Restaurateurs Tony Conetta and Mario Gizzi of Di Maggio’s Restaurant Group (DRG) have announced plans for a £2m luxury restaurant and bar development in the heart of Edinburgh.
Housed within the Edinburgh Grand building in the former RBS headquarters on St Andrew Square, the 9,500 sq ft development will include a contemporary 200-cover restaurant and two bars. It is due to open in Spring 2018.
It forms part of the £60m regeneration of The Registers, an area in the southeast of St Andrew Square, by developer Chris Stewart Group that will comprise of more than 50 luxury serviced apartments and offices.
Tony Conetta, Managing Director of The Di Maggio’s Restaurant Group (DRG), said, “This is an incredibly exciting project for us, in both an iconic building and location. The Edinburgh Grand’s banking hall is rich in history, both for the capital and Scotland as a whole, and by carefully retaining and restoring the many original features we will bring this heritage to life.
“Our luxury restaurant and bar offering will have a Scottish influence at its heart and will make a significant contribution to Edinburgh’s vibrant food and drink scene.”
The DRG will begin work on their new venture at The Registers in October 2017.
The new bar and restaurant will be housed within the double height former banking hall and will showcase the history of the building, its neoclassical and art deco original features, combined with the ultimate in luxury design.
Chris Stewart, CEO of real estate company Chris Stewart Group, added, “The ambition The DRG has for the space both in terms of design and quality offering is a perfect fit for The Registers, and we are delighted to welcome them as tenants.
“The building at 42 St Andrew Square is magnificent and as home to The Edinburgh Grand serviced apartments and now The DRG flagship restaurant, it will create a huge draw to this part of Edinburgh’s City Centre. With a new pedestrianised area and public spaces, we are rejuvenating a once neglected area to make something special.”
Conetta and Gizzi’s DRG previously developed a historic building for The Anchorline, which opened in Glasgow in September, 2014.
The group transformed a former ticket office of the Anchor Shipping Line in the city’s Vincent Place into a premium restaurant and bar.
The £1.5m development that has brought to life the history of this location where first class passengers booked voyages to destinations including New York, India and Pakistan.
DRG operates a number of restaurants across Glasgow and Edinbrgh under the Di Maggio’s, Café Andaluz, Amarone, Atlantic Brasserie, Barolo, Cadiz and The Anchorline brands.
