Food and drink industry powers ahead.

Figures: Hospitality industry sees an explosion as new eateries are opening up in time for V&A

Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce has hailed figures showing a remarkable growth in the hospitality industry in Tayside.

Dundee’s food and drink industry grew by £43 million in just one year, as the revitalised city satisfied the appetites of hungry investors.

In-depth statistics published by the Scottish Government show the trade’s annual turnover soared from £119.6m to £162.6m between 2015 and 2016.

It represents a £43m rise in spending on food and drink, up from a rise of £27.8m the year before.

The explosion in trade came at a time when an additional 26 businesses such as restaurants, cafés, pubs and bars opened up in the city.

New businesses ranged from big chains such as Frankie and Benny’s and Five Guys to independents such as Wee Mexico, Forgan’s and The Tayberry.

Since the figures were compiled, the number of eateries sprouting up in Dundee has grown rapidly – with The White Goose, Boozy Cow, German Doner Kebab, Dai Pai, Tony Macaroni and Brassica among those opening.

Alison Henderson, chief executive of

“We just saw a space in the market, and the waterfront was also a big factor. LAUREN CLEGG

Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce, said the 2016 figures were “early signs of an uplift” in the city’s roaring restaurant trade.

She said: “It’s great to see food and beverage spend lift in the way that it has. I’m sure the ongoing trend will be much bigger than these early figures.

“Once upon a time Dundonians would have gone outside the city to eat and drink but now it’s the reverse – people are coming here instead.”

Business owners also expect more visitors to flood in as the waterfront development continues to take shape.

Lauren Clegg and Calum Runciman, who opened The White Goose on Dock Street last year, are now preparing to open their second eatery, The Giddy Goose on Perth Road.

Lauren said: “We chose to open in Dundee because we’d lived here for a couple of years and there wasn’t much choice for places to eat.

“We just saw a space in the market, and the waterfront was also a big factor.”

Akky Hayat opened Scotland’s first German Doner Kebab on Reform Street last November. He is now preparing to follow that up with Scotland’s first Fatburger.

He said consumer spending was trending towards eating out.

“As a businessman you’re always looking to do something different,” said Akky, whose family has run the Hayats Super Save convenience store in Happyhillock for decades.

“The market’s demands are changing and people are eating out more, moving away from eating at home.

“Dundee has a good Muslim population as well so there is a demand for halal too.”