Sip & Bark

Business Overview

Scrandaddy Limited, trading as Sip & Bark, was founded by Craig and Kasia Neilson in Sep 2022 prior to opening for business in April 2024. Sip & Bark is an innovative café and wine bar located in the affluent Stockbridge area of Edinburgh, designed to cater to both humans and their canine companions. By day, it operates as a regular café offering a menu featuring brunch favourites, speciality drinks, and dog-friendly treats. On Friday and Saturday evenings, it transforms into a wine bar serving charcuterie boards, fine wines, and beers, along with unique dog-friendly “wine” and “beer.” This unique concept aims to blend luxury, style, and the joy of canine companionship, attracting a clientele that appreciates a high-end, dog-friendly environment.

Business Requirement

Sip & Bark required financial support to cover essential start-up costs, including lease purchase, fixtures, fittings, catering equipment, initial marketing expenses, and working capital. The total capital needed for launching Sip & Bark was £100,000. Craig and Kasia contributed £25,000 of their own funds, underscoring their commitment to the venture.

Securing Business Loan from DSL Business Finance

To meet their financial needs, Sip & Bark secured a £75,000 business loan from the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Scotland, managed by DSL Business Finance. This funding, combined with the personal contribution from the directors, enabled them to open their unique café and wine bar in Edinburgh and ensured a successful launch.

Key Success Factors of Successful Loan Application

Several factors contributed to the successful loan application by Scrandaddy Limited:

1. Strong Director Commitment and Proven Management Expertise: Craig and Kasia Neilson’s significant personal investment of £25,000 highlighted their confidence and dedication to the venture. Their previous success with FP Experiences Ltd, where they successfully repaid their loan, demonstrated their reliability. Additionally, Craig Neilson’s background in financial management and the couple’s experience in running a successful leisure business provided a solid management foundation for Sip & Bark.
2. Comprehensive Business Plan and Innovative Concept: Sip & Bark’s business plan was thorough and well-researched, providing detailed market analysis and realistic financial projections. This comprehensive planning indicated a strong foundation for the business’s anticipated success. The unique blend of a high-end café and dog-friendly environment tapped into a growing niche market. The concept’s appeal was expected to drive significant organic marketing through social media, enhancing its visibility and customer base.
3. Strategic Location and Market Potential: The café’s location in the affluent area of Stockbridge, Edinburgh, was strategically chosen to attract a high-end clientele. Its proximity to Inverleith Park, a popular spot for dog walkers, further added to its appeal. The relatively uncommon nature of such a venue in the UK and its unique offerings indicated a significant market opportunity.
4. Job Creation and Community Impact: The business was projected to create seven new jobs, contributing positively to the local economy. This job creation aligned with DSL Business Finance’s goals of supporting local economic development, ensuring the venture’s alignment with broader community benefits.

Lesley Prentice, Loan Officer at DSL Business Finance, commented on the successful application:

“DSL Business Finance is pleased to support Craig and Kasia in their new venture, Sip & Bark. Their innovative concept and dedication to creating a unique, high-end experience for both people and their pets are truly commendable. We are confident that Sip & Bark will contribute positively to the local economy and set a new standard in the café culture of Edinburgh.”