The 2024 Scottish Bar Awards aka the DRAM Awards took place on the 27th August and I would like to think that a good time was had by all. We certainly paid homage to the best of the best and that includes not just the winners but the finalists too.
The Scottish licensed trade has worked tirelessly to improve service and its offering over the last 29 years that we have running these awards and, despite the current business pressures, they continue to rise to the challenge. Each and every one deserves a huge pat on the back.
We use a mix of judging processes – from mystery shoppers, to judges visits, and even online interviews. We often visit more than once and on most occasions we leave a visiting card. I would like to thank our mystery shoppers and external judges. They all gave very positive feedback and the judges for Employer of the Year in particular were blown away by the initiatives that its interviewees had instigated.
I would like to say a huge thank you to our sponsors, without whom, this event would not be possible. Next year we celebrate 30 years of running these awards. When we initially launched them there were no other trade awards in Scotland. The awards also allow us to recognise some brilliant people who have contributed to this industry and help make it what it is today.
We awarded Ruth and David Wither with a Lifetime Achievement Award – read what Stuart Ross had to say below. I also gave a Legend of the Industry Award to Stuart Ross as he is certainly one in a million – a true legend, and supporter of hospitality. He once took me on a tour of Glasgow’s pubs when I hadn’t long started out in the trade – he was the Chief Executive of Belhaven then but took the time to educate me – a new journalist to the scene.
As the boss of Belhaven, he achieved 18 years of unprecedented beer sales, volumes and profits. When he joined in 1973 it employed circa 30 people and by the time he retired it employed 1700, and its pubs estate grew from seven pubs to 315. He also developed the concept of the nitro-keg in 1990 which gave us Belhaven Best. He retired from Belhaven in 2008 and said at the time that his success was due to his team. But his team would put it down to their leader!
Before he retired, he took on the position as Non-Executive Chairman of Montpeliers and he has continued this, as well as mentoring other trade and giving them timely advice, even if his advice is not for the faint hearted! His involvement in Montpeliers cannot be underestimated. David Wither says asking him to come on board was the single most important decision he ever made for the business, and himself.
He also advised Colin Beattie at Oran Mor and more recently was happy to step in with advice for Lisini. There are many more that he has given his time to. He is true Legend.
I also gave an award to Janet Hood, one of Scotland’s foremost licensing lawyers, who died unexpectedly earlier this year. She may be gone, but is not forgotten, and she remains an inspiration to me and many more. Good fiend Frank Murphy picked up the trophy on the behalf of her family. I think Janet will be having a grin up there at our photo caption with Frank above!
Jules Clark received our ‘Unsung Hero’ Award. With 32 years under her belt at Montpeliers she is not only the longest serving member of staff but one of the best loved. Gordon Macintyre took home the Contribution to the industry SHG award. Roll on 2025 and our 30th Anniversary.
Stuart Ross pays tribute to David and Ruth Wither
I first met a very young David Wither in 1992 to discuss Belhaven beer supply terms for his new venture to convert an Indian restaurant and the property next door in Bruntsfield into what he predicted would become Edinburgh`s finest cafe bar. David played a very aggressive hand and demanded to know how he could get better prices than any of our other customers. That look in his eyes across the table epitomised the steely determination which was to become David`s hallmark.
His demands grew exponentially as he and Ruth and the team expanded the Montpeliers portfolio. A friend in the trade said to me “ You must be delighted with the volume of beer going through David`s business.” Not really, I said, we`re losing a fortune on every barrel of beer we supply!
If there was ever such a thing as a Richter-type “ scale of determination to succeed“ David would be off the radar. And if it is true that “ Retail is Detail “ then David is its greatest proponent.
Nothing was ever handed to David and Ruth on a plate. There was never a silver spoon. They started up with the help of financial backing from their lifelong friends Rob and Wendy Elliott. They didn`t buy walk-in premises. Oh no. They created premises, every unit was developed through their extraordinary vision and expertise. For example, Indigo Yard was formed by purchasing one lease and one sub-lease and then buying out the freeholders before linking these properties by a glass-topped courtyard. And what a result! Superb ! Just very special!
David was the front line operator, but it was Ruth who masterminded the team building through leading edge training and development of staff. Together they created a culture of a highly professional but fun and friendly intimate family business which offered the best of Scottish hospitality and customer service in exciting,attractive, ambiences. Edgy, but comfortable.
Montpeliers became the bellweather of Edinburgh`s licensed leisure sector and has sustained its position over 30 years or more. And it was that experience in the training and development of Montpeliers 250 staff that triggered Ruth`s vision in setting up Flow which was to become the United Kingdom`s leading on-line training resource in the hospitality sector.
When you combine Ruth`s vision and product evolution skills with David`s focus, drive and unwavering energy to expand the distribution of Flow across the length and breadth of Britain, then you have a second epic example of the perfect family business, each started from a blank sheet of paper and each executed to perfection. David and Ruth, Scotland is proud of you.
See more picture in the magazine here and online here
