By Sharon Wilson
With fewer than two months until its June 24 opening day, Bonnie & Wild has confirmed two acclaimed restaurants will be taking top spots at Edinburgh’s first Food Hall inside the new St James Centre.
Glasgow institution The Gannet and vegan restaurant group Erpingham House will both be taking key food stalls at Bonnie & Wild’s Scottish Marketplace, which will house eight food stalls, three bars and four speciality retailers.
BBC Masterchef Gary Maclean will also be there with the seafood-focused 'Creel Caught' as will East Pizza and artisanal gelateria, Joelato.
The Gannet, opened by Ivan Stein and Peter McKenna, is renowned for its take on Scottish fine dining, as well as its commitment to high quality seasonal ingredients sourced from artisan producers, foragers and farmers. Winner of multiple accolades, The Gannet won Scottish Licensed Trade News’ coveted Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year, and is holder of 3 AA Rosettes and a Michelin Plate.
Head chef Peter Mckenna said:
“From the moment we heard about Bonnie & Wild’s Scottish Marketplace we knew it was a perfect fit for The Gannet. The venue is stunning. The finish, the concept, and the food and drink offering are all first class. I’m excited The Gannet is going to be one of the key food offerings within it.”
Upmarket vegan restaurant Erpingham House comes to Scotland for the first time after establishing itself in Norwich and expanding to Brighton. Executive chef Meg Greenacre said guests to Bonnie & Wild could expect plant-based takes on classics, such as their version of fish and chips.
Bonnie & Wild’s General Manager Kate Russell said that guests to Bonnie & Wild would be able to order food from any of the food stalls and have their order delivered to their table. She said:
“It’s one of the key concepts for our Food Hall. So with a party of any size, each individual can order all together but off different menus. And as they wait they can peruse the retailers, including a butcher, fishmonger and craft bottle shop. Or they can explore the venue and see the wall space that’s been given over to stunning images of Scotland through a partnership with the Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards, and which allows guests to order a print with proceeds going to charity.”
