Top jazz musician set for music nights at historic Stirling city centre hotel

Daily Record

07-07-2025

Dom Pipkin has been signed up for the opening by the new owners of the Golden Lion venue in the city.
One of the world's greatest jazz and blues musicians is to launch a series of lounge music piano nights at one of Scotland's most historic hotels.
Piano player and songwriter Dom Pipkin has been signed up for the opening by the new owners of the Golden Lion in Stirling.
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Pipkin has been described by Blues in Britain as 'one of the world's greatest exponents of New Orleans piano' and will be performing on Wednesday July 9.
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Hotelier and entrepreneur Gary Atkinson said: 'We're thrilled to have a true British jazz legend tinkling the ivories as we create Cronies Piano Lounge - a new home for superb music and classic cocktails.
'My partner Ros and I have had the pleasure of seeing Dom perform initially in Ronnie Scotts in London, with Morcheeba in Cologne and, of course, in our Aberdeen hotel a few times. Once he dons that iconic hat and starts to play his unique mix of Big Easy sounds and songwriting with blues, it simply takes your breath away.
'The Golden Lion is the oldest building on King Street and has famous connections to Rabbie Burns and we hope that we can create our own piece of history and culture by introducing a vibrant music and arts scene for a modern discerning local clientele.
'We are already eagerly awaiting the appearance of Rebus creator Sir Ian Rankin at this year's Bloody Scotland crime-writing festival in September. He will be joined at the hotel by singer-songwriter James Yorkston, Mull Historical Society's Colin MacIntyre and author Natalie Jayne Clark for The Whisky Night – a late-night dram with a blend of lively banter and songs.'
Gary is no stranger to the hospitality and music scene, having previously owned and ran hotels and many premium stadiums, hosting some of the greatest artists including Oasis, Harry Styles, Bruce Springsteen, and Beyonce.
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Pipkin studied jazz at the Royal Academy of Music and has played prestigious venues such as the acclaimed 'Piano Night' in New Orleans. He is also a touring member of Morcheeba, performs with his band The Ikos, and has played with numerous leading artists including Ray Davies and David Byrne.
He has shared stages with legends such as Allen Toussaint , Dr John and Screamin' Jay Hawkins, with Grammy award winner Jon Cleary inviting him to jam whenever he's in town. Fans include Jonathan Ross, Hugh Laurie, David Arnold, and Jamie Cullum.
Pipkin first discovered the New Orleans style in the early 90s and has become a regular performer in that city, with appearances that include the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival. A fixture on the European blues and boogie-woogie festival circuit, he has played thousands of club in a career spanning nearly three decades.
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During the Covid lockdown he performed more than 120 broadcast shows from his home and completed his solo album 'C'mon Sunshine' - an all-original collection of songs on the subject of hope.
On screen, Pipkin stars in the Netflix thriller, Black Doves, and A Thousand Blows by the creators of Peaky Blinders.
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Pipkin will also return later in the year and the hotel is recruiting a regular line-up of top pianists to perform Friday evenings, Saturday afternoons and evenings, and Sunday Jazz Lunch. A full entertainment and event schedule for Cronies will be released shortly.
The 66-bedroom hotel is almost 240 years old and features a majestic golden lion above the entrance porch. With its central location, it has been a long-standing favourite for diners, travellers and for friends to catch up, including Burns and his Cronies.
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In August 1787, he and his travelling companion Willie Nicol stayed at The Golden Lion and in the evening they were joined by local businessman Christopher Bell. At the time the Castle was very rundown and this inspired Burns to write the famous 'Stirling Lines' and etched the verse on a pane of glass in his second-floor bedroom.
'Here Stuarts once in glory reign'd, And laws for Scotland's weal ordain'd ;
But now unroof 'd their palace stands, Their sceptre's sway'd by other hands.
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The injur'd Stuart line is gone, A race outlandish fills their throne
An idiot race, to honour lost : Who know them best despise them most.'
Realising his lament for the deposed Stuart line and shock at the dilapidated state of the Castle had caused offence, Burns returned to the hotel in October and smashed the pane of glass with the butt of his riding crop.
Gary shares: 'Our Cronies bar and restaurant was named in honour of our Burns heritage and aimed to capture that spirit of revellers getting together to put the world to rights. We are bringing in a Baby Grand Piano and aiming to attract a younger generation to chat over great cocktails, coffees, relaxed dining and enjoy the stylish ambience.
'We're proud to be part of such a great city, working with local tourism, businesses and the council to put the emphasis on superb hospitality and help promote Stirling for both local and Central Belt residents, as well as a UK and International visitor destination.'