After a £3 million investment by the Vittoria Group, Bertie’s has opened in the Edinburgh Old Town. The B-listed former ecclesiastical building on Victoria Street is transformed into reputedly Britain’s biggest fish & chips restaurant: 11,000 sq ft arranged over four floors, the 300 cover restaurant opened in late 2018
St. John’s church & Parish School was designed by Architect: George Smith in 1838 has since had various uses including a bookmaker and a popular Byzantium market.
City Architecture Office was appointed by the Vittoria Group and secured Listed Building Consent & Building Warrant approval for the sensitive reworking of circulation to allow access for all into the restaurant, integration of a sizeable new kitchen, services and roof works. This was all agreed in close consultation with the local authority conservation officer.
Most recently the landmark St John’s Church building, in the heart of the UNESCO Edinburgh Old Town World Heritage Site, was an Indian restaurant. This was completely gutted in December 2008 when a devastating fire tore through the premises, forcing hundreds in nearby buildings to be evacuated. It has since lain unused for 10 years.
Tony Crolla MD of Vittoria Group said,
“We are very proud to open Scotland’s biggest Fish and Chip restaurant here in Edinburgh. The capital’s thriving Old Town is the perfect place to continue driving our restaurant business to new and old customers alike. Bertie’s Restaurant and Bar will offer something for everyone visiting the city as well as those locally who have continued to support our business growth through the decades. Bertie’s is a new chapter for my family business as we open the doors to our latest project”
Moray Royles ,Director of City Architecture Office said,
“We are delighted with the outcome. Original features have been respected with signage & lighting that announces Bertie's presence within. We were able to secure a listed building consent quickly for the Vittoria Group by working closely with planning officers and the client’s team.”
