Edinburgh businesses join forces in art of opening new restaurant and bar
The Beer Factory and Nonna’s Kitchen owners link up for new venue which celebrates Eduardo Paolozzi
The founders of Edinburgh Beer Factory, John and Lynne Dunsmore, are pairing up with Nonna’s Kitchen owner Gino Stornaiuolo to open Paolozzi Restaurant & Bar.
Located at the former RBS site at 61 Forrest Road, Edinburgh, the restaurant and bar is named after the Edinburgh-born ‘Father of Pop Art’, Eduardo Paolozzi, and will combine beer, food and art to celebrate his work and the wider Italian-scottish culture.
Beer fans can look forward to a fresh pint of the Beer Factory’s award-winning Paolozzi lager, which features the artist’s Illumination and the Eye screenprint on its packaging. Other beers from the EBF range, brewed less than five miles away, will also be available.
The menu has been designed by Gino, who will run the operation, and features ‘spuntini’ (Italian tapasstyle sharing dishes served at the bar), antipasti, fresh salads, ‘build your own’ salami and cheese plates, Naples style wood-fired pizza and some classic larger plates. Dishes will be created using ingredients from local producers alongside premium international imports.
Gino owned and managed the successful Nonna’s Kitchen in Edinburgh’s Churchill, after working in Hanover Street’s Patio restaurant, alongside his parents in both venues. Nonna’s Kitchen was an early customer of Edinburgh Beer Factory and the Dunsmore family have been loyal patrons of the restaurant since its launch.
Eduardo Paolozzi artwork will adorn the walls and the interior design has a distinctly Paolozzi feel, with geometric shapes, contrasting textures and bright colour accents.
A sculptural bar will dominate the front of the venue, with walk-in space and casual seating, while a cupola is being installed in the back, bringing natural light to the dining tables.the old bank vaults are being transformed into colourful toilets, which will play audio clips of stories about Paolozzi and some of his works.
Gino said: “This partnership evolved from two family businesses with shared values of independence, accessible quality and a love of Edinburgh’s international culture and creativity. We hope to enrich the city’s thriving independent food and drink scene while promoting one of its great unsung heroes.”