Meet Wedgwood The Restaurant – A Chic & Seasonal Scottish Eatery

When Paul and Lisa Wedgwood were first laying the foundations for their Edinburgh restaurant, they wanted to create something that reflected their own vision for the “Perfect Night Out” – a place where diners could unwind and escape from their normal routines, with exceptional cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. The result was Wedgwood the Restaurant, which opened its doors in 2007.

You’ll find this Michelin Guide bistro hidden away at the bottom of the Royal Mile. Their globally-inspired menu is filled with fresh, local ingredients incorporated into beautifully presented, modern dishes that make the best use of produce foraged right here in Scotland. Paul and Lisa believe dining is a time to be enjoyed and diners at the restaurant are encouraged to stay and relax for as long as they wish. As well as taking the time to savour Wedgwood’s delectable menu, their extensive wine cellar is the perfect excuse to get comfortable.

Since opening its doors, Wedgwood has been listed by the Sunday Times as one of Britain’s Top 100 Restaurants and is known for its award-winning cuisine. With an exceptionally priced, affordable lunch menu and a refined selection of dishes available to evening diners, it’s no wonder this gem is such a popular destination.

We spoke to Chef Paul Wedgwood himself, who shares some of the inspiration behind his successful restaurant. So keep reading to discover more about this fantastic Edinburgh eatery and how you can win a gourmet lunch for two at Wedgwood the Restaurant (wine included!).

1. Could you tell us about the restaurant and how it started?

When my wife Lisa and I first opened Wedgwood in 2007, our aim was to create our version of the perfect night out. Somewhere you knew you would enjoy a good meal with a glass of wine and could relax as much as you would at home. What we would most like to find when we go out is a warm welcome, a menu inspired by global cuisines made with fresh local ingredients, and a wine cellar that surprises you. It’s really important that our guests enjoy their evening with us, and experience a little escapism from their day to day lives.

2. What’s your favourite thing about owning and running a restaurant?

We have a very well established front of house and kitchen team, and to see them work so seamlessly on a busy night is just amazing. The team are always in high spirits, which reflects on the guests’ dining experience. It is also very rewarding to see young chefs moving through the ranks and building their own flare.

3. What makes Wedgwood unique and stand out from other places?

Our enthusiasm. From myself and Lisa to our kitchen and front of house team, we’re genuinely passionate about what we do and giving our guests an experience they’ll remember. I think we’re experiencing a renaissance in food and drink right now, especially in Scotland, and I want Wedgwood to be people’s doorway into that exciting new world. There are more independent local producers than ever before and we showcase the very best of them at Wedgwood; on the menus, in the cellar and behind the bar, and in our team. Plus our lunch menu is extraordinarily good value!

4. In three words, how would you describe Wedgwood The Restaurant?

Inventive, friendly, and inspiring

5. How are new recipes developed? What is the process like from start to finish?

Making a new dish or recipe is one of my favourites about being a chef. When I was young my Dad did most of the cooking at home and I don’t think I ever saw him follow a recipe. He loved to throw in all these herbs and spices to see what happened. I’ve definitely picked up that experimental streak and I really enjoy using different ingredients and just seeing what will happen when I use them in different ways.

Once I’ve got the structure of a dish, I’ll take it into the kitchen so that the team can make it and we adapt it between us until it’s just right. That collaborative spirit is really important, and I love seeing young chefs find their culinary chops when developing new dishes for the menu.

6. What is your favourite dish at the restaurant right now?

This is the perfect time for scallops, which usually come into season from mid-spring until late-summer. We have created a light seasonal starter, which consists of diver-caught king scallops, cauliflower, korma purée, pineapple, and caper relish with peanut and pistachio. It is delicately balanced yet packed full of flavour.

7. How do you choose which wine to pair with a meal?

My wife Lisa will sit with the team and discuss each dish’s dominant flavour profiles. The highly skilled team will then decide from the list which wine would be the perfect pairing for each dish. Sometimes we can’t find a wine on the list that suits, so we will seek it out and add it our ever-growing wine selection.

8. What can diners expect when visiting the restaurant?

A warm welcome from a friendly team, an exquisite meal and good company.

9.  What does 2019 have in store for Wedgwood?

For me personally, I’m honoured to have recently been named Chef of the Year at the Edinburgh Restaurant Awards, and I’m looking forward to representing the city’s food and drink on that platform.

For the restaurant, 2019 marks 12 years of service for us, and I hope we can continue doing what we do so well.

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COMPETITION TIME

Win a three-course lunch for two at Wedgwood the Restaurant!

Including three courses from Wedgwood’s table d’hote menu, a glass of wine, coffee and petit fours.

The competition runs from Tuesday the 11th of June until midnight on Monday the 17th June 2019. 

The giveaway is open for entry to everybody over 18 in the UK. The prize must be redeemed before 01/12/19 and is not redeemable in August. Lunch is served 12-3pm seven days a week (from 12:30pm on Sunday). The table must be booked ahead of time. The prize is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative. This promotion is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

For a chance to win, choose from one of the following options:

1. Like Wedgwood the Restaurant & Dickins Facebook pages and share the competition post on Dickins Facebook page.

2. Follow Chef Wedgwood &  Dickins on Twitter and retweet one of the competition tweets on the Dickins Twitter account.

3. Follow Wedgwood the Restaurant & Dickins on Instagram and tag a friend on the competition post on the Dickins Instagram account.

Make sure you follow us on social media so you don’t miss out on our monthly giveaways!

GOOD LUCK!