FSB is celebrating #ArchDay2023 along with The Arch Company, Transport for London (TfL) and Network Rail to shine a light on businesses that have made strides in sustainability, exceptional customer service, and more.
When Adam and Steffie Elan-Elmegirab got married in Morocco, they came across a Saffron farm. It’s that farm that helped get their small business into the shape it’s in today – and it holds such a special place in their hearts that they named their baby daughter Saffron, too.
The couple moved their B Corp business The House of Botanicals into Arch 4 in Palmerston Road, Aberdeen back in 2016, having been established in 2009. They love being part of the arch community, which itself boasts a rich history.
The 11 railway arches in the area were previously used for fish houses, before the oil industry took over. But when the oil crash happened in the 1970s, many lots were left abandoned and empty. When Adam and Steffie moved into the arch in 2016, theirs was one of two businesses on their street.
“Now it’s full of buzz, and we love seeing the transition,” Adam said. “It’s become a really great community to be a part of.”
Adam has always loved the drinks industry. He started his career as a bartender in 2001 and spent a decade working across bars in Aberdeen where he won several industry competitions, before taking on consultancy roles.
Then, in 2009, Adam and Steffie launched a cocktail business from their kitchen table. Initially, their business was tiny, making cocktail bitters for bars, restaurants, and hotels.
But when they managed to collaborate with a whiskey company, they were able to move into the arch. Now, the House of Botanicals has evolved to produce a world-class range of gins, cocktail bitters, aperitivi & digestivo with a planet positive outlook. These, he says, combines his Scottish, Libyan and Italian roots.
All their gins contain saffron, too. When Adam and Steffie got married in Morocco, they visited a saffron farm who agreed to be their supplier – and the rest is history.
Adam said: “Moving in here was a big thing for us. It was a brilliant opportunity being able to take over a historic site. The location is excellent –close to the city centre, train station and taxi rank.
“I’m glad I’ve been able to turn my passion into a business. I love that no two days are the same and I meet such a variety of people. I always go above and beyond for my customers. When people come in, they don’t just pick up a bottle and leave – it’s more educational, fun, and personal than that.”
The business is so successful that last year, the world’s largest spirit competition, the IWSC, awarded their Classic Old Tom Gin a gold outstanding medal and 98 points – the highest score in history for an Old Tom Gin.
It’s also led to him writing a book – Dr Adam’s Book of Bitters. He’s also been a judge for Tales of the Cocktail’s Spirited Awards, as well as being an academy member for Drink International’s World 50 Best Bars awards, amongst others.
Adam says Aberdeen has been the perfect place to build the business. “Following the oil downturn and the worst of the pandemic, we’re beginning to see more tourists coming to the city. There’s so much to do here – you can ski, snowboard, surf, go golfing or take a cruise from the harbour.”
Although the pandemic has had a significant impact on his business, he says working through it has allowed him to “move with the times.”
“We’re hopeful for the future. Every cloud has a silver lining so we must keep moving forward – there’s so much to be positive about.”
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