One of the biggest and most successful names in Scottish hospitality, the proud family-run Lisini Pub Company was set up in 1969 by Harry and Kathleen Hood, and continues to be a beacon for the finest food, service, entertainment, events and functions in Scotland. The Lanarkshire-based hospitality group employs over 300 people and the business has grown organically over the last sixty-plus years.
Luxurious Venues with a Personal Touch
Offering a wide array of luxurious rooms, bars, restaurants, wedding venues, function rooms, conference facilities and even a golf course across the different sites, the family business has been built on hard graft plus a love of hospitality and the people working within the sector.
Group Executive Chef Chris Forbes was out of work after being left severely injured by a car accident before joining Lisini. “While the drunk driver got out of the vehicle and sparked up a cigarette, I was left with three crushed discs and a long recovery period,” says Chris. “Struggling to pay my mortgage, I contacted the Benevolent Association for the Licensed Trade (The Ben). Lisa Wishart, Harry and Kathleen’s daughter, was a director of the charity, in addition to her role at Lisini. Lisa supported me for several months as my case worker before telling me that she was getting me back into the kitchen. I joined Lisini around 12 years ago and haven’t looked back. Lisa was a remarkable lady who sadly passed away in 2023. I owe her so much and she is missed greatly throughout the Lisini family.”
Crafting Menus That Celebrate Scotland
Responsible for the food across all the company’s bars, restaurant and function rooms, Chris is immensely passionate about nurturing the next generation. Each venue aims to change the a la carte menu at least three times a year with an additional Christmas menu. The company also creates fresh menus for Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Father’s Day and other key occasions. This year, they ran successful menus for Burns Night, which included specials to showcase the very best of Scottish produce.
“Our ethos is to make sure the staff of today are retained and move up to senior positions, so the menu development and specials are crucial in developing our team. No one gets promoted until there is someone beneath them who can do their job. As a young chef, there is nothing better than seeing your dishes on the menu, being bought and enjoyed. It gives you a huge buzz and you learn so much about the process.”
Looking Ahead: Ambitious Plans for 2025
Passionate about the future at Lisini, Chris has big plans for the year; “Our aim is to challenge ourselves every single day and continuously strive for improvement. Our target for 2025 is to increase turnover by 20%, while decreasing overheads. To help drive growth and reach our targets, we are looking to revamp Dalziel Park with a major overhaul to improve the experience for our guests.”
For more information on The Lisini Pub Co and its venues.
