Food & Drink

New Nordic in Old Edinburgh

Having left Copenhagen, briefly, for the grey stoney charms of Edinburgh, Scotland, I was surprised to find myself almost immediately in the Scandinavian-inspired space of Timberyard. But there I was, drink in hand, and I wasn’t about to complain.

Timberyard may draw inspiration from New Nordic, both in interior design and menu, but it is still squarely Scottish with heavy wood, tartan blankets draped by the fireside-couch and a friendly, gently boisterous atmosphere. Maybe “gently boisterous” seems like an oxymoron, but that’s the only way I can think to describe a Scottish fun-loving vibe paired with gourmet dining.

We were lucky enough to get a spot for lunch and enjoyed their prix fixe menu. This is where it gets Scandi. With strong flavors like dill, sea buckthorn, and the best damn trout I’ve ever had, it’s not hard to see why the menu is considered a take on New Nordic. Though there are several courses, we’re not talking about dainty portions (those Scottish roots coming through again!).

New Nordic in Old Edinburgh Timberyard Food Scandinavia Standard
 
 

The cocktails. Oh, the cocktails. Where do I even begin? They do fresh & fruity, dry & briny, you name it. If you can’t find yourself a reservation for lunch or dinner, I strongly recommend coming in for a cocktail. The bar staff is friendly, knowledgable and they do not skimp on the liquor.

 
Timberyard-Edinburgh-Cocktails-Scandinavia-Standard
 

The Shed, slightly separate from the main restaurant, is a private dining area that seats up to ten. I can’t imagine a more lovely place to have a special dinner with friends or family.

Even further back, you’ll find the pantry, where many vegetables and herbs are pickled and stored for later use. How gorgeous are these jars?

 
Pantry Timberyard-Edinburgh-Meal-Scandinavia-Standard
 

There are two outdoor spots; a terrace where guests can enjoy their meal or a drink during the warmer months (so in Scotland that’s like…July, right?), and an outdoor herb and produce garden. Peek out there if you can – it’s very charming and speaks to how self-sufficient Timberyard aims to be.

If you’re into the New Nordic food movement and want to see how it’s been interpreted outside of Scandinavia, Timberyard is a must-try. If you don’t really care about New Nordic, however, it’s still worth it; there’s enough substance here to make the experience wonderful, regardless of whether you’re a foodie or simply someone who likes food (or a little of both).

See more on Timberyard and book a table.

Last edited

Rebecca Thandi Norman

Rebecca Thandi Norman is a co-founder and Editor-in-Chief at Scandinavia Standard.