Signature Pubs & Cold Town Beer - COLD AS F***

In this episode, we have the privilege of hosting a distinguished guest, Louise Maclean, Director of Signature Pubs and Cold Town Beer, a leading figure in the FMCG sector.

Cold Town Brewery has a rich and captivating history deeply intertwined with Scotland's brewing heritage. Their story begins with a nod to the brewing legacy of Edinburgh's Calton Hill Brewery, which pioneered lager production in Britain way back in 1835. Nestled in the chilly shadow of Arthur's Seat, the brewery's neighborhood earned the moniker "Cauld Toon," eventually evolving into "Cal-ton." This evolution of language gave birth to the name Cold Town Hill, serving as the foundation for the brewery's identity.

In early 2018, Cold Town Brewery embarked on its journey, starting as a modest microbrewery within the walls of an abandoned church in the heart of Edinburgh's historic Grassmarket district. Despite humble beginnings, their dedication to crafting exceptional brews was unwavering, supplying local venues and gaining a foothold in the city's vibrant bar scene. Their full range of beers was refined through collaboration with industry professionals who reveled in the art of fine libations. After numerous iterations and feedback, they proudly introduced their signature creation: Cold Town Lager.

As their reputation grew, more establishments welcomed Cold Town Brewery into their fold, prompting the need for expansion. They established their main operations on Dunedin Street in order to cater to a diverse array of bars and restaurants throughout Scotland. In early 2019, their journey came full circle as they transformed their original microbrewery location into Cold Town House, a place that not only houses an evolved brewing facility but also offers breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle beneath the imposing castle rock. It's a story that reflects their unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional beer in the heart of Scotland's capital.

Join us as we explore Louise's remarkable journey through the world of finance, gaining insights into her illustrious career. In this conversation, we'll uncover:

• Louise's FMCG Sector Journey: Delve into the experiences and pivotal moments that have shaped Louise's career in the fast-moving consumer goods sector.
• The Brands in Focus: Learn about the fascinating brands that Louise oversees, including Signature Pubs, a conglomerate of venues with hundreds of dedicated staff, navigating the hospitality sector's challenges.
• The Birth of Cold Town Beer: Uncover the intriguing origins and motivation behind Cold Town Beer, a venture that adds a unique flavor to the beverage industry.
• Customer-Centric Approach: Discover how Cold Town Beer places customer satisfaction at the core, with a commitment to refining their offerings based on real-time feedback.
• Navigating Industry Shifts: Explore the dynamics of running brands in an evolving landscape, including insights into the differences between the on-trade and off-trade segments.
• Launching New Drinks Brands: Gain valuable tips and advice from Louise about launching new drinks brands in the ever-changing landscape of 2023/24.
• What Lies Ahead: Peer into the future as we discuss the exciting developments and prospects on the horizon for Signature Pubs and Cold Town Beer.