runs the accessible Cabrach Discovery Trail and has recently launched a new Cabrach Tweed. Additionally, rural skills, wellbeing, and events programme are anchored from the Old Smiddy – a restored farm bothy which sits at the heart of Inverharroch Farm. Future plans include the development of a café and heritage centre as part of the distillery site, alongside the restoration of the Old Cabrach School hall and house as the Trust’s learning hub which is intended to become a beacon for experiential learning at the centre of North East Scotland.
Jonathan Christie, chief executive at The Cabrach Trust, said: “The Cabrach is renowned for its role in the birth of Scotch Whisky and completion of The Cabrach Distillery will contribute to a tale of renewal like no other. Our distillery will serve as the economic lungs of our community-led regeneration vision, creating much-needed permanent, skilled employment whilst attracting thousands of visitors to this special place, who will be able to discover the area’s rich history, heritage, and natural beauty.
“The support of likeminded partners such as Social Investment Scotland is invaluable. This is a bold idea, a unique social enterprise, being made possible through the sustained support of the Cabrach community, alongside an exciting blend of funding partners.”
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Since our humble beginnings nearly 70 years ago when the Company was founded by Bobby Lynas, Lynas Foodservice has been dedicated to one word, Service.
The aim is simple, to serve our customer with the best product and the best service we can provide.
We deliver to over 5,000 independant and chain customers every week throughout Ireland and Scotland. Our customers come from right across the catering spectrum so with our extensive range we will have the right product to suit your needs and your business.
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Five key health and safety risks in the licensed trade addressing the pitfalls to avoid brand reputational damage!
Health and safety risks may sound trivial but logging the potential risks at your workplace(s) and demonstrating the correct protocols are in place can be crucial if an accident does happen in a licensed premises. Advance preparation is paramount, so read on and if you have questions or need assistance, please get in touch.
1. ALCOHOL
Workers selling alcohol face several workplace risks, particularly in off-licences premises. These risks can include interactions with aggressive or inebriated customers, often at late hours. The behaviour of these customers can often be unpredictable and can pose a significant risk. The risk posed by customer aggression should be treated as any other workplace hazard.
Employers should provide safe work systems and procedures to prevent and respond to aggression, including protocols for working alone or at night. You should also be aware of employee support systems, including counselling provisions, and make your employees aware of complaints procedures.
2. WORKING ALONE
Retailers and hospitality traders often stock high value goods or retain large amounts of cash on the premises. Lone workers may be threatened or intimidated, and an employer must help prevent this from happening by minimising the risks they are exposed to.
This could involve using technology to report incidents and
request assistance or providing a secure area accessible to employees only.
3. SLIPS AND TRIPS
Every year, thousands of workers are involved in a slip or trip resulting in serious injury. In 2022/23 alone, there were over 150,000 cases reported under RIDDOR in the UK. It’s one of the most common causes of workplace injury.
Businesses that stock large quantities of liquid and premises with a high volume of foot traffic face greater risk. As well as spillages, operators should consider damaged flooring, uneven floors and other trip hazards.
4. MANUAL LIFTING AND HANDLING
Training employees to lift and handle goods is an important H&S obligation and was the second most reported accident type in 2022/23. Manual handling injuries are surprisingly widespread – one million working days are lost annually to this.
Operators must ensure employees are carrying out safe lifting and handling practices. Employees should understand the dangers associated with poor handling technique while employers should discipline compliance failures.
5. FIRE
Fire protection and evacuation procedures must be in place to ensure staff and customers are warned immediately if a fire breaks out.
Signage is paramount and training staff in responding to fire alarms and ensuring sufficient fire prevention technology is in place are crucial.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
All businesses should appoint someone with relevant expertise to meet their obligations and to consider the health and safety of everyone entering their property.
The proprietor is responsible for taking all practicable risk precautions and for accidents that could have been foreseen and prevented.
Having a written H&S policy demonstrates that you’ve carefully considered the risks specific to your environment. It should detail who the H&S representative is, and their responsibilities.
Larger businesses often instruct consultants while those running smaller businesses or operating in a low-risk environment might appoint an in-house representative.
RISK MANAGEMENT
Risk assessments identify potential workplace risks and ensure there is adequate protection for staff and clients. Workplace audits and tours will enable you to consider how likely a risk is, the level of harm it poses, and how best to control it.
One of the most effective ways of identifying risks is consulting employees and any relevant employee organisations, such as a trade union. Employees often have the clearest line of vision in respect of how the workplace operates and what the hazards are.
Trade unions can also assist with risk assessments, drafting policy documents, and mitigating risks.
ADEQUATE TRAINING AND WELFARE FACILITIES
It is imperative that operators provide H&S training to staff. Education is key to avoid accidents, so include topics that are relevant to their working environment.
Employees must have access to adequate facilities including toilets, drinking water, and a rest/break room, as well as industry specific facilities. A ventilated workspace, space for equipment storage and suitable workstations are important factors. Access routes to welfare facilities should be kept clear, equipment regularly checked, and the workspace cleaned (especially confined spaces).
Further, brand reputation is incredibly important in the licensed trade. Straightforward risk mitigation can avoid any reputational damage or personal injury/death in the workplace.
If you have questions or concerns relating to the risks that affect your business, Joanna Arnott will be more than happy to help you revise or create a risk management strategy.
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