Mhor, please!
The Lewis brothers are building an empire in Stirlingshire using nothing fancier than energy and enthusiasm
Every so often in this small world of Scottish artisan business one comes across an astonishing individual – or individuals, in this case, as the characters in question are two brothers, Tom and Dick Lewis of the Mhor businesses, based in and around Callander, near Stirling. Since we started our company, they have been allies and a source of inspiration.
I first met Tom in the kitchen of Mhor Fish in Callander four years ago and within minutes of being in his company felt on the verge of bursting into flames, such was the immense energy of the man. Plans, ideas, advice, jokes and anecdotes were fired out shotgun-style, and I soon found myself swept away by his vitality and enthusiasm.
I had turned up with a box of top-quality langoustines, caught by one of Mull’s expert creel fishermen, and having looked t hem over, Tom proceeded to haggle me down to a shocking price. After a pathetic attempt to hold my ground I soon gave in, resigning myself to having earned more or less what I’d paid for them. No sooner had we sealed the deal than Tom was on the phone, selling them on to some hapless customer for double the price, giving me a mischievous wink as he did so. I had no choice but to laugh. Soon after, I met his brother, Dick, co-owner of the businesses, and found him similarly energetic and engaging.
This anarchic energy has not been wasted. Together with their wives, Lisa and Mhairi, they have worked like a family of entrepreneurial beavers to create a series of vibrant and original businesses.
Tom and Dick employ 90 people in all – vital jobs in an area of low employment – spread across their four businesses. The jewel in the crown is Monachyle Mhor, a former Jacobite safe house overlooking the beguiling Loch Voil in Balquhidder Glen, and originally owned by their parents. The hotel is a well-kept secret by