Star pubs
Video: Creating a theatrical bar in Edinburgh
The Jolly Botanist - formerly the Spider’s Web - in Edinburgh reopened following a 10 month closure and a major £730,000 refurbishment - in a joint investment by Star Pubs & Bars and local entrepreneurs, Iain Pert and Gordon Gilhooley of PG Taverns Scotland.
The urban concept is the brainchild of Pert, who described the Jolly Botanist as a name, a person and a brand. The bar invites people to step into a theatrical world .
Pert said: “The Jolly Botanist is a combination of some of Edinburgh’s best attributes – its world famous botanical gardens and long gin and ale heritage and the city’s irreverent sense of fun. Gin is very much a drink of the moment, the preferred choice of bartenders and mixologists and a spirit for which Scotland is becoming world famous. I believe Edinburgh could and should become the gin capital of the world.
“Twenty-five new staff have been recruited and put through their paces with specialist gin, mixology and beer dispense training to ensure the service on offer and knowledge is second to none. The kitchen team has been specially head-hunted to deliver a fresh changing menu using locally sourced ingredients. We’ve brought in Iain Sim, an acclaimed food consultant who has run successful pop-up ventures in Islington and Shoreditch in London such as Lobster v Steak and Bonny & Wilde and is bringing the immediacy of street cuisine to the Jolly Botanist as well a new head chef, formerly of Rick’s in Edinburgh. It’s a powerful combination.”
The interior aims to be a 'deconstructed homage to Jules Verne'. The building has been pared back with original features such as windows and a fireplace given pride of place. The whole interior has been moved around to create a raised area with a relaxed living room feel and a large dining area which in the summer extends outside the front of the bar as the glass doors fold back to allow for alfresco dining.
Designer director, Stewart Davidson, said: “The main design approach has interpreted imaging from the Jules Verne design philosophy. Emerging technology was always an interest of Verne which led to interior concepts which adopted a mix of material with metalwork playing a prominent role. Along with Steampunk the interior at Edinburgh seeks to create a feel of opulence to the rear raised area yet retaining a tarnished look to the finishes. Curiosities have been integrated into the interior creating talking points and spaces for customers to enjoy. The result is an interesting play of spaces with the deliberately shabby chicfinishes and concepts mixing well with the elements of classical lighting and furnishing.”
Chris Jowsey, trading director of Star Pubs & Bars, said: “The regeneration of the West End is gathering pace, so it’s the ideal time for The Jolly Botanist to open its door. We’re delighted to be investing in this exciting part of Edinburgh and that someone of Iain’s extensive experience has taken on this high profile site and is breathing new life into what had formerly been a tired underperforming pub.
“Interest in gin is on the rise and with it Edinburgh’s reputation as a world renowned gin city. The Jolly Botanist’s focus on specialist craft and small batch gins together with its urban vibe, creative interior, range of quality beer and exciting changing fresh food will have broad appeal among office workers, young professionals living in the area as well as attracting Edinburgh residents, gin enthusiasts and tourists from further afield. Good news for the Jolly Botanist and good news for the West End!”
