Inverness BID Person Behind the Business Q&A: Enterprising spirit runs in Matt’s veins
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Person Behind the Business in association with Inverness BID
Q How would you describe your business?
A Inverness’ first dedicated whisky bar opened its doors in July 2017. The bar has a cosy, intimate vibe and is frequented by locals as well as whisky fans from around the world. The bar has expanded with a new private tasting room directly above the bar and there are now over 400 whiskies to enjoy, although maybe best not trying to tick them all off in one night. We don’t have TVs or customer wifi in the bar as we highly encourage conversation with the staff and customers to chat amongst themselves.
Inverness Whisky is an independent specialist whisky shop directly opposite The Malt Room. Our focus is on unique whisky that you won’t find on supermarket shelves and we aim to have something for everyone whether you are new to whisky or a connoisseur. We especially support smaller distilleries and independent bottlers who offer some great drams at superb value for the whisky drinker.
Q What led you into the business?
A I studied accounting and finance at Aberdeen University and graduated in 2014. I had worked in hospitality from a young age and learned a lot from my time at Cafe 1 and The Heathmount here in Inverness. I had to leave my job at Heathmount due to a family illness in London and whilst there I stayed in an Airbnb for over a month.
I instantly clicked with the owners; a young professional couple called Alex and Pri. Alex and Pri financially backed me along with support from friends and family and we found a little premises that was to become The Malt Room.
Q What is your greatest achievement?
A On paper, winning Scotland’s best whisky bar 2021 and emerging entrepreneur 2022 at the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards. I believe my biggest achievement is making a genuine career for a team of wonderful colleagues.
My biggest frustration is when people look at hospitality jobs simply as interim jobs. Yes they can be, but I believe there is a wonderful career in hospitality. If you take it seriously and put the work in, the rewards naturally follow.
Q Who do you admire in business?
A In Inverness, there are so many business owners who work tirelessly front-of-house and behind the scenes.
Many of them are my friends and I can see exactly how much they care and the work they put in. They don’t have personal assistants or massive teams and when others finish they are the ones who keep the cogs turning.
Q What’s your advice to budding entrepreneurs?
A Surround yourself with ambitious people and don’t be afraid to share your ideas. Don’t get disheartened when things get difficult, it’s all about learning as you go. I had no idea what a planning application was, I still don’t think I do, but you figure it out and that’s what good entrepreneurs do.
Q Can you tell us more about yourself?
A It’s been great fun opening other businesses with colleagues who are now directors of something new and exciting. Perk Coffee & Doughnuts was the next business that I opened alongside ex-member of staff, Nicole, and now director of Perk.
There’s a new beer shop in the Victorian Market called Moonshine and most recently, Inverness Whisky. In my time off I love to play golf in the summer and squash in the winter.
Family time is very important whether it’s a dog walk or a barbecue at the parents’ house. It is always a nice time to chill, especially when someone else is making the drinks!
