A key moment for Thomas and Rupert was connecting with East Lothian Food & Drink. They supported them to take a stand at the Royal Highland Show by offering a subsidised exhibitor rate. The experience was a turning point for the business.
“The opportunity to showcase and sell the liqueurs was pivotal, as it gave us the opportunity to speak to visitors and take feedback. This was valuable, tailored market research at an early stage in the business resulting in new connections with key buyers.”
To further develop the business, they took on two rounds of investment. This proved to be an important step, helping them to streamline the business, set clear targets for growth and get some capital to develop their operation.
New premises and experiences
In 2019, they moved to their new premises in East Lothian creating an experience for the public and travel trade visitors, running foraging tours and courses. These experiences visit a local community woodland that the restaurant uses to sustainably harvest ingredients, offering an authentically Scottish experience.
“The aim is to show people the local environment, in which we harvest the ingredients for the drinks and engage visitors with nature and rural skills.
Their visitor experiences give the brand a great opportunity to engage visitors. It helps them understand more about the brand story and engages them with the ethos of the brand and local environment.
"What we do is authentic and different."
