Ahead of its official launch in Spring, Gleneagles Townhouse has announced the appointment of Head Chef, Jonny Wright, to produce the food for the 33-room hotel, members’ club and all-day restaurant, The Spence, on St Andrew Square, Edinburgh.
Wright, 34, returns to Scotland with over 16 years’ experience including spells as Head Chef at Jason Atherton’s Berner’s Tavern, where he won an Acorn top 30-under-30 award, Sous Chef at Evelyn’s Table and Senior Sous Chef at the award-winning Palomar restaurant in Soho. It is this experience which has helped impart make Wright eager to make his mark on Edinburgh’s flourishing restaurant scene.
Seeking out some of the country’s most innovative suppliers, it is his enthusiasm for Scotland’s natural larder, the old Scots word from which The Spence takes its name, which is set to make the menus really stand out.
Signature dishes, which he describes as “rooted in classics with a modern twist” will include Wild Mushroom Tart with Goats Curd and Hazelnuts, Whole Roasted Turbot with Fennel & Chilli and Scotch Baba with Praline Sauce and Mascarpone for two to share.
Working alongside Wright and the Townhouse team are brother-and-sister restaurateur duo, Zoe and Layo Paskin, who have collaborated on the vision and concept for The Spence, their first ever consultancy project outside of London.
The Paskins’ much-admired London outposts include The Palomar, The Barbary, Evelyn’s Table and most recently, The Barbary Next Door. Intent on creating a buzzy backdrop from morning until night, the team has the experience to make sure The Spence becomes a vibrant spot to gather and for great get-togethers to unfold.
Set in one of Edinburgh’s loveliest banking halls the airy, social space will be a modern style brasserie for lively conversations and spontaneous suppers. At its core, a central bar sits underneath the glass-domed ceiling serving up a carefully constructed drinks list curated by bar manager, Stefanie Anderson.
Original and elaborate features, including towering columns and intricate cornicing, carefully restored by Ennismore Design Studio, will frame Bloody Mary breakfasts, up-beat lunches, and dynamic dinners as well as a nightcap before leaving.
Based at 39 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, and originally home to the British Linen Company and later the Bank of Scotland, the historic building is being reimagined to become Gleneagles Townhouse, a 33-bedroom hotel, all-day restaurant, rooftop bar, wellness space and member’s club.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
