Macleod's Scottish Pub Opens In Ballard

Macleod's Scottish Pub opens today in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood. Macleod's is the latest venture from James Weimann and Deming Maclise, the duo behind Ballard's popular French bistro Bastille and Mexican hot spot Poquitos on Capitol Hill.

Located at 5200 Ballard Avenue NW in the historic Junction Building, Macleod's offers a selection of 50-plus whiskeys with a focus on rare single malt scotches. They plan to increase that number to over 100 in the near future.

Weimann and Maclise conceptualized and created the pub for good friend, Allen Macleod. Macleod, a native of Edinburgh, Scotland and painter by trade, has worked on a number of projects for the guys dating back to the mid-90s. Macleod will run the day-to-day business and be the face of the pub.

The three gentlemen traveled to Scotland in early October to research the local pub scene and tour numerous distilleries. They stayed at Glenmorangie and The Macallan where they were graciously schooled in single malt production. They also went on a few salvaging expeditions and got some great pieces to enhance the design elements of Macleod's.

"The trip to Scotland was perfect," says Maclise. "Everyone we came across was so welcoming and generous. Generous with their knowledge, time, and whiskey!

"That's how we envision Macleod's," adds Weimann. "And Allen is the perfect guy to see that it happens."

The 1,000 square-foot space has a mezzanine that is railed in by an old cast iron gate found in a small village in the Highlands. The guys built a "bar deck" that mimics the style of bars they saw throughout Scotland and showcases stained glass they salvaged while traveling. The Macallan donated a collection of vintage signs on the steps of the distilling process that have been incorporated into the design of the maple wood bar. The room is exposed brick, mahogany booths, and features a custom painted map of Scotland on the ceiling. The map is by Alison Macleod, local artist and Allen's wife. Seating is approximately 75 including 16 barstools.

Poquitos managing partner, Rich Fox, created and will oversee the cocktail program at Macleod's. The cocktail list showcases classic cocktails that incorporate both blended and single malt scotches, as well as a balance of other spirits.

The cocktail list includes: Penicillin (Famous Grouse, Lemon Juice, Ginger-Honey Syrup, Laphroig float), Blood & Sand (Scotch, Cherry Heering, Sweet Vermouth, Orange Juice), Whiskey Mac (Famous Grouse, Stone's Green Ginger Wine), The Modern (JW Black, Plymouth Sloe Gin, Lemon Juice, Orange Bitters, Absinthe), Atholl Brose (Glenfiddich, Honey Syrup, Oatmeal Water, Cream, Fresh Grated Cinnamon), Tabard (Corralejo Reposado Tequila, Drambuie, Amontillado Sherry, Orange Bitters), and Red Hook (Rittenhouse Rye, Punt E Mes, Luzardo Maraschino) to name a few.

In addition to the vast selection of whiskey and scotch, guests can enjoy locally made spirits, four beers on tap, and wine. Look for barrel aged cocktails in the near future.

Macleod's food offerings include a selection of savory pies, charcuterie, cheese, Scottish smoked salmon and a daily soup made by Bastille.

Macleod's is open daily from 4:30pm to 2am. For more information, call 206.687.7115 or visit www.macleodsballard.com (coming soon!)