Scottish chef, food writer and broadcaster Nick Nairn, and his wife Julia, have officially opened their brand-new restaurant, Nairn’s in Bridge of Allan on Monday (31 July), coming two years after a devastating fire destroyed the couple’s previous venue.
The newly rebuilt space is customised to Nick and Julia’s exact specifications, with interiors designed by Edinburgh-based designer Pat Renson. The menu emphasises local products, including herbs and vegetables grown by Nick and Julia, and features a refined selection of Scottish seafood, game, and grass-fed meats. Offerings include snacks, small plates, and big plates, such as Monkfish Cheek Scampi, Macduff Beef Tartare, Venison Roe Haunch, and desserts like Hot Raspberry Souffle with White Chocolate Ice Cream.
In addition to the restaurant, September will see the opening of two new Nairn’s stores on Bridge of Allan’s high street: Cook by Nick and Home by Julia. Cook by Nick will offer restaurant-quality ingredients and host mini masterclasses and demonstrations. Home by Julia will extend the couple’s existing homeware store, showcasing larger soft furnishings and unique kitchenware.
Nick and Julia Nairn said, “It’s been a long road back for Bridge of Allan, but we are delighted to welcome everyone back to Nairn’s. Having the opportunity to have a presence on the high street too is something we’re beyond excited about.
“Cook by Nick will allow our customers to go that one step further to use our restaurant-quality produce at home and enjoy cookery masterclasses on their doorstep. With the popularity of our interiors shop in Port of Monteith, it seems only fitting that we give Home by Julia a place in Bridge of Allan too. These openings in our hometown are a personal reflection of what we love and we’re looking forward to sharing that.”