The Human Be-in

OCT 2000 – FEB 2006
Owner / Director

The first property in The Talisman Partnership portfolio. The previous business had been running for two years and had commenced operations in an entirely new building. This alleviated the structural concerns and issues associated with developing a site from scratch or from moving into an older building.

We spent many months constructing a new business model. A four-week internal reconstruction program announced our intentions, designed and executed by Morgan McDonnell Architects. Whilst the refit was underway we secured the contract for our head chef previously of The Grain Store, one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious restaurants. Our aim was to serve innovative restaurant quality food in a bar / bistro environment, something that was not being done anywhere else in Scotland at the time. The carefully constructed food menu combined with the bar aesthetic and atmosphere was the catalyst that brought acclaim to the business in its early years.

Utilising our close proximity to the University of Edinburgh we developed a varied and innovative marketing mix that included a widely respected live music schedule, a loyalty scheme with the University of Edinburgh faculties and societies and an online database that awarded customer participation.

Five and a half years down the line we renegotiated an extension to our lease before selling on at a profitable gain.

Awards

2002 Highly commended, Style Bar of the Year, Scottish Licensed Trade News Awards.

2001 Highly commended, Style Bar of the Year, Class Magazine Awards.

2001 Finalist, Contemporary Style Bar of the Year, D.R.A.M Awards.