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.
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.
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
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