The Shilling Group opens another food-led pub in Edinburgh

11-Aug-2013 - Last updated on 12-Aug-2013 at 13:22 GMT

The Cross & Corner’s food has a focus on ‘simple yet quality home cooking’ (image courtesy of Pip Rustage)

Edinburgh-based independent pub operator The Shilling Group has opened the doors of its sixth freehold establishment, The Cross & Corner, in the city centre.

The group, founded by Michael McGuigan in 2000, spent six weeks and £100,000 on a full refurbishment of the 1,150 sq.ft site, which is situated on the corner of Eyre Place and Cannonmills.

McGuigan said the area was ‘crying out’ for a quality, food-led bar. “In the immediate vicinity, there’s nowhere that offers an individual and sophisticated pub experience,” he said. “We’ve come up with a proposition that fills that gap.”

He added that The Shilling Group took inspiration from the success of its last undertaking, The Fountain, in deciding the direction for The Cross & Corner.

“When we took on The Fountain it was a notorious spit and sawdust pub that few residents in the neighbourhood would dare to enter. The area was crying out for a quality food-led bar; a place where people could meet in a relaxed environment. The Fountain has answered that need.

“When we were scoping out the opportunity for the Cross & Corner, we identified a similar gap in the market.”

On the menu

The Cross & Corner’s food has a focus on ‘simple yet quality home cooking’. The all-day menu comprises signature pub dishes such as fish & chips, rib-eye steak and homemade burger, along with snacks and sharing boards.

The pub also stocks a wide range of premium spirits and beers. In addition to eight keg offerings there is an extensive bottled beer list, which features Kernel Brewery, Redchurch Brewery, Camden Brewery and La Chouffe. Bespoke spirit serves include a choice of seven themed Bloody Marys with Gin & Tonic also getting multiple makeovers.

As with many of The Shilling Group’s other venues, The Cross & Corner has been restyled by Edinburgh firm GLM, with the interior design including reclaimed tile tabletops and flooring, vintage furniture and antique light fittings. Exposed brick walls and assorted artworks complete the pub’s urban industrial vibe.

The Shilling Group employs 106 staff and is on course to record a turnover of £5.2m in the next 12 months.This lastest acquisition brings the Group’s complement of freehold establishments to six with a further five leasehold premises completing the portfolio.

It’s pubs and bars include The Fountain, Carriers Quarters, Thomsons, Golden Rule, Bar Kohl and Fisherman’s Arms.

The Cross & Corner is now open at 1 Canonmills in Edinburgh.