Ten Questions: Lorraine Politi

Published on Saturday 7 November 2009 10:53

Lorraine Politi, 47, owns The Yard Restaurant and Molly's Play Centre

1 What is your earliest memory of Edinburgh? Running errands for my nana in Leith. I'd go from shop to shop, money wrapped in the shopping list.

2 What are your memories of school? I remember St Thomas of Aquin's High School for great friendships, great teachers, sport and music. My year saw the first introduction of boys to what was then an all girl's school.

3 Where is your favourite place in Edinburgh and why? Arthur's Seat on a clear day when you can see all of Edinburgh. I like to pick out landmarks on different days. Also, The Mound during Festival time with my kids.

4 What are the best things about Edinburgh? Edinburgh is so good because it still has that village feel, yet with great architecture, lots of green spots and friendly natives. Many people from Edinburgh probably don't appreciate it enough.

5 What would you change about the city? The same thing as probably most of the population of Edinburgh: the transport disruptions. It really is a major pain when you have what you think is a simple drive across the city that ends up taking an age.

6 Describe a perfect Edinburgh day/night out? I like to think I've got simple, but classic tastes – theatre, dinner with a bottle of Marques red and a nightcap outside in the courtyard at The Yard.

7 Which sports interest you? I love sport so anything from the Winter Olympics to the World Cup – especially if there is someone from Scotland to support.

8 What was your most embarrassing moment? When I had to sing live, for the first time ever, in front of my colleagues and customers at The Yard.

9 What is your greatest achievement? Still talking to my head chef Tony Delicata at The Yard after he's had a dose of "Kitchen Tourette's". Gordon Ramsey eat your heart out!

10 Sum up Edinburgh in three words. Homely, eye-catching, Chameleon.