Exploratory plans have been lodged with the city council to transform the beloved Edinburgh hobby shop Wonderland Models into new restaurants.
Wonderland Models has been established as one of Scotland’s leading model shops for over 50 years.
As part of the shop’s future planning, the team behind the store are investigating the option of converting the properties in their current location into restaurants, with the model shop business potentially relocating elsewhere.
Wonderland Models has operated out of 97-103 Lothian Road for decades, serving generations of capital residents with a selection of niche toys, crafts, and models. Documents have been submitted to Edinburgh Council for a potential change of use, transforming the shop into two separate restaurants with new signage, replacing the classic Wonderland storefront.
The interior, currently outfitted with shop rooms, would be refitted to include kitchens, dining rooms, food preparation areas, and restrooms.
Wonderland Models has been one of Scotland’s leading model shops for 53 years. The shop has a global reputation as a model-making emporium for enthusiasts and is a signature part of the Edinburgh retail landscape.
Managing Director Iain Reid said: “For over 50 years, our bespoke range of paints to modelling kits have captured the minds of families. Not a day goes by when we do not see parents bringing their children in for the first time, just as their mums and dads did with them.
“Wonderland Models has been established as one of Scotland’s leading model shops for over 50 years, and as part of our future planning, we are investigating the option of turning the properties in our current location into restaurants with the model shop business potentially relocating elsewhere. We are currently exploring several options as part of this process.
“Lothian Road has changed beyond recognition since we started here back in the 1980s with many retail shops closing to be replaced by food and beverage outlets and the number of office workers (many now working just 3 days per week in the office) in the area similarly declining since the Covid pandemic. This has resulted in a substantial decline in foot traffic.
“It is critical to note to our loyal customers this is an exploratory move. It’s business as usual for us and will remain that way for the foreseeable future. If a change does come, you can rest assured we will still be a fixture in the capital.
“Wonderland Models remains utterly committed to our customers. We’re a unique shop in the Edinburgh retail landscape, and we are enormously grateful to our customers who have given us their business, love, and loyalty for over half a century.”
