Codona brews up new concept December 10, 2015Featured, News Licensee delighted with result of five-month refurbishment It took a lot of graft from Raymond Codona to get his latest venture off the ground. Launching in Glasgow last month, Bavaria Brauhaus is the culmination of five months of work – from sourcing beers and chandeliers to commissioning bespoke iron railings and ornate painted ceilings. But Codona’s hard work paid off and the venue, in a B-listed former bank premises on Bothwell Street, which previously housed Madness Theatre of Fun, opened its doors last month after a £1 million overhaul. His journey to Bavaria Brauhaus began on a trip to Germany where the operator encountered Hofbräuhaus in Munich and decided to create something similar in Scotland. “Like most good concepts, it started by accident,” Codona told SLTN. “I stopped off in Munich and visited Hofbräuhaus. It was very impressive and had a great atmosphere and I really wanted to do something similar here.”

And he had the perfect site in mind: Madness Theatre of Fun, which had traded in the Bothwell Street premises for the past 13 years. Keen to continue to lease the premises, Codona reckoned it would suit his Bavaria Brauhaus concept. Work on the refurbishment project, which Codona describes as “a homage to Hofbräuhaus”, began in June and the venue opened on November 11 – by which time the 200-capacity premises, which has a combined floor space of 6500 sq ft, had been overhauled. One of the most striking features of the new venue is the ornate painted ceiling created by Glasgow artist Nichol Wheatley, who worked on Alasdair Gray’s Òran Mór fresco. It also features two imported brass chandeliers, which create a bold lighting statement. On the ground floor, chunky furniture  gives way to a 23ft copper-topped bar, which arrived days before the grand opening, while a  staircase spirals up to the mezzanine level. The “quieter” upstairs area, featuring bespoke iron railings bearing the Bavaria Brauhaus crest, overlooks the grand

hall below where an oompah band performs at regular intervals in the venue’s bandstand. The mezzanine also has a secluded parquet-floored area overlooking the street that can be booked for private functions. Bavaria Brauhaus’ German influences extend to the beer menu which revolves around six brewers which are said to dominate the Munich beer scene: Spaten, Hofbräu, Hacken-Pschorr, Augustiner Bräu, Paulaner and Löwenbräu. A further 50 bottled beers are stocked.chandelier restaurant in belleville nj The drinks menu may be a German beer lover’s dream, but Codona is keen to stress that Bavaria Brauhaus is also a restaurant listing hearty dishes such as roast chicken, Alpine fayre and Scottish favourites like fish and chips.capiz shell chandelier canada Codona, whose licensed trade background includes running Centre Point nightclub in Coatbridge and the MegaBar & Hype Nightclub in Motherwell, which he still operates, said he was “hands on” throughout the project.waterford crystal l3 lamp

“It has been a grind,” he said. “I’ve been here every day since June and have invested a lot of personal time in the project. “My dad was keen on the concept and he has backed me up on it and supported the idea.” Advice wasn’t in short supply for Codona, who also  consulted with Petra Wetzel of Glasgow German-style bar and brewery West and Gerald Michaluk of Arran Brewery, who he said were “very helpful” and provided inspiration and advice. The doors of Bavaria Brauhaus may now be open, but the work doesn’t stop here for Codona. “Getting the place up and running is just the beginning, we now have to deliver on food and service,” he said. Tagged Bavaria Brauhaus, Raymond Codona Share this SLTN article lost password remember me Suggest a Songfact / Artistfact Please sign in first Sign up for our newsletter We send out the Songfacts Newsletter once a month. It contains a big list of the new songs that were added, information on recent interviews, and updates on what's happening in the fishbowl.

If you'd like to receive the Songfacts Newsletter, please enter the email you'd like it sent to below: List of songs with Songfacts and Lyrics by Cage the ElephantArtistfacts for Cage the ElephantOf Mice and MenSpinnerAmerican Songwriter More songs from Cage the ElephantIt's going to be a great year for weddings! We've got the most exciting new ideas for décor, flowers, cakes, music and more. In a trend that Alison Laesser-Keck of VLD Events calls “the new destination wedding,” couples are increasingly looking for ways to bring in elements of places that hold special memories — no matter where the actual wedding is being held. For example, a couple who got engaged in Paris might bring in vintage street lamps to light the reception, have Edith Piaf songs playing during dinner and use bistro signage for the bar. “The idea is that you can have guests feel like they’re in Nashville, New York, your alma mater — whatever spot is close to your heart — and enjoying little bits of those places that have brought you joy,” she says.

Photo courtesy of Creative Edge Parties The key to setting a romantic mood? “Every couple wants to create a more romantic and intimate environment,” says Los Angeles–based event designer Trish Stevens of Classic Party Rentals. “Wedding lighting is the best — and simplest — way to establish both.” Event designers say they’re using more pendant lights with bare “Edison” bulbs, chandeliers (both vintage and modern) and candelabras to cast a soft glow. Couples are moving away from a reception layout based on large round tables, which has a tendency to feel too much like a conference event, and are instead opting for either very long, rectangular tables or a mix of long tables surrounded by smaller square and round tables — all for a more intimate vibe. And lounge areas, complete with comfortable seating options, remain a crucial part of the cocktail and after-party hours. Photo courtesy of Flower Duet Arrangements that feature both whatever is in season and whatever is local are gaining traction.

Sometimes couples request a “wild” look, say Casey Schwartz and Kit Wertz of Flower Duet in Los Angeles. “What they’re after are freshly picked blooms.” These free-form bouquets and centerpieces often include a mix of big and small blossoms in more than one color, and might use spiky flowers or fruiting vines to serve as exclamation points. Photo Credit: Bob and Dawn Davis Potted trees, succulents, ferns, lavender sprigs and decorative leaves (such as magnolia, begonia) are no longer reserved for anchoring flower arrangements — these days they can become the focal point of the décor. Flowering plants and blooming branches (think flowering quince, crab apple or cherry blossom) also work well as creative centerpieces. And a budget-friendly elegant idea is to adorn bare branches with crepe-paper flowers or sparkly jewels. Photo courtesy of Wedding Paper Divas “Shimmer, sparkle, glitter — across the board everyone loves high shine,” says Amber Harrison, style expert for Wedding Paper Divas.

Warm tones like rose gold and copper are the most requested metallic shades for 2016. And the trend is showing up on stamped and foil-pressed lettering and in shimmery papers. Photo courtesy of Gourmet Invitations There’s such a strong cultural interest in words and graphics that it couldn’t help but spill over into the world of wedding invitations. “Using multiple fonts on an all-type invitation adds fresh personality,” says Tifany Wunschl of Gourmet Invitations. Food stations that were all the rage even up to last year have conceded to the classic sit-down dinner. “But that doesn’t mean guests are stuck in their seats,” says Carla Ruben, founder of New York City’s Creative Edge Parties. To keep things interesting, caterers are bringing back gueridon service, where servers arrive at the dinner table with a cart filled with all the makings for customizable appetizers and desserts — everything from caesar salads, pastas and tartares to gelato, doughnuts and milk-and-cookies.

It’s common to pair wine with food, but “why not cocktails with food?” says Ruben. Some ideas for your cocktail hour: one-bite tacos with margarita shooters; pretzel bites with a local craft beer; caviar spoons and vodka shots; or Italian meatballs with a mini glass of chianti. And for dessert try apple pie with Moscato d’Asti or brownie bites with frozen espresso shooters. Photo Credit:Natalie Schutte Photography “Naked” cakes, which are unfrosted (or partially frosted) and simply adorned with berries or fresh flowers, are trending from coast to coast — and at both relaxed receptions and more formal affairs, says Nataly from the Great Dane Baking Company in Long Beach, California. Photo Credit: Julie Anne Photography, LLC via Your Wedding Experience Presented By David Tutera Hand painting is another versatile trend, lending itself to a bohemian vibe or something more luxe and elegant. This is a great way to pick up the motif of your dress or your invitations (especially if they’re also hand painted).

Or try it just for the wow factor. Cake by Perfect Wedding Cake Photo Credit: Erin Johnson Photography The days of picking between a DJ or a band are over. “Couples are viewing each aspect of their wedding celebration as an opportunity to bring in different entertainment options,” says Antonia Christianson, founder of Antonia Christianson Events in Virginia Beach. For example: a cabaret singer to serenade guests during the cocktail hour, a retro orchestra to add to the ambiance at dinner and a rocking dance band or DJ to keep people moving well into the night. Photo Credit: Ricky Restiano Photography Couples are requesting shots like doors slowly opening for a bride to walk down the aisle, a mom or dad wiping their tears or an aerial shot of the dance floor, say Joann and Mark Anthony of Nineteen Studios. “These are the images that really tell a story,” they say. Photo Credit: Open Aperture Photography “Sharing has become such a hot commodity, so more couples are valuing the short highlight films that are easily shared online,” says Shannon Acevedo of Hoo Films.