The team behind the new Black Grape Restaurant and Wine Bar which has just opened at the former Pancho Villas site on the Canongate has offered a first look at their exciting new launch.
The new eatery from entrepreneurs Stuart Hunter and Cameron Taylor team up with experienced restaurateur Murray Ainslie. has an emphasis on small plates with a sharing-style menu designed for sharing at the table, or simply to enjoy with a glass of wine in the bar.
Divided into sections of meat and game, fish and shells, raw, small plates, sides and snacks, the menu has been put together by head chef Owen Morrice, with an extensive drinks list, including sixteen original cocktails and wines.
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Split over two levels, the 60-cover venue has a bar occupying the street-level entrance area, where a communal 10-seater table sits front and centre, with seating available at the terrazzo-topped bar and individual high tables.
The restaurant features a discreet private booth and elegant half-moon seating that look out over the Royal Mile.
The Black Grape team say the menu encourages sharing, inviting diners to experience dishes from every section to create a feast at the table.
From the ‘raw’ section features dishes such as native oysters served in the classic style with a house hot sauce, while wild mushroom spring rolls that come with umami-intense black garlic can be found in the ‘small plates’ section, and blue cheese croquettes with black grape jelly and pickled red chilli are one of the ‘snack’ options.
In the ‘meat & game’ section, Scottish wild venison is served with burnt celeriac skin dukkha, jus and brambles, while in the ‘fish & shells’ section there are offerings such as the hand-dived scallops, served in the shell with bacon fat butter, celeriac and apple.
The dessert menu includes a zingy yuzu meringue pie with raspberry and white chocolate; an indulgent sticky chocolate pudding with salted caramel custard; as well as cheese from I.J. Mellis and after-dinner cocktails.
The Black Grape’s wine list was compiled in collaboration with top wine merchants Hallgarten with wines from around the globe such as Georgian Saperavi, Tuscan Vermentini and Galician Treixedura.
Former Class Magazine’s ‘Bartender of the Year’, Joey Medrington, has worked with the bar team to create an exciting menu of 16 different cocktails.
Speaking about the launch, Murray enthused: "Creating this unique offer has been a fantastic experience for Stuart, Cameron and me. It is a culmination of years of dining out and socialising together and we’re very proud of it. We’ve created an experience inspired by some of our favourite restaurants across the world.
"Each drink and dish has been carefully considered and we aim to recreate the amazing buzz that the best bars and restaurants offer. Whether you’re joining us for a glass of wine and a small plate, or feasting with a group of friends, we want you to feel at home.”
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