Edinburgh’s Bon Vivant group, which owns and operates bars and restaurants across the city, as well as a wine, beer and spirit shop, has secured a finance deal of almost £1 million from Allied Irish Bank (GB) to support its growth plan in 2018.
The group, which is headed by Stuart McCluskey, operates The Bon Vivant, The Bon Vivant’s Companion and El Cartel on Thistle Street, and the Devil’s Advocate in the Old Town.
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Stuart McCluskey from the Bon Vivant Group said: “Allied Irish Bank (GB) is providing £950,000 towards three new venues. We will be opening a second El Cartel in Teviot Square in the summer, once refurbishments are complete.
“As an independent Edinburgh business, we are particularly proud to have been selected as the operators for two new venues within the Edinburgh Grand development on St Andrew’s Square.
“A number of UK national chain outlets have opened on the square as part of its renaissance, so we applaud the Chris Stewart Group for selecting an Edinburgh firm to operate the bar and cafe bar.
“All of this means we’ll be doubling in size over the next six months, and in a great place to expand in coming years. The team at Allied Irish Bank (GB) has been exceptionally supportive and understands not just our business, but also the wider picture in Edinburgh and across the trade.”
Sean Fallon, senior relationship manager at Allied Irish Bank (GB), worked closely with the Bon Vivant Group to structure the finance deal. Sean said: “Stuart McCluskey has a reputation as being one of the top operators in Scotland, and the Bon Vivant Group has huge potential for growth.
“The group’s passion for quality and service is evident across all its locations, and they have developed a business structure that made them an attractive partner for the bank.
“Allied Irish Bank (GB) is a specialist in the hospitality and leisure sectors and we understand the pressures and opportunities that operators encounter.”
El Cartel will be opening in summer 2018, and The Edinburgh Grand, a Chris Stewart Property Group development opens on June 1st and by autumn will include two venues operated by the Bon Vivant Group.
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