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‘Whisky embassy’ bar to open in Toulouse
A former Scotch Malt Whisky Society bartender is to open The Hopscotch, a new whisky bar in Toulouse, France, billed as a ‘home away from home’ for fans of the spirit.
Due to open its doors in September, the new bar was developed by Roderick Gaston (pictured right) and will offer one of the largest whisky selections in France alongside cocktails and Scottish food.
The Hopscotch will also offer craft beers made by the team at a nearby microbrewery, with at least three on tap alongside a selection of Scottish beers.
Gaston, who was born in Aberdeen but raised between Dubai and France, learned the whisky trade at Glasgow’s noted Pot Still bar before joining the Scotch Malt Whisky Society in Edinburgh.
His partner, Anne-Sophie Bigot, known as The Whisky Lady, will assist with whisky selection and host tastings, and Raphaël Vigneau (pictured left) will serve as a bartender.
“We’re more than excited to be bringing a piece of Scotland to Toulouse where the demand for whisky and craft beers has reached an unprecedented peak in recent years,” Gaston said.
“It’s been more than a year that me and my team have been working on this huge project – finding the perfect spot in Toulouse, right in the centre, a few meters away from the famous Capitole, wasn’t an easy part. But we found the perfect location to offer a genuine Scottish experience to our future visitors, and that includes wearing kilts and serving haggis in a town where most of the population has no clue you could even consider eating stuffed ewe’s stomach.
“I’ve always liked a good challenge, but I have no doubt once they taste our haggis balls, Scotch eggs and home-made fish and chips they will be singing the praises of Scottish cuisine!”
Gaston continued: “As I like to say, a great whisky always starts with a good beer. Both drinks have a lot in common and can be combined, [and] I’m looking forward to introducing the French to the concept of a Half-and-Half, and organise whisky and beer pairings.”
The Hopscotch is located a 3 rue Baour Lormian, 31000 Toulouse, and has a provitional opening date of 2 September.
For a round-up of the world’s hottest bars which launched in May 2017, click here.