Scottish hospitality operator, The Rocca Group, has acquired the former Lookout restaurant at the top of Calton Hill, Edinburgh, which closed suddenly before Christmas.

Cafe Calton will be an all-day destination at a popular location for locals and tourists who enjoy views across the city.

Rocca’s other venues include The Seafood Ristorante in St Andrews, and The Broughton, a contemporary gastropub in Edinburgh’s New Town. It was successful in securing the Calton Hill site from 15 offers.

The Lookout – which opened on Calton Hill in 2018 – initially opened as a partnership between the Gardener’s Cottage and The Collective, which redeveloped the neighbouring City Observatory into an art gallery.

With floor-to-ceiling glass walls and partial suspension over Calton Hill’s north-west slope, the Lookout provided diners with panoramic views across Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.

Cafe Calton opens next month and will include an outdoor terrace for up 40 guests. It will create 20 jobs. 

Speaking about the launch, Stefano Pieraccini, managing director of The Rocca Group, said: “Cafe Calton is about more than just food and drink – it’s about celebrating this city.

“We wanted to create a space where Edinburgh’s past and present come together, where the views are matched by the atmosphere, the service, and the menu.

“Whether you’re joining us after a walk or meeting friends for lunch or evening bites, we want you to feel part of something very special.”

In addition to its food and drink offering, Cafe Calton will host a series of small-scale cultural events, including collaborations with neighbouring institutions like Collective.

“The venue will also offer private events and look to engage the local community through wellness initiatives such as running clubs and outdoor gatherings – embedding itself as a go-to spot on the hill,” said Mr Pieraccini.

Speaking about the partnership, Sorcha Carey, director of Collective said: “We are so excited to welcome Cafe Calton to our special site in the City Observatory complex.

“As a contemporary art gallery, we bring new creative perspectives to the city of Edinburgh. This new addition brings another layer to the Collective experience – inviting visitors to not only engage with world-class art but also to gather, share and experience food and drink in an extraordinary setting.”

Barnton cafe boost

The Barnton suburb of Edinburgh is seeing a boost in hospitality. A Herringbone restaurant has opened at the Queensferry Road junction this weekend, while Starbucks has moved into the former Bank of Scotland branch directly opposite.

The Herringbone venue, in a former Sainsbury’s supermarket, is the fourth opened by Buzzworks, joining others in Goldenacre, Abbeyhill and North Berwick.

Coffee lovers can also visit the Cloudberry cafe and gift shop, while Envelope & Bacon not only offers a range of rolls and drinks, it also sells stationery, provides a dry cleaning service, and has what it calls “a Posh Post Office”.

New wine cafe

Let Petit Raisin is a ‘wine cafe’, which is due to open in Thistle Street, Edinburgh, towards the end of June.

It is the latest project for Catherine Lawrie, who owns Du Vin Bouchers in Linlithgow. It will be double the size, with a larger menu and a private tasting room in a vaulted ceiling basement.

It will feature a variety of original wine styles and a small selection of whiskies from independent bottlers.