Next month, an exciting new restaurant offering 'small plates, wine and good times' will open on the Canongate. The Black Grape will see entrepreneurs Stuart Hunter and Cameron Taylor team up with experienced restaurateur Murray Ainslie.
The 60-cover bar and restaurant will focus on small plates designed for sharing, allowing guests the opportunity to try multiple dishes from the vibrant menu.
The team say they are developing a menu of "irresistible dishes" including beef tataki, yuzu hollandaise and crispy shallots; bbq fillet tail, peppercorn sauce and black pepper oil; nduja arancini, fennel and lemon; and fried potato skins, caviar and sour cream.
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They added that their wine list will "explore some of the world’s most intriguing vineyards" alongside award-winning wine merchants Hallgarten.
Whilst Class Magazine’s former ‘Bartender of The Year’, Joey Medrington, is collaborating with the team on a range of classic drinks that they will pair with the dishes on offer.
Formerly of the Compass Group, Murray, who has launched and operated some of the city’s most popular bars and restaurants, said: "Of course, it’s a challenge to open a restaurant in this economic climate, but we’re firm believers that quality offerings will always succeed. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, we believe our great food, polished service and stylish interior will ensure we really stand out from the crowd.”
Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, the spacious restaurant has two levels, with the venue currently undergoing a full refurbishment with design and build undertaken by award-winning Edinburgh agency Splintr.
One of the key design features is a delicately curved bar topped with vibrant green Terrazzo, and a powder-coated bar gantry that follows the soft lines of the counter.
Stuart and Cameron, who operate a top recruitment firm known for its ethical employment credentials, stated that The Black Grape’s ehtos will be to take "excellent care of staff", providing multiple benefits such as bi-annual staff away-days, a monthly wine club and access to market-leading external training.
Stuart said: "The Black Grape is a culmination of years of dining out and socialising. We’ve created an offer inspired by some of our favourite restaurant experiences across the world. Each drink and dish has been carefully considered and we aim to recreate the amazing buzz that the best bars and restaurants offer.”
Cameron added: “Whether you’re joining us for a glass of wine and a small plate, or feasting with a group of friends, we want you to feel at home.”
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