St James Quarter completes Leith St Eats line up with Wingstop and Thai Express Kitchen

St James Quarter is spicing things up with two new international restaurants joining the already mouth-watering and diverse F&B line up in the heart of the city.  

Designed around a crescent ‘urban garden’ theme, Leith St Eats offers a hangout spot from lunchtime right though till late evening hosting a compelling line-up of local, national, and international eateries.

Wingstop, the international chicken wing restaurant, is set to occupy a 1,800 sq ft space at Leith St Eats on level one, becoming the restaurants’ most recent UK signing, the first in Scotland and adding to its 1,500+ branches worldwide. Partnered with rap artist Rick Ross in the US, the brand has already made its mark on the UK scene, collaborating with the likes of Gymshark, Reprezent Radio and Xbox.

Also bringing a new distinctive offer to St James Quarter is Thai Express, the global leading brand for fast casual Thai dining. Thai Express will be taking 2,600 sq ft located at Leith St Eats and bringing a new format – ‘Thai Express Kitchen’ to Edinburgh.

The new concept will add to the Quarter’s evening offering and will boast an open kitchen, allowing diners to marvel at flames created by wok chefs. Renowned for its signature Pad Thai and trademarked “General Thai”, Thai Express has over 350 stores worldwide, however this will be a first for the Thai Express Kitchen format, bringing that “same same but different” feel.

Completing the line-up alongside Five Guys, Tortilla and Edinburgh-based Maki & Ramen within Leith St Eats is gourmet kebab brand GDK.

Conceived in Berlin, GDK offers an elevated but authentic kebab experience with lean meats, hand-made breads and signature sauces.

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome more delicious eateries to the Quarter. The success of our restaurants and food outlets so far has been second to none and I’ve enjoyed not only hearing the incredible feedback from customers but also seeing the enjoyment from the staff at each establishment.

“Adding more ‘firsts’ to the list with Wingstop and Thai Express Kitchen really shows the calibre of our offering within Quarter and we can’t wait to welcome everyone in to try them out.”

Tom Grogan, Director, Lemon Pepper Holdings, said: “We have taken our time to look for the perfect location for our first Wingstop location in Scotland and we are delighted with the site we have chosen in Edinburgh at St James Quarter.

“We look forward to introducing our Flavours and Wings to the guests of this iconic development.”

Sachin Pattani, Managing Director, Thai Express, added: “We are eager to open our doors to the public. We have really pushed the boat on the design by introducing one of a kind double decker seating, a hanging garden, and an impressive 12 meter mural.

“As well as extending our food and drink offering with exciting twists on your traditional Thai classics. St. James is the perfect setting to unveil our new concept.”

The recent signings will join the likes of Ka Pao, Black Sheep, Bross Bagels, Salerno Pizza, Bonnie & Wild, Sushi Samba and Pho as St James Quarter continues to strengthen an already formidable line up of dining options.

New Kitchin for San Marco’s!

Michelin star chef Tom Kitchin and his Telford College-trained business partner Dominic Jack are to open a new gastro pub in Stockbridge. Kitchin and Jack worked together as young chefs at Gleneagles, and the team behind the Kitchin in Leith and Castle Terrace Restaurant will open their third site – the former San Marco Restaurant on Comely Bank Road – in the Spring.

The Stockbridge pub restaurant will open seven days a week and will follow the team’s “From Nature to Plate” philosophy in a more informal setting.

Alan Goldie, director from The Restaurant Agency, said; “Stockbridge is an area that’s thriving and though many local residents will miss San Marco, I know Nino and Franco are pleased to retire and spend more time with their families. The family were involved in the decision to find new tenants and we’re all confident the planned offering will bring an exciting new flavour to the area. Run by an award winning, expert team, it will bring a range of outstanding menus, combined with the hospitality expected from a warm and welcoming family pub.”

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Brothers Franco and Nino Alonzi from San Marco Restaurant said; “While the decision to close the restaurant after 30 years was not an easy one, we’re pleased to be handing over the property to another family-run business. With two successful restaurants in the city we’re confident they can continue to provide locals and visitors with a new destination to relax with friends and family, and enjoy great fresh food and drink. We would like to thank all of our loyal customers for their continued support over the years – we take with us many fond memories.”

The new venue – which is yet to be named – is currently under refurbishment and is expected to open in Spring.

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