The botanical way forward as Arran Gin is relaunched
Isle of Arran Gin company is coming out of lockdown with big changes. Its beloved beach-shack in Cladach has been refitted and the team is preparing for a safe reopening this weekend, writes Hugh Boag.
Now called Arran Botanical Drinks, owner Stuart Fraser explained: ‘The rebrand and building work was actually under way pre-Covid. We realised the rustic charm of the space would only take us so far and we needed better facilities – hot water, for a start! With Cassis added to our range and work beginning on new drinks from foraged island plants, we thought it was time to change the name to reflect the new recipes being developed. We are still really proud of the big flavours of our flagship product – we just want to bring in more variety from our island’s botanical larder.
‘With a new production room/‘drinks lab’, the team can bring a range of interesting drinks to life in small batches. The goal for 2020 is to rebuild our partnership with local shops and bars.’
So what can visitors expect from Cladach Beach House?
Stuart said: ‘Our focus now is drink-making/tasting/ hospitality experiences that are fun, educational and cater equally to islanders and visitors. We will soon have a new website for bookings, but for now we will take phonecalls and emails from customers pre-booking in groups. We will keep numbers low to start and adapt as we go.
‘Anyone attending our popup events last year hopefully come away with a sense of the rustic, authentic paired-back vision. That make-do-and mend approach seems even more valid now and we think people just want fun experiences.
‘This is a time for creating and celebrating community. We have to work together for our island economy and our individual businesses, seeking collaborations and sharing customers; talking each others’ businesses up. Last year, we had a great deal of success with the food-truck model.’
With a large outdoor seating area – and their own beach – perfect for sitting and taking in the views in this stunning corner of Arran, there is an opportunity to open slowly and safely.
More details of Arran Botanicals Drinks’ ‘safe-sipping’ indoor and outdoor zones, including opening hours will be announced on social media channels in the next few days.
For enquiries and bookings call 01770 302513; email info@ isleofarrangin.com or check out Arran Gin on Facebook page and Instagram.
Arran Gin and Cassis are alive and well as products of Arran Botanical Drinks. Cheers to that!