New wine bar brings a taste of France to The Shore

Leith’s new, French wine bar and bistro, Chez Bernard, has officially opened its doors, on The Shore.

Launched by partners and wine experts Jonathan Heredia and Isla Mosquera on 1 August, the bar is a tribute to Jonathan’s grandfather, Bernard.

Jonathan spent many summers near the Atlantic coast of France, with his grandfather, which is where his appreciation for a traditional, French ‘long lunch’ began. 

While these long French lunches were an inspiration for the venture, the space is also a vibrant wine bar, where visitors can drop by of an evening for a bottle of wine, fresh oysters, cheese and charcuterie or simply a relaxed glass at the bar.

Opening Chez Bernard is the couple's way of keeping Jonathan’s grandfather’s memory alive. In a fitting tribute, the perfect waterfront space for their vision became available just off Bernard Street, a clear sign to Jonathan and Isla that they had found their home.

Drawing on 15 years of combined experience in hospitality between them, Jonathan and Isla who are engaged, are bringing that expert knowledge and passion for wine to Leith with Chez Bernard. The pair have curated an extensive wine list to pair perfectly with the bistro's food.

Guests can expect classic French sharing plates, including a selection of artisanal French cheeses and charcuterie. The bar also boasts an array of seafood dishes, featuring a salmon platter, dressed crab, and fresh oysters, alongside an assortment of hot dishes and additional sharing plates.

Jonathan said:  "Chez Bernard is deeply personal for us. It’s a tribute to my grandfather and to the simple moments that shaped my love for food, wine, and the table.

“I spent many summers with my grandfather, which is where my love for a long, leisurely lunch began.

“When this beautiful space became available just off Bernard Street, it felt like fate. This is our way of keeping his memory alive, and Isla and I want to bring a little of that continental warmth to The Shore.

“We want this to be a welcoming place to share good food, enjoy wine and spend time around the table with the people you love."

https://www.chezbernard.co.uk/