A SENIOR figure in Edinburgh’s hospitality scene is sharing how the industry can provide a long-term career path, citing how she wants to shake up how jobs in the sector are viewed in Scotland.
Jackie Hudson plays a key role in driving the strategic direction at city-centre venue Surgeons Quarter which comprises the city’s largest independent hotel, Ten Hill Place, along with a thriving conference and events business that maximises the commercial use of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) buildings and venues.
After 17 years of working in the industry is citing her experience to encourage others not to view it as a short-term job solution, of which she was once guilty of, having started in an events manager role after completing college while initially thinking of undertaking a career teaching maths.
As the industry recovers from the pandemic and manoeuvres continual economic fallout including a prolonged hiring crisis, Jackie believes now is the opportune time to make the move into hospitality.
These challenges have introduced positive changes across working hours, pay, training and development with more organisations increasing incentives – which previously were deemed key deterrents when viewing the industry as a long-term career plan.
Jackie (41), who serves as Revenue Manager and is part of Surgeons Quarter’s senior management team, said: “Working in the hospitality industry has presented opportunities I could only have dreamed of. It can be turbulent, busy and challenging but isn’t every industry like that these days?
“As an industry we’ve perhaps been too shy to shout about what a career can mean. I’d say lots of organisations have really had to focus on their development opportunities, conditions and base pay. I’m confident that we are at the very forefront of this nationally and striving to stay there.
“If you love interacting with people, want to create your own niche and are ready to learn from real life experience, the hospitality industry is the perfect career choice for you.
I’m also extremely proud to play a part in marketing Edinburgh on a national and international level. When I first started out, I never would’ve thought I’d be forecasting the revenue across such a diverse portfolio business.”
Highlighting the breadth of experiences Jackie has been able to undertake at Surgeons Quarter, earlier this month she was invited by Surgeons Quarter’s Managing Director, Scott Mitchell, to accompany him to the RCSEd’s International Conference in Chennai, India.
Scott said: “Jackie is a real lynchpin within our business. She isn’t front and centre at events or with our clients, so perhaps doesn’t always get the spotlight she deserves.
“She is the embodiment of somebody that has carved a very strong career in hospitality and it’s been a privilege to see her develop and thrive as part of our team.”
As part of Jackie’s role, she plays an active part in recruitment and has a keen interest in building a diverse workforce to incorporate a variety of skills and abilities.
With over 22 different nationalities making up the 178-strong team, the multicultural business has placed focus on professional development and bringing the benefits of a career in the industry to forefront for those just starting out.
Surgeons Quarter promotes, sells and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd campus, which includes Ten Hill Place Hotel.
Since 2021 it has secured the Living Wage Accreditation while also increasing its team’s pension contributions to 7.5%.
Public Meeting to Discuss the Future of the Cramond Inn – TONIGHT 7.30 pm
The Cramond Association has arranged a public meeting to bring the local community together to discuss the future of Edinburgh’s historic Cramond Inn which has remained closed since the pandemic.
Working in partnership with Cramond & Barnton Community Council, the meeting is geared to creating a local action group to get the Inn, owned by brewery company Samuel Smiths, open and functioning again. Speaking at the event will be a representative of Community Shares Scotland to present a ‘model’ for community ownership.
Chair of the Cramond Association Adam Cumming said: “The ongoing closure of the Cramond Inn is one of the most important current issues of concern both for local people and for the thousands of visitors who regularly visit the Cramond Foreshore.
“The Inn has always played a historic role in providing an important local focal point for our community, as well as providing a stunning location from which to explore and enjoy the local area.
“To have its doors shut, with no immediate prospect of reopening is a very sad state of affairs for all of us. We would like to open a positive dialogue with the Inn’s owners to explore all possibilities of it opening up for business and, once again, being at the heart of our local community.”
The open meeting will take place tonight Monday 24th October at the Millennium Hall at Cramond Kirk Halls, starting at 7.30 pm.
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh opens its doors at latest concept Eve
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, the luxury lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, has officially launched its latest concept, Eve – an all-day dining space that will provide an array of food, beverages and entertainment.
The vibrant social space opened its doors to the public today and is set to perfectly complement Edinburgh’s enviable food and drink scene from morning lattes to lights out.
To celebrate the launch, Eve is offering all guests 50% off food for every reservation made from 7th-29th October and will be putting on a variety of live entertainment seven days a week throughout the month. Reservations can now be made directly on the hotel’s website at www.virginhotels.com/edinburgh/dine-and-drink/eve/
Situated at ground floor level, with an entrance from Cowgate, Eve holds up to 160 guests and is designed to be a playful environment to eat, drink and socialise in the heart of Edinburgh. With performance being at the core of the history of the Virgin brand, Eve will put on a diverse range of events showcasing the best of both Scottish and international culture.
From exclusive one-off activations that will firmly put Eve on the map to weekly intimate events including ‘Musical Mondays’, ‘On Demand’ and ‘Live & Unsigned’, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Alongside the lively entertainment, guests can order up a storm with a menu perfect for sharing with friends and family on any occasion whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.
The menu caters to all tastes with everything from small plates – including beef brisket croquettes and Scottish salmon crudo – to large plates offering flat iron steak and charcuterie boards as well as a selection of juicy burgers, hearty sandwiches and refreshing salad bowls.
The interiors of Eve are like no other. The walls are adorned with floor-to-ceiling unique murals specifically curated by award winning Dutch graffiti artists, Studio Giftig, for the venue. Incorporating themes of space exploration, Scottish history, and Virgin legacy, these distinctive artworks create an immersive space that both celebrates and transcends the area’s rich history.
Opened until late, guests are encouraged to enjoy a post dinner cocktail from a range of bespoke creations all with locality in mind, helping to bring a sense of Scotland into each of the flavours.
From Park Bench Aperitivos such as Strong-Beau, a nod to the nation’s favourite fruity cider, to twists on classic cocktails such as the ‘Pin-Up’, a reimagining of the Pornstar Martini and East 8 Holdup, the cocktail menu brings some nostalgic flavours firmly into the 21st Century.
Scott McArdle, General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, commented:“We are delighted to announce that Eve is officially open! We have already started to see Virgin Hotels Edinburgh come to life over the last few months and Eve is going to add even more flavour to what we already offer.
“This vibrant and lively space will be at the heart of the city’s entertainment with fantastic food, unique cocktails and an array of performances – there really is something for everyone to enjoy and we can’t wait to welcome everyone in.”
Follow along on social media: Instagram @Eveedinburgh, Facebook @Evevhedinburgh
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will open its latest concept Eve on 7th October
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, the luxury lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, announces its latest concept, Eve – an all-day dining space that will provide an array of food, beverages and entertainment.
The vibrant social space will officially open to the public on 7th October and is set to perfectly complement Edinburgh’s enviable food and drink scene from morning lattes to lights out. For those eager to get ahead of the crowd, reservations can now be made directly on the hotel’s website at www.virginhotels.com/edinburgh/dine-and-drink/eve/.
To celebrate the launch, Eve will be offering all guests 50% off food for every reservation made from 7th-29th October and will be putting on a variety of live entertainment seven days a week throughout the month.
Situated at ground floor level, with an entrance from Cowgate, Eve will hold up to 160 guests and is designed to be a playful environment to eat, drink and socialise in the heart of Edinburgh. With performance being at the core of the history of the Virgin brand, Eve will put on a diverse range of events showcasing the best of both Scottish and international culture.
From exclusive one-off activations that will firmly put Eve on the map to weekly intimate events including ‘Musical Mondays’, ‘On Demand’ and ‘Live & Unsigned’, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Alongside the lively entertainment, guests can order up a storm with a menu perfect for sharing with friends and family on any occasion whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.
The menu caters to all tastes with everything from small plates – including beef brisket croquettes and Scottish salmon crudo – to large plates offering flat iron steak and charcuterie boards as well as a selection of juicy burgers, hearty sandwiches and refreshing salad bowls.
The interiors of Eve are like no other. The walls are adorned with floor-to-ceiling unique murals specifically curated by award winning Dutch graffiti artists, Studio Giftig, for the venue. Incorporating themes of space exploration, Scottish history, and Virgin legacy, these distinctive artworks create an immersive space that both celebrates and transcends the area’s rich history.
Opened until late, guests are encouraged to enjoy a post dinner cocktail from a range of bespoke creations all with locality in mind, helping to bring a sense of Scotland into each of the flavours.
From Park Bench Aperitivos such as Strong-Beau, a nod to the nation’s favourite fruity cider, to twists on classic cocktails such as the ‘Pin-Up’, a reimagining of the Pornstar Martini and East 8 Holdup, the cocktail menu brings some nostalgic flavours firmly into the 21st Century.
Eve is situated within the newly opened Virgin Hotels Edinburgh located in the landmark India Buildings in Edinburgh’s Old Town, a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle.
The hotel features 222 Chambers and Grand Chamber Suites and multiple dining and drinking outlets including Eve and Commons Club, all with their own unique space and distinct design.
The hotel site is home to a 19th century church, known as Greyfriars Hall, that is being beautifully restored and repurposed as a special event venue. In addition, the hotel will offer a rooftop sanctuary with unobstructed Edinburgh Castle views.
Scott McArdle, General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, commented: “We have already started to see Virgin Hotels Edinburgh come to life over the last few months and Eve is going to add even more flavour to what we already offer.
“This vibrant and lively space will be at the heart of the city’s entertainment with fantastic food, unique cocktails and an array of performances – there really is something for everyone to enjoy.”
All guests can sign up for the brand-wide guest preferences and loyalty program ‘The Know’, which grants a personalised hotel experience that allows for access to room upgrades, member rates, special events and a complimentary cocktail hour in Commons Club – all when booking directly with Virgin Hotels.
All Chambers and Suites have integrated tech capabilities, which can control lighting, thermostats, TVs, and order room service directly via the mobile app, Lucy which is exclusively available to Know members.
Lucy also gives guests the ability to check in prior to arrival and can be used as an access key to their Chambers. Chambers are also pet friendly, with complimentary ‘pet-menities’ available, including dog beds and food and water dishes.
The hotel has been developed and is owned by Flemyn and managed by Virgin Hotels.
Reservations for the hotel are also open and can be made directly on the hotel’s websitewww.virginhotels.com/edinburgh.
Follow along on social media: Instagram @Eveedinburgh, Facebook @Evevhedinburgh
Surgeons Quarter invest in staff following post-pandemic event boom
A FLAGBEARER of Scottish hospitality has launched a new engagement initiative to improve staff wellbeing as the sector booms post-pandemic.
‘SQ Cares’ by Surgeons Quarter is a programme run by representatives across all departments focussing on the welfare and wellbeing of staff – adding to the existing schemes already in place.
Nine members have been meeting once a month since January to discuss six key areas across the business – charity, community, wellbeing, green, inclusion and social – of which three pledges have been made for each.
Current pledges devised by the initiative include wellbeing programmes and seasonal treats, while some entail giving back to the community through supporting charities such as Bowel Cancer UK and organised community clean-ups.
Sarah Williamson, Business and Talent Manager and driving force behind SQ Cares, said: “After a turbulent few years, it’s great to see the events sector back operating at full capacity again.
“Staff have stepped up during busy times so we wanted to introduce a way to engage with them across all departments to gather input and ensure we put their voices at the heart of everything we do.
“SQ Cares is having a positive impact on the business already as the pledges have been created by staff for staff and since these have been put into practice, engagement has soared.
“A business is really all about its people- making sure that they are happy and looked after is so important. We are such a busy company and always running about so sometimes it is nice to just stop and say thank you.
“Initiatives already implemented include celebrating International Employee Appreciation Day where staff were treated to lunch and we also issued thank you cards. We also reintroduced Employee of the Month which has been met with a lot of enthusiasm.”
SQ Cares adds to the number of existing employee initiatives that the event venue already offers, such as a £2,000 holiday bonus for its hard-working hospitality recruits.
The organisation has also recently relocated its office to new premises at Mission Hall in order to create an environment for staff to thrive and have all of the necessary equipment and tools to produce their best work.
An ‘open door’ policy has been introduced at the new office meaning members of the public can visit to discuss their hospitality, event or travel requirements with an experienced member of the team – without having to book an appointment.
Operations Manager, Stewart Munro joined the organisation in April and is supportive of the SQ Cares initiative focused on creating a happier workforce while boosting morale.
He said: “When I joined the team at Surgeons Quarter, I felt like my particular role was a blank canvas and one which I could run with on my own. I’ve been able to spend a lot of time with the team on the ground, helping them to develop and supporting them in any way I can.
“SQ Cares is a way to show our staff that we care and appreciate the amazing work displayed, especially throughout this particularly busy summer period.
“Surgeons Quarter is a fast-paced and forward-thinking company which is why I was delighted to be offered a job there – I feel its excellent employee benefit schemes really showcase this. They have allowed me to grow in my career already and I’m looking forward to seeing the pledges progress.”
Small and medium businesses dominate Hospitality industry, making up 68% of all businesses
Northern Ireland has the highest percentage of SMEs out of any region, at 29%
SMEs make up more than 25% of all businesses in the United Kingdom
New research has revealed how important small and medium enterprises are for the British economy, as businesses that employ between one and 249 employees contribute more than £2 trillion in turnover and employ 44% of the British workforce.
The study by marketing training hub School of Marketing analysed the latest ONS and government data on the number of small and medium enterprises in 2021 to see which regions and industries are powered the most by SMEs.
Analysis of the industries revealed that the Hospitality Industry has the highest proportion of SMEs out of any industry. Out of the 200,645 businesses operating in the industry, 140,050 are small or medium-sized, which equals roughly 69.8%. The Hospitality Industry is made up of accommodation and food services including hotels and restaurants.
The industry with the second-highest percentage of SMEs is Wholesale and Retail Trade. This industry, which also includes mechanic shops that repair motor vehicles and motorcycles, has more than 500,000 businesses, and more than four in ten (43%) are small or medium-sized.
Real Estate Industry has the third-highest proportion of SMEs, with 35.4% of all enterprises having below 250 employees. The industry has 134,095 businesses operating in the UK, and 47,740 are small or medium-sized.
In fourth is the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Industry, which has more than 150,000 businesses running in the country, and roughly 50,000 (33%) are SMEs.
The industry counting the fifth-highest percentage of SMEs is Manufacturing, with 32% of the enterprises operating in this industry being small or medium-sized, which is 87,210 out of the 270,000 businesses.
The study also analysed each UK region and found that Northern Ireland has the highest proportion of SMEs in the UK. 123,705 businesses are operating in Northern Ireland, and 36,369 are small or medium enterprises, making up roughly 29.4% of all companies.
Scotland has the second-highest percentage of SMEs out of all the UK regions, with 27.7% of all businesses being SMEs. There are 342,045 companies in Scotland, and 94,746 have fewer than 250 employees.
The East Midlands is home to the third-highest proportion of SMEs, with 100,300 SMEs, making up 27.3% of the 367,400 businesses operating in the region.
North West England has the fourth-highest percentage of SMEs in the UK, with 26.7% of businesses operating in the area being small or medium-sized.
Wales is tied for fourth, as 26.7% of operating businesses in the country are SMEs. 55,373 out of the 207,390 enterprises in Wales have fewer than 250 employees.
The study also assessed the most in-demand skills for entry-level positions across a range of industries and found that Communication and Microsoft Office proficiency are the most commonly occurring skills on job adverts – both appear in 61% of the jobs that were analysed.
The third most in-demand skill is a High Attention to Detail, appearing in 44% of ads for entry-level positions. Finishing off the top five is a tie for fourth between Time-Management and Self-Motivated, both showing up on 39% of job adverts.
Commenting on the findings, Ritchie Mehta, CEO of School of Marketing said: “There are more than 1.4 million British companies which employ between one and 249 people, and combined they turn over a massive £2 trillion every year, which is 45% of total turnover from UK businesses.
“It’s essential that they are not only given the support to grow and continue making such an important contribution, but also that there is a skilled workforce able to help them deliver and adapt to the demands of an evolving economy.
“This data shows that when it comes to skills, there are some common themes that employers are looking for across a range of jobs, however in the current climate, budgets for training are likely to be cut, and the skills gap could widen.
“SME owners can take advantage of the Apprenticeship Levy scheme to bring in new staff or train current ones in digital and data-led programmes, with the vast majority of the training cost covered by the levy.”
The study was conducted by the School of Marketing, which offers leading digital and data marketing apprenticeships.
“Good businesses will fail, unless the government acts”
THE NATIONAL Chair for the Federation of Small Businesses Martin McTague has issued a stark prognosis for small businesses in the months ahead.
He warned that rising energy prices and current business rates and tax will see many businesses go under; which could have a major impact on the UK economy as 60% of the private sector workforce work for small businesses.
Speaking to GB News, Mr McTague said: “There’s a completely toxic mix, and that mix is very low cash reserves; I think the ONS figures said that that 40% of businesses are operating on less than three months worth of cash.
“You’ve got very high taxation levels, the highest for 50 years. A massive slump in demand, and then if you build into that mix the fact that energy prices for some businesses are four or five times what they were previously.
“Most businesses renew their contracts in October, and the quotes that I’ve seen from a lot of our members were alarming. In some cases their prices had gone from £23,000 a year up to £112,000 per year. One farmer I spoke to was seriously considering putting a generator on to power his operation because he couldn’t see how he could operate any other way.
“Now what we need, starting Monday I think, is a government that recognises that this is an urgent problem. And that a lot of good businesses will fail, unless they act. I think sometimes people treat it as if it’s something that you can separate out from consumer issues, whereas 60% of the private sector workforce work for SMEs. So that will be a major problem for lots of people.”
“There are three key things I think we need to do starting Monday. The first will be to reverse the National Insurance increase, that was something that almost universally all small businesses disliked.
“Then there is a serious problem with business rates, I think it’s time that the government doubled the small business rates relief, currently standing at less than £12,500 and could go up to £25,000. I think that would encourage a lot of small businesses, particularly in the North of England.
“Then cut VAT to try and encourage demand. At a time when a lot of consumers are lacking confidence, you need to give them that bit of a push to get back in the shops.”
A popular Edinburgh city centre steakhouse has been brought to market by DM Hall, one of Scotland’s leading firms of chartered surveyors, as a result of the owner’s impending retirement.
McKirdy’s Steakhouse, located at 151-155 Morrison Street, and close to Haymarket and Edinburgh’s economic hub, has traded for 24 years.
Offers over £450,000 are invited for the business which is supplied by McKirdy Butchers, which has been active in Edinburgh and East Lothian since 1895.
Morrison Street, a busy one-way thoroughfare which connects Lothian Road with Haymarket Terrace/West Maitland Street, carries a substantial volume of traffic on a daily basis being one of the main arterial routes out of the City Centre towards the West.
The area is mixed residential and commercial in nature and adjacent to it there are a number of other restaurants and public houses. The Edinburgh International Conference Centre and various hotels are located a short walk from the premises.
McKirdy’s Steakhouse, which has recently been re-furbished, is arranged over the ground floor. The frontage incorporates large display windows providing good natural light to the restaurant.
The restaurant business, which has a reputation for the very highest quality meat available and trades from Wednesday to Sunday, is reluctantly being brought to the market as a result of retirement, its success is reflected in its profitability.
Margaret Mitchell of DM Hall who is overseeing the marketing process, said: “This is a great opportunity to acquire a successful, busy and readily managed restaurant with an established reputation.
“Its location, on the edge of the soon to be completed Haymarket Edinburgh development, an impressive £350m mixed-use development which will include hotels, retail space and offices will bring further investment and buzz to the area. As a result, any future owner will benefit significantly.
“Our client is seeking offers over £450,000 including goodwill, fixtures and fittings. Trading accounts are available upon request to seriously interested parties. Viewing is strictly by appointment and arrangements can be made by contacting me, Margaret Mitchell MRICS, Surveyor, on 07919574184 or Margaret.mitchell@dmhall.co.uk.”
With 24 offices and over 250 members of staff including 24 Partners, DM Hall this year celebrates 125 years since its foundation in 1897.
Scotland’s finest bars and pubs have been revealed at a glitzy awards ceremony for the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022 in Glasgow on Tuesday (30 August).
Hundreds of Scotland’s licenced trade gathered together to celebrate their achievements, enjoying entertainment from Abba MANIA.
Crowning the nation’s most loved pubs, the prestigious event saw over 27 venues and individuals pick up the coveted awards from up and down the country including Glasgow’s Ga Ga, Troon’s The Fox and Edinburgh’s Black Ivy and Virgin Hotels.
Organiser Susan Youngsaid, “It’s been another incredible year for the annual Scottish Bar and Pub Awards as we’ve recognised some of the most creative, hard-working and beloved venues in the country.
“Following a difficult few years for the licensed trade, it’s fantastic to see so many venues dedicate their time to staff training, inventive menus and new initiatives.
“From Inverness to Dundee, Troon to Uddingston, this year’s winners have gone above and beyond to provide exemplary customer service, create new cocktails or champion their local live music scene.
“I’d like to give a special mention and warmest congratulations to our DRAM Lifetime Achievement Award winner Colin Blair from Buzzworks and Inspirational Woman of the Year, Giovanna Eusebi from Eusebi Deli – they are two worthy winners and a credit to our industry.
Congratulations everyone and thanks for once again helping us shine a spotlight on Scotland’s best venues!”
Full Winners List:
DRAM Lifetime Achievement Award
Colin Blair (Buzzworks)
Antos Dog Friendly Pub of the Year
Black Ivy, Edinburgh (above)
Aro Procurement Customer Service Award
The Huxley, Edinburgh
Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year
The Piper Whisky Bar, Glasgow
Deanston Whisky Guru 2022
Matt MacPherson, The Malt Room, Inverness
William Grant Bar Apprentice 2022
Gavin Lidbury, The Finnieston
Contribution to the Industry Award 2022
Jim Hamilton
Hi-Spirits Best Live Music Venue 2022
Box Bar & Club, Glasgow
Hospo TalentManager of the Year 2022
Matt Colligan, Bier Halle
Hungrrr Technology Adopter 2022
Scoop Restaurant Group, Glasgow
Inspirational Woman of the Year 2022
Giovanna Eusebi, Eusebi Deli
Inverarity Morton Restaurant of the Year
Ga Ga, Glasgow
Kopparberg New Bar of the Year
The Fox, Troon
Licensee of the Year
John Black, The Fort, Dundee
Award for Success
Paul Stevenson, Paesano
Molinari Casual Dining Award 2022
Caffe Parma, Glasgow
Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the Year
Kelvingrove Café, Glasgow
Buzzworks & Montpeliers
Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year
Matt MacPherson, The Malt Room
Old Tom Gin Hotel Bar of the Year
Virgin Hotels, The Commons Club, Edinburgh
Pernod Ricard Best Late Night Venue
Why Not Nightclub, Edinburgh
Scottish Bar & Pub Awards Community Pub of the Year
Clippens Inn, Linwood
Stoli Sustainability Award
Eusebi, Glasgow
Independent Operator of the Year
Jonathan MacDonald
Scoop Restaurant Group, Glasgow
The Busker Cocktail Bar of the Year
Lido, Troon
Scottish Hospitality Group Special Recognition Award 2022
David Cochrane, HIT
Scottish Bar & Pub Awards Team of the Year
Lisini, Uddingston
Sunday Mail Pub of the Year
The Palais, Glasgow
In their 27th year the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards, dubbed the hospitality Oscars, spotlight Scotland’s licensed trade and independent operators, rewarding the country’s most loved venues.
Finalists are shortlisted from an online vote open to the public, with over 3500 votes cast this year and visited by an esteemed panel of judges to crown the final winners.
The awards recognise everything from Kopparberg’s New Pub of the Year, Hi Spirits Best Live Music Venue and even Antos Dog Friendly Pub of the Year. The winners were announced from amongst 75 finalists at last night’s glittering awards ceremony at the Doubletree Hilton Glasgow Central, as Scotland’s finest bar and pub operators came together to celebrate a bumper year.
Glasgow’s bar and pub scene cleaned up at the awards, with local institutions like The Piper Whisky Bar taking home Benromach’s Whisky Bar of the Year, and the East End’s Palais Bar claiming the coveted prize of the night, the Sunday Mail Pub of the Year. West End mainstays Eusebi Deli won the Stoli Sustainability Award while Scoop Restaurants, operators of world-renowned venues Ka Pao and Ox and Finch, won Independent Operator of the Year.
Meanwhile, Edinburgh’s winners included Black Ivy for Antos Dog Friendly Pub of the Year (above), and beloved bar and restaurant The Huxley was recognised for exemplary service with the Aro Procurement Customer Service Award.
Newcomer The Commons Club at Virgin Hotels claimed the Old Tom Gin Hotel Bar of the Year, holding off competition from Gleneagles Hotel, Fonab Castle and Rusacks Hotel.
Outwith the central belt, the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards recognised some of the nation’s finest venues including Inverness’ The Malt Room.
Inverness native and bar manager of the venue Matt MacPherson took home two awards, crowned Deanston Whisky Guru 2022 and Buzzworks & Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year.
In Dundee, John Black of The Fort won Licensee of the Year, whilst The Fox in Troon was named Kopparberg’s New Bar of the Year, coming out top ahead of stiff competition from Jimmy Badgers, Giddy Goose and The Albyn.
The awards are Scotland’s longest running licensed trade awards, and celebrate the industry’s rising stars, community led initiatives and creative forces which drive the nation’s best venues.
InterContinental Edinburgh The George, located in the historic New Town of Edinburgh, has appointed Michael Martin as its new General Manager.
Michael brings more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry including two decades in leadership roles within the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). Previous roles include Regional General Manager and Opening General Manager of InterContinental Dubai Marina, Regional General Manager Singapore, Malaysia and Batam, and General Manager InterContinental Singapore.
He returns to the UK following a 12-year stint overseas, most recently holding the role of General Manager at InterContinental Shenzhen in China.
He will oversee day-to-day operations of the iconic Edinburgh property from guest experience, events, food and beverage at The Printing Press Bar and Kitchen and Burr & Co, as well as leading its award-winning team, maintaining its stature as one of the leading luxury hotels in the city.
Mr Martin takes over from current Cluster General Manager Kieran Quinn who has held the role of GM for both the InterContinental Edinburgh The George and Kimpton Charlotte Square since 2020.
Kieran will move to focus on the Charlotte Square property, but both will work closely together to promote both hotels’ offerings to a global audience.
Originally from Winchester, Michael is a family man and keen golfer.
Michael Martin, General Manager, InterContinental Edinburgh The George, said:“I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed General Manager at such a prestigious Scottish property.
“I’m looking forward to getting started, exploring more of the wonderful city of Edinburgh, and having the opportunity to lead a truly iconic hotel.”
Kieran Quinn, General Manager at Kimpton Charlotte Square and former GM at InterContinental Edinburgh The George, added: “Michael brings a wealth of international experience along with exciting new plans that will preserve the operational excellence that has come to be expected of a stay at InterContinental Edinburgh The George.
“We are looking forward to working together to promote both hotels and Edinburgh and all it has to offer.”
InterContinental Edinburgh The George, a former collection of five Georgian townhouses, is home to 240 rooms and 13 suites as well as seven event spaces which can host up to 300 guests. Situated in the capital of Scotland, the hotel is a 25-minute drive from Edinburgh Airport and a five-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverly station.
The wild sounds of the world have been captured using revolutionary recording techniques to create the Swell Room, the UK’s First Sound Wellness Room.
Award winning producer Brian D’Souza spent two years developing a new methodology which harnessed the therapeutic nature of sound – bringing together biophilia, music composition and sound therapy to create the Swell Room, the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel’s first dedicated sound treatment offering.
To create the novel sound wellness composition, Brian explored beautiful locations, including a trip to the Hebrides, Lake Geneva, Cape Verde ad Lofoten in the Article Circle, to record sounds of the sea, fields, and natural wildlife.
These nature sounds were then combined with traditional sound treatment instruments including gongs and singing bowls, as well as violins, the Gaelic harp, bagpipes and vocalists – all of which were brought together in a custom-built Swell studio in London.
Guests will recline in an Italian armchair with sinuous lines, which features an anatomic mattress covered in stain-resistant hypoallergenic marine eco-leather. With the equipment’s vibroacoustic delivery, guests will not only be able to hear the sound, but also feel it. The unique and innovative product pairs relaxation, treatments, and sound which elevates the wellness and relaxation area at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel Spa.
The tailored therapeutic sound techniques are designed to lower the heart rate, blood pressure and stress, while promoting positive biochemical responses that bring equilibrium to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, harnessing the power of sound to affect the listener in a positive sense.
Guests and visitors of the hotel in Edinburgh’s city centre are invited to dedicate time to active listening which promotes restorative deep relaxation and cognitive clarity for a sense of escapism.
Brian D’Souza’s involvement with Kimpton stems from curating the soundtracks for the Hotel over the past 10 years through his business Open Ear, which also works with worldwide brands including Nike and Google and is now the recommended supplier for IHG in the UK.
Drawing on his academic background in Music Psychology with an MA in Psychology, an MSc in Sound Design and training in Sound Therapy, Brian launched a unique 24hr radio station dedicated to improving sleep, focus and relaxation called Ambient Flo during the first lockdown.
Brian D’Souza, founder of Open Ear Music, Ambient Flo and Swell said: “I’ve always been fascinated by how music has the ability to affect our emotional state.
“Whether it brings people together and takes them to a euphoric state at a festival or keeps the drinks flowing in a bar; or it works to reduce heart rate and create a sense of calm – it has a direct correlation with our mood. So, to create The Swell Room, in collaboration with Kimpton Charlotte Square is a real privilege.
“I’ve loved the process of creating this sound treatment, from recording around the world to bringing all the sounds together in my studio, it’s been a really rewarding experience and I’m excited for it to take guests on an immersive journey to a deeply relaxed state.”
Brian has now launched an innovative sound wellness business called Swell. Kimpton Charlotte Square’s Swell Room will be the business’s first dedicated sound treatment venture.
Finlay Anderson, Area Spa and Leisure Director said: “As we emerged out of lockdown, it was clear that our guests craved more of a multi-sensory wellness experience than ever before.
“Evidence shows that more and more people used music for relief and to help improve their mood during lockdowns, so it made perfect sense to collaborate with Brian on the Swell Room to ensure our guests can have a 360 degrees therapeutic experience when visiting Spa at Kimpton Charlotte Square.
“After working with Brian on La Chambre Verte at Kimpton Blythswood Square last year, we are excited to delve deeper into the benefits of sound therapy with our guests at Kimpton Charlotte Square this year.”
The sound wellness treatment at the Swell Room can be added onto the existing treatment menu to create a multi-sensory experience at Spa at Charlotte Square or can be booked as a stand-alone experience.
