OTS p6 news Jun09.qxp 28/05/2009 15:18 Page 6
news
‘Facebook can never replace the pub’ says CAMRA
A report commissioned by economic benefit generated by place for people to make new local economies. Pubs provide a
CAMRA highlighting the well-run community pubs and friends – more than 20% of pub safe and relaxed environment for
importance of pubs to the social finds that pubs are: the most goers has made a new friend in a people to enjoy a drink but they
fabric of Britain’s communities popular place where people can pub in the past six months. also form the bedrock of
has been sent to MPs. mix socially with others from Mike Benner, CAMRA chief community life and people’s
The report was produced by different backgrounds; a great executive says: “At a time of social networks. Virtual
leading think tank, the Institute for supporter of charity, with over unprecedented pub closures, this networking sites such as
Public Policy Research, with the £3,000 raised per pub every report will help the councils and Facebook and My Space will
support of CAMRA. It includes a year; outside of the home the Government recognise the never be able to replace the
pioneering new method of most popular place for people to importance of well-run pubs to experience of socialising in
calculating the social and meet their neighbours; and a strong communities and thriving person in the Great British pub.”
Win a car for a cocktail
A cocktail competition has been launched by a Scottish company, which will see a barperson
net themselves a brand new Lotus Elise.
The competition, organised by Stirling-based Traditionally Twisted Events, has been launched
to find the best drink in the country, and according to Rod Nisbet from the company, it doesn’t
have to be a cocktail. “You might think you make the best original cocktail, or gin and tonic, or
even latte. It doesn’t even need to be an alcohol drink. We’re just looking for the best drink in
the country,” said Rod.
The cost of entering is £5 per drink or £10 for three drinks and after a series of regional heats
the top 200 drinks will be put on the Traditionally Twisted Events website for a public vote. The
top 20 drinks will be invited to take part in the final event early next year with each winning
£250 and a track day at Knockhill. Third prize overall is a cash prize of £1,000 minimum,
second prize is £2,000 minimum while the winner will take home a brand new Lotus Elise with
Rod Nisbet.
a year’s free insurance and a cash sum. Cash prices could rise if demand is high.
New outlet for
Laird of the manner
Maclay Inns’ venue, the Laird and seating area has been created for
Bramble owners
Dog in Lasswade, Midlothian has customers to enjoy al fresco
reopened after undergoing a six dining or relax with their favourite
figure sum refurbishment to tipple on warm summer nights.
The award winning creators and revitalise the bar, restaurant and Manager David Kerr said:
owners of Edinburgh’s Bramble conservatory as well as updating “We’ve transformed what used to
Bar & Lounge, Mike Aikman and guest rooms which are now be here, whilst still preserving the
Jason Scott, have opened their lighter, brighter and fresher. history and character of the
latest venture, The Saint, in the The work carried out has building and created a venue,
Stockbridge area of Edinburgh. modernised the historic inn while which will appeal to customers
Looking to fill a void in the taking care to preserve traditional from all over. We’ve also updated
local dining scene, The Saint’s features. The exterior of the the Laird ‘s Loft which can be
head chef, Ryan Turner has building has also been booked for small private parties
created a menu of locally remodelled with new signage or meetings – it’s a great space
produced British dishes, while a revealing the change to its and we’ll go out of our way to
wide selection of wines by the original name of The Laird and provide the very best service for
glass and speciality beers from Dog Inn. In addition, an outside all of our guests.”
across the globe are available
along with an impressive
selection of whiskies.
As for the design, the
restaurant mixes the Georgian of The Saint. We’re bringing the
architecture of the building with same ethos as we did with
quirky sheepskin covered whisky Bramble Bar, with a selection of
barrels to create a contemporary great products both in the bar
space within a classical building. and in the food on the table. We
Mike and Jason said: “We are want to bring you your traditional
The Laird & Dog has had a six figure refurbishment.
really excited about the opening pub with a twist.”
· 6 · ots · june 2009 · www.55north.com
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