Aberdeenshire Whisky Retailer Toasts To Expansion

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An Aberdeenshire whisky specialist is marking its 10-year anniversary with a major expansion, thanks to support from Business Gateway.

The popular Inverurie Whisky Shop and Foghouse Bar have come together under one roof in the heart of Inverurie, following the Whisky Shop’s move on 29 November, creating a flagship destination for whisky lovers and visitors.

Founded in 2015 by local entrepreneur Mike Stuart, Inverurie Whisky Shop has grown into a well-loved destination across the north-east and beyond. Following the success of his latest venture, The Foghouse bar, which opened on 5 July, the business is relocating its retail store to the same Market Place site, with the expanded premises opening later this month.

Since opening this summer, The Foghouse has proved a hit with locals and visitors, including cruise ship passengers. Inspired by the Foghouse Gin brand, the bar provides a sense of local escapism while showcasing Aberdeenshire products. The team works closely with local suppliers and partners with VisitAberdeenshire to enhance the visitor experience and support the wider business community.

The new venue features a dedicated bar, purpose-built tasting rooms, an expanded retail area and a function suite for up to 49 guests. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of whisky, wine and spirit tastings, freshly brewed coffee and locally sourced food. It will also run monthly wine and whisky flights in partnership with Aberdeen Wine School.

The venue brings the full Inverurie Whisky Shop and Foghouse experience together, ideal for private and corporate events, networking groups and celebrations. It will also offer bespoke distillery tours on its Malt Mobile.

Annette Leonard, business and events manager of The Inverurie Whisky Shop, has worked closely with Business Gateway adviser Keith Smith to prepare for expansion. Keith provided guidance on the move, routes to funding, staffing and operations, and connected the business to key industry partners, including Visit Aberdeenshire and Opportunity North East.

The business first engaged with Business Gateway in its early years, benefiting from advice on business planning, HR, marketing and networking. With demand continuing to grow, the latest phase of support is helping realise its ambitions for a signature retail and visitor experience in Aberdeenshire.

Annette Leonard, Inverurie Whisky Shop business and events manager, said:

“Celebrating ten years with this move feels like a real milestone for us. Bringing everything together at Market Place gives us space to grow, to welcome more people, and to create a destination that celebrates local food, drink and hospitality. The Foghouse has already become a great hub for the community, and we’re excited to build on that momentum."

“Business Gateway has been invaluable in helping us reach this stage. Keith’s guidance on marketing, operations and networking has supported our expansion and helped us connect with other local businesses, making this 10-year anniversary extra special.”

Keith Smith, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Inverurie Whisky Shop is a brilliant example of a business that has evolved with its customers. Mike and the team have created something that celebrates whisky while supporting local suppliers, hospitality and tourism."

“It’s been a pleasure to provide advice and guidance as they take this exciting next step.”

To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here.

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Paul Andrews
Oct 30, 2023
2 min read

Contractor Clegg Construction has been appointed to deliver a multi-million-pound refurbishment at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Leeds.

Work has just started on site at the prominent hotel on the corner of Lower Briggate and Swinegate, which will be operated by Belfont Hotels.

The design and build project will modernise the building and includes the refurbishment of existing bedrooms, as well as creating new bedrooms, to take the total number of guest rooms to 108. It also involves modernising ground floor function rooms, the restaurant and bar, as well as the installation of new windows and renovations to the roof and elevations.

Clegg Construction pre-construction director, Ross Crowcroft, said: “We are very pleased to have started on site to refurbish and modernise one of the most iconic hotels in Leeds city centre."

“This refurbishment of the Cosmopolitan Hotel for Belfont Hotels will upgrade a landmark building in the heart of Leeds and turn it into a leading hospitality venue which will be perfect for both leisure and corporate demand."

“Clegg Construction is extremely familiar with the area around The Cosmopolitan Hotel, as we are currently on site at Spinners Yard in Regent Street delivering a 185-apartment private rented scheme for Rise Homes, plus we are working on an 11-storey student accommodation development in Leylands Road.”

Other members of the development team include project manager Edmond Shipway, architect Franklin Ellis and engineer Rodgers Leask.

Work is expected to be completed in the spring of 2025.

The scheme is the latest in a long line of hotel projects undertaken by Clegg Construction, including the Travelodge London Stockley Park Hayes hotel, which was completed in 2021, and a new Premier Inn in York which is currently being built. In Leeds, Clegg Construction delivered the external recladding of the Premier Inn Leeds City Centre Arena hotel in 2021 and the creation of the Premier Inn Leeds Headingly Hotel (constructed on top of the Arndale shopping centre) in 2017.

Keval Thakerar and Akshay Dhamecha, directors at Belfont Hotels, commented: “We are excited to be working with Clegg Construction on this refurbishment that will see the Cosmopolitan Hotel repositioned as one of Leeds City Centre’s leading hotels, benefitting the local economy and community.”

Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects.

The company works with organisations of all sizes and specialities across a range of different sectors.

For more information visit www.cleggconstruction.co.uk

Photo Credit: Franklin Ellis Architects

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Aberdeenshire Whisky Retailer Toasts To Expansion

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