Due to open officially to the public on St Valentine's Day, the new bar and brasserie replaces Prezzo in the old fish market.

Overlooking the Newhaven Lighthouse and with views across to the three Forth bridges, the waterfront brasserie is the vision of Mark Patonyi.

Mark will be a familiar face to many Edinburgh restaurant regulars. He helped launch and manage the front of house at Martin Wishart’s The Honours and also spent just under five years as manager of Steak Restaurant at Picardy Place.

Along with fifteen further staff, Steak’s former executive chef, Vladimir Garcik will head up the new kitchen. Pic shows Mark and Vladimir.

In addition to a private dining room and separate bar area, the +£100,000 project features a main dining room with more than 70 covers. In the summer, diners and drinkers will be able to enjoy the outside decking.

Suppliers including Donald Russell butchers and neighbours Welch’s fishmongers will provide the ingredients for dishes such as slow roast lobster tail with lobster ravioli, coq au vin or a selection of steaks.

Newhaven neighbourhood hot spot

Mark said: 'We’re bringing something entirely bold and new to this striking location. It’s been a labour of love, but this is a prospect that truly excites me – and I want Pier Brasserie to quickly become a local gem that also encourages more people down to this beautiful part of the city.

'Everything we’re doing is about honesty and inclusivity, with a bar suitable for lovers of fine beers, wines or a date-night drink, as well as being a spot where families can feel entirely at ease.

'It’s important to me that our food will be good value, high quality and gimmick-free – so that we can become a welcoming spot for all, from vegans and vegetarians, to seafood lovers and steak aficionados.  

'We’re fortunate to have some amazing foodie neighbours around us too, who have also been charmed by this quirky old fish market building – as well as a view that is hard to beat!'

Culinary hub

Pier Brasserie's foodie neighbours include Roy Brett's Fishmarket, Porto and Fi deli cafe, Basil's The Old Chainhouse Pier and the recently revamped Loch Fyne Restaurant and Bar.

Assuming that the tram extension all goes to plan (!?!?!) then it is easy to see how Newhaven Harbour could become an inviting food hub in that part of town.

We'll be back with more on Pier Brasserie in the next fortnight or so.