First Look: Macleod’s Scottish Pub
The scotch and cocktail destination opens December 21 on the southern end of Ballard Ave.
Posted by: Christopher Werner on Dec 20, 2011 at 09:43AM
1 Comments
Macleod’s Scottish Pub, located at 5200 Ballard Ave, opens December 21.
View Slideshow » Illustration:Alison Macleod, wife of Allen, painted this mural of Scotland. Plotted are the 26 distilleries the traveling trio visited.
View Slideshow »The spirits menu showcases a large selection of single malts. Scotch enthusiasts will appreciate the well-aged labels at decent price points. Four beers are on tap, and barrel-aged cocktails are in the works.
View Slideshow »During their visit to lauded scotch producer The Macallan, Weimann and Maclise picked up vintage signs like this one that detail the stages of distilling; seven of them line the length of the bar.
View Slideshow »For food find soup prepared at nearby Bastille, savory pies, Scottish smoked salmon, and meats and cheeses.
View Slideshow » Illustration:The cast iron railing on the mezzanine hails from the Scottish Highlands. The upstairs features a lounge area, bringing capacity for the 1,000-square-foot space to 75.
View Slideshow »Macleod’s is open every day from 4:30 to 2.
James Weimann and Deming Maclise, owners of the king-sized Bastille and Poquitos, will open the notably intimate Macleod’s Scottish Pub on Wednesday, December 21.
The whiskey den will house 50, maybe more, varieties of the peaty stuff to start, says Rich Fox, who heads the bar program; the emphasis is on single malt scotches. Expect that number to grow to as many as 150 by the time Macleod’s first anniversary rolls around, adds Weimann.
The cocktail bill is split between classics and scotch-based creations. (Of particular intrigue is the Atholl Brose, made with Glenffidich, honey syrup, cream, cinnamon, and an oatmeal brose that’s “like Mother’s Milk.”) While Fox recognizes Macleod’s may be many bargoers’ first run with scotch, he is confident they’ll embrace the spirit. To wit: years ago people drank mainly vodka or gin, now they guzzle ryes and bourbons like there’s no tomorrow.
“People are looking to be exposed to more, to be more adventurous. For scotch the timing is perfect.”
The famously globe-trotting Weimann and Maclise spent nearly two weeks in Scotland researching the drinking culture there (rough gig) and acquiring design elements like the stained glass trim on the maple bar. Good friend and longtime collaborator Allen Macleod, an Edinburgh native and the guy who will be “the face of the pub,” joined them.
Of course Macleod’s takes over the space that was once (fleetingly) home to Harlow’s Saloon. To check out the nearly complete overhaul and to learn what else is in store, click through the slideshow.
Tags: Scotch, Ballard, Bar Openings, New Ballard Bars
I love this place, especially the concept. The only downer is they really don’t serve food. Chips, almonds and toasted pot pies is pretty much their menu. I wish they would expand this.