75.5 STEPS
About ten days before the start of COP26, we got a call about a space a stone's throw away from the main campus. In true TDC style we never turn down a challenge and, from that call, 75.5 Steps was born.
In a disused warehouse towering over Finnieston, we set out to create a space that championed the conversation around sustainability in the hospitality industry, alongside hosting delegates for co-working and coffee during the day.
Across 21 nights we collaborated with brands including; Arbikie, Avallen, Citizens of Soil, Brewgooder, Buck & Birch, Dear Green Coffee Roasters, Element Wines, Hidden Lane Brewery, The Oxford Artisan Distillery, Stoli, and Wildcat Gin – plus a cabaret with Harlow's Hideaway, fermenting masterclass with Janice Clyne– to create a programme of events that kept the COP conversation going after dark.
Farming a sustainable approach to spirits - The Oxford Artisan Distillery
With farming accountable for 25-30% of a spirit’s total carbon footprint (Spirits Europe May 2020), farming must be at the heart of any truly sustainable distillery. We were joined by The Oxford Artisan Distillery’s Master Distiller Chico Rosa, Head of Farming & archaeobotanist John Letts, and Head of Whisky Charlie Echlin to discuss distilling Oxford’s first whisky from heritage grains grown mostly within 50 miles of Oxford, with sustainability, biodiversity and taste at its heart. This was a very unique insight into the farming and distilling processes which make Oxford Rye Whisky so special.
What are sustainable drinks? A COP26 discussion
"Sustainability". It has become the industry buzz word, but what does it really mean when it comes to drinks and the hospitality industry?
We put together a diverse panel of industry professionals to delve into the true meaning of terms like 'sustainability' and 'carbon neutral', and investigate where the responsibility lies in producing and consuming drinks with a lower carbon footprint.
Our panel addressed everything from coffee to Pina Coladas as we explored how products are marketed, and what industry producers are actually doing to reduce their emissions and save the planet, compared to what sells to the modern “conscious consumer”.
We were delighted to be joined by The Oxford Artisan Distillery, Dear Green Coffee, Buck & Birch, and Avallen for an evening of drinks, discussion and debate, hosted by Sarah Heaney, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Membership Manager.
Takeover nights with Avallen, Buck & Birch and Brewgooder
We hosted standalone takeover evenings with some of our favourite sustainable brands, creating a bespoke menu with each team, with drinks that were a
Fermentation Station with Arbikie & Janice Clyne
Janice joined us for a delightful Saturday afternoon treat, taking us through the health and wellbeing benefits of ferments including kombucha and kefir. Participants got to try a selection of different drinks whilst learning about the miracle of the Scobbie, and discovered why introducing ferments into your diet can drastically improve your gut health, skin and general wellbeing.
Harlow's Hideaway presented by Wildcat Gin
As darkness set on the final Sunday at 75.5 Steps, we were thrilled to hand over the floor to Scottish showboy supreme Tom Harlow of the Nouveau Cabaret Club – a night where anything goes and everything you see will be for your eyes only. The eclectic evening was a hit and the Wildcat drinks were flowing all night long.
Closing party with Stoli Vodka
To celebrate our final night at 75.5 Steps we threw a party like no other with some help from our friends over at Stoli. The drinks were flowing, the music was loud, and it was pleasure to close the most incredible few weeks with a room full of the people who'd helped make it everything it was.
Makers Showcase
In addition to our calendar of brand events, 75.5 Steps hosted a collection of sustainably and ethically rooted products and artworks including: incredible olive oil from Citizens of Soil, inspirational t-shirts from Dream On playwear, and handmade protest kites by Greer Pester.
The doors have closed on 75.5 Steps for now, but we are looking to bring the concept back in 2022 and beyond… Keep looking for the flashing lights