Eating and Waiting to Eat

"An expression of passion and enjoyment." That's how Eating and Waiting to Eat's latest guests, sisters Francesca and Olivia Contini, describe their 93 year(!) old Edinburgh institution: Valvona & Crolla. This stalwart Italian venue on Leith Walk - by far the oldest establishment featured on the show - is a one of a kind four-generation family business; a true gem in the Edinburgh, and Scotland's, food and hospitality scene. Kevin and Carlos chat with Francesca and Olivia about history, family, suppliers, and knowing when to (and when not to) adapt to the times - it's an epic and enjoyable conversation that spans almost 100 years of food related stories and family lore.

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Download the First Table app, our sponsors for Season 2, here and use the code ‘ podcast ‘ for even more savings.

Connect with this episode’s guest(s):

Valvona & Crolla's WebsiteValvona & Crolla on Instagram

Restaurant(s) recommended by this episode’s guest(s):
Rendezvous

Suppliers. Without exception, every restaurant featured on Eating and Waiting to Eat to date has talked about the quality of and their commitment to local Scottish suppliers. So much so, that Kevin and Carlos decided to invite one of Scotland’s (and the UK’s) most celebrated suppliers - the renowned cheesemongers, Mellis Cheese - to the show; Mellis is rightly credited with helping to both create and popularize the British artisanal and farmhouse cheese market. Flying the flag, is Rory Mellis, son of legendary cheesemonger and the entrepreneur behind Mellis Cheese, Iain Mellis. Rory tells the fascinating history of the 30+ year old family business and talks about the philosophy that underpins everything they do. He also entertains with stories of his cheese centered upbringing and details his current role in the business. Whether you know what animal rennet is or not, this is an essential episode of the show.

Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram here.

Download the First Table app, our sponsors for Season 2, here and use the code ‘ podcast ‘ for even more savings.

Connect with this episode’s guest(s):

Mellis Cheese’s Website

Mellis Cheese on Instagram

Rory Mellis on Instagram

Is it a coffee shop? Is it a flower shop? Yes, yes and so much more. Situated at the top of Broughton Street, Stor Coffee and Aspen Florals occupy one beautiful venue - a multi-purpose space that feels like a tranquil oasis in the midst of Central Edinburgh. This is a very special episode as Kevin and Carlos welcome artists and entrepreneurs Nathalie Holbrook and Jacek Hubner to the podcast. Their chat focuses on Nathalie and Jacek's fascinating journey to opening and running Stor and Aspen; a story that manages to be both truly unique to them and yet universal for anyone working, or interested, in hospitality. Stor Coffee is a regular haunt of the show's and a place that both Kevin and Carlos love to introduce folks to. The espresso and chocolate ganache cookies at Stor are an Edinburgh must have!

Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram here.

Download the First Table app, our sponsors for Season 2, here and use the code ‘ podcast ‘ for even more savings.

Connect with this episode’s guest(s):

Stor Lifestyle's WebsiteStor Coffee on Instagram

Aspen Florals on Instagram

Restaurant(s) recommended by this episode’s guest(s):

Dishoom

Spry

Little Capo

The Chippy by Spencer

Crew, this is the show’s most epic Side Quest yet! Coming to you live from the 2026 Edinburgh International Book Festival, Carlos and Kevin speak to chef, social media influencer, and cook book author, Ben Lippett. Inside the Book Festival’s famous spiegeltent, Ben talks about his upbringing, his international cooking career, his humble online beginnings, and the experience of writing his first cook book - he also gives everyone permission to fail at home cooking! According to Carlos, Ben also picks the correct Rice, Bread, Pasta answer. So put on your Britney mics and relive the very first episode of Eating and Waiting to Eat recorded live in front of a studio audience.

Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram here.

Connect with this episode’s guest(s):

Ben Lippett on Instagram

Ben Lippett’s Website

Ben Lippett on YouTube

“How I Cook” by Ben Lippett

How I Cook Substack

Restaurant(s) recommended by this episode’s guest(s):

The Palmerston

Ardfern

Dogstar

Nishiki

Halfway through Season 2 of the show and things just keep cooking! This latest episode tells the story of one of the brightest gems in the Edinburgh food scene, the family-run Michelin starred, Timberyard (along with its two sister restaurants: Montrose and Haze). Carlos and Kevin welcome Jo Radford - of the Radford family - and Bart Stratfold, the group's Executive Chef, to the studio. The conversation ranges from sustainability in the food industry, the evolution of the restaurant scene in Scotland over the years, Timberyard’s unique legacy, to who prefers listening to Sepultura over history podcasts. It’s also worth nothing - spoiler alert - that for once, Kev is really in the minority during Rice/Bread/Pasta. Enjoy.

Join Kevin and Carlos for a LIVE recording of Eating and Waiting to Eat on August 16th, 2026 at the Edinburgh International Book Festival - they’ll be interviewing chef and author Ben Lippett (tickets here).

Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram here.

Download the First Table app, our sponsors for Season 2, here and use the code ‘ podcast ‘ for even more savings.

Connect with this episode’s guest(s):

Timberyard

Montrose

Timberyard on Instagram

Montrose on Instagram

Haze on Instagram

Bart Stratford on Instagram

Restaurant(s) recommended by this episode’s guest(s):

Noodles Home

The Way Taste

Tanjore

Barry is the Scottish word for ‘good,’ and it couldn’t be more apt for this episode. Barry Bryson, the chef and restauranteur behind the beloved Leith based Barry Fish, is a good guy, who gives one hell of a good interview! Carlos, Kevin, and Barry have a delightful and wide ranging chat. They cover everything from Barry’s private cheffing days, having his fish mongers on WhatsApp, the ups and downs of the restaurant industry, to even his favorite Madonna tracks (spoiler alert: for many, many years Madonna’s “Hung Up” continuously made Carlos’ top ten most played songs). Lock in - you’re in for a delicious ride!

Join Kevin and Carlos for a LIVE recording of Eating and Waiting to Eat on August 16th, 2026 at the Edinburgh International Book Festival - they’ll be interviewing chef and author Ben Lippett (tickets here).

Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram here.

Download the First Table app, our sponsors for Season 2, here and use the code ‘ podcast ‘ for even more savings.

Connect with this episode’s guest(s):

Barry Bryson on Instagram

Barry Fish Website

Barry Fish on Instagram

Restaurant(s) recommended by this episode’s guest(s):

Mirin

L’Escargot Blue

Fin & Grape

The Fishmarket Newhaven

Writer, cook, mum, traveler, entrepreneur, and just all around wonderful human, Jess Elliott Dennison joins Kevin and Carlos for a special episode of Eating and Waiting to Eat. Jess takes us an engaging and entertaining tour through her many food-related eras. From working for Jamie Oliver, to running a cafe, to running a cafe during COVID, to her beautiful cook books, the establishment of her food studio, and her partnership with the Edinburgh International Book Festival, there are few things Jess has not done in and for the Edinburgh food scene. She plays a unique and important role in the city’s (and Scotland’s) hospitality tapestry.

Speaking of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, make sure you check out one of the many cooking workshops being hosted at Jess’ studio, Elliott’s, AND that you join Kevin and Carlos for a LIVE recording of Eating and Waiting to Eat on 16/8/26 - they’ll be interviewing chef and author Ben Lippett (tickets here).

Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram here.

Download the First Table app, our sponsors for Season 2, here and use the code ‘ podcast ‘ for even more savings.

Connect with this episode’s guest(s):

Jess Elliott Dennison on Instagram

Elliott's

Restaurant(s) recommended by this episode’s guest(s):

Noodles and Dumplings

General links from this episode:

Have Lunch with Jess Elliott Dennison at the Edinburgh International Book Festival

The youngest guest that Carlos and Kevin have welcomed to the show needs little to no introduction. Jun Au is the patron and head chef behind Pomelo, a stunning modern Chinese restaurant that uses the finest of Scottish ingredients. Pomelo is located in the neighborhood of Marchmont and is a favourite of many in town who seek out both the familiar and the unique; Pomelo’s hand-ripped noodles are among the most delicious dishes one can eat in all of Edinburgh (straight up, Kevin never misses an opportunity to rave about them). Come for Jun’s fascinating personal journey (including how he got on Great British Menu), stay for the in-depth noodle geekery.

Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram here.

Download the First Table app, our sponsors for Season 2, here and use the code ‘ podcast ‘ for even more savings.

Connect with this episode’s guest(s) on Instagram:

Pomelo

Jun Au

General links from this episode:

Jun Au - Great British Menu, Series 21

Jess Elliott Dennison

VAT’s the Problem

Stuart Ralston

Aizle Hospitality Group

Roberta Hall

Restaurants and bars mentioned in this episode:

Felice e Testaccio

Jia Jia Tang Bao

Canopy

Vern’s

Mosque Kitchen

The Palmserton

The China Bowl

Welcome to Season 2 of Eating and Waiting to Eat. This new set of ten episodes, which continue to take listeners on a behind-the-scenes journey of Edinburgh’s food scene, is bigger, badder and starts off with a real bang! Carlos and Kevin welcome the one and only Stuart Ralston to the studio. Stuart is the chef, restauranteur, and entrepreneur behind the Aizle Hospitality Group which consists of the restaurants: Noto, Tipo (a personal favorite of both Carlos and Kevin’s), Vinette, Vivien, and the Michelin starred showstopper, Lyla. The conversation is epic in scope. Stuart’s story, learnings, and insights is wide ranging, fascinating, and always entertaining. So much so, that it’s the longest episode of Eating and Waiting to Eat yet! So pour yourself a tall glass of wine (or a quad espresso) and enjoy the Season 2 premiere.

Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram here.

Download the First Table app, our sponsors for Season 2, here and use the code ‘ podcast ‘ for even more savings.

Connect with this episode’s guest(s) on Instagram:

Stuart Ralston

Aizle Hospitality Group

Noto

Tipo

Lyla

Vinette

Vivien

General links from this episode:

Gordon Ramsay

Angela Harnett

Michelin Guide

Bib Gourmand

Tom Kitchin

Martin Wishart

Restaurants and bars mentioned in this episode:

Jean-Georges

Sandy Lane

Eorna

Blue Hill Farm

Zabar’s

Gray’s Papaya

Yamato

Mirin

Hey Palu

Ardfern

L’Escargot Blue

And the questing continues! This time around, the amazing Jenny Niven, Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival - among the world’s oldest and most prestigious literary festivals - joins Carlos and Kevin’s fellowship. Jenny talks about the Festival’s breadth and scope, its unique space in Edinburgh’s cultural scene, its role in championing food and cooking related literature (and experiences), as well as - given that she lived in China for years - the Capital’s very best Chinese restaurants. Enjoy this second, and epic, Side Quests.

Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram here.

Connect with this Side Quest's guest(s) on Instagram:Edinburgh International Book Festival

General links from this Side Quest:

Edinburgh International Book Festival

Edinburgh International Book Festival Podcast on Spotify

Life in a Scotch Sitting Room, Vol. 0

Hamish Hawk on Spotify

Ivor Cutler on Wikipedia

Hamish Hawk on his Ivor Cutler tribute

Underbelly

Jess Elliott Dennison

Elliott’s

David Chang

Restaurants and bars mentioned in this Side Quest:

Valvona & Crolla

Noodles and Dumplings

Dumplings of China

Gather your fellowship - ideally folks who share your love for breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner, and supper - and get ready to embark on the very first Eating and Waiting to Eat Side Quest! Side Quests are episodes that break from our show's usual format. They are designed to air in between seasons of the show, to be shorter in length (just like a Hobbit), and to focus on conversations with individuals doing amazing things in and around (or in support of) Scottish food and drink. Our first guest is none other than Adele Conn. Adele is "a wanderlust food lover, a wine enthusiast and a gin guru." She is also the force behind the award-winning blog TartanSpoon, which features reviews, recipes, and curated guides to Scotland’s culinary scene. Sit back and enjoy this first Eating and Waiting to Side Quest (and remember, always get the pie).

Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram here.

Connect with Adele, this Side Quest's guest, on Instagram:

TartanSpoon

General links from this Side Quest:

TartanSpoon Blog

Colin Hinds

Restaurants and bars mentioned in this Side Quest:

The Tipsy Midgie

Copper Blossom

Lyla

Shakedown Burgers

Cafe Pomelo

Nadair

Cardinal

The Gilded Saloon

Condita

Bacaro

Blonde

Sabzi

Mirin

Fingal

Ardfern

Civerinos

And just like that, season 1 of Eating and Waiting to Eat comes to an end! And what an episode to close out on: Matt Carroll, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Fortitude Coffee Roasters, joins Carlos and Kevin in the studio. Fortitude holds a special place for Carlos and Kevin. Not only is Fortitude among the first places that they (independently) became regulars at but it was the fact that they kept seeing each other at Fortitude that cemented the friendship; one could say that Eating and Waiting to Eat exists because of Fortitude! Matt tells his origin story, his learning curve as both coffee shop owner and coffee roaster, and the realities of sustaining and growing a coffee business. Sit back, make yourself a double (quad?) espresso, and enjoy the season 1 finale!

Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram here.

Connect with this episode’s guest(s) on Instagram:

Fortitude Coffee Roasters

General links from this episode:

Fortitude Coffee Roasters

Best Coffee App

Led Zeppelin Spotify Page

Golden Hare Books

Stand Comedy Club

National Galleries Scotland: Portrait

Coffee Seasonality

Studio Arhoj

Lost Shore Surf Resort

Becca Marriner

Restaurants and bars mentioned in this episode:

Short Long Black Coffee

Patricia’s x SLB

La Cabra

Artisan Roast

Origin

Cairngorm Coffee Roasters

Cult Coffee Roasters

Razzo Pizza

Civerinos

Prolog Coffee

http://instagram.com/swan_in_progress

What does it take to open up a restaurant in Edinburgh today? What about opening a new restaurant in a spot that used to belong to a beloved, decades old institution? Well if you’re James Clark, the Edinburgh-native and restauranteur behind the Italian enoteca and trattoria Sotto in Stockbrige, the answer is: an entrepreneurial spirit, grit, respect for a venue’s roots, and a deep love of wine and pasta. James joins Kevin and Carlos on an entrepreneurial-themed episode of Eating and Waiting to Eat. Come for James’ (and Sotto’s) multi-faceted origin story (we think James might have been a spy), stay for the geeking out about wine and pasta. Did we mention we talk about wine and pasta?

Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram here.

Connect with this episode’s guest(s) on Instagram:

Sotto

James Clarke

General links from this episode:

Sotto

Splintr

Ping On’s Kenny Mac lunches in James Clark’s Sotto

Vittoria Restaurant Group

Lidl Champagne

Trattoria Wikipedia Entry

Sotto’s Michelin Guide Entry

Erbaluci Wikipedia Entry

Restaurants and bars mentioned in this episode:

The Palmerston

Divino

The Kebab Mahal

LYLA

Cafe Gallo

What’s your favorite cake? Where do you stand on scones: sweet or savoury? Carrot cake, nuts or no nuts? Ashley Harley, Chief Operating Officer of Mimi’s Bakehouse and Nami (and daughter of Mimi herself) stops by the studio to answer these questions for Carlos and Kevin and to tell them the truly epic origin story of the beloved Edinburgh institution: Mimi’s Bakehouse. Ashley also expertly outlines the many challenges currently facing the Edinburgh hospitality industry. She speaks the truth in a way that is informative and hopeful. This episode is a masterclass in the entrepreneurial mindset required to both build a business and to make legendary vanilla on vanilla cupcakes (the best kind of cupcake there is).

Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram ⁠here⁠.

Connect with this episode’s guest(s) on Instagram:

Mimi’s Bakehouse

Mimi’s Gals

Nami

General links from the episode:

Mimi’s Bakehouse

Nami

Scottish Bakers Association

Underbelly

Plate Expectationshttps://www.instagram.com/plateexpectations/

The Shore Business Collective

Royal Yatch Brittania

Restaurants and bars mentioned in the episode:

Machina Coffee

Williams & Johnson Coffee Company

Lanaan

Twelve Triangles

Port of Leith Distillery

Three Marys

Ocean’s Mist

Heron

The Kitchin

Martin Wishart

Roseleaf

Malt & Hops

Tapa

Kvasa Bakery

Amaro, agave, fernet, and shenanigans. Kevin and Carlos welcome Alex Palumbo and Rachel Bailey Palumbo, the dynamic duo behind two of our favorite Edinburgh watering holes - Hey Palu and Chancho - to the show and, as you’ll hear, a great time was had. Alex and Rachel give us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to open up a bar (during a pandemic no less) and the grit that's required to adapt and to grow a hospitality business against many a headwind. The only way this episode could have been more fun to record would've been to actually been drinking martinis and margaritas while recording it!

Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram here.

Connect with this episode’s guest(s) on Instagram:

Hey Palu

Chancho

Next Door by Hey Palu

Alex Palumbo

Rachel Bailey Palumbo

General links from the episode:

Hey Palu’s Website

Chancho’s Website

Next Door by Hey Palu’s Website

Friday Finally Newsletter on Substack

Hey Palu’s Neo Soul Spotify Playlist

Fernet on Wikipedia

Amaro on Wikipedia

Agave on Wikipedia

Restaurants and bars mentioned in the episode:

Razzo Pizza Napoletana

Gleneagles

Bramble Bar

Panda & Sons

The Last Word

Ardfern

The Palmerston

Chorrito

Zero Zero Wines

Hawksmoor

The vibe - and the food - at Sabzi is undeniable. A truly family run, multi-award winning, North Indian restaurant, Sabzi is among Edinburgh's most memorable, unique, and delicious establishments. Stevie Singh, a member of the Singh family who own and operate Sabzi, drops by the podcast to delight Kevin and Carlos with family stories and mouth watering descriptions of Sabzi's fare. This conversation was pure food-loving joy.

Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/eatingandwaitingtoeat/⁠

General Links⁠:⁠

⁠https://www.sabzistreetfood.com/⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/sabzi.streetfood/⁠

Restaurants Mentioned in the Episode

⁠https://www.thepalmerstonedinburgh.co.uk/⁠

⁠https://www.chorritosauce.com/

If it's a day of the week, odds are that you'll find Carlos stuffing his face at The Palmerston. An Edinburgh institution (despite not even being five years old) and a "not to be missed" pit stop for anyone visiting the city, The Palmerston is among Scotland's best restaurants. James Snowdon and Lloyd Morse, the pair behind The Palmerston, chat with Kevin and Carlos about their meet cute, their guiding philosophy towards food, and Taylor Swift's best albums.

Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/eatingandwaitingtoeat

General Links

The Palmerston

https://www.instagram.com/the_palmerston

https://www.instagram.com/lgvmorse

https://www.instagram.com/jamesasnowdon

The Palmerston and Newbarns to open pub in Edinburgh - DRAM Scotland

Restaurants Mentioned on the Episode

The Harwood Arms

Primeur

TIMBERYARD

noma

FIN & GRAPE

Sabzi

LOWDOWN COFFEE | Specialty Coffee | Edinburgh

SOTTO

Lannan | Bakery & Pantry in Stockbridge, Edinburgh

Norah Newhaven

Stockbridge Eating House

Anchor Home Page

eòrna restaurant

Mosque Kitchen Edinburgh - Authentic Indian & Middle Eastern Cuisin

l'escargot bleu

Homepage - Kitchen Table London

Jolene | Bakeries & Restaurants in London

Some Other Links

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0749263/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/06HL4z0CvFAxyc27GXpf02?si=mS44EF3VQzagxmlfPbrFTA

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2d0hyoQ5ynDBnkvAbJKORj?si=FQvCVq_wS5Ky1O_9DS29tQ
https://open.spotify.com/artist/53RsXctnNmj9oKXvcbvzI2

Episode 4 is all about that schiacciata, thinly sliced fixings, and hot honey! Kevin and Carlos geek out with Andy Mitchell and Chris Thompson, the dynamic duo behind Mootz General Store in Stockbridge. Mootz produces some of the most unforgettable and mouth watering sandwiches not just in Edinburgh but in the UK. As one random reviewer noted on TripAdvisor after tasting their first Mootz creation: this is “the best sandwich I had in my life (and I’m 61).”

Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/eatingandwaitingtoeat

Follow Mootz on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/mootzgeneralstore

Among Edinburgh’s, and Scotland’s, most beloved chefs, Roberta Hall-McCarron sits down with Kevin and Carlos to talk about her chef origin story, how she splits her time across three - equally beautiful and must visit - restaurants (The Little Chartroom, Eleanore & Ardfern), and even her fast food order (true to form, it includes Irn-Bru).

This was a true joy of a conversation - you can tell how much fun we had recording this chat by all the laughter - as well as an insightful look at what it takes to set up, run, and manage several restaurants.

Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/eatingandwaitingtoeat

Roberta's Links:

https://www.instagram.com/chef_roberta_hall

https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-changing-tides/roberta-hall-mccarron/9781739174033

https://www.thelittlechartroom.com

https://www.instagram.com/thelittlechartroom

https://www.eleanore.uk

https://www.instagram.com/eleanore_leithwalk

https://ardfern.uk

https://www.instagram.com/ardfern_edinburgh

Links to the people, places, and restaurants mentioned by Roberta:

Restaurants Near Me: Nearby McDonald’s Locations | McDonald’s

https://www.meatopia.co.uk/glasgow/home-glasgow

https://www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/burj-al-arab-jumeirah

https://www.instagram.com/tom_kitchin

The Kitchin - our Michelin-starred restaurant in Leith, Edinburgh

https://www.instagram.com/shaunmccarron1

https://www.instagram.com/mcneill.hamish

https://www.dishoom.com/edinburgh/

https://thehawksmoor.com/locations/edinburgh

https://www.mirin.uk

https://www.littlecapo.com

The man, the legend, Colin Hinds, whisky guru and proprietor of the Tipsy Midgie - which has been named Scotland’s best whisky bar in 2023, 2024, and 2025 - talks to Kevin and Carlos about his life, his career, and his connection and approach to ‘the water of life.’

Visit www.tipsymidgie.com to learn about the bar and to book yourself in for one of their many whisky tastings and experiences (which are not to be missed).

Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/eatingandwaitingtoeat

General Tipsy Midgie Links:

Tipsy Midgie - The BEST Whisky Bar in Scotland for Whisky Tastings.

https://www.instagram.com/tipsymidgie

https://www.instagram.com/whiskyforager

Tipsy Midgie Whisky Bar - Forever Edinburgh

Licensee Interview: Colin Hinds, Tipsy Midgie - DRAM Scotland

The Distilleries and Bars mentioned by Colin:

https://www.malts.com/en-gb/distilleries/cardhu

https://www.auchentoshan.com/distillery-tours/experiences

https://smws.com/whisky-club-membership

Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky Experience Edinburgh | Princes Street | Johnnie Walker UK