Ross Ketterer, Bar One, Inverness
Q: How important do you think a dedicated Christmas drinks list will be this festive season?
A: Festive drinks menus are going to be incredibly important this year – maybe more so than ever. A selection of exciting new drinks and cocktails will help to entice customers into bars after a prolonged absence, showcasing the creative talent of bar staff. These drinks might be the first that many have had outside their homes for two years, so the pressure will be on.
Most importantly, though, it will help spread a bit of Christmas cheer – and after the last couple of years, I think we can all agree both customers and staff need that boost.
Q: What impact, if any, do you think the pandemic will have had on customers’ drink choices this Christmas?
A: I think the pandemic will influence people’s drinking habits for the foreseeable future.
The public has got used to drinking at home over the last two years – and the range and quality of drinks and home delivery cocktails on offer has vastly improved. So, anyone coming out to visit a bar or restaurant is going to expect more for their money – and drinks they can’t easily replicate or buy at home. That’s where specials, signature serves, and theatrical presentation will come into their own.
Q: What do you expect to be the most popular festive serves this year?
A: High quality local spirits are going to be a big part of Christmas drinks menus this year – both served on their own and in cocktails. Over the last few months, I’ve noticed more and more customers looking for drinks produced closer to home, like Badachro Gin and The Singleton single malt here in the Highlands.
Customers are far more eager to support local businesses and suppliers now, rather than always spending with bigger brands. A real sense of community spirit and support has come out of the pandemic, as well as an awareness of the carbon footprint of the drinks we’re enjoying.
Q: What do you expect the main challenges to be this Christmas?
A: Every Christmas we see people who aren’t used to drinking overindulging at parties. But 2021 is certainly going to bring some unique challenges – not least constant uncertainty over whether tougher COVID-19 restrictions will return in winter.
The hospitality industry across the country is facing a staffing shortage at all levels. Work needs to be done to ensure that the industry remains an attractive prospect for job seekers, to ensure its success both now and in the future. Cru Holdings (Bar One owner) has just gained Real Living Wage accreditation to guarantee employees a wage that will actually cover the bills – and I think that, and similar benefits, are going to be something people are going to expect from their employers.
There are also concerns across the sector (and the wider retail market) about stock levels, and the availability of some key spirits and ingredients. Turning local and taking advantage of amazing drinks and ingredients on our doorstep will again be a key factor in delivering drinks that encourage people to order.
Q: What’s your own favourite Christmas tipple?
A: My personal favourite festive drink is a Hennessy Old Fashioned. Using Cognac instead of bourbon makes it a very smooth and easy-to-drink cocktail that warms you up from the first sip. It’ll definitely be on the menu at Bar One this Christmas!
Kieran McAvoy, Dakota Glasgow
Q: How important do you think a dedicated drinks list will be this festive season?
A: This year more than ever I think festive drinks lists are essential and everyone is already looking forward to some proper celebrations. With the disruption and stress caused by the pandemic I feel the general public deserve as traditional a Christmas as possible and festive menus and limited edition drinks are a great way to set that tone.
Q: What impact, if any, do you think the pandemic will have had on customers’ drink choices this Christmas?
A: Having had to wait two years for a proper Christmas night out, I would suggest quality over quantity with more premium products being called for.
Q: What do you expect to be the most popular festive serves this year?
A: Traditional festive classics like Hot Toddys and mulled wine/cider. Probably a lot of Champagne too!
Q: What do you expect the main challenges to be this Christmas?
A: Keeping everyone safe and avoiding another lockdown should be everyone’s primary concern.
Q: What’s your own favourite Christmas tipple?
A: I’ve always been a sucker for a nice Hot Buttered Rum.
