Something To Eat & Drink: New branches, new partnerships and new lunching opportunities
In this month's round up of culinary goings-on across the central belt, we're looking at a trio of restaurant openings, some irresistible lunch offerings, a selection of our finest culinary writings, and more
Expecting a sibling
The goddess never shuts a door without opening a window, and a slew of recent closures in Edinburgh means some of our faves have taken the chance to add to their families. Lovely. Down in Bonnington, Roberta Hall-McCarron and co are taking over Mistral’s lovely wee space to create Adfern, an all-day café, bar and bottle shop that will no doubt dovetail beautifully with big sister The Little Chartroom next door.
Over at Bruntsfield Links, LeftField are moving into Castello Coffee’s former digs. Margot, a laid-back café with coffee, juices, wine and brunch, is apparently coming soon…
And Tomás Gormley’s Cardinal is ready to take flight. Opening on Wednesday 13 March, the team behind Skua are offering a single tasting menu (dietary preferences accommodated with notice), based around Scottish produce and (mainly) cooked over coals.
Feeding the family
If you fancy shaking up your usual weekend lunchy-brunchy plans then we’ve got thoughts. Glasgow’s El Santo have launched a Sunday Rodizio BBQ, with unlimited meat, sides and sauces, all prepared in the traditional Brazilian style and served table-side. You get a Caipirinha to start things off too.
Down Dennistoun way, fine-dining Bilson’s 11 have pivoted to a casual lunch/brunch café-style opening but with all the details and precision you’d expect. Enjoy the likes of caramel hot chocolate, French toast and stunning loaded skillets at new, casual, walk-in only Bilsons.
And if brunch isn’t brunch without a queen or two, Edinburgh’s Patron Saint has launched a new, monthly Bottoms Up Drag Brunch. For £35 you get a mimosa, brunch, three cocktails and entertainment. The next one’s on Saturday 6 April.
Starting a civil partnership
Oh we do like a shiny new relationship! In Glasgow, Five March and Phillies Of Shawlands have joined forces to create Five At Phillies (which launched on Tuesday 5 March, natch); that means Five March’s food is now available in the old Phillies bar. Neighbours Curious Liquids are looking after the wine list too.
The lovely people of Foodstory Aberdeen (mother ship of the one on Easter Road) have welcomed a new bidey-in. Venezuelan restaurant La Tiendita Del Sabor has moved into their upstairs bar, with casual walk-in vibes and mostly plant-based food.
And Edinburgh’s Commons Club (inside Virgin Hotel) are going all out for the short-term flings, with a series of monthly guest stars getting involved in their Chef’s Table experience. March’s menu is inspired by Greek cuisine, and is created in conjunction with Athanasios Christakis of Cretan restaurant 1905.
Still hungry?
No and low alcohol drinks are the beverage trend that will define the 2020s; Ailsa Sheldon talks to the Scottish companies who are at the forefront of creating booze-free drinks you actually want to drink. Join Suzy Pope for a wander down Morningside Road in new column Good In The Hood, or check out our reviews of shiny new Pania and tiny wee Paz Taqueria.
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