Edinburgh's The Compass Group is bringing a new oyster bar to Old Town

On the site of the oldest inn on the Royal Mile, the White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar will serve sharing platters of shellfish including lobsters, scallops and crab; monkfish curry; lobster and fries; and whole lemon sole.

There will also be a range of oysters, shucked on the bar in view of customers, and a bar menu comprising small plates like crab fries and sesame tuna. Diners will have the option to choose a lobster from in-restaurant tanks.

The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, with the bar trading until late.

The bar will offer a cocktail menu, incorporating “boutique spirits and seaside ingredients.”

The interior of the restaurant will have a heritage colourway with design features including a custom made marble bar-top and the large bespoke lobster tank. Seating will comprise a dining room with additional booth seating looking into the lobster tank and more at the bar.

The restaurant will be a space where “the ingredients take centre stage”, says managing director Mark Fraser. The small, boutique suppliers the restaurant is using include Edinburgh-based Welch Fishmongers, Mara Seaweed and Cornish sustainable fishing specialists Wild Harbour.

“Shellfish is often considered a luxury ingredient, and seafood restaurants as formal and expensive” says Fraser. “Whilst the focus of White Horse will always be on the quality of the ingredients we source, we are very excited to introduce a new and relaxed way to enjoy seafood in the capital.”

The White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar is owned by The Compass Group. The Group, launched in 2004, also owns the Chop House in Leith, the second Chop House at Wavery Arches, as well as Edinburgh restaurant Monteiths, Sygn bar and The WestRoom gastropub.