Greater London Enterprise Awards 2020

39 | Greater London Awards 2020 Aug20663 Best Independent Bar - London Originally classed as an Inn, The Scottish Stores has continually offered a fantastic selection of beers from around the world. As a starter, Malcolm provides a brief overview of the firm and offers more insight into its typical clientele. “The Scottish Stores has always aimed to be the friendliest bar in London with the most eclectic range of drinks. General Manager, Gerard Oliver, has been tasked with curating a truly international venue, at the site of an original 1901 British Pub in the heart of London’s King’s Cross. With our core values based around giving every visitor a great experience, from offering an amazingly unique range of international beers to providing a great venue for parties and functions, I’m pleased to say our international team have truly delivered.” Located just one minute from Kings Cross Station, The Scottish Stores is widely considered one of the most popular hospitality venues in the area. Moreover, with the bar offering a truly wide range of drinks to its international clientele, it has the edge over some of its closest competitors as Malcolm explains further. “The location makes us the first port of call for many people arriving in London, and our international range of lager, wines, spirits and craft beer means we are truly an international pub for an international city.” As an independent bar there is a ‘family feel’ to The Scottish Stores, and applying this approach to the training of its staff is one of the reasons why employees settle in so quickly as Malcom points out. “Naturally, we spend plenty of time training and inducting new staff and have a friendly approach to helping them learn the culture of our business. In fact, a lot of visitors to the bar remark on the ‘family’ feel from our bar staff.” Since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted in the region, customers have spent significant money to ensure of a premium experience as Malcolm goes on to explain. “Since lockdown, the key trend has been towards more niche products, with more people spending money on rare gins, premium international beers and rarefied whisky from around the globe. Customers are celebrating their freedom with a rarer tipple.” Bringing the interview to a close, Malcolm comments on the future of The Scottish Stores as we look ahead to 2021 and a fresh start in the hospitality industry “Moving forward, we are planning to open our exciting new rooftop bar in September which will create an amazing new open space up on our roof terrace.” Company: The Scottish Stores Contact: Malcolm Paice Web Address: www.thescottishstores.co.uk Just a stone’s throw away from Kings Cross Station, The Scottish Stores is a popular pub with locals and travellers alike. Following its success in the Greater London Enterprise Awards 2020, we caught up with Malcolm Paice to find out more. “The Scottish Stores has always aimed to be the friendliest bar in London with the most eclectic range of drinks. General Manager, Gerard Oliver, has been tasked with curating a truly international venue, at the site of an original 1901 British Pub in the heart of London’s King’s Cross.”