G1 Group expands with flagship pub in Edinburgh

G1 Group is to open a new flagship pub and live entertainment venue in Edinburgh in March, following a multi-million pound investment.

The Scotland-based group, which operates more than 40 unique bars, restaurants, clubs, hotels and cinemas, will refurbish and relaunch the three-storey Stanley Casino on Edinburgh's Rutland Place into Ghillie Dhu, creating 60 jobs.

Named after a Scottish folklore elf, the traditional Scottish pub will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, menus with dishes such as Fillet of Shetland Salmon with Creamed Spinach, Garlic and Potato Dumplings; Baked Ham with Cloves and Apple Gravy, Winter Vegetables and Champ Spuds; and Tray Baked Lamb Chops with Minted Pears, Rosemary Rubbed Potatoes and Gravy, as well as a programme of live entertainment every night of the week.

Innes Wishart, general manager of Ghillie Dhu, said she hoped the venue would become one of the city's Fringe festival destination venues.

"We're looking forward to making our mark on the Edinburgh social scene," she said. "We searched long and hard for the right location and are very pleased to have found a flagship property here on Edinburgh's Rutland Place. With Scottish fayre, drink, live music and entertainment to suit all tastes, we're confident that we have brought the right elements together to ensure everyone who visits Ghillie Dhu has a memorable experience."

Expansion plans​

Ghillie Dhu will be the flagship venue for the group, which plans to continue with its expansion strategy to become the largest independent operator in Scotland.

Becky Paskin is a reporter at Big Hospitality​​.