Scottish pub group Fuller Thomson has opened its sixth site, the OX184 bar and restaurant, in Edinburgh as a craft beer and whiskey late night bar.
Operations director James Stuart-Gammie told M&C Report the bar, which opened three weeks ago, has been well-received as a welcome addition to the late night scene in Edinburgh because of its focus on provenance of beers and whiskey.
OX184, which is open until 3am, serves food until 2.30 with a US-inspired menu of burgers and wood-fired grill dishes as well as lighter bites and brunch.
Last year the independent group switched its banking facility to Bank of Scotland, which supported the acquisition of OX184 with an £850k funding package. Stuart-Gammie said: “Bank of Scotland support our plans and have been far more helpful in assisting us with funds to secure sites and move forward. We still want to grow and add another five sites but the next probably won’t be until next year.”
With Macklay Inns entering administration, Stuart-Gammie said there were acquisition opportunities for established sites but the competitive marketplace the six-strong group could not stretch itself to make the most of it at the same time as opening OX184.
He added the impact of the change in drink driving laws in Scotland have impacted consumer spending habits with a dip in sales later in the evening that is off-set by greater spending on food in pubs.
As well as OX184 the group currently operates three bars in Edinburgh and two in Dundee and is looking to grow in these areas, but would consider other regions in the future.
