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A 1970s-themed bar that opened last year on the Weighbridge will now be allowed to stay open until the early hours of the morning – with local DJs set to play for islanders who fancy an after-dinner cocktail.
The Melting Pot, which has a “futuristic 70s vibe”, was founded at the end of last year by Brian and Stani Smith – the couple behind The Blind Pig speakeasy and Ce Soir.
At its location on Caledonia Place, next to the Troubadour pub, they serve spritz cocktails as well as classic cocktails and aperitivos.
Pictured: Stani and Brian are a married business duo who are known for The Blind Pig speakeasy and Ce Soir.
The Melting Pot has so far held a First Category (Taverners) Licence, which forced the bar to close at 23:00.
But today the venue gained a Seventh Category (Entertainment) Licence which will permit later opening hours. Under the law, premises can only hold such a late licence if drinking is "ancillary" to entertainment such as live music and dancing.
It was their second attempt to win over the Licensing Assembly – the panel of Jurats which makes decisions on licensing applications. It had determined in October that, "although... there is no doubt the premises are structurally appropriate for entertainment, the sale of alcohol is not ancillary to entertainment – the reverse would appear to be the case".
Speaking to the Licensing Assembly in the Royal Court this morning, owner Mr Smith said he knew that the bar would have to offer entertainment and for the sale of alcohol to be ancillary to conform to the this category of licence.
Having already had DJs ask if they could play at The Melting Pot, the owners explained that later opening hours would be an opportunity to showcase local artists.
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Watch: Brian gave Express a tour of the venue when it opened in December 2023.
Mr Smith added that plans for music were primarily focused on Fridays and Saturdays, up to eight times a month – with the possibility of the occasional corporate event on a Thursday.
He also explained that the venue has no cooking facilities, but that they were able to serve food such as charcuterie and cheeses.
Following approval from the Licensing Assembly, Mr Smith said: "I'm particularly excited to be able to be able to turn around to my patrons that have asked for an extended stay in the evening time.
"Our biggest issue was people finishing dinner at 22:30 or 23:00 and wanting a drink, but we couldn't let them in."
He added that he was looking forward to "being able to do that without losing from a business point of view".
"Nowadays, people are just out later, it's not like many years ago," he said.
Pictured: Brian Smith behind the bar at the Melting Pot.
Mr Smith explained that going into the summer, tourists would also form part of The Melting Pot's clientele.
His wife added: "We want to use local artists, particularly DJs, who have been trying to contact us. We couldn't really accommodate them at the time."
The conditions of the licence mean that the Melting Pot can, after 23:00, only serve alcohol if there is other entertainment in place, and only indoors.
This means that drinks will not be allowed on the terrace after 23:00.
Pictured top: Stani and Brian Smith had their Seventh Category (Entertainment) Licence approved in the Royal Court this morning.
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