Ian McColm has brought a tropical infusion to Edinburgh’s food and drink scene with The Auld Reekie Tiki Bar. Karen Peattie caught up with him over cocktails
COCKTAILS that look like Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat? It’s certainly something different and the brainchild of Ian McColm, a forward-thinking operator who likes to do things his way.
Owner of the Tiki Bar & Kitsch Inn in Glasgow’s Bath Street, McColm has introduced the concept to Edinburgh, opening The Auld Reekie Tiki Bar in a former nightclub in Frederick Street.
But it’s not a case of attempting to replicate a successful Glasgow formula in the capital, as he explains: “The Tiki Bar in Glasgow is really popular but we’re well aware that you can’t just transport an idea that works in one city to another.
“The markets are different although in the few months that we’ve been open – we opened in time for the second half of the Six Nations and that made me happy because I’m an ex-rugby player – we’ve had quite a few Glasgow regulars come in to see what we’ve done here.
“We’re up and running and open for business but there’s still a lot of hard work to be done, namely getting the kitchen operational but we’re not far away from that.”
McColm tried to buy the unit about a year-and-a-half ago but the deal fell through. So when the chance arose again there were no such disappointments. “Obviously we are still pushing the Tiki theme but in a much more Edinburgh-focused way,” he points out.
“I’m quite well connected in Edinburgh so I knew what to do and what not to do – and I absolutely wanted Auld Reekie Tiki not to take itself too seriously. It’s good fun and certainly not pretentious.
“It has a similar ethos and vibes as Glasgow but has its own identity and we’ve certainly noticed that drinking habits in Edinburgh are different in that we sell far less Zombie cocktails but many more Daiquiris. We also sell more obscure back bar brands, and aged derivatives of rum and so on.”
While local and regular trade is important, McColm is keen to tap into Edinburgh’s tourism market and with the city’s world-famous Festival and Fringe looming he expects to create a bit of interest. “Our laid-back vibe is perfect for those seeking a bit of escapism from the hustle and bustle outside, plus we’re open until late which is another bonus,” he says.
“Escape in here for a couple of hours, enjoy an exotic cocktail in an authentic ceramic tiki mug, soak up the Polynesian spirit and take time to look at our interesting artwork and sculptures – it’s all about creating a point of difference and having a bit of fun.”
Currently open from 4pm to 1am on Mondays and Tuesdays and until 3am the rest of the week, The Auld Reekie Tiki Bar will open from 12 noon once the kitchen is up and running.