Edinburgh’s Eighty Queen Street Bar and Restaurant set for revamp

New owners, The Devil’s Kitchen, to embrace traditional sophistication

Fed up of Edinburgh’s ‘style bar’ phenomena, 32 year-old businessman Dario Pacifici is set to challenge the spate of style bars sweeping across the capital with grown-up venture Eighty Queen Street Bar and Restaurant. Following the success of his catering company Devil’s Kitchen, Pacifici aims to approach style with substance at the newly purchased premises.

Located in one of Edinburgh’s prime areas, Eighty Queen Bar and Restaurant will be fuss -free and slick, serving luxury quality food and drink catered for by The Devil’s Kitchen, whose clients have included Hugh Grant, Joan Rivers, U2 and Billy Joel amongst others. The excellent attention to detail will appeal to the neighbouring corporate business clientele as well as providing a sexy destination for visitors and locals alike. Pacifici is bringing back sophistication for people who know what they want.

The New Year will bring a stream lined look, as well as a new name, yet to be disclosed. Situated in a stylish Georgian building on Queen Street, there’s no overall theme or concept, instead the interior will remain of traditional décor complementing the existing architecture with some eclectic influences. The removal of the bulky booths and freshly painted walls will give a light, vibrant and spacious feel in daytime and something of a sophisticated ambience in the evening. The bar, created by an ‘up and coming’ London based designer will be the main focus promising to deliver a luxury service like no other. A designated area will be provided for manufacturing ice, the finer details remain top secret! From the best known spirits to specialist malts, you will be spoilt for choice. Cocktails too. Each cocktail will be traditionally hand blended, not shaken, by a talented team of bartenders, with waiters on hand to serve them.

The new owner of Eighty Queen Street, Dario Pacifici of The Devil’s Kitchen is delighted to embark on this new and exciting challenge. He explained:

Like a recipe for a cake it is composed of many measured ingredients. To deviate from the exact amounts would only facilitate failure. The main ingredients in this recipe would be the product and then the service, the product being the food and the latter being the way one would receive the food and the cohesive glue in creating a fluid atmosphere. Getting it balanced is the unspoken understanding of the bar/restaurant Zen between the customer, food and the image.

In short I have travelled long and far, experienced the best and the worst the trade can offer. Lived in it, lived around it and now living it. Over the last 14 years I have embarked from soldier to general to now commandering chief, I am confident in my acquired skills and understanding of all facets a restaurant/bar requires. I find Edinburgh the perfect place to start on this rugged path. And to have a successful restaurant in this beautiful capital city would be one tick in a box of many boxes to tick.”

New Owner and head chef Dario Pacifici and his team have spent months perfecting the new a la carte autumn menu which will use the best quality, wild produce from duck, pigeon, venison, beef and pork. A few highlights? Autumn pumpkin with pancetta and parmesan risotto and venison bourgignon with pomme puree and shallots. There’s a full selection of vegetarian options too, all of which reflect the ethos of Dario’s kitchen and the luxury choice on offer. Wherever possible products are sourced locally. The Restaurant will comfortably seat 80 with a menu for all occasions whether you are dropping in for your Saturday morning coffee or feel like comfort food from the gastro pub menu. Groups larger than six can prebook their ‘beast of choice,’ whether it be pork, lamb or beef for a more intimate Sunday roast with all the trimmings, you will feel equally at home in Eighty Queen Street’s unique setting. Renowned for its Jazz, ‘Open Mic’ night will continue every Wednesday evening, with Jazz on a Friday and string on a Sunday for comfortable, easy listening.

Eighty Queen Street

80 Queen Street Edinburgh

EH2 4NF

0131 226 5097

www.eighty-queen-street.com