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September 18, 2017
Baba
BABA is a new restaurant from the team behind The Ox and Finch.

 

BABA will be the new flagship restaurant in the recently launched Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square hotel.

Formerly the Roxburghe Hotel, the property on the corner of Charlotte Square and George Street has its official launch party this week.

The celebration marks the completion of a £25 million investment and full rebrand of the hotel.

The Principal Edinburgh Charlotte Square is the fourth hotel to join the Principal brand. The other hotels in the group are Manchester, York and Edinburgh George Street.

BABA: Eastern Mediterranean dishes

BABA is the brainchild of the award-winning team behind Ox and Finch in Glasgow.

The new restaurant’s mezze, charcoal grill and cocktail bar is the result of a partnership. Jonathan MacDonald and Daniel Spurr of Ox and Finch are working with Katherine Arnold and Robbie Bargh of the Gorgeous Group.

The kitchen promises ‘a boldly unconventional menu of Eastern Mediterranean mezze dining’.

A bespoke charcoal grill will be the centrepiece of BABA’s open kitchen.

Carefully-sourced Scottish lamb, beef and seafood will be spiced and grilled – Levantine-style – over coals.

Culinary journey

Jonathan MacDonald said, ‘Eastern Mediterranean cuisine is extremely versatile. Developing this menu with the team has been a journey for us all. We have spent a great deal of time testing unique combinations of food and cooking techniques. The result is a menu that we believe will bring an unforgettable culinary experience to both hotel guests and Edinburgh locals. We have been overwhelmed by the success of Ox and Finch in Glasgow, and are so excited about bringing a completely new offering and dining experience to the people of Edinburgh.’

To lead BABA’s kitchen brigade, Jonathan MacDonald has appointed David Barnett as Head Chef. Glasgow-born David joins the team following a number of years heading The Torridon Restaurant, recipient of 3 AA rosettes.

BABA opens to the public on Monday 2 October. Soft opening discount tastings will be available in the fortnight running up to this date.