Demijohn Press Release



SCOTLANDS FIRST LIQUID DELI IS THE PLACE TO VISIT FOR SOME LIQUID REFRESHMENT IN SCOTTISH CITIES

9th April 2009

Scotland’s main Scottish cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow are renowned for their castle, fine buildings and architecture but visitors should also check out a hidden gem – Demijohn, Scotland’s first liquid delicatessen.

Strange as it may sound Demijohn sells only liquid refreshments from large glass vats (called Demijohns), which are then decanted into the chosen size and shape of re-useable bottle. But it is the contents that are sure to excite your palates – Organic Rhubarb Vodka, Lime Vodka, Cranberry Gin, Chocolate Orange Cream Liqueur and many more.

The Demijohn shops are unique – both their method of selling, which is similar to the continental markets, and the products they sell, which are all carefully sourced from small producers around the UK. Located in Victoria St in Edinburgh and Byres Rd in Glasgow they are exactly the type of artisan shops that the fine food and drink movements are keen to promote.

Founded by an innovative ex-Army officer, Angus Ferguson, Demijohn has gone from strength to strength in its short four year history, with sales running at about 30-40% this year alone. Angus says: “The idea of a liquid deli came to me while working as a student in Italy. In Scotland we lacked a shop, which sold fine, locally-made drinks and this type of eco-selling appealed to me. Our customers love the variety of products, plus the fact you can choose how much you want – and re-use the bottles. We have a huge loyal customer base from all over the world.

“Sourcing our products is a wonderful but time-consuming business. We only sell products that taste fantastic and will never compromise on quality. Our input is increasingly important to our suppliers to ensure the use of hard to gather real fruits – for example in autumn the Demijohn shops close for a day and the whole team goes off sloe picking.  The berries are then given to our Sloe Gin producers in Worcestershire.”

Demijohn doesn’t just sell alcohol. One whole area of the shops are devoted to unusual vinegars and oils. With flavours such as Elderflower Vinegar (where the elderflowers are handpicked on an estate near Edinburgh) to the rich red Bramble Vinegar or beautiful, smooth olive oil from a small estate in Tuscany and another from Corfu, there is something for everyone’s tastes.

Visiting the shops is an experience in itself. Customers are encouraged to taste the products before buying which helps determine what they’d like from the myriad of colourful liquids.

Angus adds: “We aim to be a highly eco-responsible company. We re-use all containers wherever possible and in addition, our shops are fitted with ash shelves from the Dynamic Woods charitable organisation, which ‘rescues’ beautiful native hardwoods that are felled but rejected by the commercial timber trade. We have also opted for re-useable delivery containers and use recycled bags and ‘eco-friendly’ corks.”

Next time you visit Edinburgh or Glasgow be sure to spend some time in these unique and exciting liquid delis.

- Ends -

Demijohn Shops:
382 Byres Road, Glasgow, G12 8AR  Tel: 0141 337 3600
32 Victoria Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2JW   Tel: 0131 225 3265
11 Museum Street, York, YO1 7DT  Tel: 01904 637 487

Normal Opening Hours:  Mon-Sat 10-6pm, Sun – 11.30-5pm 



www.demijohn.co.uk

For photography, further press information or press samples, please contact:
Fenella Taylor at Fenella Taylor PR
Tel: 01389 830390   Mobile: 07721 324696 
Email: fenella@fenellataylorpr.co.uk