The National Galleries Scotland: Portrait has been feeding the imaginations of art lovers since the end of the 19th-century. Its red sandstone Victorian Gothic facade is one of the New Town’s most iconic and celebrated sights, and that distinctive eye for style extends to the spectacular interior. In February, following an extensive refurbishment of Café Portrait, a brand-new bistro-style restaurant opened within, The Nook.

Situated in the corner of Café Portrait, The Nook’s seasonal menu incorporates delicious, fresh, local produce, with dishes inspired by the magnificent surrounding artworks. Its Smokie Hash is a beautiful combination of smoked haddock, sweet potato hash, poached egg, wilted kale, spinach, grilled tomato and cava beurre blanc, all inspired by John Bellany’s famous painting Queen Street Café, which also informed the restaurant’s revamped interior.

Along with a range of hot drinks and wine list, the restaurant also has a selection of tempting cocktails, some of which have been created in honour of a few of the gallery’s most famous artworks. The Banana Bootleg pays homage to the Big Yin himself, Billy Connolly, while the Crown & Thistle honours Mary, Queen of Scots.

Later this summer, The Nook’s parent eatery, Café Portrait, will be introducing an ‘on-the-go’ offer, the perfect chance for city centre workers, shoppers and tourists to pick up a delicious lunch to enjoy in St Andrew Square – Scottish weather permitting!

Meanwhile, The Nook is open now. This cosy, bookable table-service restaurant serves brunch and lunch seven days a week, and breakfast from 10am on Saturday and Sunday. It’s also available for private hire.

Book your table at The Fork website.