Nick Nairn in his new Kailyard restaurant
So far, January has not been an altogether happy month for the restaurant trade. Abstract in Edinburgh didn’t re-open after the New Year break although its sister operations in Inverness are fine. There is also news that a mini hotel and restaurant chain is in difficulties after the poor weather led to a spate of cancellations.
Not that it is all doom and gloom by any measure. The AA have just announced their new rosette awards and Paul Kitching’s 21212 in Edinburgh now has three as has The Green Inn in Ballater. Just as happily, Wedgewood, on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, was recently voted by the readers of Hardens as being the best new restaurant outside of London. Fingers crossed that the 2010 Michelin Guide, which launches on Tuesday, will bring more good news for Scotland’s hard pressed kitchen brigades.
On the new openings front, David Ramsden’s Seadog chippie should open on Rose Street in Edinburgh in the next few months. We also hear that he is to open an Edinburgh hotel at some point in 2010. In keeping with the canine theme of his other ventures, it is to be called The Doghouse.
On Thursday 28 January, at the Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro, Nick Nairn will officially launch his signature restaurant called The Kailyard. Part of a £12 million refurb, the restaurant aims to be a showcase for top notch Scottish grub. The Kailyard menu will include Borders lamb, Shetland sole, Highland beef, Scrabster-landed cod and Nick’s famous fish pie.