Edinburgh Seafood Festival returns to St James Quarter

The Edinburgh Seafood Festival is returning to St James Quarter next month for guests to experience the world of Scottish seafood in the heart of the Scottish capital.

A masterclass from Teddy Lee at last year's Festival

Running from Saturday 4th to Monday 6th May, the Festival, in association with The Scotsman, is offering up a menu of sea-inspired activities. It will include live cooking demonstrations, intimate supper clubs, one-off menus and a fresh produce market.

Organisers said Edinburgh foodies have an exclusive chance to sit front-row as some of Scotland’s best chefs from St James Quarter and beyond host interactive cooking demonstrations and masterclasses on the Cloudy Bay sponsored Seafood Stage.

Showing off their skills over the weekend, this year’s line-up includes such names as John Maltby (SUSHISAMBA), Teddy Lee (Maki & Ramen), Sandy Browning (Ka Pao), Jimmy Lee (Salt & Chilli and Leith Woks), Max Terheggen (Duck & Waffle), Roberta Hall-McCarron (The Little Chartroom) and Dan Ashmore (ASKR). More names will be announced in coming weeks.

A pop-up produce market will showcase delicacies from an array of local artisans, giving guests the chance to take home a taste of Scotland’s culinary offerings. With smoked fish from Harris and Lewis, macaroons from Lozzie Bakes, Isle of Mull Seaweed Chutney, doughnuts from Seriously Dough and coastal-inspired skincare from Seaweed Organics, there’s a whole host of sea-themed treats to be enjoyed.

Across the weekend, guests can sit back and relax at the Festival’s pop-up bars and enjoy freshly made fish and chips from local food truck favourite Nae Bother Foods.

As part of a unique experience for foodies, St James Quarter is bringing back its much-loved Secret Seafood Supper Clubs, where guests can enjoy an expertly curated seafood menu from a leading chef in an intimate setting. Taking place in a state-of-the art kitchen space in Miele’s Experience Centre, guests are invited to take a seat around the chef’s table with celebrated Edinburgh chefs, Paul Wedgwood and Roberta Hall-McCarron, for exclusive dinners over the Seafood weekend. With 12 tickets only available for each supper club, these intimate experiences are set to sell out.

Offering fun for all the family, Dynamic Earth will bring a sea discovery station to the Quarter, where kids - big and small - can learn about the underwater world and take part in interactive activities. There will also be live music from local talent and under-the-sea-themed face painting.

St James Quarter said it is home to some of Scotland’s most exciting eating and drinking destinations, with many inviting guests to dive into a world of flavour over the festival weekend.

Susan Hewlett, St James Quarter brand and marketing director, said: “Hosting the Edinburgh Seafood Festival allows guests to enjoy some of the most exciting Seafood experiences, from exquisite Supper Clubs to renowned local chef demonstrations along with market stalls selling great Scottish produce, visitors can watch, learn, buy and hopefully experiment at home. There is something for everyone.”

To keep up to date with events happening throughout the Quarter for Edinburgh Seafood Festival and beyond, and to book the Seafood Supper Clubs, visit https://stjamesquarter.com/whats-on/ or download the St James Quarter App.