Restaurateurs Tony Conetta and Mario Gizzi have announced plans for a £2m luxury restaurant and bar development in the heart of Edinburgh.
Set within the grade A listed Edinburgh Grand (the former RBS headquarters) on St Andrew Square, the 9,500 sq ft development will encompass a contemporary restaurant for 200 covers and two bars. It forms part of The Registers, the premium development by Chris Stewart Group and is integral to its wider offering of more than 50 luxury serviced apartments and grade A office accommodation to create a new city centre destination for residents, visitors, tourists and office occupiers.
The new offering will be housed within the double height former banking hall and will showcase the history of the building, its neoclassical and art deco original features, combined with the ultimate in luxury design.
Tony Conetta, managing director of The Di Maggio’s Restaurant Group (DRG), Scotland’s largest independent restaurant group, commented: “This is an incredibly exciting project for us, in both an iconic building and location. The Edinburgh Grand’s banking hall is rich in history, both for the capital and Scotland as a whole, and by carefully retaining and restoring the many original features we will bring this heritage to life. Our luxury restaurant and bar offering will have a Scottish influence at its heart and will make a significant contribution to Edinburgh’s vibrant food and drink scene.”
Chris Stewart, CEO of award-winning real estate company Chris Stewart Group commented: “The ambition The DRG has for the space both in terms of design and quality offering is a perfect fit for The Registers, and we are delighted to welcome them as tenants. The building at 42 St Andrew Square is magnificent and as home to The Edinburgh Grand serviced apartments and now The DRG flagship restaurant, it will create a huge draw to this part of Edinburgh’s City Centre. With a new pedestrianised area and public spaces, we are rejuvenating a once neglected area to make something special.”
The DRG owned by Tony Conetta and Mario Gizzi operates restaurants under the Di Maggio’s Café Andaluz, Amarone, Atlantic Brasserie, Barolo, Cadiz and The Anchorline brands. The group previously undertook a significant refurbishment in an historic building with its £1.5m development of The Anchorline. The former ticket office of the Anchor Shipping Line in Glasgow’s Vincent Place has been transformed into a premium restaurant and bar and has brought to life the history of this location where first class passengers booked voyages to destinations including New York, India and Pakistan.
The DRG will begin works at The Registers in October 2017.