To you, what is the most important/favourite part of the industry?
Colin: I love inspiring the staff and building relationships between staff, customers, avenues within the industry. To me the vital part of success in this industry is being the true “host” of the venue. The main words are: staff, customers, relationships, music, environment.
Martin: I love the creative side above most things. Creating drinks, food, interesting spaces and with every generation there are new things to get excited about.
What are your thoughts on the Edinburgh Bar Scene?
Martin: We started 11 years ago, a lot of drinks and food were becoming quite pretentious and concentrating on style rather than approachability. We wanted to give people food and drinks that they loved but with our own slant.
Colin: The independent bar scene in Edinburgh has always been strong. When we first opened Hamiltons in 2008 the Edinburgh bar scene was flying, so many great independent bars opened at the same time. It’s what has brought Edinburgh to the front of the bar and food global scene. We had so many talented people work with us, come through our doors from all walks of life and then end up in the Sydney or London bar scene; this shows that the Edinburgh bar scene is enhancing the global bar scene.
Who is your role model?
Martin: My role models are all creative, people who have been individual and progressive. From Vivienne Westwood and Pedro Almodovar for style, to Tom Brown and fellow Irishman Richard Corrigan as my industry idols.
Colin: My Dad was one of my role models, he knew the bar trade inside out. He taught me standards and about being precise. Crucial things like cash flow, profit margins and how to run a business. He showed me from the bottom up. Having done a stint in the kitchen, a stint in the bar, a stint in management in a family business I decided to come into Edinburgh City Centre and show my mark. My Dad said, “If you’re going to do this you need to learn how to run a business. You need to go and work with a business that’s going to take you places.” And I believe that’s what I’ve done.
What’s the cocktail that represents you?
Martin: A Dry Martini, popular with different age groups and personality types which is timeless but definitely divisive.
Colin: A Negroni, the perfect balance of sweetness, bitterness and strength.
And your biggest accomplishment?
The majority of the independent industry centres around leaseholds and private rentals which is a great place to start and allows you to run your own business without a huge outlay. A few years ago, we were able to purchase our own property in Edinburgh’s West End and create something truly original.
Awards: We have won Two Scottish Style awards, the first company that’s ever done it back to back. Also, various global and UK-wide cocktail awards. Hamiltons won Best Bar and Restaurant at The Scottish Food and Drink Awards. We also won Best Small Group Employer at the Hotel and Catering Awards.
Any more bars to come?
Never say never.
The Venues:
Hamiltons
Hamilton’s was created for the locals. A bar where the service is relaxed but informed with great beers and ales and a food menu that changes with the food seasons. We support local suppliers and deliver quality dishes – cooked to order.
Treacle
To some, Treacle is a great cocktail bar – home to some of the city’s best bartenders, winning a handful of awards along the way. To others it’s a great place to go for food, a weekend pre-club venue or a midweek place to meet up with friends. Whatever your reason for going to Treacle – bring it on!
The Blackbird
The Blackbird brings together house batch cocktails, craft beers, great food and a 50-seater beer garden. What’s not to love?
The Voyage of Buck
High end cocktail bar and restaurant in Edinburgh’s West End with cocktails inspired by the travels of historical character William “Buck” Clarence, allowing you to travel the world through cocktails.
