Designer Events, the innovative company offering unique bar and music experiences, is excited to announce its expansion to Edinburgh.

This comes after its success in Dundee and Angus Designer Events was founded in 2018 by Jonny Calder, who had a vision of creating a one-of-a-kind bar and music experience for people’s homes and gardens, featuring exquisite cocktails. Prior to this venture, Jonny had been working offshore until the unfortunate passing of his mother in 2016 due to a cancerous brain tumor. Motivated by his mother’s belief that life is too short to not pursue one’s dreams, Jonny left his offshore job and took up a sales position in Dundee, while he started building Designer Events on weekends.

The positive feedback he received encouraged him to pursue the business full time at the end of 2019. However, the global pandemic brought the business to a halt in March 2020. Despite this setback, Jonny remained determined to spread joy to people’s lives through his business. In collaboration with his colleague, Ryan, they began to deliver cocktails and mocktails to key workers, those living alone, and anyone who needed a boost in Dundee and Angus. This effort resulted in over 250 cocktails being delivered in just two weekends.

Jonny then developed the concept of “SYOCAH” (shake your own cocktails at home), which became a hit in Dundee and Angus. The concept was later launched nationwide, and Designer Events moved into its first office.

As restrictions eased, Designer Events expanded, adding more bars and a larger premises to provide an exceptional cocktail experience for customers. Designer Events has assembled a talented and outgoing team that is passionate about their work and committed to providing the best possible experience for clients.

Jonny’s long-term plan has always been to franchise the business, but the undertaking has proven to be quite challenging. Nevertheless, Designer Events continues to thrive, and its team continues to grow. Jonny has now decided to lead Designer Events in Edinburgh, a daunting task that he believes is achievable, given his successful track record. Jonny will continue to be part of the Dundee team as needed, but he’s excited to take on the new challenge of expanding Designer Events into Edinburgh.

The company feels that Edinburgh is a perfect fit for Designer Events, given the city’s vibrant culture and diverse population. Initially, the Party Package will be introduced in Edinburgh, and if it proves to be successful, Designer Events will consider opening a small location and expanding further.

Jonny himself says: “I’m so excited about Designer Events Edinburgh; it’s going to be a huge challenge, but one I’m very much up for. This was all a dream at the start in 2018 and I feel it’s my mum pushing me forward and telling me to go for it so that’s what I’m going to do. Edinburgh here we come”.

Source: Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce