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Testimonials

Big Red Teapot Ltd, Hamilton's, Treacle and Big Red Events

Iona pup partnership has worked really well for us over the last 18 months. Colin and myself have a fair amount of experience in different parts of the industry. Iona has given us the opportunity to run our own business with the knowledge that Iona is there for as much or as little support as you need.

We opened Hamilton’s bar and kitchen (www.hamiltonsedinburgh.co.uk) in 2008 and turned around an established venue that had become somewhat tired and old fashioned. Situated in the affluent area of Stockbridge- Hamilton’s is a contemporary bar where the service is friendly, the atmosphere relaxed and insures that only local and fair trade suppliers are used for dishes, charged at a reasonable price.

Cocktails, coffees, lunch or dinner – we have a very loyal following and have become the place to go for a relaxed Sunday brunch with the papers. With an ever changing, seasonal menu, a drinks list to rival any city centre bar, an amazing Lichtenstein inspired mural and weekly live acoustic sessions, Hamilton’s has gone from strength to strength.

Treacle (www.treacleedinburgh.co.uk) opened in 2009 and with a similar business model involving great service from friendly staff, quality food and an individual sense of design, Treacle opened with a bang.

Hugely influenced by the bars of Notting Hill and Camden – we decided that Cocktails were going to be a huge part of our offer. With a team of award winning mixologists at the helm, we have turned around a dated and under-achieving venue and have become a real contender with the cities eating and drinking set.

We have no hesitation in recommending Iona to new tenants. Having recently been awarded the title of Scottish young entrepreneurs of the year for our endeavours as well as a variety of Scottish Style and Industry award nominations, we have managed to forge our own way as successful bar operaters.

One of the strengths of Iona, from our experience, is that it allows the individual to be in control in every sense of the business whether it is in operational, financial or creative areas. We were already quite experienced in many different fields, but whatever the background of the prospective tenant – i am confident that Iona will be able to offer advice and support in whatever area of the business it is needed.

The Wee Mill, Glasgow

Debbie Owens has been at the Wee Mill (formally Tennents Bar) for almost 3 years and over that time has had various landlords, each of whom promised Debbie they would invest in her and the Pub. Unfortunately these were broken promises until Iona bought the Pub 1 year ago. On a visit to the site Stefan King could see great potential in both the Pub and in Debbie. Debbie has run various Pubs in and around Rutherglen and is known to be a good operator who sets high standards and understands that customer satisfaction is key. She also has a good work ethic and expects her staff and partner to have the same, setting daily staff targets to ensure the bottom line is met.

The transformation from Tennents Bar to the Wee Mill could not have been greater, new windows were put in, entrance doors were moved, a new open plan lounge was created, new toilets were put in, a kitchen was installed and the Pub was completely rewired and replumbed… All this in 4 weeks!!

Debbie said “The workmen from Iona and the design team were fantastic, I changed my mind on a few things when work was going ahead and they were more than happy to accommodate, although it has been stressful it has all been worth it and the pub is now the heart of the community” she added “I chose the name of the pub from a bar that was in Shawfield over 30 years ago, it was the bar my mum and dad used to drink in, I then wanted to include a bit of history from the surrounding area so I have included rope into my logo and sign to remember the old rope works that were across from the pub, we also have a feature wall with wallpaper made with images of old Rutherglen, it all adds to the community pub feel”

Debbie has not been resting on her laurels and has introduced a new food menu and increased her offering in entertainment to include poker nights, live music, darts teams, karaoke and live sport. Debbie feels that the level of support that Iona have offered her has helped her grown her business and is looking forward to many more years working together.

The Dixon Arms, Glenrothes

Since moving to Iona pub company there has been a lot of improvements to our public house, we finally after 5 yrs of shifting from one brewery to the next got our lounge refurbished, a special mention to our Business Development Manager who has been a breath of fresh air to the Dixon arms, any problems we have had he has always been on hand to answer them and sort them to the best of his ability, if you want a job done he is the guy to do it.

Also a special thanks to the G1 team for the Refurbishment of our lounge, the team was outstanding and worked very hard. Iona is & has been a pleasure to work with & we hope we will continue working with them for many years to come.