The Independent Shopper: Jérôme Henry

The quality of the produce in Scotland was one of the reasons I was attracted to open a restaurant here in the first place. Particularly in Edinburgh - an appreciation for good food is evident in the restaurants and suppliers available - but also in the standards expected from the customer. From a chef’s point of view, it’s like being an artist and crafting a plate from the best materials available.

We’re fortunate that where the restaurant is situated in the New Town of Edinburgh there is a pocket of independent businesses which we try to take full advantage of. Right on our doorstep we have Something Fishy which is from a dynasty of fishmongers – I believe the current owner is the fifth generation to take the helm, and I’ll often pop across the road to see what he has in. One of our most popular dishes is our Rockefeller oysters using produce from Loch Fyne, and they are some of the finest I’ve ever had the pleasure of preparing.

Being in Scotland we often have game on our menu, and we’re lucky to have the best game supplier only a mile west of the restaurant. There is nowhere better for duck, venison and other game than George Bower Butchers. One of the nice things about using independent retailers is that your menu is in part dictated by what’s in season and what they are able to stock.

It’s the same with the organic vegetable produce we use in the kitchen, which we get from Phantassie Farm out in East Lothian, but which you’ll also find at local food markets in Stockbridge and Leith. The produce which is available means your menu is constantly evolving. Buying our vegetables independently also means that we get the quality you would expect from a kitchen garden, but without needing the space, which can be tricky with a city centre location.

It’s not just the kitchen which benefits from these local businesses, our bar is better because of local independent retailers, too. Raeburn Fine Wines, which is not far from the restaurant, is a constant source of inspiration for our cellar. I love to try new wines here, and could while away an entire afternoon sampling their wares.