Posh restaurant The Ivy to 'pop up' in Edinburgh over festive season

IT is the world-famous hang out of the rich and famous and it's coming to Edinburgh - for a matter of days.

Plush London eaterie The Ivy is set to cash-in on the craze for "pop-up" or temporary restaurants by opening in Edinburgh over the festive season.

The plan would see some of the restaurant's chefs, waiters and managers travel to the city to put on exclusive dining experiences, complete with the same branding used in the West End landmark.

The Ivy's parent company, Caprice Holdings, is already moving the top London seafood restaurant J. Sheekey into Ondine on George IV Bridge for a trial run on August 29 only.

Famed for its waiting list - in the past it has boasted a three-month wait for lunch and up to six months for dinner - The Ivy is frequented by celebrities such as George Michael, Elton John and Tom Cruise.

It also played host to the Beckhams' engagement celebrations and is no stranger to the paparazzi staking out its famous entrance.

Roy Brett, owner and head chef of Ondine and last year's Scottish Hotel Chef of the Year, said that Caprice Holdings were "very keen" to bring The Ivy to Scotland.

The 41-year-old, who will cater for guests and critics at the end of this month's Festival with his former apprentice and star chef Richard Kirkwood, 35, said: "It's not been decided on yet but Caprice Holdings are very keen to come to Scotland.

"I worked for them for some years so we have a very good relationship."

Roy and Richard, who were both born and raised in Edinburgh, worked at the city's Malmaison, with Richard becoming executive chef Roy's apprentice aged just 19.

There they made a name for themselves, before both moving to London to work at top eateries. Roy later returned to his home town and has worked for several restaurants, before founding Ondine a year ago.

Richard said: "I'm very excited to be coming to my home town to cook with a master like Roy.

"Much of our produce is sourced in Scotland, not only for J.Sheekey, but also for the other restaurants in our group, including The Ivy and Scott's, and this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Scottish produce to a discerning audience at Ondine."

Roy said that he came up with the idea after seeing London's famous Groucho Club come to the Festival to serve as a hub for arts performers and stage stars.

POP-UP RESTAURANTS ON EVERYONE'S LIPS

A POP-UP restaurant might sound like something from a children's book, but it is quickly becoming the buzz word on every foodie's lips.

Among the most famous pop-up restaurateurs is Jo Wood, ex-wife of Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, who opened Mrs Paisley's Lashings, the sustainable organic pop-up restaurant she ran in the front rooms of her 13 million family home, Holmwood House.

And ask anyone about pop-up venues and the name Pierre Koffman will come up.

The chef ran the triple Michelin-starred La Tante Claire until six years ago.

Last summer he reappeared from nowhere and opened a restaurant on Selfridges roof. He said: "I saw what they were doing and thought it would be a great opportunity for a pop-up restaurant, and for Richard and I to bring our two fish restaurants together.

"We think it'll be a really fun event, and a way to offer something special to our regular customers for a good price, with courses starting at 7."

Roy added: "If anything does go wrong, I can always blame it on the visiting restaurant."

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