On the food radar: New openings in Edinburgh and Glasgow
We've had to say goodbye to a few of our favourite restaurants on the West coast recently as Nonya and Potluck have sadly closed their doors. But there's still plenty to get excited about on the Glasgow food scene...
For tasty brunch dishes, pay a visit to pretty pink vegan cafe Locker 1012 (pictured) in Finneston or try out Cafe Strange Brew's new sister restaurant Mesa on Duke Street. For flame cooked Japanese cuisine prepared right before your eyes, book a table at Benihana on West Nile Street, and watch out for neighbours Bibimbap who will be opening a second restaurant over in the West End soon. If you like to keep things classy, watch out for The Ivy due to open on Buchanan Street this year.
Edinburgh's food scene also shows no sign of slowing down this year. Here's three new places worth checking out...
The Innis & Gunn Brewery Taproom
Previously home to the Beer Kitchen, the bar at 81-83 Lothian Road now boasts 26 craft taps, all Innis & Gunn core beers and a number of small batch brews. ‘Scottish soul food’ accompanies the beer, with items such as Cullen Skink bon bons and Scottish mussels available all day. There’s also a £5 before 5pm lunch menu. innisandgunn.com
The Chaumer
This elegant tea house and wine bar at 61 Queen Street serves fresh and hearty breakfasts and lunches as well as trays of Scottish fish, charcuterie and cheese. As you might expect, there’s a good selection of loose leaf teas (all presented in Wedgwood’s Edme crockery, no less) and locally made cakes - try the delicious Cranachan tray bake which is gluten and dairy free. thechaumer.com
Victor Hugo
We’ll be first in line for brunch at Victor Hugo when it opens on the corner of George Street and North Castle Street in June. Expect the same delicious offering of eggs benedict, homemade waffles, pastrami sandwiches and own roast coffee served at the original delicatessen in the Meadows but with far more seating, inside and outside – and castle views. victorhugodeli.com