Tap into the taste of success at capital bar

Beer is not the only thing on menu at award-winning gastropub

The Caley Sample Room in the heart of Slateford in Edinburgh has long been a haven for hop-lovers. Its name is thought to have been inspired by the nearby Caledonian Brewery, which for years filled the air with a sweet, malty scent.

When Nick and Joy Madigan took over the Caley Sample Room in April last year, it already had nine real ale taps and a reputation for keeping loyal local drinkers well watered.

The Madigans, whose first bar venture was Moriarty on Lothian Road in the capital, have taken the Caley Sample Room’s offering a step further, expanding the selection of brews, transforming the food menu and even fitting out the interiors with a beer theme.

The back bar includes quirky features such as hollowed out, backlit barrels which house displays of bottles.

Even the toilets have a touch of the brewery feel about them – in the gents’, old beer kegs have been re-purposed as urinals.

Having experienced the challenges of starting your own business from scratch, Nick Madigan says part of the reason for adding beers to the menu was to support some of the new breweries which are opening up in and around Edinburgh.

“Beer was something the Caley Sample Room had been renowned for and with my knowledge of that side of the industry we got a few new suppliers on board,” he explains.

“We wanted to give those breweries a chance to sell their beers in the local area.”

Madigan has added an extensive range of bottled and canned beers too, so there’s more choice than you’d find at your average “out-of-town” bar. Madigan estimates there are about 60 different beers to choose from.

The Caley Sample Room recently picked up two awards, one for Best Craft Beer in Scotland at the Scottish Entertainment Awards and the second for Best Bar in Edinburgh at the National Pub and Bar Awards. Both are proudly displayed alongside the rows of beers, wines and spirits.

However, the focus is on the food as much as the beer and this approach means the gastropub welcomes a diverse clientèle, from families to young professionals and elderly customers.

“It’s a place where people can come with their kids and relax,” says Madigan. “People can bring their dogs into the bar. Since we have come in, the customer demographic has really changed a lot. It’s a great all-round destination.”

Behind the scenes, the chefs are using locallysourced ingredients to create pub classics, innovative specials and smaller portions for younger diners. The Madigans have also introduced sharing platters which are proving particularly popular.

“The bestsellers are fish and chips and the burger and I think that’s the same with a lot of pubs because they are classics.

The rest of the menu is built around fresh Scottish ingredients. From sharing platters to healthy salad, gluten free korma and popular Sunday roasts, there’s something for all the family at the Caley.

The hard work refurbishing the Caley Sample Room has paid off and Madigan says they have got the business where they want it.

“I enjoy seeing it all come together. It’s great being in the Caley Sample Room when it’s busy and everyone is having a great time and enjoying themselves. It’s a great feeling to know you – as well as all our staff – have made a large contribution to making that happen.” n