There has been a little flurry of activity on the restaurant opening front. In Edinburgh, The WestRoom has started trading on Melville Place in the old Halo site. It is run by the same people who operate the rather cool 5pm members Sygn and Monteiths.
According to the chef, the menu comprises very simple bar food and aims to take people back to tastes they might remember from their childhoods. Mushrooms on toast, Scotch broth, stovies and posh Scotch eggs are the sort of thing that features.
Also in the west end is Santo’s Bistro, a new place on Canning Street, right in the heart of the business district. Open only during the day, it promises home-made food from a daily changing menu.
In Glasgow, Tao on Bath Street has gone and Maggie Murphys has set up in its place. They offer a back to basics menu of dishes such as mince ‘n’ tatties, bangers ‘n’ mash and fruit crumbles.
Staying on Bath Street, Maggie Murphys is soon to have a new neighbour. The former Brick Bar has been undergoing renovations over the last few weeks and is due to open soon as the intriguingly named Bath Street Pony. Billed as a bar, restaurant, cafe and live entertainment venue, they are currently recruiting staff.