The term ‘influencer’ is used to describe people who have an impact on those around them. This month we highlight some of the people we have identified as among the biggest influencers in the Scottish licensed trade. We put a few questions to them.
ANNA CHRISTOPHERSON
Boda Swedish Bars and Restaurant Group
Edinburgh
We picked Anna Christopherson because she is one of the leading lights in the licensed trade when it comes to embracing all things green. Not only
does she use as many sustainable products in her premises, and recycled furniture, but she also leads the way literally by running a jogging network that litter picks. She is frequently heard on radio commenting on
green issues in the trade. Her and husband Mike’s bars include – Boda, Hemma, Joseph Pearce’s, Sofi’s, Victoria, Akvaare and Harrys. They are all located in Edinburgh.
Who is your biggest influence?
The customers and guests are my biggest influence. I get so many ideas just from talking to people. Lots of ideas and influences come from Sweden. My
upbringing in a very small but active community has certainly had an effect. Still in Örsås – the village hall is the centre of the village and where everything is happening. My family has always been very involved
in the community. Here in Edinburgh the local pub is the village hall of the neighbourhood. So our events are very much focused on what the community is looking for.
How do you stay ahead of the curve?
I look at different businesses not bars and restaurant but interior companies and i visit different cities to see what is happening. The big challenge is to find staff who wants to work in hospitality. The Brexit effect has already hit us and we can see it in numbers of job applications. We will struggle to find people that are really passionate about hospitality. The whole industry will need to be smarter and better to keep staff motivated and wanting to make hospitality a career. We are investing more in training than ever before and looking at our industries how they are working to
retain the competence within the business.
What trends have caught your eye – in hospitality or the Scottish licensed trade?
The trend of drinking more non or low alcoholic drinks is definitely here to stay but people still want to go out and have fun. Our mocktail range is now 25% of the cocktail sales. People want an experience, to socialise and to have fun.