Work is underway on the Vittoria Group’s new £3M, 11,000 sq.ft, 270-cover restaurant on Victoria Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, in the former St John’s Church. It’s due to open in November. The property, a three-floor World Heritage site building, has been a bookmaker, a Bysantium market and an Indian restaurant in its time, but following a blaze in 2008 it has been empty.
Group Chairman Tony Crolla said,”My family have a long standing passion for great fish & chips and hospitality is at the heart of our business. We have had a vision for many years about opening ëtheí fish & chip restaurant destination in the heart of Edinburgh City Centre for many years. This concept will be fun, relaxed and affordable. Our focus as ever with our restaurants is fresh quality food available for all. I am excited to bring a truly extraordinary dining experience to my home city.”
The ‘beach chic’ design will play on the chip shop theme with seating in beach-hut style booths and a nod to nautical style interiors complete with classic tongue and groove panelling, painted floorboards, galvanised metals and weathered paintwork and also feature a variety of coastal inspirations: rope, anchors and wall-hung oars.
Designer Michael Dunn at MD Solutions said, “The client’s vision, the space and market audience being the main influences to breathe life, vibrancy and character into what will be the flagship unit of the Vittoria Group. The offering will be un-intimidating, welcoming and warm, yet still airy and uplifting. Different zones and a mix of seating styles and heights break up the floor spaces, with flexibility being key for all types of groups, parties and occasions.
The group’s other restaurants include Vittoria on the Walk, Vittoria on the Bridge, Taste of Italy and Divino Enoteca in Edinburgh’s Old Town. However the group has closed two of its Favourita branches.