New Venue Openings: Edinburgh, January 2020

Tattu

There’s been a buzz around the streets of Auld Reekie since upmarket Chinese chain Tattu announced their plans to open their first Scottish restaurant. Having a peep in, we can see why. Their Edinburgh joint is a thing of beauty, with cherry blossom ceilings, mahogany furnishings and wonderful hanging lanterns that complement the old-meets-new theme of the menu very well. Chef Andrew Lassetter and his team have done a cracking job with their playful creations, from the Wok Fired Angry Bird to the King Oyster Mushroom Hot Pot. We’d tell you more, but you really have to see this place to believe it. 18 West Register St, tattu.co.uk

Spilt Milk Gallery

Calling all mama bears! Spilt Milk is a new, artist-led social enterprise with one ambition: to provide a platform for artists who are mothers. They might not have a permanent base yet, but that hasn’t stopped the team from letting their voice be heard, with exhibitions that have captured attention across town, from Stills to St Margaret's House. They’ve also held a string of learning opportunities, including the wonderful Unsung Leith, a series of childcare-supported creative workshops at Dr Bell's Family Centre. If ever there was a case to watch this space, it’s this. spiltmilkgallery.com

[Image: Twelve Triangles Dalry by Twelve Triangles]

Twelve Triangles Dalry

“May the FOURTH be with you!” We like to think that was the mantra that encouraged Edinburgh bakers Twelve Triangles to hit us with their fourth instalment in Dalry. Just around the corner from Haymarket station, their newest coffee shop promises the same cosy setting, with just a few tenderly cared for tables and their signature offering of handmade sourdough breads, pastries and much-loved doughnuts. An excellent spot to catch up over a cup of Joe or stock up on travel supplies; a whole tub of peanut butter cream cheese to go please! 50 Dalry Rd, twelvetriangles.com

Leith Arches

It takes a mad genius to take a derelict arch and transform it into something special. Thankfully longtime friends and colleagues Carmen Allison and Donna Howden fit that brief just right. Having achieved success managing the likes of Bar Brig, the duo have now channelled their creative energy into giving the space beneath Leith’s disused railway a new lease of life. The impressive renovation has now created space for a street food and drink extravaganza, with pop-ups already pencilled in from the likes of Norelli, Mana Poke, BrewDog and Paolozzi, and lots of exciting gigs in the pipeline too. If the opening night was anything to go by, the only challenge might be getting through the door. 6 Manderston St, leitharches.com

[Image: Piggs by Kristof Turi]

Piggs

Seasoned Edinburghers will remember that, for many a moon, Jeffrey Street played home to the colourful Iggs restaurant, run by the equally colourful Iggy Campos. Sadly Iggs is no more, but the family legacy does not stop there. With a gauntlet laid well and truly down, it’s now on to son Daniel to carry the name forward, and what better way than with a shiny new premises? Piggs unashamedly brings together a fusion of Spanish tapas with Scottish produce, and the end result is no bad thing. Expect smoky cured meats, artisanal cheese from I.J. Mellis, delicious wines and punchy coffees, in a cafe-come-wine bar setting that somehow manages to tick all the boxes. 276 Canongate, facebook.com/piggswinebar

Spry Wines

Energetic by name and by nature, Spry Wines are fast zipping to the top of the go-to lists of wine connoisseurs. What sets them apart is that Spry stock only organically-made products, meaning additives and preservatives can officially do one. Their recently opened and classically decorated bar sits just off the top of Leith Walk, and on its shelves you’ll find nothing other than the finest of small batch, independently produced plonk. Pick up a bottle on your way somewhere special or pull up a chair and, for a £10 corkage charge, sample the goods by the glass, along with some tasty treats from the kitchen. 1 Haddington Pl, facebook.com/sprywines