Francesco Castro A new bar and restaurant, Patron Saint is set to open in Bruntsfield this May. An all-day dining menu overseen by head chef Francesco Castro, previously of the Glentress Hotel will feature casual dishes and brunch items that showcase hyperlocal suppliers like Modern Standard and La Barantine; both a stone's throw away from the venue. The drinks menu includes classic cocktails, rotational beers, wines and spirits from Royal Mile Whiskies, Inverarity Morton and New Wave Beer. There are also Bloody Mary and 'non-alc' menus. Patron Saint is owned by Lucky Number Seven Holdings, the brains behind The Cocktail Mafia and The Raging Bull. The 58-cover site has an interior of clashing patterns, colours and textures that are reminiscent of stepping into an Alice in Wonderland tea party. The family and dog-friendly space has little nooks and alcoves and there is also an outdoor courtyard to enjoy the warmer weather. Nick Madigan, Managing Director of Lucky Number Seven Holdings said: “I love Bruntsfield, it is one of my favourite places in the city, so it made sense to open our third venue in the area. Our aim for Patron Saint is for it to be a home away from home, a place to bring your family, friends and pets for a casual, relaxed dining or drinking experience. We look forward to meeting the locals and becoming part of the community”. “I wanted the bar to be warm and comfortable but also stylish and exciting. When we decided on the name Patron Saint which takes its namesake from the church next door, we sourced antique pieces that we thought would fit well with the vibrant modern style.” Buy reader offer tickets for Foodies Festival here and Edinburgh Uncorked here To celebrate the opening, Patron Saint will be offering 50% discount on food until the end of June, to be the first to know when the booking lines open, sign up to the newsletter on the website: https://patronsaintedinburgh.co.uk/ 1-3 Barclay Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4HW Instagram: @patronsaintedinburgh

(L-R): Ben Radford; James (Jimmy) Murray (Head Chef); and Jo Radford by Abi Radford One of Scotland’s leading, independent, fine dining restaurants, Timberyard, has been awarded its first Michelin Star a decade after opening its doors in Edinburgh. Timberyard, on the capital’s Lady Lawson Street, was presented with the prestigious accolade by the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland at the annual ceremony, which took place at Silverstone Circuit in Northampton on Monday 27th March. The restaurant at 10 Lady Lawson Street - Abi Radford Owned and operated by Edinburgh’s Radford family since 2012, Timberyard continues to reinforce its position at the forefront of both Scottish and British dining. The Radford family, Ben, Jo, Abi, Andrew and Lisa, are all actively involved in the day-to-day operations. For 10 years, Timberyard has remained focused on ingredient-led cooking created with respect to nature and produce, and sourced from local, artisan suppliers, and Scotland’s natural larder. Head Chef James (Jimmy) Murray is supported by Head Pastry Chef, Richard Phillips. Front of house, Jo Radford is supported by Manager, Pete Johnson and Drinks & Bar Manager, Anna Sebelova. Commenting on Timberyard’s first Michelin Star award, Ben Radford, said: “The entire Timberyard team is delighted and couldn’t be more proud of such a tremendous achievement. “Timberyard has always aimed to be at the forefront of both Scottish and British dining. The Michelin Star gives Jimmy and our team the recognition they deserve. The award also helps to firmly establish Timberyard’s place at the highest level of the country’s fine dining scene. “To be included amongst great Edinburgh and national restaurants such as Martin Wishart’s and Lyles in London is a huge honour.” Jo Radford, added: “The Radford family and the entire team have always strived to achieve great things at Timberyard and the family always believed in what we were capable of. With Jimmy coming on board as the final piece of the puzzle, we have now achieved the ultimate accolade and we couldn’t be more delighted. “Thanks to the trust and loyalty of our team, as well as the passion and professionalism they have shown, we’re also extremely lucky to be celebrating our 10th anniversary in 2023, having survived some challenging obstacles along the way. Of course, we would not be where we are today without our loyal local and international supporters. “Our standards have always been set high, and our ethos and sourcing has remained the same since day one.” Timberyard’s Head Chef, Jimmy Murray, said: “It’s such a fantastic feeling for all involved to have been awarded our first Michelin Star. This has been so energising for me personally and I really look forward to our next exciting chapter.” Alexanders & Hens egg - Abi Radford

Six By Nico Merchant City Six Company, the Glasgow-based company behind the Six by Nico restaurant chain, has announced plans including the launch of three new venues across the city. Chief executive and founder Nico Simeone confirmed a three million pound investment into the city's restaurant scene with a new flagship restaurant in the Merchant City.  In addition, there will be Sole Club in Finnieston, which will pay homage to the original idea that launched the Six by Nico journey - 'The Chippie' - as well as Somewhere by Nico - an innovative cocktail bar that aims to combine multisensory, mixology and storytelling.  After six years of operations in the city and the opening of fifteen sites throughout the UK and Ireland in the same time frame, the brand is moving into a new phase. Six by Nico Merchant City will open on January 15th, 2024 at 64 Albion St, Glasgow.  Sole Club The existing Glasgow Finnieston Six by Nico location will close on January 14th while Sole Club will open. One side will host a unique chippie takeaway. The other side of Sole Club's concept is tucked away, a one-of-a-kind 22-seat speakeasy-style fish restaurant that takes pride in using the best Scottish ingredients. The venue will thrive on spontaneity and innovation, crafting daily menus based on the best ingredients available each day, ensuring a fresh and exciting dining experience. It will open its doors at 1132 Argyle St, Finnieston in February 2024. The final investment for the first quarter of 2024 in Glasgow for Six Company will bring a new cocktail-tasting experience to Glasgow's West End.  Somewhere by Nico will create a six-stage cocktail experience every six weeks, inspired by a ‘themed world’ that will become Somewhere during that time. You will be transported to a dream world with a carefully curated two-hour experience from £60pp. Somewhere by Nico will offer what is believed to be Scotland's first-ever cocktail-tasting experience with paired dishes and will open in February 2024 at 358 Byres Rd, Glasgow.  Six Company Chief Executive and founder Nico Simeone said:  “Our team is driven daily by the challenge to constantly create and reinvent. We are dedicated to being different, never resting on our laurels, and continuously striving to create the best customer experiences. Marking our six-year journey with such a significant evolution of experiences in our home town and reaffirming our commitments to the city seems like the best way to celebrate the next stage in our company vision.“  Since launching their first restaurant in 2017 in their hometown of Glasgow, Six by Nico has served over 350,000 customers across the city's locations in Finnieston, Byres Road, and Glasgow Southside and a staggering 2 million dishes. The Six by Nico brand has created 49 tasting menus since the conceptual brand's launch in Glasgow and raised over £700,000 in two years for the group's charity partner Beatson Cancer Charity. Since the partnership's inception less than two years ago, the restaurant group and their customers have raised funds across their fifteen Six by Nico locations in England, Scotland, and Ireland as well as 100% of the proceeds from the Beat 6 restaurant in Glasgow Bearsden going directly to Beatson Cancer Charity.  For further details on all three new Glasgow locations and to sign up for first access to Six by Nico Merchant City, Sole Club in Finnieston, and Somewhere by Nico on Byres Road please visit https://www.sixbynico.co.uk/glasgow/upcoming/   Somewhere by Nico

Cranachan Knickerbocker Glory Duck & Waffle Edinburgh will celebrate Burns Night on Thursday, January 25th in honour of Scottish poet Robert Burns, with an evening menu of specials and whisky cocktails that pay homage to Scotland's cultural heritage. Guests can savour classics like Haggis, Neeps & Tatties, a hearty Cullen Skink served with fresh sourdough, and a Cranachan Knickerbocker with raspberries, whisky cream, and caramelised oats. A series of whisky cocktails will accompany the food. Menu HAGGIS, NEEPS & TATTIES spring onions CULLEN SKINK, haddock, chives, sourdough bread CRANACHAN KNICKERBOCKER (V) raspberries, whisky cream, caramelised oats WHISKY COCKTAILS Haggis, Neeps and Tatties The Royal Mile Highland Park 12-year-old / yellow chartreuse / fresh lemon juice / Angostura bitters A showcase of HP12’s versatility; citrus and honey notes layered with smokiness. Moment in Time Bowmore 12-year-old / white grape & apricot soda / peach syrup & peach bitters. Bowmore’s distinguished profile is complemented by the sweet essence of stone fruits. Hidden Gem Macallan 12 year / Oloroso / housemade orange & tonka bean syrup / Champagne Warming and elegant; Macallan’s complexity enhanced with nuttiness and citrus spice. Ticket to Ride Highland Park 12 year / Aperol / Martini Rosso / Irn-Bru cordial Vibrant, refreshing, and playful. Double the nostalgia, double the fun. Chilled and poured over ice. Hidden Gem Event Details: Reservations: via duck & waffle Thursday, January 25, 2024 Menu: Burns Night menu specials are available all day, in addition to the signature menu. Address: Duck & Waffle Edinburgh, St James Quarter, 400-402 St James Square, Edinburgh EH1 3AE

The team behind one of Scotland’s leading, independent, fine dining restaurants has opened the doors to a new venue on Montrose Terrace in the Abbeyhill area of Edinburgh.    Owned and operated by the Radford family since 2012, Timberyard was awarded its first Michelin Star in 2023.  Just a year later, the team has launched ‘Montrose’ , a new restaurant and wine bar designed to reinforce its reputation at the forefront of both Scottish and British dining.    For over 10 years, Timberyard has remained focused on ingredient-led cooking created with respect to nature and produce, and sourced from local, artisan suppliers, and Scotland’s natural larder.  Devilled Eggs With the launch of Montrose, the Radford family will evolve this lasting dining legacy with the continued support of head chefs James Murray and Moray Lamb.    Built in the late 1800s, Montrose House was one of Edinburgh’s first public houses. Set over two floors, Montrose now offers a cosy ground-floor wine bar and intimate first-floor dining room, all within walking distance of Edinburgh’s iconic Princes Street, the Palace of Holyrood, and the Scottish Parliament.    Both the restaurant and wine bar menus showcase the finest quality seasonal and locally sourced produce, including wild game, rare breed cattle, foraged ingredients, and organic fruit and vegetables.    The seven-table dining room offers a simple four-course set menu of focused, ingredient-driven dishes.  The bustling wine bar provides space for up to 30 guests to enjoy a selection of European-inspired small plates and a three-course lunch menu.    The Radford family are all actively involved in the day-to-day operations. Head chefs James Murray and Moray Lamb will be supported by a small team in the kitchen. Front of house, Jo Radford is supported by Manager, Adam Bennett and Drinks & Bar Manager, Murray McDougal. Commenting on the launch of Montrose, Jo Radford said: “With a first Michelin star under our belts at Timberyard and the launch of our new restaurant and wine bar at Montrose, 2024 looks set to be a really exciting year for our entire team.  Jo added:   “The two floors at Montrose offer a very unique experience. A busy bustling wine bar on the ground floor and an intimate dining room on the first floor. The offering in the wine bar spans the breadth of what is offered in our favourite continental wine bars and trattorias. Classic European dishes sit perfectly alongside a glass or bottle of wine.  The wine list at Montrose will follow in the steps of Timberyard with a focus on small producers who respect the land they farm and the grapes they harvest. Growing on the reputation of the Timberyard cellar, Montrose will offer a capsule-free and 100% organic wine list. A focus on bottles, magnums, bag-in-box and canned wine, it is the first of its kind and sets the benchmark for sustainability in the industry.   Head Chef at Montrose, Moray Lamb, said:    “At Montrose, the ethos is simple. Source great, seasonal produce. Cook it well and season it perfectly.   “Downstairs at Montrose, the menu has been inspired by the great wine bars of the world. An exceptional wine list, supported by unfussy, delicious plates, many of which have European influence.   “Similarly, the first-floor dining room with its set four-course menu isn't restricted by world flavours. The main components of the dishes are locally sourced.   “Refined cooking, with clean plates of food, but still a bit fun and nothing too challenging for the guests.”   Both spaces at Montrose are open for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday, with lunch being offered on Saturday and Sunday.   For more information on Montrose and to make a booking, go to www.montroserestaurant.co , email  eat@montroserestaurant.co , or call 0131 605 00 88   Montrose, 1 Montrose Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5DJ

An award-winning outdoor oasis is set to reopen in the capital. The wait is finally over as Edinburgh's beloved Rose Street Garden, tucked behind the renowned The Dome bar and restaurant, is set to reopen its gates for another summer season on May 15th, 2024. With its enchanting ambiance, fabulous food and drinks, and commitment to environmental awareness, Rose Street Garden promises an unforgettable experience for locals, tourists, and even the occasional celebrity.   Nestled within the heart of the city, Rose Street Garden has become a firm favourite for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. From May to September each year, this outdoor oasis invites guests to indulge in delicious cocktails, tasty street food, and stunning tropical décor.   Rose Street Garden has become an Edinburgh institution winning multiple awards for its charming ambiance and its exceptional service, the garden has consistently set the standard for outdoor dining and entertainment in Edinburgh.    Over the years, Rose Street Garden has played host to a myriad of guests, including local celebrities such as Martin Compston, Josh Taylor and Scott Brown to name a few." Yet, amidst the hype, the garden remains a beloved destination for locals seeking a slice of paradise in their backyard. Whether it's a casual lunch with friends or a romantic evening with a loved one, everyone is welcome at RSG. For the second year, Rose Street Garden is proud to shine a spotlight on the urgent issue of climate change. In partnership with Cool Earth, a leading charity dedicated to rainforest protection and indigenous rights, Rose Street Garden is raising awareness and funds to support initiatives that combat deforestation and preserve vital ecosystems. By joining forces with Cool Earth, Rose Street Garden is not only nurturing its own community but also making a meaningful impact on a global scale.   Come rain or shine, the garden offers a sanctuary for all seasons. Bathed in sunshine throughout the day, the garden's large canopies ensures that guests can enjoy the outdoors even in inclement weather. And for those cooler evenings, cozy heaters provide warmth and comfort for guests. Caledonian Heritable Area Manager, Jay Glass said:   "We are thrilled to announce our reopening for 2024.  Every year our talented team curates an exciting menu of theatrical cocktails and delicious street food, having recently tried this year’s creations, it could easily be our most exciting yet!  At RSG we try to keep things fun for our guests, you will notice funny cocktail names such as “Leopard and Lime” and “Rose Street Remedy”, and our chef uniforms have “Chop it like it's hot” printed on the back. I believe part of the success over the years has come from keeping things light-hearted and fun, maybe a little cheesy but our guests do love it. "   The countdown to May 15th is on, and Rose Street Garden eagerly awaits the return of familiar faces and welcomes new guests. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned regular, enjoy the unique experience that Rose Street Garden has to offer.

L-R: Laura McKinven (Hospitality & Catering Assistant); Eileen McKenzie (Head Housekeeper); Jim Corner (Executive Head Chef); Ann Budge (Heart of Midlothian Football Club Chair); Derek Paterson (Hotel Manager); Pauline Boyle (Front of House Manager) & Thomas Dossi (Hospitality & Catering Assistant). The UK’s first club-owned and operated hotel inside a football stadium has opened its doors to guests in Edinburgh.   Scottish Premiership football club, Heart of Midlothian, has launched its new 25-bedroom hotel and events space within the main stand at the iconic Tynecastle Park in the west of the city.     Tynecastle Park Hotel offers a choice of individually styled guest rooms, including family, executive, and accessible rooms, as well as a club lounge. The 25 guest rooms have been designed to a high specification, offering comfort and quality throughout, including en-suite shower rooms with marble finish, monsoon showers, and emperor-sized beds. Selected guest rooms provide guests with the option of a live view of the pitch or the city skyline on HD plasma screens.   The award-winning Skyline Restaurant, which sits on the top floor of the main stand, will now be open seven days a week offering both overnight guests and non-residents the finest Scottish seasonal menus.   The well-established conference and events business will have six new meeting and event spaces. This will offer even more choice to stage exhibitions, trade shows, weddings, gala dinners or parties, whether for overnight guests or non-residents. Smaller and more intimate spaces also cater for exclusive boardroom meetings, private cocktail receptions and family gatherings.   Ann Budge, Chair of Heart of Midlothian Football Club, said:   “We’re extremely proud to have reached this significant milestone in the 150-year history of the club and look forward to welcoming overnight guests from around the world to enjoy our award-winning hospitality and facilities.  “Tynecastle Park is the only hotel of its kind found anywhere in the UK and offers a truly unique hotel experience in our iconic Tynecastle Park Stadium – the home of Heart of Midlothian Football Club.”   Ann added:   “Driven by our vision of self-sustainability, community, and growth, Tynecastle Park Hotel is owned and managed entirely by Hearts and the success of the hotel directly supports the ambitions of the club.  “Our in-house hospitality team will have full responsibility for running the hotel and providing one-of-a-kind matchday experiences and guest stays.”   As well as its vast supporter base both in Edinburgh and from further afield, Hearts hope to attract international visitors and guests from around the UK looking for high-quality, contemporary accommodation as part of an Edinburgh city break.   Tynecastle Park Hotel is not just for football fans. The new venue is ideally positioned within a few minutes of the city centre, Murrayfield Stadium, and the Edinburgh tram line. Also located on the right side of the city for Edinburgh Airport, this will be a perfect location for all types of visitors, including business travellers.   The opening offer of dinner, bed and breakfast is now available from £150 per room per night, based on two people sharing. Limited guest parking will also be available.

Both chefs come from Galica in Northwest Spain Scotland’s ‘Hotel of the Year’ has appointed a new Head Chef and Restaurant Chef to lead culinary operations on board, including its 2 AA Rosette restaurant. Permanently berthed in Edinburgh’s historic Port of Leith, luxury floating hotel Fingal has quickly established itself as a world-class foodie destination, with all the glamour and style of a superyacht, but with an air of old-world Art Deco ocean liner elegance.  The Lighthouse Bar Head Chef Pedro Barreira and Restaurant Chef Andrea Sendon Alonso will now become the driving force behind www.fingal.co.uk   www.fingal.co.uk  Afternoon Tea and dinner service in the award-winning Lighthouse Restaurant.   Pedro and Andrea originate from Galicia in northwest Spain, which shares its fame with Scotland for the world’s finest quality land and seafood. Gastronomic Galicia has inspired Pedro and Andrea’s passion for food and drink from childhood and ultimately to pursue a career in fine dining.   With over 36 years of experience between them, the chef duo plan to build on Fingal’s reputation for culinary excellence and continue to showcase only the best Scottish seasonal produce. Pedro and Andrea will lead a galley team of 14 staff.  The Chefs’ latest Afternoon Tea and dinner menus embrace the finest produce from local suppliers, including crab from Belhaven Smokehouse in Dunbar, meat from John Henderson in Glenrothes, and wild ingredients from local foragers, Coeur Sauvage.   Pedro’s career includes senior roles at The Caledonian, Prestonfield House, Dalhousie Castle Hotel, and Dalmahoy Hotel in Edinburgh, as well as Ballachulish Hotel in the Scottish Highlands.   Commenting on his appointment as Fingal’s new Head Chef, Pedro said:  “Growing up in Galicia gives you a real connection with the land and sea. Locally sourced food and drink is very much part of our culture and is something we’re extremely proud of. I hope to continue that tradition and work with Fingal’s galley team to create the finest quality Scottish menus that are bursting with seasonal flavours.”  Andrea’s career journey includes previous roles with The Balmoral, Restaurant Martin Wishart, and Ondine Restaurant in Edinburgh. As Restaurant Chef, Andrea will work alongside Pedro to elevate the menus and share her passion for cooking with the galley team and diners. Andrea said:  “Originating from the Atlantic coast, I’ve grown up with an appreciation of local produce and its flavour and freshness, which has inspired my career over the last 16 years. I’m really looking forward to showcasing the best produce from around Scotland on Fingal’s seasonal menus.”  Re-launched in 2019, Fingal was developed and is managed by the award-winning team at The Royal Yacht Britannia.  Scotland’s only five-star static luxury floating hotel, Fingal is ‘AA Hotel of the Year Scotland 2023-24’, as recognised by the internationally respected Automobile Association (AA). The AA inspectors singled out Fingal for the top accolade and praised the exceptional quality of the ship’s stylish interior design, meticulous attention to detail, unique maritime heritage, outstanding customer service and fine dining experience.  Earlier this year, Fingal also sailed to the top of the world’s best hotels list in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024. The ship was singled out by reviewers on the world’s largest travel guidance platform as one of the highest-rated hotels on the planet and ranked the ‘Best of the Best’ in the UK for luxury.  The five-star hotel was also named among the best Small and Boutique hotels in the world by Tripadvisor reviewers, taking first and second place in the UK and Europe lists, respectively.  Fingal is located opposite the new Port of Leith tram stop, which offers a direct and quick transport link between Leith, Edinburgh city centre and Edinburgh Airport.

Gardeners gather for a talk by Charles Dowding Fred Berkmiller, owner of the renowned   L'escargot bleu  in Edinburgh, listed as one of the top five restaurants in Scotland, Michelin rated and holding one AA Rosette, found that he was able to source high-quality meat but struggled to find nutrient-dense organic vegetables to serve his customers. His final option was to grow his own, so he reached out to no-dig gardening guru Charles Dowding. Fred started gardening and discovered a passion. That was seven years ago.  Fred’s veg is harvested from his garden in the morning and served on a plate later that day. Fred focuses on flavour and nutrition: ‘Now, when I eat the food I cook, my body says “thank you”’ he said. ‘I want the same for my customers’. Charles Dowding and Fred Berkmiller Charles Dowding is like an old friend, I’ve been following him since his appearance in the late 1980s on BBC Gardeners’ World  with Geoff Hamilton. He’s a pioneer in the true sense of the word; promoting organic growing while the world is fascinated with technology and science thus ignoring millennia of organic gardening knowledge and teachings. Charles is best known for leading the ‘no dig’ revolution disturbing the soil as little as possible, promoting soil health and microbes that feed and protect the plants but benefit human health. Soil microbes contribute to most of our gut biome; our immune system and mental health are intrinsically linked to our guts. Charles’ new book   Compost , released September 2024 has years of experience poured into it and is already highly rated. The Charles Dowding Workshop  held in Monkton Garden on 21st September, attended by a group of keen growers, covered gardening from seed to harvest, creating a raised bed from scratch and making compost. Fred had already made ‘delicious’ compost over the summer in his garden that was ready to be used. The participants ranged from beginners to allotment holders with decades of experience, wanting to learn more from the innovator. It was a delight to see that by following Charles’ methods, Fred has managed to turn a grassy field into an organic market garden with little weed or pest pressure, an advantage of his techniques. As pioneers and innovators Fred and Charles have worked together to build a remarkable organic market garden. We can enjoy the results of this innovative collaboration at L’escargot Bleu,  where locally grown organic vegetables are transformed into divine dishes that nourish your soul.   Written by Grant Stewart of   The Sanctuary Garden  where Charles’ organic and no-dig processes are used both teaching children in schools and adult wor kshops. L'Escargot Bleu

Cocktails in the bar 1819 Liberté Café-Bar & Brasserie and Bar 1819, a new culinary venue located at Apex Waterloo Place Hotel is set to open on the 28th of November 2024.    With a modern European brasserie feel, Liberté is a refined, yet relaxing place to gather, eat or drink with a menu celebrating the best of Scottish produce. The venue is the centrepiece of a close to £2 million ground floor renovation of Apex Waterloo Place, owned by Apex Hotels.   With an eye-catching design, the new day/night venue oozes European style with Georgian interiors inspired by the Palm Courts of the 1800s.   The new venue also benefits from expert input from one of the UK’s top hospitality specialists Stuart McCluskey, former co-owner of the Bon Vivant, current owner of ‘Paz’ and recently opened ‘Little Capo’ and Ian McLaren - former Bacardi digital director and owner of drink marketing consultancy Neoteric Spirit. Brasserie restaurant Liberté combines a stylish bar with a brasserie restaurant and private dining area - La Belle. With its sumptuous range of banquettes, booths and cosy corners, the new restaurant delivers effortless style within a comfortable, relaxing setting.    Bar 1819 is an elegant cocktail bar and lounge set within Liberté, with an impressive range of drinks and signature cocktails curated by Stuart and Ian, each potent with big flavours to sip and savour.   Liberté and 1819’s new menus showcase the very best from Scotland’s larder, using European influences and modern cooking techniques.   Day-to-night menus are packed with locally sourced ingredients chosen for quality and provenance. Guests can enjoy everything from fresh, locally sourced coffee and pastries available in 1819 for those morning meetings, to all-day dining as well as a range of tasty snacks, shares and nibbles in the restaurant. Liberté’s seasonal festive fare includes a Christmas day menu and a bespoke private dining menu at La Belle.   Highlights from the menu include Balvenie smoked salmon, lemon crème fraîche and herring ro e to start, Ox cheek in a red wine sauce, served with potato puree, bacon and gremolata for main and finishing off with Matcha Tea creme brûlée.   Bar 1819 and the cocktail lounge will serve a wide range of drinks from specially crafted cocktails to selected single malts. Highlights include the Dubbel Malted Old Fashioned a mix of brewing, distilling and blending traditions – dark and malty Dubbel Trappist Ale Syrup mixed with Angostura Bitters and Homemade Whisky from Woven, the award-winning Leith whisky blender .    Other delights include ‘Negroni au Chocolat’ balancing rich chocolate with bitter orange and berry flavours and the velvety ‘ Praline Espresso’ a heady mix of almonds, hazelnut, honey and espresso shaken to foaming perfection and served with freshly grated chocolate.   The 1819 menu is packed with delicious dishes to whet the appetite, from small plates to nibbles and sharing boards. Don’t miss the charcuterie with terrine, remoulade, balsamic onions, cornichons and mustard or the rump fillet tataki with ponzu, cucumber, spring onion and crispy garlic.  Praline Espresso Provenance is a mantra of Liberté and 1819, with the restaurant partnering with some of the finest suppliers across Scotland – these range from oak smoked salmon from Campbells & Co, exquisite fresh mussels from the Shetland Islands to delicious, cured meats from East Coast Cured. Drinks partners include Newbarns Brewery, Royal Mile Whiskies, Liberty Wines and Mothership’s Lucky Liqueurs and Affinity brands.    Liberte opens for lunch at 12.00 noon, serving food until 22.00. 1819 opens from 8.00 am until 1.00 am Monday to Saturday and from 8.00 am until 11.00 pm on Sundays.   Stuart McCluskey said: “It has been exciting to work with the team at Apex. Their enthusiasm for delivering this project has been infectious.  Ian, Will and I have relished developing a beverage programme fit for such a beautiful setting, focusing on working with quality products and local suppliers.”   Did you know? Liberté was named after the Scottish spirit of freedom, combining Scotland’s passionate energy with elegant European influences. 1819 is a nod to the year when Waterloo Place, Edinburgh's first purpose-built hotel - designed by famed Scottish architect, Archibald Elliot - was completed. Steeped in Georgian history, the venue is also a celebration of the many renowned guests that passed through its doors, from Charles Dickens to Earl Grey.     For booking details and further information please visit the Liberté website

The NYC-inspired venue has landed in Rose St Manahatta has landed in Rose Street with a burst of glitter and neon and it’s hotter than Hell’s Kitchen.  The NYC-inspired chain of cocktail bars has party vibes, top eats and beats from classic disco 70s to "bang-up-to-date Beyoncé" comments Simon, Mrs Bite’s partner-in-dine (ing) for our visit. Requests for tunes are welcomed and played on the Baby Grand every Thursday.  Spicy Margarita I start with a Spicy Margarita: El Jimador Reposado tequila, Ancho Reyes chilli liqueur, yuzu sake, yuzu sherbet, and pineapple; then promptly order a second: one to take the edge off the day and one to savour. It’s salty, citrusy, sour and tropical.  For food, Simon has:” the most tender Calamari I’ve never had to chew in my life” while I plump for Neon Salmon Tacos, vibrant with fresh vegetables and herbs that flirt with rich salmon like Carrie Bradshaw with 'Big'.  We’re getting the NYC ‘feels’ so order MORE. Plumply stuffed Veggie Gyozas for me and, wait for it, breakfast for Simon! Yes, posh breakfasts are fresh from the kitchen until 4 pm. Satiate your craving for avocado and poached eggs until the radio blasts drive-time news.  Main courses come in US-style portions; a signature Steak Frites has onion rings piled high as the Empire State. A nest of sweet potato and conventional fries, and a pot of piquant peppercorn sauce complete this moreish plate of food.  Let's Dance No room for pudding this time but Simon says: “Leave a Battery Park-sized hole for the Little Apple, a take on the American tradition that’s as homely as Mom’s own.” Two floors boast impressive art-deco-inspired arched back bars and bold pink, blue and gold decor and lighting exudes the mood of New York sidewalks and Times Square. A giant mirrored disco ball gilds the already glamorous lily and an elevated DJ booth overlooks the sprawling dancefloor. I am not sure Rose Street is ready for brash Manahatta but let’s give it a big Caledonia welcome.  (S. Walton, S Wilson). Manahatta - 28 Rose Street, Edinburgh  Multi-faceted sophisticated bar, diner, and night spot that’s reasonable value. Affordable dining in a place that should cost thrice as much Small plates around a tenner and most mains less than twice that.

Barry and Robin ‘Barry’ is a Scottish word for good and a man’s name.    This explanation of Scottish slang is on the windows underneath the restaurant title 'Barry Fish' scheduled to open in February. I visit the site and the eponymous Barry Bryson tells me that some people don’t get the play on words and think it is merely a nickname for the pop-up and private chef known for his love of all things pescatarian.  Gold scallop shells for the bar top This is Barry's first restaurant at the fruitful age of 49. He has opened Barry Fish with husband Robin who is bleeding a radiator when I arrive at the embryonic restaurant.  Robin is the design whizz behind the new premises which was one-half of Mimi’s Bakehouse. The connecting arch has been blocked and the walls painted a warm biscuity Farrow & Ball ‘Cord’. There will also be accents of F&B Bancha, a seaweed green, and golden scallop-shaped tiles for the bar while banquettes will trace the line of two walls. The pass is a portal to the kitchen meaning you get to see the action. Barry's food is visually stunning. The design reflects the ethos behind Barry’s cooking. He wants the restaurant to be a glowy, (tungsten yellow lights), flowy, convivial place where people can enjoy light bites (until 3 pm), or big snacks served from 4.30 pm - 6.30 pm which will double as starters for dinner from 6 pm. Barry assures me people can relax without the stress of table-turning and there will be meat options too (beef cheek bourguignon, chicken koftas). As I speak to Barry and Robin, I imagine glasses clinking, corks popping and people chatting over forkfuls of delicious food.    If you are a fish lover, you may have noticed that it has become scarcer on menus since the pandemic. This is due to its justifiable expense but comes alongside tighter budgets.  William McCurragh OBE and retired Head of Food and City of Glasgow College once told me he used to show his catering students the first episode of Trawlermen, so they understood the real value of fish. As two skippers go head-to-head in a ‘great prawn hunt’,  the opening sentence of the programme declares: “Every day trawlermen from Peterhead in Northeast Scotland risk their lives to bring home their catch to put fish on our tables.”   But be still your racing hearts, I have seen the prices on the menu, and they are very reasonable and far from coronary-inducing. Barry Fish joins a lineup of independent restaurants in the city which I hope we can support.   Expect a fish-based menu that combines classic French cooking techniques (there will be butter and sauces!) with the Spanish sensibility of ‘gusto’ and top Scottish produce – all served in the unique and beautiful setting of The Shore in Leith. A 'Summer Series' with guest chefs is also promised. Dishes such as Eyemouth crab focaccia, Barry fish pastrami, aioli, chicory, dried grapes and Loch Fyne Oysters, half-shelled lobster - smoked salmon agnolotti, brown butter sauce, capers, pickled fennel and Leith Lyonnaise potatoes sounds like food from the heart that will satisfy your belly.   Barry Fish, 62 The Shore - bookings January 17 for opening February