Food lovers have been flocking to the new Edinburgh store so the Sunday Mail went to see what all the fuss is about.
Martyn Bryson co-owner of The Cookbook Shop in Edinburgh, Scotland’s only dedicated culinary bookseller.(Image: Sunday Mail)
Scotland’s only dedicated cookbook shop has become a huge hit after being praised by top chefs.
Food lovers have been flocking to the Edinburgh store since it opened six weeks ago and won the backing of Nigella Lawson, Stuart Ralston and Yotam Ottolenghi.
Martyn Bryson, who founded The Cookbook Shop with partner Liz, said: “We’ve been touched by the positive reception we’ve got.
“There used to be another cookbook shop in Edinburgh owned by Clarissa Dixon Wright, that closed in Grassmarket.
“It was beloved and local chefs remember it still to this day. You see cookbook stores more often in American cities but less so in the UK.
Martyn Bryson co-owner of The Cookbook Shop in Edinburgh, Scotland’s only dedicated culinary bookseller.(Image: Sunday Mail)
“We’ve been told Edinburgh really needed a place like this and we felt that too.
“Liz and I looked at what was in the city and asked why isn’t anyone else already doing this? And we thought why can’t it be us that fills that gap?”
Having worked in America, Ireland, and Scotland, Martyn and Liz fell in love with Edinburgh’s food and drink scene and made the city their home.
The Brysons, who had worked in publishing, managed to crowdfund more than £5000 to start the shop on Haddington Place.
The campaign included auctioning signed books, with donations from cooking royalty Nigella along with other celebrity chefs.
Nigella Lawson has recently been announced as the new Bake Off judge(Image: Instagram/britishbakeoff)
Since opening, American-Iranian TV chef Samin Nosrat has also popped in to sign another stack of books.
Along with cookbooks from all over the world, the shop boasts niche titles designed to appeal to people’s food nostalgia.
One of the shop’s bestsellers is a compendium of UK crisp packet designs going back to the 1970s, from Nik Naks to Krunchie Sticks.
They also sell bespoke food and drink – many from local suppliers – and accessories like pots, plates and tea towels.
The’ve imported a collection of rare foods from abroad – including addictive Smash! chocolate crisps from Norway, with a salty sweetness similar to chocolate-covered pretzels.
The store is planning to expand into events and workshops, with hopes it becomes a hub bringing chefs, writers and food-lovers together.
The basement shop has reading nooks, where people can unwind and soak up the ambience.
Martyn says he wants the store to become a hub for Edinburgh’s food-loving community(Image: Sunday Mail)
Martyn said: “Events are going to be a big part of the business. It has been a major ambition since we started doing it. May marks the start of our events calendar.
“We’re going to have book launches, tasting events, book clubs, film nights. We’re trying to keep it as exciting as we can.
“Food has such potential to bring people together and bridge divides in communities.
“You’ve got to recognise that and you’ve got to be able to meet people where they’re at with food too.
“That’s why we’ve tried to offer a wide selection of books. All these things create this strong community feel, that’s what we’re aiming for.
“We want people to feel relaxed here and be able to take their time, hang out and feel welcome.”
Niche culinary titles and cosy reading nooks at hit new Edinburgh store(Image: Sunday Mail)
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Edinburgh is a haven for foodie tourism, claiming the Good Food Guide’s Most Exciting Food Destination for 2025.
Seven of the city’s restaurants boast prestigious Michelin stars including establishments run by well-known chefs like Ralston, Tom Kitchin and Martin Wishart.
With a diverse mix of fine-dining restaurants, gastropubs, bistros and cafes, Edinburgh also boasts an annual Foodies Festival.
Martyn said: “In the past couple of years, Edinburgh has become a major food destination.
“Really good restaurants have popped up and some local chefs have become big names.
“Now is the time to recognise that and start to celebrate that a bit – so we’re hoping we get to be part of that.”
Celebrity chefs including Nigella Lawson have already given the wee store their backing(Image: Sunday Mail)
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