About us

Who We Are

Dark Arts Drinks is drinks industry consultancy service specialising in maximising client’s margins and profitability. We generate new revenue sources via purchasing methods and brand sponsorship by utilising a unique set of skills and experience. This, bolstered by an extensive network throughout the international drinks community we are able to successfully improve your business.

Dark Arts Drinks provides and 1-2-1 bespoke consultancy service, run by DAD founder, Fraser McIlwraith. With over 20 years of experience in the drinks industry, Fraser has spearheaded some of the largest brand and sponsorship deals for industry leaders such as Buzzworks, G1 Group and DRG.

Dark Arts Drinks goal is to assure your business has the top levels of investment available on the market. Combining a wealth of experience and market knowledge, DAD specialises in providing:

-A unique 1-2-1 service tailored to increase your venues profitability

-Ongoing support for both venue owners and bar managers

-The correct knowledge to go forward with confidence

Our mission.

Offering bespoke consultancy within the drinks industry to create new and improved revenue streams while building the best brand relationships for our clients.

Meet the Team

  • Fraser has worked in hospitality for 25 years and occupied senior leadership roles in companies such as Caledonian Heritable, Buzzworks Holdings, Scotsman Group and the DRG.

    He set up his own consultancy, Dark Art Drinks in 2018 and through collaboration with his business partners he set up The Glasgow Cocktail Collective which employed hospitality professionals who didn’t receive furlough.

    He has a holistic attitude towards business and spends much of his time financially educating his team on business and tax.

    Frasers knowledge and experience in the hospitality industry is the leading drive behind Dark Art Drinks, there is no stone unturned.

  • Adam has worked in the hospitality sector since 2005 in an array of different roles giving him the opportunity to meet diverse and wonderful people, travel and work, and experience and appreciate different cultures.

    Adam’s first senior role was Venue Manager for Cottiers in Glasgow, and has since managed many bars, an events company for both small and large scale events all over the UK and worked closely with brands to provide support and guidance.

    Adam is often the brain of the logistics behind making your vision come to life. Adam has worked on a number of projects over the last few years including the creation of our own vegan drinks brand, Liquid Oats. He, along with our production team, have also helped in the development of other brands such as Panther Milk, adapting their recipe to become vegan friendly.

    Adam will always be in the thick of the action, making sure whatever he is involved in is run well, efficiently and with a very conscious mind of waste and the environment.