The Wheelhouse

The Spirit Behind Our Local Distillery Partnerships

At The Wheelhouse, our setting has always shaped the way we welcome guests. Beside the Falkirk Wheel, where canals, engineering and countryside meet, food and drink feel closely connected to place. Our work with local distilleries grew from that same idea: create a drinks experience that reflects Scotland’s character while giving every guest an easy, enjoyable way to discover it.

A carefully chosen whisky, gin or liqueur can add a sense of occasion to a meal, whether you are joining us for brunch, a family lunch, a Friday steak night or Champagne afternoon tea. For Australian visitors, it offers a taste of Scotland that sits naturally alongside the flavours, stories and relaxed hospitality found throughout our restaurant and bar.

From Waterways To Whisky

The Falkirk Wheel is more than a landmark outside our doors. It represents movement, craft and connection, carrying boats between two canals through a remarkable piece of modern engineering. Those qualities also guide the way we think about local distilling. Every bottle has a journey behind it, from ingredients and water to fermentation, maturation, blending and service.

Our partnerships begin with curiosity about that journey. We look at how a distillery works, what makes its spirit distinctive and how its approach fits with the atmosphere at The Wheelhouse. A small-batch gin may bring bright botanicals and a clean finish, while a whisky may offer orchard fruit, toasted oak, spice or gentle smoke. These differences give our team more ways to make a drink feel personal rather than routine.

We also value the people behind the labels. Local distilling is built on patience, practical knowledge and pride in the surrounding landscape. By working with producers close to home, we can help tell those stories in a setting where guests can enjoy them over a meal, rather than encountering them only as names on a shelf.

Why Local Distilling Matters

Choosing regional spirits supports a wider network of growers, makers, glassware suppliers, hospitality teams and independent businesses. It keeps attention on Scotland’s food and drink culture while allowing our guests to explore producers that may be unfamiliar to them. The relationship is especially meaningful when a bottle has a clear sense of origin and a reason for being on our bar.

This approach also suits the way people drink now. Guests increasingly want provenance, balance and quality, whether they are ordering a classic whisky serve or a refreshing gin and tonic. Australian diners are familiar with this interest through local wine regions such as the Barossa Valley, Yarra Valley and Margaret River, as well as a growing craft beer and spirits market in cities including Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

A partnership does not mean choosing a spirit simply because it is nearby. We consider flavour, consistency, versatility and the experience it creates. The right producer must work for a guest seeking a neat dram, a couple sharing cocktails or a family group choosing alcohol-free refreshments alongside dinner.

From The Still To The Table

Our drinks list is designed to be approachable. Staff can explain the character of a spirit without turning the conversation into a technical lesson, helping guests find a serve that matches their preferences. Some may enjoy a whisky with a splash of water; others may prefer a highball, a cocktail or a gin served with a suitable tonic and garnish.

Food plays an important role in that discovery. Richer spirits can work beautifully with steak, dark chocolate or a slow Sunday roast, while fresh, citrus-led serves may complement seafood, salads and lighter lunch dishes. A well-made cocktail can also mark the beginning of an evening, especially when guests are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or a special visit to the Falkirk Wheel.

Our all-day menu gives guests plenty of opportunities to explore these combinations at their own pace. A morning coffee may lead to a relaxed brunch, while an afternoon visit can become dinner and drinks. The partnership with local distilleries therefore lives across the day, rather than being limited to a single tasting event.

A Partnership Built On Conversation

Good partnerships develop through regular conversation. We listen to distillers describing new releases, seasonal ingredients and changes in production, then consider how those details might translate into a welcoming guest experience. We share feedback from the bar and dining room, including which flavours appeal to visitors and which serves are easiest to enjoy.

That exchange helps us remain flexible. A botanical spirit might inspire a limited cocktail for warmer months, while a richer whisky could suit the darker evenings of autumn and winter. In the same way that Australian bars adapt their menus for hot summers, long lunches and festive gatherings, we respond to the seasons and the occasions that matter to our guests.

The relationship also connects with the wider Townhouse Restaurants family. Our sister restaurant reflects the same belief that thoughtful food and drink should feel generous, memorable and rooted in a clear sense of identity. Each venue has its own personality, yet the shared focus remains hospitality that feels polished without becoming formal.

A Taste Of Scotland For Australian Guests

Visitors from Australia often arrive with a strong appreciation for regional produce and relaxed dining. They may be used to a long lunch in Melbourne, seafood by the coast in Sydney, a sunny afternoon drink in Brisbane or a celebration built around local wine in Adelaide. Our aim is to offer that same ease while introducing the distinctive ingredients and traditions of Scotland.

Weather can shape the way spirits are enjoyed. On a bright summer day, a chilled gin serve or a sparkling cocktail can suit the mood, much like a spritz at an Australian outdoor gathering. During cooler weather, a whisky-based drink or a warm, spiced serve can feel especially comforting after exploring the canals and attractions around Falkirk.

We also understand that many Australian guests travel with families or mixed-age groups. A distillery-inspired visit should feel inclusive, with thoughtful non-alcoholic choices, children’s menus and food for different appetites. The story of a spirit is there for those who want to hear it, but nobody needs specialist knowledge to feel welcome at the table.

The Experience At A Glance

There are several ways to enjoy the connection between The Wheelhouse and local distilling. Guests can ask the team about the current selection, choose a spirit-led cocktail or pair a pour with a meal. Our gift cards and experience vouchers can also turn that discovery into a future occasion for someone special.

The best moments are often simple: a first taste of an unfamiliar whisky, a local gin shared before dinner or a conversation about the landscape behind a bottle. These small discoveries help a visit become more memorable without taking away from the food, company or setting.

What to expect from the bar:

Ways to make the visit part of your day:

Our restaurant story explains more about the people, place and values behind The Wheelhouse. Local distillery partnerships are one part of that story, helping us connect Scottish producers with guests from Falkirk, across the UK and around the world.

Bring your appetite, take time to explore the drinks list and let our team pour you a taste of Scotland beside the Falkirk Wheel.