New restaurant opening: Whirlybird on Victoria Street
- By editor
- May 13
- 2 min read
Whirlybird, a new addition to Edinburgh's hospitality scene, opens on Monday 18 May on Victoria Street, in the Old Town.
The venture is led by experienced hospitality operator Ash Bairstow, who has created a modern, all-day tavern.
Whirlybird will offer coffee and pastries each morning, followed by a menu of contemporary takes on classic bistro dishes, created by head chef Lucia Gregusova.
Dishes will include whipped crowdie with heritage radish, pumpkin-seed crackers and fermented spiced honey; whole grilled fish with brown butter, caper and lemon; and date and brown-butter madeleines with toffee sauce.
As well as wines, local beers and whiskies, Whirlybird will also offer a cocktail list list curated by head of drinks, Jono McDowell, formerly of Panda & Sons. Cocktails include ‘freezer’ Martinis and West Bow coffee, featuring Glasgow 1770 whisky, Crossbrew coffee and ginger-wine-spiked oat cream.
Whirlybird, a new addition to Edinburgh's hospitality scene, will open on Monday 18 May on Victoria Street, in the Old Town.
The venture is led by experienced hospitality operator Ash Bairstow, who has created a modern, all-day tavern.
Whirlybird will offer coffee and pastries each morning, followed by a menu of contemporary takes on classic bistro dishes, created by head chef Lucia Gregusova.
Dishes will include whipped crowdie with heritage radish, pumpkin-seed crackers and fermented spiced honey; whole grilled fish with brown butter, caper and lemon; and date and brown-butter madeleines with toffee sauce.
As well as wines, local beers and whiskies, Whirlybird will also offer a cocktail list list curated by head of drinks, Jono McDowell, formerly of Panda & Sons. Cocktails include ‘freezer’ Martinis and West Bow coffee, featuring Glasgow 1770 whisky, Crossbrew coffee and ginger-wine-spiked oat cream.
General manager Matt Donaldson, formerly of The Kitchin Group, will lead the front-of-house team.
Split across two levels and four interconnected rooms overlooking Victoria Street, Whirlybird seats up to 100 guests. Many of the 250-year-old building's original features have been retained, including a listed spiral staircase and curved stone arches.
Ash said: “We're delighted to bring this historical building back to life. The Old Town is such a magical place to be, and we cannot wait to share our take on modern hospitality with our Edinburgh audience.”
Photography: Alistair Reynolds
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