Latest news with #StuartRalston
The Sun
2 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay protégé to shut his first ever restaurant after 11 ‘incredible' years of trading
A MICHELIN-STARRED chef has announced the closure of his debut restaurant. The founder trained under Gordon Ramsay, and at the three-Michelin-starred John-Georges in New York. 3 3 3 The Edinburgh-based Aizle is set to close later this year on September 21. Stuart Ralston first opened the restaurant on St Leonard's Street in 2014. A description in the Michelin Guide read: "The constantly evolving menu takes on a surprise tasting format and is presented to diners as 'The Harvest', a list of produce to be featured in the meal rather than exact dish names." It follows Stuart's emphasis on incorporating local and seasonal goods in his menus - with some dishes available for several weeks and "others just a few" according to Aizle's website. Their most recent 'harvest' included items like guinea fowl, black garlic, quince and salted milk which came together in a blind tasting menu. Ralston announced Aizle's closure on social media. He wrote: "When I first opened the doors on St Leonard's Street in 2014 as a young chef, Aizle was born out of a desire to build something different, challenge me as a young chef and provide a place people would choose to work. "I wanted to work with producers who really care about what they grow and make people happy with our food. "Over the past 11 years, we have moved homes, met brilliant people along the way and grown into something to be proud of." Ralston added that the closure would give him more time to focus on his other restaurants, in addition to a new project. Popular food reviewer gives his thoughts on Scotland's 'most expensive restaurant' He went on to thank the "incredible, dedicated team, past and present", and said that he hopes to continue working with them. The restaurant relocated to the Garden Room at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel. In 2018 it moved to a four-day week to reduce stress and staff burnout. He has since opened several other restaurants in the city, including Noto and Tipo, both of which hold Michelin Bib Gourmands and which will be unaffected by the closure. Earlier this year, his restaurant Lyla, was awarded a Michelin star. Vouchers which had been purchased for Aizle can still be redeemed at Ralston's other restaurants. Commenters on social media expressed sadness at the restaurant's closure, as well as excitement for Stuart's future projects. One wrote: "So sad I never got to eat at Aizle! And excited for all that's to come." Another said: "Such an iconic restaurant in the Edinburgh food scene." While another added: "To this day the best dining experience I've had." What is happening to the hospitality industry? By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out. Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation. Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches. Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs. Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon. Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Edinburgh Michelin-starred chef shuts first restaurant he opened in the city
An Edinburgh Michelin-starred chef has announced the closure of the first restaurant he opened in the city. Stuart Ralston shared the news on social media that Aizle, a Michelin guide eatery on Charlotte Square, would close in the coming months. The chef, who won his first Michelin star earlier this year for one of his other Edinburgh restaurants, Lyla, wrote: "After an incredible decade, I have made the decision to close the doors to my first restaurant, Aizle. READ MORE: Moment Edinburgh BMW driver tears up grass at beauty spot with 'drifting' stunt READ MORE: West Lothian 'meat cleaver robber' flees with £2k as police launch major manhunt "Firstly, thank you to our amazing team that have moulded Aizle to what it is, to all the producers, and to our guests, we have loved having you. I look forward to continuing our path, together. "When I first opened Aizle on St Leonard's Street, I wanted to do something that would challenge me as a young chef, provide a place that people would choose to work in and serve food that would make people happy. "Over the past 11 years, we've moved homes, met brilliant people along the way, served some great food and together, built a restaurant to be proud of and had some incredible staff throughout the years. Anyone who was a part of Aizle , thank you." While it was a difficult decision to make, Stuart decided that Aizle's time had come to an end so that he could put even more focus on his other successful Edinburgh restaurants. He even hinted to a new project in the works. He added: "A decision that didn't come easily to me, but the time has come to focus even greater on Lyla, Noto and Tipo, as well as our new project. Any remaining vouchers can be redeemed across the group in all our venues. 21 September 2025 will be our last service." Devastated customers took to the comments to share their thoughts on the closure. One said: "We've been coming since you opened in St Leonard's, so sad to hear this. But also as you've expanded we have loved all you have created so we are excited to see what the future brings for you." Another said: "Had some incredible meals here. Sad to hear this news." While a third added: "Have had so many wonderful evenings here. Absolutely gutted to hear this. Hopefully can fit in another visit before you close." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Edinburgh Live
a day ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Michelin-starred chef shuts first restaurant he opened in the city
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An Edinburgh Michelin-starred chef has announced the closure of the first restaurant he opened in the city. Stuart Ralston shared the news on social media that Aizle, a Michelin guide eatery on Charlotte Square, would close in the coming months. The chef, who won his first Michelin star earlier this year for one of his other Edinburgh restaurants, Lyla, wrote: "After an incredible decade, I have made the decision to close the doors to my first restaurant, Aizle. "Firstly, thank you to our amazing team that have moulded Aizle to what it is, to all the producers, and to our guests, we have loved having you. I look forward to continuing our path, together. "When I first opened Aizle on St Leonard's Street, I wanted to do something that would challenge me as a young chef, provide a place that people would choose to work in and serve food that would make people happy. "Over the past 11 years, we've moved homes, met brilliant people along the way, served some great food and together, built a restaurant to be proud of and had some incredible staff throughout the years. Anyone who was a part of Aizle , thank you." While it was a difficult decision to make, Stuart decided that Aizle's time had come to an end so that he could put even more focus on his other successful Edinburgh restaurants. He even hinted to a new project in the works. He added: "A decision that didn't come easily to me, but the time has come to focus even greater on Lyla, Noto and Tipo, as well as our new project. Any remaining vouchers can be redeemed across the group in all our venues. 21 September 2025 will be our last service." Devastated customers took to the comments to share their thoughts on the closure. One said: "We've been coming since you opened in St Leonard's, so sad to hear this. But also as you've expanded we have loved all you have created so we are excited to see what the future brings for you." Another said: "Had some incredible meals here. Sad to hear this news." While a third added: "Have had so many wonderful evenings here. Absolutely gutted to hear this. Hopefully can fit in another visit before you close." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
The National
a day ago
- Business
- The National
Michelin-star Scottish chef to close debut restaurant after 11 years
Stuart Ralston, who was recognised with the top cooking accolade for his Lyla eatery in Edinburgh earlier this year, said he will be shutting down Aizle, the first restaurant he ever opened. Aizle is a 'blind tasting menu restaurant', with customers shown a menu of ingredients without being told how they will be combined into five to seven courses. Originally based on Edinburgh's St Leonard's Street, Aizle currently operates out of the Garden Room at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel. Ralston also runs two other restaurants, Noto and Tipo, both of which are also in the Scottish capital. READ MORE: Michelin restaurant critics urged to take 'stronger stance' on sustainability Announcing the closure of Aizle, he said: 'When I first opened the doors on St Leonard's Street in 2014 as a young chef, Aizle was born out of a desire to build something different, challenge me as a young chef and provide a place people would choose to work. 'I wanted to work with producers who really care about what they grow and make people happy with our food. Over the past 11 years, we have moved homes, met brilliant people along the way and grown into something to be proud of. We achieved what we set out to do. 'The decision hasn't come easily, but the time feels right to close Aizle, and for me to put even more focus on Lyla, Noto and Tipo, as well as our next project. 'I want to give a huge thank you to the incredible, dedicated team, past and present, the wonderful farmers, fishermen, winemakers and all the people in between. I look forward to continuing to work with you.' Ralston said Aizle will be closing for good on September 21.
Scotsman
12-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
The elegant Scottish restaurant named best in the country in national awards
The 2025 National Restaurant Award winners have been announced, and six restaurants in Scotland have taken home accolades with only two in the top 50. Lyla in Edinburgh made number 17 in the top 50 list and was named the best restaurant in Scotland. The restaurant, which gained a Michelin Star earlier this year, received the Service Award last year and is headed up by chef Stuart Ralston who also has Noto, Aizle and tipo. The National Restaurant Awards said this of Lyla: 'The 28-cover Lyla is billed by Ralston as 'unapologetically fine dining' and the chef's focus (he now cooks there exclusively). 'The experience begins in a stylish upstairs bar featuring a Krug-branded champagne trolley, a large lighting installation, and meat and fish ageing fridges stocked with house-made charcuterie and top-tier local seafood including whole halibut and plaice.' Picture: Murray Orr Speaking to The Scotsman in February after Lyla was awarded a Michelin Star, Mr Ralston said: 'It's a culmination of a long time coming. It's amazing for Edinburgh and Scotland to get another star. "Lyla is the whole package, it's an amazing building and my team - it's very personal - is interactive, a diverse experience and we spend a lot of money on quality produce, the majority of which comes from Scotland.' The Glenturret Lalique restaurant, which gained Two Michelin Stars in 2024, placed at number 41 in the top 50 this year having won best restaurant in Scotland last year. In the top 100 restaurants in the UK, The Kinneauchar Inn came in at number 66; Inver at 78; The Little Chartroom at 79 and The Palmerston at 97. The National Restaurant Awards is Restaurant's annual countdown of the top 100 restaurants in the UK as voted for by the UK's leading chefs, restaurateurs and food writers. You can find out more and see the full top 50 and 100 at the National Restaurant Awards website.
