10th April 2008
TRENDSETTING TONIC UNVEILS ITS SLEEK NEW LOOK
Tonic – Edinburgh’s stylish bar renowned for serving the best cocktails in the city - reopens this April following a sexy refurbishment. Tonic is set to continue its status as a trendsetter with award-winning Bartender Sam Kershaw returning to Edinburgh, hot from New York, to head up the new bar.
Sam’s new menu, which showcases around 40 innovative cocktails featuring fabulous new creations with a twist on the classics, aims to inject new life into Edinburgh’s thriving bar scene. Having worked in trendsetting bars East Side Company and Death & Company in Manhattan, Sam brings fresh ideas to Tonic from across the pond, including innovative techniques such as fat washing rum with butter, a method which adds depth and texture to the drink to ultimately ensure a more indulgent flavour, as well as launching a range of bespoke bitters in the bar. A cutting-edge trend which Sam also introduces to Tonic – and Scotland’s drinks industry - focuses on ice, where drinks are served with hand-crafted blocks of ice prepared in fishing tackles; the benefit being the slow-melting ice allows a more satisfying taste experience for the customer. Tonic is also working with some of the UK’s leading drinks suppliers to source luxury products for the bar and up to 10 of the new premium spirits on offer are exclusive in Scotland, such as Carpano Antica Vermouth imported from Italy, and Cruzan Single Barrel Rum from St Croix in the Virgin Islands.
On the design side, Tonic has collaborated with Glasgow-based interior designer, CM Design Consultants, to create a stylish, new look which includes its signature deep burgundy tones on the walls, walnut panelling and brand new leather upholstery – think rich, vibrant and sexy – which are off-set by a stunning combination of walnut and slate-effect flooring. The ice-white tables, imported from Casamania in Italy, are the first of their kind in Scotland and are strikingly-shaped like an elegant martini glass, to reflect some of the stylish cocktails on offer. Other hip features include dramatic mirrors, leaded-glass pendant lights and decorative lighting to the bar counter to convey a sense of cool style.
Tonic, located just off George Street, set the standard when it first opened eight years ago, and is currently Scotland’s Classic Bar of the Year, as awarded by Theme Magazine, the leading title for the drinks industry. Sam Kershaw, who aims to consistently drive the highest standards, commented: “My focus is two-fold; to serve the best drinks in the city and ensure an outstanding customer experience. My staff are passionate about what they do, they are highly-trained and are at the forefront of Scotland’s drinks industry. We have stylish new surroundings and a brand new drinks list and our service will always focus on providing a slick, friendly and welcoming ambience for our customers.”
Tonic is open daily from 12 noon to 1am.
-Ends-
Tonic, 34a North Castle Street, Edinburgh, 0131 225 6431
www.bar-tonic.co.uk
SAM KERSHAW
BAR MANAGER, TONIC
BIOGRAPHY
Sam Kershaw (29), the award-winning Bar Manager at Tonic in Edinburgh, is one of the UK’s most renowned Bartenders. Sam has won the Scottish Bartender of the Year Award by Theme Magazine twice (2005 and 2007) and is currently a Brand Ambassador for Martin Miller’s Gin.
Originally from Bristol, Sam moved to Edinburgh in 2002 to work in some of the city’s leading establishments, including TigerLily, Harvey Nichols, Tonic and The Opal Lounge. Sam has excellent knowledge of Edinburgh’s bar scene, as well as the movers and shakers around the city – and beyond.
Sam returned to Edinburgh to head up Tonic in February this year following a stint in Manhattan, where he worked in trendsetting bars East Side Company and Death & Company.
Sam’s approach to bartending is very serious; he demonstrates a real passion for his craft and is dedicated to making the best drinks with high quality ingredients. He is also very focused on the end customer and is committed to driving the highest standards throughout Scotland’s drinks industry.
Sam strongly advocates creativity and trendsetting ideas and looks to cutting-edge destinations - such as Manhattan - for inspiration, as well as referring to cookbooks by renowned chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and Thomas Keller for new ideas and ingredients.
Sam is in charge of a team of six bartenders in Tonic, where the philosophy is two-fold; to serve the best drinks in the city and ensure an outstanding customer experience. While the approach to making drinks may be serious, Sam ensures the ambience is very welcoming and relaxed, without a hint of pretentiousness in the air.
Tonic, 34a North Castle Street, Edinburgh, 0131 225 6431
www.bar-tonic.co.uk
Updated - April 2008
Awards at Tonic:
2007 - Scotland’s Classic Bar of the Year, as awarded by Theme Magazine
2007 – Sam Kershaw awarded Scottish Bartender of the Year Award by Theme Magazine
2005 – Sam Kershaw awarded Scottish Bartender of the Year Award by Theme Magazine
Press Information / Images: Emma Offord PR: Tel: 0131 337 0006 / 07918 764 140. Email: emma@emmaofford.co.uk