Looking for Scottish food news? Here’s the movers and shakers.
First up, we chuckled at the idea that Jack and Victor from Still Game were to become the new Tennent’s Lager Lovelies. The comic duo appear on the back of special edition cans.
We suspect they are going to get their legs pulled the next time they nip into the Clansman for a pint.
Scottish food news: Arthur Street Kitchen in Ayr
In Ayr, the West of the Moon pub shut unexpectedly last month. Its sudden closure left a palpable gap in the town’s bar scene.
Happily restaurateur Chris Steele aims to re-open the premises as Arthur Street Kitchen.
Mr Steele already runs the town’s Stage Door Cafe and the Hollybush Inn bar restaurant.
He hopes the new venture will welcome its first guests before Christmas.
Picollino primed for Tollcross
In Edinburgh, it is reported that Luigi Aseni is to launch a new Italian restaurant concept called Picollino in Tollcross.
Diners and party fans in both Glasgow and Edinburgh may have already visited Mr Aseni’s Boteco do Brazil bars in each city.
The new venture will take shape in the High Riggs premises formerly occupied by Bruno’s 7 to 7 American diner. There is already a chain of Piccolino restaurants in England. Which may explain the slightly strange spelling of the planned Scottish restaurant.
We also understand that Sep Marini of Tony Macaroni is to open The Wine House Hotel 1821 on Edinburgh’s Picardy Place this evening.
Featuring four bedrooms, a cocktail lounge and wine bar, the boutique hotel is a joint venture with Zonin1821 wine producers.
We hope to have more info tomorrow.
Scotland Food and Drink Show
And if you are looking for something culinary to do at the weekend, you may wish to mooch over the Royal Highland Centre.
On Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th October, the Ingliston venue will host the Scotland Food and Drink Show.
As well as dozens of producers showing their wares, guests can look forward to cooking demos from top talent such as Gary Maclean, winner of Masterchef The Professionals.
The Liquid Academy are holding a variety of drinks master classes. Topics include top shelf sodas, low alcohol and zero alcohol beers plus a Botanicals master class from the good people at Fentimans.
Entry is free and the event runs 10am to 5pm on both days.
Drink with the undead
Last but not least, fright fans will want to scare themselves witless at the Black Market Barracks on Edinburgh’s Market Street.
A new pop-up bar and zombie soldier house of horrors, the immersive attraction takes place every night (and day) in the run-up to Halloween.
We understand that each hellish tour of duty lasts around twenty minutes.
After which it’s time for stiff drinks all round.
Keep checking the 5pm Dining blog for all the latest Scottish food news.