Four of Scotland's top hospitality professionals are to launch a programme to inspire a new generation and promote the nation’s food and drink industry on a global stage.
100 of the top hospitality professionals based in Scotland will be invited to join The 100 this year. They aim to showcase and champion the country’s food and drink offering both here at home, and around the world. The 100 will be a likeminded group of industry professionals dedicated to learning from the best and showcasing everything our country has to offer.
Spearheaded by Stuart McCluskey (The Bon Vivant), Andy Gemmell (The Drink Cabinet), Mike Aikman (Bramble Bar) and Graham Suttle (Kained Holdings), The 100 will run 4 seminars throughout 2016 across Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen with some of the world’s most influential figures in food and drink invited to speak. The first will be held in Edinburgh on the 9th March at Saint Stephen’s Stockbridge, with Tom Kitchin (Chef Patron, The Kitchin), Dave Broom (Award winning Spirits writer) and Petra Wetzel (West Brewery, Glasgow) signed up to take to the stage. Other events are planned for July and throughout 2016.
The 100 will then host their inaugural awards ceremony in January 2017 that will be a true representation of the top end of Scotland's Hospitality Trade. At this stage, the original members of The 100 will induct the next 100 members for the coming year.
Sunday Herald drinks columnist Andy Gemmell said: “The 100 have been chosen from all over Scotland and from every aspect of the hospitality industry. These people have been driven by a passion for their country and trade and dedicated their lives to be the best. We want to give something back by offering them a platform on which to learn and be inspired. In January 2017 this 100 will pass on their place to someone else they feel deserves to join The 100.”
Mike Aikman said: “Scotland is known all over the world for its food and drink. What we are trying to achieve is showcasing the people that dedicate themselves to our amazing industry. Scotland has produced some of the best bartenders and chefs in the world that have gone on to win many accolades. We want to shout about what we are doing and make people sit up and listen.”
Stuart McCluskey said: “The seminars won't be in the usual format where brands take centre stage. We want the speakers to bring something new to the table, to challenge and inspire The 100. The talks will follow a TED talk style with topics that will inspire the audience. We will also film them to share with the rest of the trade. The sky is the limit with this group.”
Graham Suttle said: “"This is something never before seen in Scotland - a gathering like no other with a mandate from the very people it will represent. We want to shape Scotland's hospitality industry from within, and to give our wealth of talent a representative voice at home and on a global stage. Scotland is ready. The 100 are ready…"
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