The Vittoria Group are renowned for some of Edinburgh and the Lothians most iconic eateries including Divino Enoteca, Vittoria on the Bridge, Vittoria on the Walk, Berties, Taste of Italy, and Brunswick Book Club.
Now they have a new venue to add to that list. Landy’s Restaurant has recently opened at 29-31 North Bridge in Edinburgh, the former Byron Burger site, and is set to tap into memories of the British seaside holiday.
The reimagined coastal chippie may be in the city, but it is promising diners the chance to experience “proper fish and chips” as well as some contemporary twists on the chip shop experience.
Vittoria Group Director, Alberto Crolla explains, “The capital’s lively Old Town is the ideal location to expand our restaurant business to new and existing customers. Landy’s provides dining comfort food at its finest. We want to recreate the nostalgic appeal of fish and chips on the beach or by the sea with classic chip shop dishes at the heart of the menu”.
The 7000 sq. ft restaurant seats 200 covers and is set over two floors. The group has invested £2 million into the site and the restaurant has been completely refurbished with local interior designers Significant Others taking the lead alongside main contractor, Severinos. The result blends the elegance of historic Edinburgh with playful seaside charm.
Michelle Ridley, Creative Director at Significant Others, shared, “We’ve been working with the Vittoria Group for a couple of years now and the concept was to create an urban space that also evoked nostalgic memories of the British seaside. It’s a family restaurant so we wanted to create something where the kids were engaged as well.
“The interior is seaside chic. It’s very high quality, but also has a fun and laid-back atmosphere. We have implemented a bold stripe pattern that runs through everything from the menus to the upholstery and even the tiling – it’s all bespoke.”
The interior colours are predominantly navy, red and white coupled with tongue in cheek seaside-themed decor and an open kitchen which provides diners with a full view of the cooking. Red and white square tiles are used to create stripes which frame the kitchen. This stripe theme is used throughout and is reminiscent of the patters used in deckchairs. Banquettes and curved booths in navy and striped navy and white leather provide comfortable eating spaces. There are also individual seats and high stools made from natural wood with red leather seats and a cylindrical red and pink striped back.
This colour and design even run through to the menus on the table. In fact, all of the branding is really on point.
Natural wood elements are also integral to the design and used for the tables, flooring and even the bar front.
Lighting wise there is a wonderful mix of glass wall sconces and pendant lights. The pendant lights include large half metal and half glass spheres as well as other glass orbs which have been decorated in fishing rope.
The stripe patterns really create a smart geometrical look, however, there are plenty of other additions to warm up the space. Greenery supplied by the Benholm Group cascades from ceiling beams and brings both a freshness and warmth.
There is also shelfing which is home to more plants and vintage looking seaside inspired nik naks. Michelle adds, “The ornaments were all sourced individually around the key concept. We have everything from ‘Landy’s ladies’ in swimsuits to more nautical items and even seagulls stealing pokes of chips. It all adds to the bigger picture and the detail is what brings everything together to create a full experience.
“From the external shop front, the picture builds and then the design is taken all the way through. It’s about layering the details as well, that’s what the customer really notices. “We used local illustrator, Keiti, to add vintage inspired seaside illustrations. We asked her to add a lot of Edinburgh references into it, so you have Arthurs Seat and Edinburgh Castle, as a sandcastle, in the background. This brings a unique feel.”
The large murals are certainly an eye-catching feature and really bring the restaurant to life. They are black and white, tongue in cheek and drawn in a retro cartoon style reminiscent of The Broons – a real talking point!
In fact, the entire restaurant is just fun, warm and welcoming and I can’t wait to pop in again soon.