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: “What do I feel about taking on this challenge…..with some careful deliberation on this issue I would be more comfortable putting it in this way…. 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. I find Edinburgh the perfect back drop for my new venture and to have a successful restaurant in this beautiful capital city would be one tick in a box of many boxes to tick.”

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 Street80 Queen Street Edinburgh EH2 4NF 0131 226 5097 www.eighty-queen-street.com

The Devil’s Kitchen is headed by Australian-born chef, Dario Pacifici, who is renowned for his creativity and use of fresh, local produce to allow emphasis on taste. He has built up an excellent reputation for ultra cool dining, and the boutique catering company has created devilish delights for stars at the MTV Awards after party, as well as celebrities such as Hugh Grant, Joan Rivers, U2 and Billy Joel.
The Devil’s Kitchen also caters for corporate entertaining, Highland house parties, weddings and private dinner parties. Past work includes private parties for the Golf Open at St Andrews, the MTV Awards after party, a preview of James Bond film, Casino Royale, the Cruise fashion store launches and Hugo Boss.
Sample menus and further information on The Devil’s Kitchen outside catering can be found at www.thedevilskitchen.uk.com. The gastronomic experience can also be found at “Voodoo Rooms” in the centre of Edinburgh. Expressing the use of domestic and European produce with international food and service experiences.
Scotland’s premier catering company provides its clients with total security and peace of mind. Through fine food and services tailored for corporate seminars and conferences, whether for formal dining or event management, weddings, film and television on location catering, private functions, exclusive dinner parties or highland week/weekend adventures, the Devil’s Kitchen team of professionals provide assistance of the highest standard.

The Devil’s Kitchen business vision is to provide the very best in food services and products to their very diverse clientele. Their mission is to maintain and build excellent services and food products through six key areas: brassiere/restaurants/bars; outsourced corporate catering; event management; lunchtime delivery services; personal dinner; and weekend experiences and consultancy.