Outlets across city enjoy boost from eleven-day event
Glasgow’s licensed trade was the big winner at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, after the city welcomed more than a million visitors over eleven days.
Operators told SLTN that they received a significant boost from the sporting events around the city, with several having linked up with visiting teams and nations or hosting their own Games-related events.
Those outlets close to the events were said to have enjoyed a particular uplift.
Patrick Collins, general manager at Italian restaurant La Rotunda, which is located next to the SSE Hydro, SECC and Clyde Auditorium venues, said the Commonwealth Games was “everything I thought it would be and more”.
The venue’s outdoor area was extended from 36 covers to 200 for the duration of the Games, with ‘jumbrellas’ provided by Games sponsor Heineken.
La Rotunda also worked with neighbouring venues to host a marquee selling food and drink to Games visitors.
And the restaurant recruited an additional ten temporary staff for the duration of the event.
“It was fantastic, but it was a very steep learning curve, to be honest, as to how the systems work, how you work it with outside, how the kitchen keeps up,” said Collins.
“It took us about three days, to be honest; you tweak something each day, try something new, and then we got everything solid.”
• “We’ve showcased the licensed trade at its very best” – see pages 2&3 of August 7th 2014 issue.
