Jazz legend sets the tone to mark launch of Stirling's newest live music venue

Daily Record

15-07-2025

Dom Pipkin, described by Blues in Britain as "one of the world's greatest exponents of New Orleans piano", entertained guests at the Golden Lion Hotel's Cronies bar.
Stirling's flourishing cultural and musical landscape continues to expand with the unveiling of a new piano lounge within the historic Golden Lion Hotel.
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Patrons and special invitees were treated to a performance by one of the world's most celebrated jazz and blues artists, Dom Pipkin, on Wednesday evening (July 9) at the hotel's Cronies bar.
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The renowned pianist and composer drew a diverse crowd, including local musicians and creative talents from the area.
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Pipkin, hailed by Blues in Britain as "one of the world's greatest exponents of New Orleans piano", has established himself as a fixture in the US city's music scene, gracing stages at events including the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival and the prestigious 'Piano Night'.
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey, said: "I lived in New Orleans for a time and I'm a huge fan of Dom and his music. It was incredible to see him play in Stirling and it's yet another milestone in the city's growing reputation for arts, music and culture.
"The evening at the Golden Lion set the bar for our fantastic hospitality industry and will hopefully spark more innovation and attractions across the sector to boost our appeal to both residents and visitors.
"We've got so much going on in Stirling and we're committed to working with our communities, local organisations and businesses to unleash the area's full cultural potential and maximise the benefits of a vibrant night-time economy."
Hotel owners, Gary and Ros Atkinson, first encountered Dom's musical talent years ago at Ronnie Scott's in London. Ros recalled: "The moment he started to play it took our breath away and we immediately booked him for our Scottish hotel.
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"Since then, we have been lucky to become good friends and watch him perform may times, including in Europe with his band Morcheeba.
"We have created our Cronies Piano Lounge as a stylish and relaxed venue for cool music and classic cocktails and were thrilled when he immediately agreed to play and launch our series of lounge music piano nights. It was great to see the audience appreciate the art of a true British jazz legend."
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The hotel is recruiting a line-up of top pianists to perform Friday nights, Saturday afternoons and evenings, and Sunday Jazz Lunch. A full schedule will be released shortly.
The Golden Lion, a 66-bedroom establishment and the oldest building on King Street, boasts notable ties to Rabbie Burns. As part of the Bloody Scotland crime-writing festival in September, it will host The Whisky Night – an evening of spirited conversation and music.
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The event will feature appearances from Rebus creator Sir Ian Rankin, singer-songwriter James Yorkston, Colin MacIntyre of Mull Historical Society, and author Natalie Jayne Clark.
Mr Atkinson, a business ambassador for the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and a member of their Scottish Business Advisory Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the city's potential. He said: "This is a great city with a great hospitality offering and we are working closely with local tourism, businesses and the council to promote Stirling. There are exciting times ahead and it's great to have so much local support."
Councillor McGarvey further emphasised the importance of collaboration, saying: "Having dynamic partnerships with creative entrepreneurs like Gary and the local hospitality and tourism trade is at the heart of our strategy to build our offering to local residents and UK and international visitors."
Ewan Duncan, the owner of Europa Music in Stirling's Friars Street, Scotland's largest vinyl record shop, shared his delight at the return of live music events. He said: "It was great to see live music with a world-class jazz pianist in a hotel back on the up and up and to have such an appreciative audience there to enjoy it."
Dom said: "I'm just lucky they want to listen to me as an artist doing what I do. I was delighted to support the new venture by Gary and Ros and spread my alternative blues gospel. I will be back later in the year and wish them and every artist performing here every success."