The East End Fox in Baillieston opened its doors last month and what an opening month it has had.
Says chef/proprietor Ferrier Richardson, “It is surpassed all our expectations.”
Ferrier has been living abroad for the past 20 years but before that, he was a well-known gastro-entrepreneur with the likes of restaurants in Glasgow such as October, October Cafe, Yes and Eurasia to name but a few and he also cheffed in some very well known establishments including Rogano and the Hilton in William Street. However his most recent role was as the private chef to the President and First Lady of Gabon.
Now he has returned to the UK, after his time abroad, and has taken on this partnership with Greene King. Says Ferrier, “The Barrachnie Inn was initially for sale and I did put an offer in, however, Greene King decided to look for a tenant instead, and there were a lot of people interested. But luckily I was fortunate to secure the tenancy with a 10-year lease and it is free of tie, which is unusual.”
Right from the start, Ferrier has been involved with the refurbishment. He says, “I have been involved with the project for more than a year so I worked alongside DBD Architects of Kirkcaldy and was able to have a big input. The main contractor on the job George Nicolson was also really brilliant.
Says DBD Director Alan Baxter, “With Greene King there is a close collaboration which involves the whole design team, client and contractors / suppliers which is reflected in the finished result.” It is not the first time Greene King has done a joint venture with a well know chef, a few years ago they teamed up with Tom Kerridge – the Hand and Flowers. The pub has been transformed from a local boozer to the feel of a country pub. “
As architects and designers, we were tasked with creating a vibrant and welcoming environment, putting life back into the property whilst creating of a cosy atmosphere for both diners and customers simply having a drink,” says Alan.
As the Barrachnie Inn, the bar was all on one level and boasted a pool table and darts area. Today the dining area, which sits to the left as you come, is raised and instead of a pool table, there is a baby grand piano. The new dining area features fixed tan leather seating and a mix of tartan upholstered chairs and floral seating and the walls here feature a variety of amusing pictures. The flooring is traditional parky flooring a wooden balustrade separates it from the rest of the venue.” Although the bar has been reconfigured a lot of original features have been retained and enhanced.
Alan explains, “Our ethos on sustainability looks to create design solutions focused on re-using existing materials and finishes where practicable. Design interventions such as the polished timber panelling to the fireplaces and tan leather fixed seating. These elements were then enhanced with the careful addition of a warm colour palette, traditional red brick, tartan upholstery fabrics, and an ornate carved timber gantry which has become the main focal point of the space.”
Ferrier continues, “We wanted to split the venue up into various different areas and although food is a focus we also want people to come here and enjoy a drink too and stay a while. And we are doing Scottish-Asian tapas for drinkers, we are already doing very well with our drink sales.”
Throughout the venue there is a mix of fabrics and textures – from the tweed-backed fixed seating with soft tan leather seats, stools with floral tops and tartan fabrics too. All of which lends the venue character and make it look very appealing.
Alan says, “Subtle hints to the name can also be found throughout in the wall coverings, lighting, and artwork…’Do I Look Like I Give a Fox?’. “The introduction of this witty aspect provides a layer of comfort for customers and is very much in keeping with Scottish humour.”
Opposite the bar, which boasts bar stools, there is also a tall posing table which seats at least six people. The stools here have floral seats, and just behind this table there are two large brass-rimmed angular blue upholstered booths with marbletopped tables with dark wooden heavy pedestals.
On the window edge there is a black panther. While to the far right there is another comfortable area – this is defined from the main bar area with tartan carpet and a variety of leather seating, with fixed seating under the window. There is also a mix of wooden and marble-topped small round tables.
As you travel around the bar there is a step to another raised area with a very impressive fireplace and lots of comfortable large leather seats. Ferrier comments, “I could have put smaller furniture in but hopefully, people will feel so comfortable they will want to stay longer.”
Ferrier spent many hours searching antique markets and buying items online for the East End Fox, and there is an eclectic mix of bric-a-brac – from a model car to a globe, a large bulldog, books and anglepoise lamps, but he also searched out some bigger items too in the of bookcases and such like.
Says Ferrier, “I wanted to create a venue which looked like it had been here for a while.”
Certainly, the East End Fox has got off to a flying start, the first few weeks saw it booked out, despite this but Ferrier has taken the decision not to open on Mondays and Tuesdays. Says he, “I originally thought about seven days a week, but then reconsidered, perhaps we will change in the spring to a 7-day operation but for now it means that I can keep a smaller management team. Our chefs also do four days and we close the kitchen at 8 pm.”
He is also pleased about the location which he believes offers plenty of opportunity.
“My kids went to school in Mount Vernon, so I know this area quite well – there is a big catchment area which includes all the new houses where the zoo used to be. I think there is plenty of opportunity and it is out of town, and we hope to encourage people to stay local.”
There pub also has a new outdoor area which leads out from the main dining area. Alan comments, “As part of the design brief, our client’s Greene King requested that we look to enhance the main beer garden area and create a direct link from the main bar area. The introduction of covered booth seating with heating, festoon lighting and gabion style tables allows the external spaces to be utilised all year round.”
The whole experience has been good, particularly working with Greene King and area manager Sandra Donnelly. He says, “Sandra is dynamite. The great thing you send her an email and back it comes. She calls a spade a spade and cuts to the case. I love people like that.
“I also thought Frank McBride who ran the project has been absolutely brilliant. There was a genuine willingness for the thing to happen – and both parties had sensible hearts. They want us to succeed and when we do well they will get a turn too. It’s a win-win.”
Alan concludes, “As a practice we take great enjoyment in producing creative and well thought out design solutions. We wish Ferrier and his team every success and look forward to working with the team on the next project.”
