Edinburgh’s Vittoria Group – and the Crolla family behind it – is right now enjoying the fruits of some savvy investments it made last year.
Foremost is the first anniversary of Brunswick Book Club, the all-day community café-bar established on the corner of Brunswick Street and Leith Walk, on the site of the group’s very first restaurant, Vittoria, opened by ‘Nonno’ Alberto Crolla back in 1970.
One year in business for this ‘modern, laid-back take on the classic public house’ has, said the Crollas, produced one clear takeaway message: “Edinburgh’s appetite for Italian-inspired hospitality is as strong as ever.”
In its first 12 months, Brunswick Book Club has established itself as a popular and versatile venue, whether it’s for ‘a quiet coffee, midweek pub quiz, or sunny afternoons on the buzzing patio’.
Marking that inaugural year, the team calculated a few of the milestones they’ve reached, highlighting their service of 21,221 lattes; 16,807 aperol spritzes; 11,892 margaritas; 9,201 smoothies; 16,807 fish & chips; and 13,094 tacos.
Director of Vittoria Group, Leandro Crolla, said: “Brunswick Book Club was built to give the community a place to gather that’s relaxed, welcoming and full of character.
“It’s amazing to think this same building has been part of our family for over 50 years, and we’re proud to keep its legacy alive in a new way, and grateful to everyone who’s made our corner of Leith part of their routine this past year.”
The success of the venue’s summer terrace also played into director Tony Crolla’s ongoing campaign for more flexible outdoor dining in the city, by demonstrating the demand for such spaces at all times of the day.
With a particular eye on breakfast trade, Crolla had highlighted how Edinburgh’s rules on street seating were out of step with other major cities in the UK and Europe, limiting service til after 9am, and requiring furniture to be packed way every night.
Following meetings with Edinburgh Council, it has since been agreed that, from this July, cafés and restaurants across the city can apply for a trial of serving outside from 7:30am.
“Just a 12-month trial for now, but a helpful one,” said Crolla on his own social media.
“It means more time for breakfast outside, late dinners in the summer light, and opportunities to enjoy our city without rushing.
“There is also an agreement on a case-by-case review for furniture left safely outside. That’s another win for us, as bringing them in and out daily is a real hassle.”
The Vittoria Group has also been celebrating the successful first six months of Landy’s Fish & Chips, which opened on the Royal Mile in December.
That venture had been described as going against the capital’s culinary tide somewhat, by betting on a traditional fish’n’chips restaurant from what some might have described as a bygone era.
But serving over 113,000 portions of fish and chips in just six months – an average of 722 a day – has vindicated the Crollas’ belief that Scotland’s love for a proper chippy tea is as strong as ever.
Whether it is tourists looking for a ‘true taste of the capital’ or locals in search of their new favourite supper spot, the 200-cover restaurant has quickly become a must-visit for lovers of fish and chip tradition.
“No gimmicks, no tourist trap rubbish, just good, local, honest food,” said Crolla.
“We’re proud to work with local suppliers; Scottish potatoes; fresh fish from UK waters; supporting the industries that have always fed this country.
“Sometimes the best ideas are right under your nose.”
