Forgan’s, the newest venue on Scotland’s food and drink scene, has received the ultimate seal of approval from the great-great grandson of Robert Forgan – the world famous golfing manufacturer after whom the bar is named.
Andrew Campbell, was tracked down by staff at the new bar and restaurant in St Andrews, after they spent weeks researching the Forgan family tree – and much to their delight Andrew came along to officially open the bar.
The guest of honour attended the launch event with his daughters, who were all keen to see how the former ‘cleek factory’, which dates back to the 1860s, had been transformed.
Andrew said: “Forgan’s looks fantastic. I think they’ve done a really great job of transforming the old warehouse into something so different. I really like the idea of being able to have ceilidhs here too; I think that has to be my favourite part.
“Naming the place after my great-great-grandfather is also very special to me and my family.
“Most of the family live outside of St Andrews, but now my daughter is at university up here we are hoping to visit a lot more often than we used to and will definitely be popping into Forgan’s.”
As an extra surprise to both Andrew and the team at Forgan’s, one of the guests at the launch, Jane Liston from St Andrews, brought along an original Forgan golf club from the 1920s.
Jane said: “I received the club from my grandfather when I was a little girl as he was quite a keen golfer. I used it as a putter for years, even as an adult, but I was told that if I kept using it, it might break because it was so old and fragile. I now just take it out for show on special occasions to keep it safe.
“I’m so delighted that I got to show Andrew the club as Forgan is such an important part of St Andrew’s history.”
More than 300 people attended the launch night which offered live music from band, Namjo Lounge 4, ceilidh dancing and an opportunity to sample the food and drink on offer at Forgan’s all of which have been sourced from local suppliers.
The opening has proven to be an instant hit, scoring with locals and visitors, so much so that it was fully booked on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Michelle Nabal, General Manager of Forgan’s, said: “We are delighted that Andrew decided to come along to the opening night of Forgan’s. It was great to have support from the family as it made the night that bit more special knowing a member of the Forgan family was there to celebrate.
“We also had a real original Forgan golf club from the 1920s which helped cement the importance of the venue’s history.
“The night as a whole was a great success and everyone had a fantastic evening getting to taste some of the food, dance along to the great live music and see what the buzz really is about.”
From stripped-back wooden floors and recycled fishing nets for lamp shades, the venue is a mix of old and new, reflecting the concept of the “back to roots” feeling throughout the open space.
But it is not just the interiors that will get customers talking; Forgan’s will host a range of events from book groups, kiddie ceilidhs, live music, food and drink events and a tea dance.
As well as a food and drink menu inspired by products from local artisan suppliers and producers, the venue will also play host to Ceilidh clubs every Friday and Saturday night and hold a monthly programme of culinary events and master classes from the experts.
Forgan’s www.forgansstandrews.co.uk