27 Jun 2022
Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh, has now opened the doors of its all-day dining restaurant, The Spence to the public.
Set in the heart of the Townhouse, beneath original and elaborate features including towering columns and intricate cornicing carefully restored by Ennismore Design Studio, The Spence offers a progressive culinary offering and a vibrant city-centre backdrop from morning until night.
Jonny Wright returns to his native Scotland to take up the role of Head Chef, with over 16 years' experience including stints as Head Chef at Jason Atherton's Berner's Tavern, where he was the recipient of 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 Jonny's own enthusiasm for Scotland's natural larder, the old Scots word from which The Spence takes its name, which is set to make the offering really stand out amongst the Scottish capital's bourgeoning restaurant scene.
Signature dishes, which Jonny describes as “rooted in classics with a modern twist” includes Wild Mushroom Tart with Goats Curd and Hazelnuts, Whole Roasted Turbot with Fennel & Chilli, Sunday lunch of Scottish Sirloin, Yorkshire Pudding and all the trimmings, and Glenturret Scotch Baba with Praline Sauce and Mascarpone for two to share.
Weekend brunch is a leisurely affair, as it should be, with seasonal highlights including West Coast Crab Omelette, Grilled Asparagus with Burnt Butter Hollandaise, as well as breakfast favourites served daily, like Marbury Smoked Salmon with Scrambled Eggs and Toasted Company Bakery Sourdough, alongside a delicious selection of pastries and breads, juices, shots, and smoothies.
Underlining his ethos to put produce first to create exceptional dining experiences, Head Chef Jonny and his team have sought out some of Scotland's most innovative suppliers, including Gilmour Butchers, George Campbell & Sons, Mara Seaweed and Blackthorn Salt, all playing a unique role in bringing the offering of The Spence to life.
Working alongside 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 Michelin-starred Evelyn's Table, The Palomar, The Barbary and most recently, The Barbary Next Door. Together, the team draw on a wealth of experience to make sure The Spence becomes a vibrant spot to gather and for great get-togethers to unfold.
Within The Spence, a central bar sits underneath an extraordinary glass-domed ceiling serving up a seasonally rotating, locally inspired list of cocktails, local whiskies, beers, spirits, and wine curated by bar manager, Stefanie Anderson.
The first city outpost in Gleneagles Hotel's almost 100-year history, Gleneagles Townhouse is a 33-bedroom hotel, members' club and all-day restaurant, based at 39 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh.
Reservations for The Spence can now be made here: gleneaglestownhouse.com
For further information, please contact:
Catriona Quinn
07918 666470
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Editor's Note: Based at 39 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, originally home to the British Linen Company before later becoming the Bank of Scotland, this historic building is being reimagined to become Gleneagles Townhouse; a 33-bedroom hotel, all-day restaurant, rooftop bar, wellness space and member's club.
