We got nominated for two awards! Exciting! A huge thank you to everyone that voted for us. It really the world!

Crofters' Music Bar Arran

Nominated!

Crofters' Story

Ealána talks about the #WestCoastWaters initiative.

West Coast Waters

Ealána's take on an advertorial in an industry supplier catalogue.

Putting the Love into What You Do

Finding a Consistent Voice

Calling industry experts for collaboration and engagement.

Calling Industry Experts!

It's been an interesting week. Ealána's been super busy and it's been a challenging couple of weeks. It shows her grit and determination as a business owner that she got through and not only managed to give the appearance that all was well, but for the restaurant actually to flourish. Making these podcasts gives an incredible insight into the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making a successful night for customers. It's quite inspirational actually, and we hope that that comes through in the podcast, even if it's just a little.  We would dearly love some feedback on what we're doing on our social media and with our podcast. If you have ideas or suggestions, get in touch through our Facebook Page or Twitter.  It would also mean the world to us if you would subscribe to the show if you haven't already and give us a rating on iTunes. And a review would be doubly welcome – two worlds? Why not!  Thanks for your ears, and keep coming back! 

Welcome Back Daf!

In our first podcast of the year we talked about how Christmas was for us and, in particular, what a superb job our head chef did on new year's eve. He really showed our diners what he's capable of and why he's a two-star Michelin rosette chef.  Cams talked about the social media podcasts he's been listening to and boring his wife with as they drove around Belgium and Luxembourg on their Christmas hols. 

Happy New Year!

Ealána and Cams talk about social media and the role that it plays in a modern business. We're looking for recommendations of industry related blogs, Instagram feeds and Facebook pages to engage with and learn from. We'll start - Ealána talked about this Kent-based restaurant and how she finds their Instagram feed inspiring:  The Small Holding on Instagram Check out Megan and Innis from their last gig in Crofters' Megan and Innis The branding company we've hired is BrandF Our financial advisers are at The FD Centre And Nicola, our marketing hire runs Almanac Marketing

Social Media Strategy

In today's weekly roundup, Ealana talks about Christmas and what the plans are in Crofters' for the festive season. 

Christmas is Coming

In this week's catch-up, Ealána ponders Maitre'D and other systems for data gathering, stock control, making rotas, point of sale etc. 

Restaurant systems

Ealána was in Glasgow for two days' of meetings at Donal's rented office space in the Clockwise building. Cams joined them on day 2 and sat in on the meeting with the web designer and the branding team and chatted with Ealána on the Ardrossan train from Glasgow Central. Forgive the ambient noise! This was recorded on Cams's brand new Zoom H3-VR, a nifty little recording device with 360º mics.  We are now approaching Kilwinning. Change here for stations to Ayr, Kilmarnock. 

On the Train to Ardrossan

This week Ealána has Xero on her mind, the new accounting software that she's started using this week under the guidance of Colin from the FD Centre. She's also thinking about what her job title might be when the restructuring comes along. She has many hats! (not actual hats, well, she might have lots of those too; Cams doesn't know). 

Xero

Cams and Ealána talk about the PR firm that Crofters' have hired called Hot Tin Roof and then get a bit philosophical about being a manager and the challenges that that brings to the table. 

Hot Tin Roof

We're at capacity and have been for a while now. The business model is working and we've had a fantastic summer season. As things wind down into the quieter months, it's time to start working on our growth plans. Ealána and Dónal talk about that here and we'd love it if you would join us in watching the plans take shape. We've been documenting our meetings and making content to share with you and show the kinds of challenges that face a small island business that wants to grow. Watch this on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/wzQDwlnl01o

Expansion Plans

Crofters' Music Bar is a family-run bistro on the Isle of Arran in Scotland. We specialise in home-cooked food, Scottish craft beers and spirits and regular live music. Crofters' has a reputation for being quirky, innovative, entertaining, and welcoming. We are committed to providing imaginative vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes, alongside the very best of local produce, Scottish meats and seafood.

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Crofters' Music Bar Arran

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