Stack & Still flips former Jamie’s Italian site into Edinburgh pancake house

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Paul Reynolds and Graham Swankie’s Glasgow-based urban pancake business Stack & Still is expanding into Edinburgh with the launch of a 140-seat restaurant in the former Jamie’s Italian site at the Assembly Rooms, opening on Thursday 22 July. ‘Insomnia’, its espresso martini bar, which will serve 50 espresso martinis, will launch initially as a weekend offering from Friday 20 August.

Said Paul, “The Assembly Rooms is an iconic Edinburgh institution and we’re very proud to be taking over this prime site.

 “Edinburgh’s hospitality and retail landscape is among the most vibrant in the UK, with the opening of both the St James Quarter and the forthcoming Johnnie Walker visitors’ centre.

 “This is an exciting time to be expanding into our nation’s capital as we continue to invest in our fast-growing business.

 “We’re keen to play our part in helping the city to recover from the pain caused by the coronavirus pandemic restrictions, by creating jobs and by giving visitors another great reason to come to Edinburgh.”

 

Graham added, “Our business has continued to expand during the pandemic, with our Braehead site opening in the run-up to Christmas 2020.”

 “It’s tough for all hospitality businesses at the moment, but we’ve been really encouraged by the demand from customers at our restaurants in Glasgow and in Livingston.

 “Now, we’re looking forward to introducing our dynamic food offering and innovative espresso martini bar concept to our new customers in Edinburgh.”

A total of 40 jobs are being created at the new restaurant, which is being managed by Vicky Briody.

 

it comes hot on the heels of the pancake chain opening an outlet in a former Harvester restaurant in Livingston last month, and Stack & Still’s other branches are located at West George Street in Glasgow, and at Braehead, Glasgow Fort, and Silverburn shopping centres.

 

Paul Reynolds announced last month that he is marketing for sale his Gin71, Cup Tea Lounge, and The Gin Spa business in Glasgow in order to focus on Stack & Still’s expansion across the UK.