For eight years, the halls of Archerfield Walled Garden echoed with more than just the bustle of work – they resonated with the voice of Rhys Heaven. A beloved member of the team is now trading pruning shears for a microphone, embarking on a long-held dream to pursue music full-time.
Rhys’s passion wasn’t a sudden spark, but a slow burn ignited at family gatherings and nurtured through school shows at Preston Lodge High School. His talent wasn’t confined to quiet moments; he regularly captivated patrons of East Lothian and Edinburgh bars, including lively performances at The Three Sisters, Dropkick Murphys, and Stramash.
The turning point came in 2014 when Rhys began crafting his own songs, pouring his experiences and emotions into original lyrics. This dedication led to a pivotal moment last year – an invitation to La Sierra Casa, a songwriting camp in Spain, where he honed his skills alongside Kyle Falconer from The View.
Now, Rhys is setting his sights on Liverpool, a city brimming with musical energy, where he already has a series of gigs lined up. He’s not arriving empty-handed; a six-track EP is on the horizon, and an Edinburgh performance is already scheduled to celebrate his new chapter.
Listeners have already gotten a taste of what’s to come with the release of his first single, “Do You Remember,” released last month. The anticipation is building for his second song, arriving on February 13th, and a particularly poignant release – “Just for the Night” – timed to coincide with his final day at Archerfield.
“I’ve always loved music,” Rhys reflects, recalling a childhood filled with impromptu performances and encouraging feedback. “But it was my music teacher who truly gave me the confidence to pursue it seriously.” He credits the supportive environment at Archerfield for allowing him to nurture his passion alongside his work.
The sentiment is mutual. Sam Donald, a close colleague, acknowledges Rhys will be deeply missed by the Garden Café team, but expresses excitement for his future. Elly Douglas-Hamilton, Chief Executive of Archerfield Estates Limited, echoes this, describing Rhys as “incredibly talented” and “destined to make it big.”
Rhys leaves behind a legacy of warmth and melody at Archerfield, but steps forward with unwavering determination and a growing catalog of music ready to share with the world. This isn’t a farewell to a job, but a resounding hello to a lifelong dream.
