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Scotsman
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Escape festival frenzy with a foodie oasis in Edinburgh's coolest neighbourhoods this August
As Edinburgh takes centre stage for the world's largest performance arts festival again this summer, some of the city's top neighbourhood restaurants and bars are offering a cooler and more relaxed alternative to city centre crowds, long queues and cramped venues. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers 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... The Edinburgh Festival attracts over four million visitors to the city centre every year, but just a few minutes away from the crowded streets, Stockbridge, Morningside and Edinburgh's waterfront in Leith are just some of the capital's most popular gourmet boltholes. The coastal Edinburgh neighbourhood of Leith alone now boasts more fine dining restaurants than anywhere else in the country, including a wide variety of restaurants brimming with the best fish and seafood landed around the shores of Scotland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Here is just a small menu of ideas to tempt you away from the city centre this August, including two new venues for 2025; a two AA Rosette restaurant onboard Scotland's only five-star luxury floating hotel; and a star of Edinburgh's first Rose Wine Trail. Barry Fish has earned its place on The Good Food Guide's UK-wide list of '100 Best Local Restaurants 2025', just five months after its launch. 1. Barry Fish, 62 The Shore, Leith, Edinburgh (NEW FOR 2025) An Edinburgh restaurant has earned its place on The Good Food Guide's UK-wide list of '100 Best Local Restaurants 2025', just five months after its launch. Chef Barry Bryson opened the doors to his first independent fish restaurant on Edinburgh's waterfront at the Shore in Leith in February. Since then, he has quickly established 'Barry Fish' as one of the city's most popular dining venues for local diners and visitors by showcasing the best fish and seafood from Scotland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad At Barry Fish, diners can enjoy views directly into the open plan working kitchen from the pass, as well as out over the Water of Leith from the comfort of the restaurant. Fingal's new Moët Deck is the perfect spot to savour a quiet moment of luxury The newly launched Barry Fish summer menu now features whole lemon sole with shrimps, greens and sauce vermouth; barbecued monkfish brochettes with pickled beetroot and dill dressing; and Swanfield Royale – roast chicken, pancetta, cider and chestnut mushrooms baked in a pie with a big green salad and rouille. Firm favourites still include shelled half lobster with smoked fish agnolotti, brown butter sauce and pickled fennel; Barry Fish pastrami with aioli, capers and dried grapes; ceviche of sea bream with orange, pickled fennel, red onion and cardamom; as well as octopus, whipped feta and a blood orange dressing. Barry Fish is open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday from 5.30pm. The Big Snacks menu is served during the day Thursday to Saturday, 12pm to 2.30pm; and evenings Tuesday to Saturday, 4.30pm to 8.30pm. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Shore area of Leith is already known as Edinburgh's foodie hotpot - home to the Michelin-starred The Kitchin by Tom Kitchin, Restaurant Martin Wishart and Heron. 2. The Captain Darling, 16-18 Hamilton Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh (NEW FOR SUMMER 2025) A new brasserie-style bar and restaurant has opened its doors on Hamilton Place in the Edinburgh neighbourhood of Stockbridge just in time for Festival season in August. Following months of planning, the team behind 'The Captain Darling' has now unveiled the venue as a social hub for the whole community on the local high street, as well as festival goers in search of a more relaxed dining experience away from the city centre crowds. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A dedicated bar space has been created for people to drop in for a leisurely drink and snacks seven days a week from lunchtime until late. Edinburgh chef Scott Smith is overseeing the kitchen at The Captain Darling and helping with the launch phase of the new venue. The focus of the menu is on classic, well-made, seasonal dishes that are created to be full of flavour. A separate dining area is now serving an all-day brasserie-style menu. Starters include Cumbrae oysters; prawn cocktail, Caesar salad and haggis croquettes. Highlights of the main menu include handmade savoury pies and a selection of meats cooked over coals. The Captain Darling Sunday roast with all the trimmings is another star of the show, including rare breed pork porchetta; dry aged sirloin roast beef and confited chicken leg finished on the barbecue. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad People with a sweet tooth can enjoy lemon posset, sticky toffee pudding and milk chocolate mousse. 3. McLarens on the Corner, Morningside Road, Edinburgh Situated in a former Bank building in Edinburgh's Morningside, McLarens on the Corner is a celebrated and stylish neighbourhood bar and restaurant that prides itself on using high quality, seasonal Scottish produce. The Morningside venue has a large outdoor terrace to enjoy social gatherings during the day or on light summer evenings, making it the ideal spot for soaking up the sun. This summer, McLarens is uncorking something special as part of Edinburgh's first 'Rosé Wine Trail' (NEW FOR 2025), which is being rolled out across the capital. The summer-long campaign is celebrating the popular pink tipple from now until the end of September. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad McLarens is teaming up with its sister venues, The Huxley on Rutland Street and Copper Blossom on George Street to showcase some of the best rosé wine from France, Italy and the USA. As people's tastes turn to lighter, fruitier and more refreshing summer drink options, McLarens on the Corner is pouring its passion into a new rosé wine menu and rosé-inspired cocktails with a focus on quality, flavour and style. At McLarens on the Corner, people can look forward to Côtes de Provence rosé and M by Minuty, as well as full rosé wine flights offering people the chance to enjoy three different 125ml expressions at the same time to pair with summer menus. McLarens' new alfresco menu for the summer includes tikka skewers, lamb koftas and their famous sesame and crispy rice salad, which pair perfectly with M by Minuty's notes of red berries, white peach and citrus. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 4. The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar, Fingal Hotel, Alexandra Dock, Leith, Edinburgh Permanently berthed in Edinburgh's historic Port of Leith, Fingal is Scotland's only five-star luxury floating hotel and is a world-class foodie destination with a nautical twist. Fingal has all the glamour and style of a superyacht, but with an air of old-world Art Deco luxury ocean liner elegance, inspired by the ship's rich maritime heritage. Fingal's Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar has 2 AA rosettes for culinary excellence. The galley team is continuing to enhance the dining experience for the ship's guests following the expansion of its award-winning restaurant, which offers the finest-quality Scottish menus that are bursting with seasonal flavours. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In partnership with Moët & Chandon, Fingal's new Moët Deck (NEW FOR 2025) is a space to gather, to toast a special occasion or savour a quiet moment of luxury for a leisurely afternoon. Every day at 17.43 (the year Moët & Chandon was founded) listen for the bell ringing to signal a taste of ice-cold Champagne for those out on the Deck. Clinking glasses set the rhythm with expertly crafted cocktails perfectly paired with beautifully curated sharing boards, laden with artisan cheeses, Scottish fish and vegetarian antipasto. Elevate every sip! Re-launched as a luxury hotel, restaurant and bar in 2019, the former Northern Lighthouse Board tender is owned and operated by the award-winning team at The Royal Yacht Britannia, which is located just a 10-minute walk away.
Daily Record
22-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
The Scottish wine bar that was crowned country's 'best local restaurant'
The acclaimed eatery is located in a charming Perthshire town. With Scotland home to countless acclaimed restaurants and cafés, you will never run out of places to grab a bite to eat. From its biggest cities to its smallest villages, there are renowned eateries tucked away in every corner of the country. As reported by the Daily Record, The Good Food Guide recently shared its roundup of the best local restaurants across the UK. Topping the list for Scotland was Redwood Wines in Dunkeld. The wine bar and restaurant is situated within an old post office in the Perthshire town. It specialises in charcuterie and small plates that pair with the wine on offer. Redwood Wines is owned by Roseanna and Morgwn Preston-Jones. The former is originally from Dunkeld, while Morgwn comes from California in the United States. According to the Redwood Wines website, the owners first met in 2006 in New York where they worked together in a café. The pair had long dreamt of running their own business before Redwood Wines opened its doors in 2021. In addition to its charcuterie and artisanal cheeses, the venue offers a weekly changing menu of creative takes on classic wine bar dishes. Redwood Wines works with local and sustainable farms, fisheries, and mills to source its ingredients, with its menu inspired by what is in season. Lunch is available at Redwood Wines between 12pm and 3pm, while Sunday brunch is also offered. The venue is open for dinner and small plates on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from 5.30pm until 10pm. Among the dishes listed on Redwood Wines' sample menu are handkerchief pasta with local chanterelles, flageolet beans, and lemon, aged Aberdeen roast beef sandwich with tarragon aioli and pickled red onions, and burrata with shaved courgettes, fermented chilli, almonds, and mint. Meanwhile, desserts include clotted cream affogato and dark chocolate mousse with olive oil and sea salt. In addition, the restaurant also offers monthly themed tasting sessions that are led by chef Morgwn. These social wine tastings often feature food pairings and are described as "a great way to explore new wines and learn about wine regions". As well as being named the number one local restaurant in Scotland by The Good Food Guide, Redwood Wines has also earned rave reviews from customers. On Google, the wine bar has a rating of five out of five based on 107 reviews. One recent visitor posted: "Exceptional roast beef sandwich and just a lovely place with nice wine, great service and atmosphere. What a place! Will definitely be back and can't recommend highly enough!" Another echoed: "There's nothing even remotely negative that I can say about our experience. The atmosphere, the wine, the service, and especially the food. "We tried almost everything on the menu sharing the plates and it was just amazing. "I have to call out the Angus beef steak tartare especially—it was chunks of beef mixed with avocado and a herb oil. I've never had a tartare even remotely as good as this. "I suspect Redwood Wines have ruined steak tartare elsewhere for me! Definitely going to make this a more frequent place to visit!"
Western Telegraph
19-07-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Paternoster Farm 'thrilled' at best Welsh restaurant award
Paternoster Farm, located in Hundleton, received the title of Best Local Restaurant in Wales as part of The Good Food Guide's 100 Best Local Restaurants 2025 list. The guide praised its "authentic, seasonal Welsh cuisine rooted in sustainable farming". Michelle Evans, co-owner of Paternoster Farm, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award from the Good Food Guide. "It's a testament to the hard work of our team, the commitment of our local suppliers, and the loyalty of our guests. "This has been an incredibly emotional time for us. "The support we've received, from local residents, visitors, and people across the UK, has been overwhelming. "We're relieved and grateful to be able to continue growing what we started here." The restaurant operates on a working farm and serves a hyper-seasonal set menu at £58 per person, using ingredients either grown on the farm or sourced from nearby producers. Ms Evans, a former divorce lawyer who launched the restaurant in 2021, has been widely praised for her approach to hospitality. One supporter said: "Michelle cares about every bite you eat and always has time for a chat, no matter how busy the service is." Paternoster Farm is housed in a converted milking shed and has quickly become a celebrated dining destination. It has featured in the Good Food Guide for three consecutive years, received coverage in The Times, and earned endorsements from leading UK chefs. Chloë Hamilton, editor of The Good Food Guide, said: "Great value for money is a big focus of this year's list. "We're celebrating wine bars serving sensational small plates, neighbourhood bistros breathing new life into faded seaside towns, and cherished family-run gems where you can enjoy a great meal for under £20." Despite its success, the restaurant recently faced the possibility of closure. In February, Pembrokeshire County Council announced it would not renew the Evans family's farm tenancy. Following public support and discussions with council chief executive Will Bramble, the tenancy was extended until August 2027. In a statement, the Evans family said: "We have had some productive discussions with Will Bramble, chief executive of Pembrokeshire County Council, and our current tenancy has now been extended until August 2027. "We would, of course, like to stay longer, so still have a long way to go. "A huge thank you for everyone's ongoing support, and kind words, over these last couple of months. "It's been a massive boost." The Good Food Guide, established in 1951, is the UK's longest-running restaurant publication. It now operates as a fully digital platform, featuring 1,400 venues reviewed anonymously by inspectors.
North Wales Chronicle
18-07-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Abersoch and Newborough restaurants named among UK's best
The Good Food Guide, in partnership with Square, has announced its 100 Best Local Restaurants for 2025. The awards highlight the "independently run venues that define affordable and accessible dining across Britain". Around 60,000 public nominations were received, with the Good Food Guide's anonymous inspectors then whittling the list down to the 100 best. After four months of nominations, incognito inspections and intensive deliberation, we're delighted to finally share our 100 Best Local Restaurants of 2025 in partnership with @SquareUK. These are the places you really want to eat at in 2025: The Good Food Guide said: "This 2025 list celebrates wine bars serving sensational small plates, neighbourhood bistros breathing life into faded towns, and the cherished family-run gems where you can enjoy a great meal for under £20." While executive director at Square, Samantha Hussain-Letch, added: "The restaurants recognised by The Good Food Guide exemplify creativity and excellence, and we're excited to see how they continue to shape the future of the industry." The local restaurants in Wales that are among the UK's best, according to the Good Food Guide, are: You can see the full list of the 100 best local restaurants on the Good Food Guide website. Y Marram, located in the Anglesey village of Newborough, was one of two North Wales eateries to feature among the Good Food Guide's 100 best local restaurants. The North Wales restaurant has been commended for its "exemplary local produce crafted with care" and boasts a 'very good' overall rating on the Good Food Guide website. The website adds: "A caravan park on a Welsh holiday island is not the first place you'd think of to find a meal that could hold its own alongside many a Soho or Shoreditch joint. "Formerly the Guide-listed Marram Grass, the venue has gone through several iterations, but if they can sustain the quality we experienced on our visit, many more bucket 'n' spaders should be queuing up for dishes such as whole wild sea bass in shellfish sauce or hand-dived scallops, yoghurt, poached egg in a burnt butter sauce – as well as dayttime brunch treats. "Given the location, fish predominates, but you'll also find choices on the short main menu such as dry-aged pork loin and apple in a pork butter sauce." The Good Food Guide continues: "Menu structure is still a work in progress: opening times are varied (check the website) and there is currently no separate starter or dessert options. "To drink, beers, ciders and wines have a local accent wherever possible. "Also, look out for visiting guest chefs and culinary events. "In contrast to the rather rickety surrounds (think an extended, florally bedecked garden shed amidst farm buildings), Ellis Barrie's cooking is instinctively refined, skilled and confident enough to keep it simple – not because he doesn't know how to elaborate, but because he clearly does." A post shared by Y Marram (@ The Good Food Guide describes The Dining Room in Abersoch as a "fun-loving bistro with a huge local following", while it has an overall rating of 'Good'. The food experts explain: "Tucked discreetly in between a butcher's and a bakery in a seaside village on the Llyn Peninsula, the Dining Room might almost be missed, except that a cascade of local recommendations suggests that it is very much on everybody's radar. "It's a front-room bistro operation done in soothing neutral colours, with calming lake views on the walls to counterpoint the happy buzz of custom. "Chef-owner Si Toft's career began in northwest England before he crossed the border, embarking on a mission to showcase the best Welsh produce on a tight ship three evenings a week. "Expect Anglesey black beef, Cardigan Bay fish and Penderyn whisky to crop up regularly on the frequently changing menus." A post shared by The Dining Room | Abersoch (@thediningroomabersoch) The Dining Room also comes highly recommended by visitors, with the restaurant holding a near-perfect 4.6 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor from 312 reviews. Customers have described the Abersoch-based restaurant as "perfect", "a little gem" and "6 out of 5", while another said it has "the best food in Wales". RECOMMENDED READING: 3 'must visit' seaside fish and chip shops in North Wales named among UK's best 'Unbelievable' North Wales restaurant with 'surprise' menu among the world's best 'Picturesque' North Wales town among UK's best for al fresco dining and pub gardens One person, commenting on Tripadvisor, said: "The best local food cooked in a superb intimate restaurant. "My compliments to the chef and staff - you really should try and visit to taste, and experience, the quality of the food and service first hand." Another added: "Simply the best food anywhere, let alone in Abersoch. Very original menu, local produce put together with perfection. "Small & intimate atmosphere with friendly staff. Must try the recommended aperitifs."
Leader Live
18-07-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Abersoch and Newborough restaurants named among UK's best
The Good Food Guide, in partnership with Square, has announced its 100 Best Local Restaurants for 2025. The awards highlight the "independently run venues that define affordable and accessible dining across Britain". Around 60,000 public nominations were received, with the Good Food Guide's anonymous inspectors then whittling the list down to the 100 best. After four months of nominations, incognito inspections and intensive deliberation, we're delighted to finally share our 100 Best Local Restaurants of 2025 in partnership with @SquareUK. These are the places you really want to eat at in 2025: The Good Food Guide said: "This 2025 list celebrates wine bars serving sensational small plates, neighbourhood bistros breathing life into faded towns, and the cherished family-run gems where you can enjoy a great meal for under £20." While executive director at Square, Samantha Hussain-Letch, added: "The restaurants recognised by The Good Food Guide exemplify creativity and excellence, and we're excited to see how they continue to shape the future of the industry." The local restaurants in Wales that are among the UK's best, according to the Good Food Guide, are: You can see the full list of the 100 best local restaurants on the Good Food Guide website. Y Marram, located in the Anglesey village of Newborough, was one of two North Wales eateries to feature among the Good Food Guide's 100 best local restaurants. The North Wales restaurant has been commended for its "exemplary local produce crafted with care" and boasts a 'very good' overall rating on the Good Food Guide website. The website adds: "A caravan park on a Welsh holiday island is not the first place you'd think of to find a meal that could hold its own alongside many a Soho or Shoreditch joint. "Formerly the Guide-listed Marram Grass, the venue has gone through several iterations, but if they can sustain the quality we experienced on our visit, many more bucket 'n' spaders should be queuing up for dishes such as whole wild sea bass in shellfish sauce or hand-dived scallops, yoghurt, poached egg in a burnt butter sauce – as well as dayttime brunch treats. "Given the location, fish predominates, but you'll also find choices on the short main menu such as dry-aged pork loin and apple in a pork butter sauce." The Good Food Guide continues: "Menu structure is still a work in progress: opening times are varied (check the website) and there is currently no separate starter or dessert options. "To drink, beers, ciders and wines have a local accent wherever possible. "Also, look out for visiting guest chefs and culinary events. "In contrast to the rather rickety surrounds (think an extended, florally bedecked garden shed amidst farm buildings), Ellis Barrie's cooking is instinctively refined, skilled and confident enough to keep it simple – not because he doesn't know how to elaborate, but because he clearly does." A post shared by Y Marram (@ The Good Food Guide describes The Dining Room in Abersoch as a "fun-loving bistro with a huge local following", while it has an overall rating of 'Good'. The food experts explain: "Tucked discreetly in between a butcher's and a bakery in a seaside village on the Llyn Peninsula, the Dining Room might almost be missed, except that a cascade of local recommendations suggests that it is very much on everybody's radar. "It's a front-room bistro operation done in soothing neutral colours, with calming lake views on the walls to counterpoint the happy buzz of custom. "Chef-owner Si Toft's career began in northwest England before he crossed the border, embarking on a mission to showcase the best Welsh produce on a tight ship three evenings a week. "Expect Anglesey black beef, Cardigan Bay fish and Penderyn whisky to crop up regularly on the frequently changing menus." A post shared by The Dining Room | Abersoch (@thediningroomabersoch) The Dining Room also comes highly recommended by visitors, with the restaurant holding a near-perfect 4.6 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor from 312 reviews. Customers have described the Abersoch-based restaurant as "perfect", "a little gem" and "6 out of 5", while another said it has "the best food in Wales". RECOMMENDED READING: 3 'must visit' seaside fish and chip shops in North Wales named among UK's best 'Unbelievable' North Wales restaurant with 'surprise' menu among the world's best 'Picturesque' North Wales town among UK's best for al fresco dining and pub gardens One person, commenting on Tripadvisor, said: "The best local food cooked in a superb intimate restaurant. "My compliments to the chef and staff - you really should try and visit to taste, and experience, the quality of the food and service first hand." Another added: "Simply the best food anywhere, let alone in Abersoch. Very original menu, local produce put together with perfection. "Small & intimate atmosphere with friendly staff. Must try the recommended aperitifs."
