Rubbing shoulders with Hollywood actors and popstars was all in day’s work for Scott Fenwick.
As far as glamorous jobs go, Scott’s role as the operations manager at the Ritz-Carlton in Bahrain was the creme de la cream, meeting actors like Gerard Butler – “he was quite a funny guy” – and the former Spice Girl Geri Horner (nee Halliwell) on a daily basis.
That wasn’t the globe-trotting entrepreneur’s only glitzy gig though as the 34-year-old also worked at Jumeirah, a Dubai based luxury hotel group and as an operations manager at a luxury health club in Azerbaijan.
Dubai, Qatar and Bahrain
But the call of home proved to be too strong for Scott who is bringing his sun-kissed five-star experience to The Beach Bar at Aberdeen’s esplanade.
“I’ve got quite a colourful experience having worked in Dubai, Qatar and Bahrain,” says Scott, who has also worked as a general manager at Bannatynes Gym in Aberdeen and most recently worked in Saudia Arabia, setting up a lifestyle company.
“I’d like to pride myself on being a cultural man so I’ll probably bring a sprinkle of international thinking and ideas which is cool for the beach bar.
“But there will still focus on Scottish hospitality like the banter, the friendliness, the camaraderie.”
Beach front location
With its Mediterranean style beach location – we can always pray for a Spanish heatwave – and its quirky mix of cocktails and hatch throwing, it’s safe to say the bar has everyone’s tongues wagging.
“The Beach Bar has the best location in Aberdeen,” says Scott, who has a Bachelors degree in health sciences and a Masters degree in International Management.
“It’s a really cool place as it’s a social and competitive bar (with the sports).
“Last weekend I was in there with friends to feel it for myself and I liked the diversity of the place as you’ve got groups of hen dos, students in there, a bunch of lads watching the football and people who just want a drink with a view.
“It must be the best view in Aberdeen.”
Over 40 different cocktails
And what better way to enjoy a beach view than with a pina colada or a cosmopolitan to hand.
In fact, The Beach Bar has over 40 different cocktails on their menu ranging from gin-based cocktails such as a candyfloss martini and a Singapore sling to dessert-based cocktails such as cherry pie cocktail with Absolut vanilla vodka, Disaronno Amaretto, cherry brandy, apple juice and egg white.
There’s even a range of frozen cocktails – think strawberry daiquiri – and zombie cocktails (made of fruit juices, liqueurs, and various rum).
Classic cocktails
“We are reinventing our cocktail menu so there will be new things coming out, all the time,” says Scott, who is happily married with a two-year-old daughter called Alice.
“Our signature cocktail will be Sex on the Beach Bar so we’re going to put our own spin on it but that will be a surprise.
“People love the classic cocktails.
“The venom towers are also popular with groups of people coming in and it’s very Instagrammable.
“It’s a green drink with a concoction of spirits mixed in.”
Vodka, gin and rum-based cocktails
There’s also a great selection of vodka based cocktails from the classic espresso and pornstar martinis to the butterscotch white Russian with Absolut vodka, Teichenee Butterscotch Schnapps, Kahlua, Butterscotch Syrup, milk and cream.
For those with a sweet tooth, the dessert cocktails are sure to appeal with moreish options such as the lemon tart with Absolute vodka, Teichenne Butterscotch Schnapps, lemon juice and milk or the Brandy Alexander with Courvoisier VS, Crème De Cacao Brown, milk and cream.
Mocktails
The bar also has alcohol free options – “we’ve got plenty of mocktails – as well as wines and beers.
“In terms of beers, Menabrea is popular,” says Scott.
“It’s similar to Peroni so it’s an Italian beer with a little bit more of a kick to it.
“We also have lots of different wines and different mocktails to try.”
Beach views
It’s not just the cocktails providing the holiday vibes though as the beach views are incredible – who needs Bondi Beach anyway?
“I think Aberdeen beach is beautiful in its own way,” says Scott.
“I like it because of the sheer length of it so it’s good for social walking with family or friends and it’s good for customers as well.
“I’m going to try and create that illusion of a tropical beach on the terrace.
“You’re overlooking the sea there and it’s all white and the sky is blue – I want to create that illusion.”
Talented team
After travelling round the world, Scott knew that to work as a multi-site general manager for Moray Entertainment Group which runs the bar and several other venues including Innoflate (downstairs) was too good an opportunity to miss.
“Darren Margach is the CEO and I liked his vision, says Scott.
“We just connected very well and he’s a great leader.”
Food
Together with their vast drinks menu, the bar also has an excellent food menu with everything from pizza and burgers to loaded fries and salads.
And for those who like to add another element of fun on a night out, The Beach Bar also has a range of activities including axe throwing, crazy pool, electronic darts, table tennis and skee ball.
“The Beach Bar is a social venue with a beautiful landscape and amazing games like ping pong and axe throwing,” says Scott.
“I just think it’s unique and it’s got the best views in Aberdeen.
“People should think about alternative drinking venues and alternative nights out and not always going into the city centre.
“Push your boundaries and go to The Beach Bar.”
A round of questions with Scott Fenwick
It’s the end of the day, what do you pour yourself?
Chamomile tea usually but I also enjoy a single malt, neat.
If you were a drink, what would you be and why?
A fine wine as I am getting better with age.
Most unusual drink you’ve ever tried?
A dirty pint (a pint which typically consists of all the shots the bar has to offer, mixed with half a pint of bitter).
What’s the most under-rated drink?
Ginger ale.
What’s in your drinks cabinet at home?
Wine, single malt and gin.
Best food and drink pairing?
Red wine – Cabernet Sauvignon – and Port Salut cheese.
If you were stuck on a desert island, what three drinks would be there with you?
Irn-Bru, orange juice and Magners original.
You have to make a drink to represent Aberdeen/Aberdeenshire. What would that be?
Sparkle in the Granite City – probably whisky based with a diverse offering.
You have to serve your favourite superhero or celebrity a drink. Who is it and what do you serve?
My grandparents would be and are my superheroes. I would serve them a cup of tea.
Tell us a secret trick of the trade?
Smiling.
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