Some of the biggest names in Scottish hospitality have come together to showcase Edinburgh’s waterfront in Leith. A group of seven chefs and restaurants have joined forces to promote the ‘shore to food lovers across the city, from other parts of Scotland, the UK and the world because Leith now boasts more fine dining restaurants than anywhere else in the country and they want to shout about it.
It is being backed by Leith’s Michelin-starred chefs, Tom Kitchin; Martin Wishart; and Heron’s Sam York; as well as Roberta Hall-McCarron from The Little Chartroom and Bib Gourmand-awarded Ardfern; Fingal Hotel’s The Lighthouse Restaurant; and Barry Bryson’s newly opened Barry Fish.
Tom Kitchin said, “Edinburgh’s waterfront has definitely earned its reputation as a world class restaurant destination over recent years, so I’m really excited to be teaming up with other top chefs and venues around the Shore to help reach an even wider local, national and international audience.”
Martin Wishart, added, “The Shore area of Leith has developed so much in the 25 years since opening the restaurant. The quality and range of restaurants and bars in this coastal neighbourhood is outstanding. It’s a pleasure to be in the company of such a wide range of talented chefs.”
Chief Executive of Fingal Hotel and The Royal Yacht Britannia, Franck Bruyère, said, “We’re continuing to enhance the dining experience for our guests following the expansion of our award-winning restaurant. We’re also building on Fingal’s reputation for culinary excellence by showcasing only the best Scottish seasonal produce. Fingal’s galley team aims to create the finest quality Scottish menus that are bursting with seasonal flavours.
“In addition, and new for 2025, Fingal’s original Bridge is being developed into a thoughtfully designed new private dining experience, offering a tailored and immersive gastronomic journey for guests, inspired by Fingal’s working life at sea.”
Barry Bryson, who recently opened the doors to his first independent fish restaurant in February, said, “With Barry Fish, it was always about finding a site in Leith, but never did I imagine we would be opening in such an amazing location as the Shore. Our dining experience is designed for everyone. We are not a special occasion restaurant, but we do want to be a special restaurant. It’s about creating something that fits well with a community of diners – that’s who I am.”
Meanwhile, the UK’s first vertical distillery, The Port of Leith Distillery, also adds to the dining experience with its top floor bar and restaurant.
The full list of participating chefs and restaurateurs on and around Edinburgh’s waterfront at the Shore in Leith are Mark Alston (Executive Chef, Fingal Hotel & The Royal Yacht Britannia) & Andrea Sendon Alonso (Restaurant Chef, Fingal Hotel); Ian Stirling, Founder/Co CEO Port of Leith Distillery Restaurant & Bar; Tom Kitchin The Kitchin (1 Michelin star); Martin Wishart Restaurant Martin Wishart (1 Michelin star); Barry Bryson Barry Fish; Sam Yorke Heron (1 Michelin Star); Roberta Hall-McCarron, The Little Chartroom (Michelin Guide); Ardfern (Michelin Bib Gourmand); Eleanore.
Picture: Mark Alston (Executive Chef, Fingal Hotel & The Royal Yacht Britannia); Martin Wishart (Restaurant Martin Wishart); Andrea Sendon Alonso (Restaurant Chef, Fingal Hotel); Ian Stirling, Founder/Co CEO (Port of Leith Distillery); Roberta Hall-McCarron (The Little Chartroom/Ardfern/Eleanore); Barry Bryson (Barry Fish); Sam Yorke (Heron) & Tom Kitchin (The Kitchin).