One Leisure’s Oli McLean and the ‘quintessential basics’ of a bar

August 11, 2025

For the latest in our series of columns with Disaronno International UK, SLTN visited Glasgow venue The Howlin’ Wolf to talk great service and excellent drinks with ops manager Oliver McLean.

How long have you been in the trade?

Oliver McLean, ops manager, One Leisure Group: “I’ve been in the trade since my teenage years. I moved to Glasgow in my early twenties, just out of uni. Got a part-time job in The Doublet. Then worked in a few capacities in casinos, big clubs.

“I joined One Leisure Group for the opening of Slouch. I was part of the management team in there. Four years later I came across to open up the Wolf. They brought me down as general manager and I stayed in that role for almost nine years. Then I stepped up into an ops role, looking after Wolf, Slouch and Bag o’ Nails.”

How would you describe The Howlin’ Wolf?

“It’s a bit of an eclectic mix, really. Great live music, excellent food, throughout the entire night. Wonderful drinks served by well trained and good, knowledgeable staff who want to give everyone a great experience.

“As soon as the lights go down and the volume goes up it feels like you could be walking into a cool venue in New York, Chicago, Manchester, London. For me, I would say there is a vibe of excitement and fun, and just a lively, entertaining venue.”

SLTN 2024 - Winners - The Howlin Wolf — The Howlin’ Wolf was SLTN’s Late Night Venue of the Year in 2024

What is the drinks range like at the venue?

“We’ve built quite an extensive catalogue of spirits. All the way from your liqueurs, which we’re using as the main base for cocktails, right the way through to high-end whisky and bourbon.

“It’s taken us years to accumulate the range that we’ve got, working closely with reps, having a look at new products coming in, getting the staff trained up on new stuff, even listening to customers going ‘have you heard of this new rum or this new gin?’.

“We’re all magpies. We want to see something new and exciting up there. And it feels good, being able to accommodate pretty much anyone’s tastes, flavour profiles and desires for what they want to drink.”

What makes Disaronno a good product to work with?

“It’s a cult classic. It’s a liquid which, even through my younger years, I always enjoyed. It mixes fantastically. It’s also an amazing, beautiful drink just by itself, neat or on ice.

“It’s a really versatile liquid that ticks a lot of boxes for us. It looks great, it smells great, tastes phenomenal. For me it’s one of the quintessential basics of a bar setup. It’s a brand you need to have there.”

Why is The Howlin’ Wolf a good fit for the Disaronno brand?

Cal McMillan, northern brand ambassador, Disaronno International UK: “The Howlin’ Wolf is a great partner for us at Disaronno! The team is enthusiastic, passionate, and fun, just like the venue. Loud rock and blues plays until late every night, and they fling out great serves with our brands with that rock and roll attitude that the bar is so famous for!”