lux.acquisition-intl.com/ 36 LUX - August 2017 “Brea also try to break new ground, by ensuring that we cater for all dietary requirements including coeliac, dairy free, vegan and more. We even serve certain products which are organic, to bring that option to our diners too.” When working in the dining and hospitality industry, Rob reveals how Brea ensures that the highest stand- ards of health and safety are always observed. He also explains the importance of his staff and the having the best kitchen and front-of-house equipment possible. “Providing a clean and comfortable dining experience is paramount to us and the standards in our kitchen, are regularly checked by the environmental health department. “As an independent restaurant, we have the luxury of knowing our team members personally and both the owners work directly within the team on a regular basis, to ensure that every little detail and standard is adhered to. “In Brea, our kitchen and front-of-house equipment is industry leading and procured from the best suppliers in the industry. This ensures that we are as efficient as possible in both our food preparation and serving.” Rob then directs the conversation towards the res- taurant’s prospects, including what might be on the horizon for them. “Brea are continuing to make a name for ourselves in Stirling, by striving to be the best restaurant in the city. There may be a time when it is right to open a second Brea somewhere else in Central Scotland, but now we are in very early stages with our plans. “The market is ever-changing and there is always new competition, but Brea will just stick to our own princi- ples of trying to offer the best local food and drinks to the customers, by showcasing Scotland’s larder and we are sure that this will continue to be a hit!” Rob ends the interview on a note of optimism, by detailing the restaurant’s seasoned experience and the awards they have won. “The owners of Brea are couple Rob Morton and Gillian Ferguson. Rob has a 15-year marketing career Brea is a contemporary Scottish restaurant based in Stirling, Scotland that uses fresh local ingredients, to create stunning dishes that satisfy an appetite as well as excite the taste buds. As the proud winner of LUX Excellence Award for Traditional Cuisine and Best Contemporary Dining Experience – Scotland, we could not resist the opportunity to speak to the owner, Rob Morton to learn his recipe of success. Exciting the Taste Buds Brea’s clientele includes tourists visiting Stirling as well as locals looking for a high-quality dining experience. Their drinks are mainly Scottish including Scottish gins, vodkas, whiskies, ciders, beers and even a Scottish rum. Owner, Rob Morton reveals how the restaurant ensures that excellence is always achieved in their offerings, including the very first moment a guest enters their establishment. “Our Head Chef, Stuart McPherson has worked across Europe and trained under some eminent chefs, including one who had a Michelin star. His passion to produce exciting dishes, that use the finest local ingredients, is really getting us noticed. Our drinks list offers the best that Scotland produces and we sell gins, beers and whiskies that are produced only a few miles from Brea. Two of the most local beers that we sell, have won the World’s Best Lager and World’s Best Ale awards. “At Brea, we offer a friendly Scottish welcome and every guest is treated as an individual, ensuring that their specific needs are met in terms of comfort, dietary requirements or anything else that we can assist with.” Rob then dishes up his thoughts on the wider restau- rant and bar industry at present, including any major developments or challenges that have been affecting the work of Brea. “Strangely, offering fresh local Scottish food and drink is not commonplace in Scotland. There are some excellent eateries doing what we do, but the marketplace is made up with many convenience food outlets and restaurants serving cuisines from other parts of the world. We set out, with Brea, to use local ingredients, sell local drinks and showcase some of the best that Scotland offers. “Not only is this good for the environment with less delivery miles, it is good for the Scottish economy - through working with local producers - as well as showing that Scottish cuisine is something that is among the best on offer. HO170036 behind him and Gillian has a 10-year finance career behind her. These marketing and finance skills are areas that many in the sector have pointed out as failings with some other owners. Rob and Gillian like to think that their unique skill sets, plus the great team they have built up, has led to the success of Brea to date. “Brea has won three awards in the last year including Food Awards Scotland 2016 – Best Scottish Cuisine, LUX Restaurant & Bar Awards 2017 – Best Con- temporary Dining Experience (Scotland) and LUX Excellence Award for Traditional Cuisine.” Company: Brea Name: Rob Morton Email:
[email protected] Web Address: www.brea-stirling.co.uk Address: 5 Baker Street, Stirling, Scotland, FK8 1BJ UK Telephone: +44 (0)1786 446 277