Scottish Enterprise Awards 2019

11 | SME NEWS - Scottish Enterprise Awards 2019 Serving traditional Spanish cuisines in the heart of Scotland might seem risky, but Elena’s Spanish Bar & Restaurant provides a truly authentic experience for its guests. Setting itself apart from the crowd in almost every regard, we thought we’d look a little closer at this exceptional restaurant. Nestled in the vibrant Glasgow’s West End, Elena’s provides an oasis of faithful hospitality in an area defined by culture. Just a two minutes walk from the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, this bar and restaurant offers a taste of Spain where you would least expect to find it. Founded as a result of growing disappointment with faux-Spanish chains on the high street, Elena’s has gone from strength to strength in the last three years, serving customers with honest Spanish food. Working with Andrew Still, Elena Xavier built the restaurant on their joint experiences. While Elena brought with her a wealth of restaurant experience from her hometown of Santander, Andrew has over 20 years’ experience in the hospitality business. He brought in Neil McEwan, who has an in-depth knowledge of the hospitality trade in Glasgow. All three were united by Elena’s passion for an authentic Spanish restaurant, and the belief that there must be the place in Glasgow for an entirely non-Scottish establishment. Ensuring a truly Spanish experience is delivered in Scotland’s second city has provided its own challenges. The team set to work ensuring the menu draws as far as possible on genuine Spanish delicacies, including a wide array of options including seafood and tapas dishes. With such a broad menu, it’s essential that the staff are trained and familiar with what is on offer to provide advice to customers as required. Touches like this are what set Elena’s apart from the mainstream, offering an experience to be guided through as opposed to just food to be eaten. Authenticity is sought in every aspect of the menu, with the wine list made entirely of Spain’s wide diversity. Similarly, Spanish beers Tapas Restaurant of the Year 2019 - Glasgow Elena’s Spanish Bar & Restaurant and spirits are on offer, along with Scottish whiskies for those wanting to drink something a little closer to home. The response from customers has driven Elena’s forward. Guests who visit often return to the restaurant, giving Elena’s the opportunity to further grow its relatively new business. A significant factor in this must be the advantage of the intimate dining experience that this non- chain restaurant is able to offer. Not only proving popular amongst the Scottish population, Elena’s has gained the approval of Spanish natives and those who regularly visit as well. It’s a testament to their dedication to authenticity that this is the case. Recent political developments like Brexit have caused great consternation amongst the team at Elena’s, with the importing of prime food and drink seemingly left up in the air. It has also affected the staffing of Elena’s, with many members of staff from Europe left waiting to find out how the situation will develop. With a small business like Elena’s, staffing is an almost familial affair and losing members could make a big difference to the running of the restaurant. It’s a situation that has left all concerned in a state of flux, unable to move forward until a definite decision has been made. The promise of something different has drawn the people of Glasgow to Elena’s, but it’s the fulfilment of the promise that has kept them coming back. With authentic food, warmly presented in an authentic environment, most businesses would consider slowing down. It’s clear to us, however, that Elena’s is only just getting started. Contact: Andrew Still Company: Elena’s Spanish Bar & Restaurant Web Address: www.elenastapas.com Telephone: 07879 228987