Edinburgh chef Scott Smith (right in photo) is helping launch a new pub in Stockbridge next week – The Captain Darling – having made the difficult decision to close his highly rated fine-dining restaurant Fhior.
Named after a character in classic TV comedy series Blackadder, the new pub is from John Howard (left)‘s Òir Group, who also run Bodega and Lucky Yu in the city.
Scott and his wife Laura have opened Fhior seven years ago, winning praise in the 2025 Harden’s guide for their “delicious locally sourced and imaginatively cooked food”. They announced its 1st June closure last month, saying the “very difficult hospitality climate” had taken its toll.
The Captain Darling is the first project for Scott’s newly founded hospitality consultancy, Blank Plate Creative. He said: “I’m very much hands-on and involved in the opening. I designed the menu and recipes, hired the head chef and helped build the rest of the team. I’ll be there for the opening and probably one or two days a week just to make sure the quality is where it needs to be.
“But the goal is that I can step away in six months and leave it running the way the client wants. It’s exciting to be part of the stressful, hard-working setup phase – and then move on when it’s managing itself.”
He pointed out that The Captain Darling would not be a ‘gastro pub’, and would have a dining area separate from the bar. “We’re keeping things classic – well-made, seasonal dishes that are created to be full of flavour. A key feature will be our grill section, with a rotating selection of meats cooked over coals – proper pub cooking with a bit of flair. Our Sunday roast, with porchetta front and centre, is something we hope becomes a bit of a local tradition.”
John Howard added: “We want to create a proper pub in the heart of Stockbridge – somewhere that feels part of the neighbourhood from day one. We will be open seven days a week with a relaxed, welcoming vibe, and a strong bar and food menu at its core. Great drinks, quality food, friendly service, a bit of atmosphere – and yes, dogs are always welcome.”