Latest news with #Scottish-Italian
Scotsman
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
I tried the buzzy new Edinburgh luxury hotel restaurant that's got everyone talking
The Hoxton You'll find this restaurant in the capital's west end Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... If I had fifty quid for every time someone had asked me if I'd tried The Hoxton's restaurant yet, I'd be able to get a room. Give me a chance, I tell people, this four-star hotel has only been open for two months. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Anyway, not visiting was giving me Oasis-at-Murrayfield levels of FOMO. At last, we booked in for a Sunday lunch, and got the tram to Haymarket Station. It's been a while since I was in this vicinity, and it's odd how much my old stomping ground has changed in a short period of time. Grosvenor Street used to be the home of some rather middle of the road hotels, in contrastingly grand Georgian buildings. Now the street is monopolised by this 214-room place, from Ennismore - the people behind Gleneagles in Perthshire and Gleneagles Townhouse on St Andrew's Square. I'd say The Hoxton's branding is slightly younger than their Edinburgh sister. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Their main restaurant is Patatino - the Scottish-Italian trattoria, named after the Italian word for 'little potato'. It's on the ground floor and along a corridor past a few glossy cheeseplants, as well as a stylish and bustling residents' lounge. (Or maybe we went in the wrong door). Prepare for a visual overload, when you make it to the restaurant, which is inspired by sunny Sorrento and Amalfi. It has an open kitchen, with loud decor that looks like it's been designed by a crack squad of clashing pattern lovers - say Versace, in collaboration with the merchandising team from Anthropologie. There are walls covered in the best pieces of crockery, like it's a glamorous Nonna's house, and a plastic jungle's worth of faux flowers. In common with Gleneagles, the staff are patient, and so enthusiastic. I don't know how they stay so upbeat, this far into the Edinburgh Festival, but it's an impressive feat of endurance. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Our waiter asked if we wanted anything from the Nibbles list to start, but we had to pass. How are you still supposed to have room for lunch, after deep-fried spaghetti squares (£8) or slow-cooked brisket arancini (£9)? Still, we did say aye to a cocktail, and not purely because this baby pink take on an Amaretto sour had the excellent moniker of Solemn Pomace (£13). It's funny, because that's my pet name for my husband. For starters, we chose the Caesar salad (£11) and the beef carpaccio (£18). Both were great. The salad wasn't really a salad at all, but a whole baby gem that had been luxuriously anointed, like the wealthiest Egyptian pharaoh, Lettucekhamun, with cured yolk, whole anchovies and a flurry of Parmesan. It was a lovely combo, and what a way for a bit of shrubbery to go. Lettuce pray. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Their beef carpaccio was a bit more interesting than the average version, too. There were feathery and velvety petals of pink meat fanned onto a creamy emulsion of Parmesan and balsamic, with a handful of rocket on top. Great start. For mains, they've kept the concept simple. There's pizza, pasta, or a smattering of meaty dishes, like whole sea bass or steak. We shared a couple of things, including the taglioni (£23), which was a little cold, and could have come with a bit more of the billed Amalfi lemon. However, the custard-coloured threads of pasta had a satisfyingly firm bite, and were clad in a rich shellfish bisque, with a large scoop of sweet and shredded Eyemouth crab on top. Gaby Soutar We also tried one of their pizzas - the haggis and nduja (£18), which seemed like a rather nice Scottish Italian partnership. We were given a heat warning, when it came to this option, as it also featured hot honey and Jalapeno. I was preparing to sweat, but this was easy - Portobello Beach in August, rather than Sardinian sands. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It had a charred and billowy sourdough base, and there was plenty of mozzarella, with a judicious amount of the other toppings. Gaby Soutar We also had an unnecessary but pleasant side dish of charred tenderstem broccoli with toasted almonds (£6.50). For pudding, the tableside tiramisu sounded a bit theatrical and crepe Suzette-esque. However, it turned out that they just scoop a big dollop out and plop it in your bowl, while you observe. I'd worry that I'd make a sad face if it wasn't big enough, like when you buy a cake in a bakery, they choose the runt and your eyes fill with tears. Instead, we went for the roasted panettone (£8), which turned out to be a take on bread and butter pudding, with a syrupy soaked slab of this Italian bread. It came with rum and raisin ice-cream and a heap of sandy biscuity crumbs. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Well, I'm glad that I can say that I've officially made it to The Hoxton's restaurant.
Glasgow Times
02-08-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
I tried Clydebank's new Bangin' Pizza hotspot
Friday night, the beginning of many workers' weekend and what a way to kick start the two-day break than trying Clydebank's newest hot-spot for grub. Bangin' Pizza has just opened on the town's Kilbowie Road, and it was jumping. The third member of its franchise, the brand already has successful shops in Johnstone and Dumbarton, delighting customers with its unique mix of music and pizza. By the time I was being served my pizzas, there was a line of five or six out of the door. (Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) For only being officially opened for a few days, the store was a buzz with customers queuing out the door. It was clear bankies knew the hype surrounding this new spot. I placed my order of two pizzas, one plain La Marinara and a recommendation of the Highlander (the most expensive on the menu). Topped off with a portion of the Bangin' Fries. My total was £28. The scran. (Image: Supplied) I was buzzing to get tucked in, but a half-hour wait is what comes with a busy Friday and a newly opened, in-demand commodity. An introductory menu is in place for the soft launch of the new venue, offering five pizza choices and four sides. I've been fortunate enough to have visited Naples, the home of the beloved doughy creation, only recently, so I was ready to set this Scottish-Italian twist against the homeland. First off the La Marinara Pizza is priced at a decent £9.50. A simple, but delicious tribute to the heart of Italian food. The thin base was the perfect homage to the country's pizza, with a hearty dough, packed with flavour and piping hot. The tomato-based sauce was sweet on the tongue, dusted with some oregano to give it an extra kick; it was everything an Italian would want from a pizza. Classic, original and punching with flavour. Along with the generous pricing, this thoroughly deserved a 10/10. READ MORE: More than £3.5m worth of drugs found in home Onto the Highlander, topped with Stornoway black pudding and smoked Ayrshire bacon, this treat was a sensation for the taste buds. Highlander Pizza with San Marzano sugo, Stornoway Black Pudding, smoked Ayrshire bacon, Neapolitan Fior di Latte cheese, fresh basil, Scottish mature cheddar, a dusting of Pecorino romano and a drizzle of Abruzzo EVOO. (Image: Newsquest) It was denser than the first pizza, but it was for a reason. The toppings were plentiful, evenly spread and generously given. The black pudding was the cherry on the cake, absolutely beautiful. Although i favoured the first, my friend who grabbed a bit of this one was delighted. I'd give it a strong 9/10. READ MORE: I became a beekeeper for a day and learnt one painful and embarrassing truth Lastly, there were the Bangin' Fries, priced at £4. At first, when I opened them, I was expecting a bit more from them to be named after the brand. Bangin' Fries. (Image: Newsquest) However, when I grabbed a bite, my opinion changed. They were perfectly seasoned, not too salty, just the right amount. A strong start for the sides, I rate this a 8/10. These pizzas were a true testament to some of the delish bites I sampled in Naples, they were delicious and hearty food that I will easily be finding myself going back for. Despite a newly opened shop and a packed queue of customers, there was no compromise of taste, presentation or service. It was clear the restaurant is looking for authentic, heartfelt food whilst bringing in their music background with plenty of tunes whilst you wait. In my opinion, it was in fact ,Bangin'.
Glasgow Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow's Victor Pizza opening new Coatbridge factory
Victor Pizza Ltd, which began as a small bakery in the 1970s, has grown into a £5 million business, supplying pizzas to schools, chip shops, and sports venues across the country. Known for its innovation and commitment to quality, the company is now moving to a larger factory in Coatbridge, more than doubling its production capability. READ MORE: 2000s popstar shares love for Glasgow ahead of Hydro gig (Image: Chris Watt Photography) The expansion is supported by a seven-figure funding package from Bank of Scotland and will allow Victor Pizza to introduce new product lines, including high-protein pizzas, pizza wraps, and mini buffet pizza bites. Anne Marie Cairney, co-founder at Victor Pizza, said: 'We've come a long way from frying pizzas in the back of a Glasgow bakery. Now, we're sending out hundreds of pallets every month to customers all over the UK. 'Winning Scottish Family Business of the Year in 2019 was a real 'pinch me' moment and proof that all the hard work and heart haven't gone unnoticed. 'We've built something more than a factory. It's a family. And that's the difference people feel when they work with us. This new chapter in Coatbridge gives us space to grow while staying grounded in the values we started with.' READ MORE: 'Best' store in busy area announces shock closure - leaving shoppers gutted (Image: Chris Watt Photography) Victor Pizza has a rich history rooted in Scottish-Italian culinary tradition. One of its early creations, the Pizza Fritto, was developed after a local Italian chip shop owner asked for a pizza that could be deep-fried. That collaboration turned into a Scottish chip shop staple. More recently, the company partnered with Donnie Maclean, founder of Scottish health food brand Eat Balanced, to produce a nutritionally balanced pizza. Made with iodine-rich seaweed, a natural prebiotic fibre in the base, and a vitamin-packed red pepper sauce, the pizza has won awards and is served in schools and sports venues across the UK. True to its values, Victor Pizza regularly donates surplus stock to charities including FareShare, Too Good To Go, and Emmaus. The business also runs educational visits for local schools and provides career pathways—five members of the senior leadership team began without formal qualifications and worked their way up internally. READ MORE: Legendary band announce UK tour leg - with only one Scottish date Sustainability is central to the company's next phase. The new factory is being prepared for solar panel installation, and Victor Pizza is working with Scottish Enterprise on projects to reduce food waste and cut carbon emissions. Kyle Gibson, relationship manager at Bank of Scotland, said: 'Victor Pizza is a fantastic example of how a value-led, family-run business can grow without losing its heart. "Their commitment to innovation, sustainability and community shines through, and we're proud to support them on their journey.'
Glasgow Times
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Play to follow Giovanni Pascoli and Robert Burns in afterlife
A new production, The Badly Behaved Poet Society, has answered that unlikely question. (Image: Image of Robert Burns) Written by Hilda De Felice and starring Lorenzo Novani and Mark Coleman - the play follows Giovanni Placido Agostino Pascoli (played by Coleman) as he arrives in the afterlife and is intercepted by Robert Burns (Played by Novani). Burns gives Pascoli the offer of either staying where they are and writing poetry forever, or going through a nearby door where they could end up in heaven, purgatory or even hell. (Image: Image of Lorenzo by Heather Longwell) (Image: Mark Coleman headshot) Speaking on the production - which was inspired by Dante's Inferno - Lorenzo told the Glasgow Times: "The play is so fun and we are really enjoying rehearsing it. "The beauty of it is the different personalities and poetry styles of both Burns and Pascoli. It makes for conflict and humour. It's quirky." The idea for the play came after Lorenzo was invited to Barga in Tuscany, Italy last year. Lorenzo joins the list of Scottish-Italian celebrities like Paolo Nutini and Lewis Capaldi, who have roots in Barga. He said: "Barga has a Scottish festival every year to celebrate the relationship and connection of the two places." (Image: Image supplied) Lorenzo went on to say that when at the festival last year, he met the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren, who was on a visiting delegation. The Lord Provost mentioned to Lorenzo that a symbolic way to commemorate the connections between the country and Italian town could be to do a play about Burns and Pascoli. It comes after the Lord Provost welcomed Mayor Campari of Barga to Glasgow in 2023, where a new friendship agreement was discussed. Mayor Campari is set to return to Glasgow this year for the city's 850th birthday celebrations. (Image: Image of Lord Provost) The Lord Provost said: "Both Burns and Pascoli are renowned national figures in their respective literary movements that continue to inspire and resonate with people, both in their native countries, and around the world. "I am excited to see how Lorenzo and Hilda have entwined the poets lives and work to celebrate this legacy and the coming together of our cultures, in a modern context." The sold-out play will take place at the City Chambers on May 6. "I'm so delighted it sold out," Lorenzo said. He added: "Selling a show out is always an afterthought because the first thing is just to write it. But, this sold out in 48 hours." Lorenzo is looking at putting on a few shows of the production in September. For more information, visit
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Quirky' play to follow poets Giovanni Pascoli and Robert Burns in the afterlife
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if Scotland's most popular poet found himself in the afterlife with a renowned Italy writer? A new production, The Badly Behaved Poet Society, has answered that unlikely question. (Image: Image of Robert Burns) Written by Hilda De Felice and starring Lorenzo Novani and Mark Coleman - the play follows Giovanni Placido Agostino Pascoli (played by Coleman) as he arrives in the afterlife and is intercepted by Robert Burns (Played by Novani). Burns gives Pascoli the offer of either staying where they are and writing poetry forever, or going through a nearby door where they could end up in heaven, purgatory or even hell. (Image: Image of Lorenzo by Heather Longwell) (Image: Mark Coleman headshot) Speaking on the production - which was inspired by Dante's Inferno - Lorenzo told the Glasgow Times: "The play is so fun and we are really enjoying rehearsing it. "The beauty of it is the different personalities and poetry styles of both Burns and Pascoli. It makes for conflict and humour. It's quirky." The idea for the play came after Lorenzo was invited to Barga in Tuscany, Italy last year. Lorenzo joins the list of Scottish-Italian celebrities like Paolo Nutini and Lewis Capaldi, who have roots in Barga. He said: "Barga has a Scottish festival every year to celebrate the relationship and connection of the two places." (Image: Image supplied) Lorenzo went on to say that when at the festival last year, he met the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren, who was on a visiting delegation. The Lord Provost mentioned to Lorenzo that a symbolic way to commemorate the connections between the country and Italian town could be to do a play about Burns and Pascoli. It comes after the Lord Provost welcomed Mayor Campari of Barga to Glasgow in 2023, where a new friendship agreement was discussed. Mayor Campari is set to return to Glasgow this year for the city's 850th birthday celebrations. (Image: Image of Lord Provost) The Lord Provost said: "Both Burns and Pascoli are renowned national figures in their respective literary movements that continue to inspire and resonate with people, both in their native countries, and around the world. "I am excited to see how Lorenzo and Hilda have entwined the poets lives and work to celebrate this legacy and the coming together of our cultures, in a modern context." The sold-out play will take place at the City Chambers on May 6. "I'm so delighted it sold out," Lorenzo said. He added: "Selling a show out is always an afterthought because the first thing is just to write it. But, this sold out in 48 hours." Lorenzo is looking at putting on a few shows of the production in September. For more information, visit
