Gordon’s Trattoria, a ‘cherished Italian gem’ on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, has been acquired by restaurant group Merchant Leisure after 43 years under the care of its founder, Gordon Scott.
Scott, who opened the restaurant in 1982, recently announced his retirement and sold the venue for an undisclosed fee to his close friend Jim Tullis, owner of Merchant Leisure.
The restaurant is now the sixth venue owned by Merchant Leisure, which plans to keep it as it is for the time being, and continue ‘serving up authentic Italian cuisine made with passion and the finest ingredients’.
Merchant Leisure’s other bars and restaurants across the city include The Newsroom, The Piper’s Rest, Burgers & Beers Grillhouse and The Railbridge, plus its speakeasy venue Jackson the Tailor, which was recently shortlisted for a design award by the British Institute of Interior Design.
Managing director at Merchant Leisure, Arthur Mustard, said: “We are very excited to announce our ownership of Gordon’s Trattoria. It’s such an honour to take over an Edinburgh establishment with such rich history and loyal customers.
“Our plan is to keep the venue as it is for now, serving authentic Italian food in the heart of Edinburgh. We look forward to welcoming new customers, as well as meeting the locals who make this restaurant so special.”
Typical Italian dishes on the Gordon’s menu including ‘Tagliatelle Reale’ pairing king prawns with asparagus and cherry tomatoes, simmered in olive oil, garlic, white wine and parsley; ‘Pollo Dianne’ chicken cooked with mushrooms, onions, French mustard and a brandy cream sauce, and a range of pizzas such as the ‘Primavera’ with parma ham and a balsamic glaze drizzle.
