Tag: Graham Blaikie

Santa Paws is coming to The Mercat

The Mercat Bar and Grill in Whitecraig, East Lothian, is planning a Christmas-themed breakfast for dog owners and their pets to raise money for the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home (EDCH).

On 11 December, the award-winning, dog-friendly pub will serve bacon or egg rolls with teas and coffees from 10am-12pm.

All pooches attending the festive party will be treated to early Christmas presents delivered by “Santa Paws” himself (pictured above).

Graham Blaikie, owner of the Mercat Grill said, “This will be such a fun event, for dog owners and their canines, in the run up to Christmas.

“It’s a great opportunity to get together with other, Fido-loving folks, make new friends or come along with the family to our fun and festive event which will also raise money for EDCH, a great charity that helps dogs and cats in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas.”

The Mercat prides itself on being a dog-friendly pub and has held successful Doggy Fun Days in October for the past two years.

Tickets cost £10.

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Mercat grill adds to charity coffers

The new Mercat Grill near Musselburgh chose a slightly different approach to announcing itself to its East Lothian clientele last month. Owner Graham Blaikie organised two charity events to celebrate its official opening after an extensive refurbishment. During the day it hosted a free family fun day, with an evening of live music and comedy for the grownups. Graham, who also runs the Mercat Bar and Restaurant in Edinburgh’s West End, donated all proceeds from the launch to CLIC Sargent.
Graham said, “We have big plans for the Mercat Grill and want to turn it into an award winning gastro pub. We plan to continually reinvest into the business, create additional local jobs, expand the restaurant, create ‘inn’ style accommodation and a roof top terrace for dining and drinking.”
The first phase of the refurbishment is now complete and has seen the conservatory restaurant and lounge bar refurbished, with the restaurant given a new lease of life. The next phase will see the bar and restaurant receive a makeover.

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Graham Blaikie, owner of Edinburgh’s award-winning Mercat Bar & Restaurant has bought the now named ‘Mercat Grill’ in Whitecraig, East Lothian for a six figure sum, sourced via private investors. Over the next five years, Blaikie aims to invest a further six figure sum, into his new, independent venture, which will be run by him and his family with the support of a strong, local team of staff.

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2013 Awards: Benromach Award for Success

WINNER:
Steven McLeod
Aurora Hotel Collection

The judges said of the winner, “This person is focussed and motivational. He has grit and determination and the difficulties of the past few years have only made him stronger. He has grown his business over the past twelve months with two new hotels opening and one due to open next Spring. His group now own seven hotels – one for every year that he has been in business and he is still on the acquisition trail. His aim is to have 20 hotels in 20 years! He has certainly got the drive to succeed.”
Finalists:
Graham Blaikie, The Mercat Bar, Edinburgh
Lee Murray, Flood Inns, Leven
Nic Wood, Signature Pub Group, Edinburgh

Benromach Award for Success. Winner: Steven McLeod, Aurora Hotel Collection
Benromach Award for Success. Winner: Steven McLeod, Aurora Hotel Collection
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