Stuart Ralston, the renowned Edinburgh chef and restaurateur, is set to embark on a new chapter with the opening of two venues this October on Broughton Street. The much-anticipated launches, Vinette and Vivien, will further cement his status in the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
Vinette, located at 36 Broughton Street in the former home of Fhior, will bring a relaxed Parisian wine bar atmosphere to Edinburgh. The venue will feature sharing plates and bistro-style dishes, championing seasonal, European-inspired cuisine.
Heading up the kitchen is Stuart’s younger brother, Calum Ralston, who has spent the past 18 months training within the group. Diners can expect dishes such as braised duck hearts on toast with pickled green peppercorns, grilled Iberico pork chop with cider-braised onions and mustard sauce, and pigs head croquettes with smoked paprika.
The wine list, curated by Group Head Sommelier Stuart Skea, will focus on Old World selections from smaller producers, with an ever-changing roster of options available by the glass. Interiors, crafted by Ross McNally of Scarinish Studios, emphasise simplicity and comfort, creating an inviting space. Elle Mackay, formerly of Aizle, will lead the front of house team.
Beneath Vinette lies Vivien, a late-night cocktail bar inspired by the life and works of Renée Vivien, the Belle Époque Paris poet known for her rebellious spirit.
The bar’s aesthetic aims to channel Vivien’s decadent creativity, with low lighting and atmospheric bar seating. Rebekah George, who boasts experience from several of Edinburgh’s prominent watering holes, will helm the drinks programme. Guests can sample classics and new creations such as The Strawberry Thief and Violet Subterfuge, complemented by refined snacks like potato mille-feuille with beurre blanc and Ortiz anchovies with lemon butter.
Vivien is positioned both as a destination for cocktail lovers and an ideal spot for pre- or post-dinner drinks, offering an intimate extension of the upstairs experience.
These new ventures mark the evolution of the Aizle Hospitality Group, following the closure of Ralston’s original Aizle. The group continues to celebrate growth and collaboration: co-owner Jade Johnston remains operations director, Scott Ralston steps in as Group Chef for the casual dining arms, and Stuart doubles down on efforts at Michelin-starred Lyla while supporting his team’s development. The commitment remains unwavering “creating spaces that feel warm, social, and a little indulgent”.
Ralston, said: “After closing Aizle, it felt important to mark a new chapter, Vinette and Vivien are about creating spaces that feel warm, social, and a little indulgent. I’m especially proud that I’m opening them with people who’ve been on this journey with me – Jade, who has been integral for more than a decade, and my brothers Scott and Calum, who are stepping into leadership roles.
“This feels like the group’s natural next project, but with the same commitment to quality we’ve always had. I will be doubling down on my efforts with Lyla and hope to improve ten fold but this allows people around us to continue to grow which is very important to me.”
With Vinette and Vivien, Ralston and his team are poised to deliver two thoughtfully-crafted additions to Edinburgh’s hospitality landscape this autumn.
