Eating and Waiting to Eat

Crew, this is the show’s most epic Side Quest yet! Coming to you live from the 2026 Edinburgh International Book Festival, Carlos and Kevin speak to chef, social media influencer, and cook book author, Ben Lippett. Inside the Book Festival’s famous spiegeltent, Ben talks about his upbringing, his international cooking career, his humble online beginnings, and the experience of writing his first cook book - he also gives everyone permission to fail at home cooking! According to Carlos, Ben also picks the correct Rice, Bread, Pasta answer. So put on your Britney mics and relive the very first episode of Eating and Waiting to Eat recorded live in front of a studio audience.Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram here. Connect with this episode’s guest(s):Ben Lippett on InstagramBen Lippett’s WebsiteBen Lippett on YouTube“How I Cook” by Ben LippettHow I Cook SubstackRestaurant(s) recommended by this episode’s guest(s):The PalmerstonArdfernDogstarNishiki

Halfway through Season 2 of the show and things just keep cooking! This latest episode tells the story of one of the brightest gems in the Edinburgh food scene, the family-run Michelin starred, Timberyard (along with its two sister restaurants: Montrose and Haze). Carlos and Kevin welcome Jo Radford - of the Radford family - and Bart Stratfold, the group's Executive Chef, to the studio. The conversation ranges from sustainability in the food industry, the evolution of the restaurant scene in Scotland over the years, Timberyard’s unique legacy, to who prefers listening to Sepultura over history podcasts. It’s also worth nothing - spoiler alert - that for once, Kev is really in the minority during Rice/Bread/Pasta. Enjoy.        Join Kevin and Carlos for a LIVE recording of Eating and Waiting to Eat on August 16th, 2026 at the Edinburgh International Book Festival - they’ll be interviewing chef and author Ben Lippett (tickets here). Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram here. Download the First Table app, our sponsors for Season 2, here and use the code ‘ podcast ‘ for even more savings.Connect with this episode’s guest(s):TimberyardMontroseTimberyard on InstagramMontrose on InstagramHaze on InstagramBart Stratford on InstagramRestaurant(s) recommended by this episode’s guest(s):Noodles HomeThe Way TasteTanjore

Barry is the Scottish word for ‘good,’ and it couldn’t be more apt for this episode. Barry Bryson, the chef and restauranteur behind the beloved Leith based Barry Fish, is a good guy, who gives one hell of a good interview! Carlos, Kevin, and Barry have a delightful and wide ranging chat. They cover everything from Barry’s private cheffing days, having his fish mongers on WhatsApp, the ups and downs of the restaurant industry, to even his favorite Madonna tracks (spoiler alert: for many, many years Madonna’s “Hung Up” continuously made Carlos’ top ten most played songs). Lock in - you’re in for a delicious ride!   Join Kevin and Carlos for a LIVE recording of Eating and Waiting to Eat on August 16th, 2026 at the Edinburgh International Book Festival - they’ll be interviewing chef and author Ben Lippett (tickets here). Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram here. Download the First Table app, our sponsors for Season 2, here and use the code ‘ podcast ‘ for even more savings.Connect with this episode’s guest(s):Barry Bryson on InstagramBarry Fish WebsiteBarry Fish on InstagramRestaurant(s) recommended by this episode’s guest(s):MirinL’Escargot BlueFin & GrapeThe Fishmarket Newhaven

Writer, cook, mum, traveler, entrepreneur, and just all around wonderful human, Jess Elliott Dennison joins Kevin and Carlos for a special episode of Eating and Waiting to Eat. Jess takes us an engaging and entertaining tour through her many food-related eras. From working for Jamie Oliver, to running a cafe, to running a cafe during COVID, to her beautiful cook books, the establishment of her food studio, and her partnership with the Edinburgh International Book Festival, there are few things Jess has not done in and for the Edinburgh food scene. She plays a unique and important role in the city’s (and Scotland’s) hospitality tapestry.Speaking of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, make sure you check out one of the many cooking workshops being hosted at Jess’ studio, Elliott’s, AND that you join Kevin and Carlos for a LIVE recording of Eating and Waiting to Eat on 16/8/26 - they’ll be interviewing chef and author Ben Lippett (tickets here). Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram here. Download the First Table app, our sponsors for Season 2, here and use the code ‘ podcast ‘ for even more savings.Connect with this episode’s guest(s):Jess Elliott Dennison on InstagramElliott'sRestaurant(s) recommended by this episode’s guest(s):Noodles and DumplingsGeneral links from this episode: Have Lunch with Jess Elliott Dennison at the Edinburgh International Book Festival 

The youngest guest that Carlos and Kevin have welcomed to the show needs little to no introduction. Jun Au is the patron and head chef behind Pomelo, a stunning modern Chinese restaurant that uses the finest of Scottish ingredients. Pomelo is located in the neighborhood of Marchmont and is a favourite of many in town who seek out both the familiar and the unique; Pomelo’s hand-ripped noodles are among the most delicious dishes one can eat in all of Edinburgh (straight up, Kevin never misses an opportunity to rave about them). Come for Jun’s fascinating personal journey (including how he got on Great British Menu), stay for the in-depth noodle geekery. Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram here. Download the First Table app, our sponsors for Season 2, here and use the code ‘ podcast ‘ for even more savings.Connect with this episode’s guest(s) on Instagram:PomeloJun AuGeneral links from this episode:Jun Au - Great British Menu, Series 21 Jess Elliott DennisonVAT’s the Problem Stuart RalstonAizle Hospitality GroupRoberta HallRestaurants and bars mentioned in this episode:Felice e TestaccioJia Jia Tang BaoCanopyVern’sMosque KitchenThe PalmsertonThe China Bowl

Welcome to Season 2 of Eating and Waiting to Eat. This new set of ten episodes, which continue to take listeners on a behind-the-scenes journey of Edinburgh’s food scene, is bigger, badder and starts off with a real bang! Carlos and Kevin welcome the one and only Stuart Ralston to the studio. Stuart is the chef, restauranteur, and entrepreneur behind the Aizle Hospitality Group which consists of the restaurants: Noto, Tipo (a personal favorite of both Carlos and Kevin’s), Vinette, Vivien, and the Michelin starred showstopper, Lyla. The conversation is epic in scope. Stuart’s story, learnings, and insights is wide ranging, fascinating, and always entertaining. So much so, that it’s the longest episode of Eating and Waiting to Eat yet! So pour yourself a tall glass of wine (or a quad espresso) and enjoy the Season 2 premiere.  Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram here. Download the First Table app, our sponsors for Season 2, here and use the code ‘ podcast ‘ for even more savings.Connect with this episode’s guest(s) on Instagram:Stuart RalstonAizle Hospitality GroupNotoTipoLylaVinetteVivienGeneral links from this episode:Gordon RamsayAngela HarnettMichelin GuideBib Gourmand Tom KitchinMartin WishartRestaurants and bars mentioned in this episode:Jean-GeorgesSandy LaneEornaBlue Hill FarmZabar’sGray’s PapayaYamatoMirinHey PaluArdfernL’Escargot Blue

And the questing continues! This time around, the amazing Jenny Niven, Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival - among the world’s oldest and most prestigious literary festivals - joins Carlos and Kevin’s fellowship. Jenny talks about the Festival’s breadth and scope, its unique space in Edinburgh’s cultural scene, its role in championing food and cooking related literature (and experiences), as well as - given that she lived in China for years - the Capital’s very best Chinese restaurants. Enjoy this second, and epic, Side Quests. Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram here.Connect with this Side Quest's guest(s) on Instagram:Edinburgh International Book FestivalGeneral links from this Side Quest:Edinburgh International Book FestivalEdinburgh International Book Festival Podcast on SpotifyLife in a Scotch Sitting Room, Vol. 0Hamish Hawk on SpotifyIvor Cutler on WikipediaHamish Hawk on his Ivor Cutler tributeUnderbellyJess Elliott DennisonElliott’s David ChangRestaurants and bars mentioned in this Side Quest:Valvona & CrollaNoodles and DumplingsDumplings of China

Gather your fellowship - ideally folks who share your love for breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner, and supper - and get ready to embark on the very first Eating and Waiting to Eat Side Quest! Side Quests are episodes that break from our show's usual format. They are designed to air in between seasons of the show, to be shorter in length (just like a Hobbit), and to focus on conversations with individuals doing amazing things in and around (or in support of) Scottish food and drink. Our first guest is none other than Adele Conn. Adele is "a wanderlust food lover, a wine enthusiast and a gin guru." She is also the force behind the award-winning blog TartanSpoon, which features reviews, recipes, and curated guides to Scotland’s culinary scene. Sit back and enjoy this first Eating and Waiting to Side Quest (and remember, always get the pie).Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram here.Connect with Adele, this Side Quest's guest, on Instagram:TartanSpoon General links from this Side Quest:TartanSpoon BlogColin HindsRestaurants and bars mentioned in this Side Quest:The Tipsy MidgieCopper Blossom LylaShakedown Burgers Cafe PomeloNadairCardinalThe Gilded SaloonConditaBacaroBlondeSabziMirinFingalArdfernCiverinos

And just like that, season 1 of Eating and Waiting to Eat comes to an end! And what an episode to close out on: Matt Carroll, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Fortitude Coffee Roasters, joins Carlos and Kevin in the studio. Fortitude holds a special place for Carlos and Kevin. Not only is Fortitude among the first places that they (independently) became regulars at but it was the fact that they kept seeing each other at Fortitude that cemented the friendship; one could say that Eating and Waiting to Eat exists because of Fortitude! Matt tells his origin story, his learning curve as both coffee shop owner and coffee roaster, and the realities of sustaining and growing a coffee business. Sit back, make yourself a double (quad?) espresso, and enjoy the season 1 finale! Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram here.Connect with this episode’s guest(s) on Instagram:Fortitude Coffee RoastersGeneral links from this episode:Fortitude Coffee Roasters Best Coffee App Led Zeppelin Spotify PageGolden Hare BooksStand Comedy ClubNational Galleries Scotland: Portrait  Coffee Seasonality Studio Arhoj Lost Shore Surf ResortBecca Marriner Restaurants and bars mentioned in this episode:Short Long Black Coffee Patricia’s x SLBLa CabraArtisan Roast Origin Cairngorm Coffee RoastersCult Coffee RoastersRazzo PizzaCiverinos  Prolog Coffee

What does it take to open up a restaurant in Edinburgh today? What about opening a new restaurant in a spot that used to belong to a beloved, decades old institution? Well if you’re James Clark, the Edinburgh-native and restauranteur behind the Italian enoteca and trattoria Sotto in Stockbrige, the answer is: an entrepreneurial spirit, grit, respect for a venue’s roots, and a deep love of wine and pasta. James joins Kevin and Carlos on an entrepreneurial-themed episode of Eating and Waiting to Eat. Come for James’ (and Sotto’s) multi-faceted origin story (we think James might have been a spy), stay for the geeking out about wine and pasta. Did we mention we talk about wine and pasta?Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram here.Connect with this episode’s guest(s) on Instagram:SottoJames ClarkeGeneral links from this episode:SottoSplintrPing On’s Kenny Mac lunches in James Clark’s SottoVittoria Restaurant GroupLidl Champagne Trattoria Wikipedia EntrySotto’s Michelin Guide EntryErbaluci Wikipedia EntryRestaurants and bars mentioned in this episode:The PalmerstonDivinoThe Kebab MahalLYLACafe Gallo

What’s your favorite cake? Where do you stand on scones: sweet or savoury? Carrot cake, nuts or no nuts? Ashley Harley, Chief Operating Officer of Mimi’s Bakehouse and Nami (and daughter of Mimi herself) stops by the studio to answer these questions for Carlos and Kevin and to tell them the truly epic origin story of the beloved Edinburgh institution: Mimi’s Bakehouse. Ashley also expertly outlines the many challenges currently facing the Edinburgh hospitality industry. She speaks the truth in a way that is informative and hopeful. This episode is a masterclass in the entrepreneurial mindset required to both build a business and to make legendary vanilla on vanilla cupcakes (the best kind of cupcake there is).  Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram ⁠here⁠. Connect with this episode’s guest(s) on Instagram:Mimi’s BakehouseMimi’s GalsNamiGeneral links from the episode:Mimi’s BakehouseNamiScottish Bakers AssociationUnderbellyPlate Expectations The Shore Business CollectiveRoyal Yatch Brittania Restaurants and bars mentioned in the episode: Machina Coffee Williams & Johnson Coffee CompanyLanaanTwelve TrianglesPort of Leith DistilleryThree MarysOcean’s MistHeronThe KitchinMartin WishartRoseleafMalt & HopsTapaKvasa Bakery

Amaro, agave, fernet, and shenanigans. Kevin and Carlos welcome Alex Palumbo and Rachel Bailey Palumbo, the dynamic duo behind two of our favorite Edinburgh watering holes - Hey Palu and Chancho - to the show and, as you’ll hear, a great time was had. Alex and Rachel give us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to open up a bar (during a pandemic no less) and the grit that's required to adapt and to grow a hospitality business against many a headwind. The only way this episode could have been more fun to record would've been to actually been drinking martinis and margaritas while recording it!   Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram here. Connect with this episode’s guest(s) on Instagram:Hey PaluChanchoNext Door by Hey PaluAlex PalumboRachel Bailey PalumboGeneral links from the episode:Hey Palu’s WebsiteChancho’s WebsiteNext Door by Hey Palu’s WebsiteFriday Finally Newsletter on SubstackHey Palu’s Neo Soul Spotify Playlist Fernet on WikipediaAmaro on WikipediaAgave on WikipediaRestaurants and bars mentioned in the episode:Razzo Pizza NapoletanaGleneaglesBramble BarPanda & SonsThe Last WordArdfern The PalmerstonChorritoZero Zero WinesHawksmoor

The vibe - and the food - at Sabzi is undeniable. A truly family run, multi-award winning, North Indian restaurant, Sabzi is among Edinburgh's most memorable, unique, and delicious establishments. Stevie Singh, a member of the Singh family who own and operate Sabzi, drops by the podcast to delight Kevin and Carlos with family stories and mouth watering descriptions of Sabzi's fare. This conversation was pure food-loving joy. Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/eatingandwaitingtoeat/⁠General Links⁠:⁠⁠https://www.sabzistreetfood.com/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sabzi.streetfood/⁠Restaurants Mentioned in the Episode⁠https://www.thepalmerstonedinburgh.co.uk/⁠⁠https://www.chorritosauce.com/

If it's a day of the week, odds are that you'll find Carlos stuffing his face at The Palmerston. An Edinburgh institution (despite not even being five years old) and a "not to be missed" pit stop for anyone visiting the city, The Palmerston is among Scotland's best restaurants. James Snowdon and Lloyd Morse, the pair behind The Palmerston, chat with Kevin and Carlos about their meet cute, their guiding philosophy towards food, and Taylor Swift's best albums. Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/eatingandwaitingtoeatGeneral LinksThe Palmerstonhttps://www.instagram.com/the_palmerstonhttps://www.instagram.com/lgvmorsehttps://www.instagram.com/jamesasnowdonThe Palmerston and Newbarns to open pub in Edinburgh - DRAM ScotlandRestaurants Mentioned on the EpisodeThe Harwood ArmsPrimeurTIMBERYARDnomaFIN & GRAPESabziLOWDOWN COFFEE | Specialty Coffee | EdinburghSOTTOLannan | Bakery & Pantry in Stockbridge, EdinburghNorah NewhavenStockbridge Eating HouseAnchor Home Pageeòrna restaurantMosque Kitchen Edinburgh - Authentic Indian & Middle Eastern Cuisinl'escargot bleuHomepage - Kitchen Table LondonJolene | Bakeries & Restaurants in LondonSome Other Linkshttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0749263/https://open.spotify.com/artist/06HL4z0CvFAxyc27GXpf02?si=mS44EF3VQzagxmlfPbrFTAhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/2d0hyoQ5ynDBnkvAbJKORj?si=FQvCVq_wS5Ky1O_9DS29tQ

Episode 4 is all about that schiacciata, thinly sliced fixings, and hot honey! Kevin and Carlos geek out with Andy Mitchell and Chris Thompson, the dynamic duo behind Mootz General Store in Stockbridge. Mootz produces some of the most unforgettable and mouth watering sandwiches not just in Edinburgh but in the UK. As one random reviewer noted on TripAdvisor after tasting their first Mootz creation: this is “the best sandwich I had in my life (and I’m 61).” Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/eatingandwaitingtoeatFollow Mootz on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/mootzgeneralstore

Among Edinburgh’s, and Scotland’s, most beloved chefs, Roberta Hall-McCarron sits down with Kevin and Carlos to talk about her chef origin story, how she splits her time across three - equally beautiful and must visit - restaurants (The Little Chartroom, Eleanore & Ardfern), and even her fast food order (true to form, it includes Irn-Bru).This was a true joy of a conversation - you can tell how much fun we had recording this chat by all the laughter - as well as an insightful look at what it takes to set up, run, and manage several restaurants. Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/eatingandwaitingtoeatRoberta's Links:https://www.instagram.com/chef_roberta_hallhttps://www.waterstones.com/book/the-changing-tides/roberta-hall-mccarron/9781739174033https://www.thelittlechartroom.comhttps://www.instagram.com/thelittlechartroomhttps://www.eleanore.ukhttps://www.instagram.com/eleanore_leithwalkhttps://ardfern.ukhttps://www.instagram.com/ardfern_edinburghLinks to the people, places, and restaurants mentioned by Roberta:Restaurants Near Me: Nearby McDonald’s Locations | McDonald’shttps://www.meatopia.co.uk/glasgow/home-glasgowhttps://www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/burj-al-arab-jumeirahhttps://www.instagram.com/tom_kitchinThe Kitchin - our Michelin-starred restaurant in Leith, Edinburghhttps://www.instagram.com/shaunmccarron1https://www.instagram.com/mcneill.hamishhttps://www.dishoom.com/edinburgh/https://thehawksmoor.com/locations/edinburghhttps://www.mirin.ukhttps://www.littlecapo.com

The man, the legend, Colin Hinds, whisky guru and proprietor of the Tipsy Midgie - which has been named Scotland’s best whisky bar in 2023, 2024, and 2025 - talks to Kevin and Carlos about his life, his career, and his connection and approach to ‘the water of life.’Visit www.tipsymidgie.com to learn about the bar and to book yourself in for one of their many whisky tastings and experiences (which are not to be missed). Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/eatingandwaitingtoeatGeneral Tipsy Midgie Links:Tipsy Midgie - The BEST Whisky Bar in Scotland for Whisky Tastings.https://www.instagram.com/tipsymidgiehttps://www.instagram.com/whiskyforagerTipsy Midgie Whisky Bar - Forever EdinburghLicensee Interview: Colin Hinds, Tipsy Midgie - DRAM ScotlandThe Distilleries and Bars mentioned by Colin:https://www.malts.com/en-gb/distilleries/cardhuhttps://www.auchentoshan.com/distillery-tours/experienceshttps://smws.com/whisky-club-membershipJohnnie Walker Scotch Whisky Experience Edinburgh | Princes Street | Johnnie Walker UK

In this first episode of Eating and Waiting to Eat, Kevin and Carlos sit down with Elizabeth Elliott and Sharif Gergis, the duo behind Mirin, the Asian-inspired bistro on Leith Walk that The Times described as “the most exciting, unique Asian-influenced restaurant in Edinburgh.” It’s a lively chat that details Elizabeth and Sharif’s origin story and Mirin’s evolution from ramen shop to the award winning institution it is today.Visit www.mirin.uk to learn more and make your bookings.Follow Eating and Waiting to Eat on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/eatingandwaitingtoeatGeneral Mirin links: HOME | Mirin | Asian fusion small plates, dumplings, noodles, Leith, Edinburghhttps://www.instagram.com/mirinleithhttps://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/mirin-restaurant-review-edinburghs-most-exciting-asian-restaurant-2dk2w2g0lSharif’s local Chinese takeaway in Glen Rothes:https://www.just-eat.co.uk/restaurants-mayflower-glenrothes/menuOmar’s Komugi Noodles (a Mirin supplier):https://www.instagram.com/komuginoodleshttps://www.instagram.com/yaoyao_noodlesAlternative Meats (a Mirin supplier):https://alternativemeats.co.ukElizabeth and Sharif’s Edinburgh Restaurant Recommendations:https://www.finandgrape.comhttps://ardfern.ukhttps://www.eleanore.ukhttps://stockbridgeeatinghouse.co.ukhttps://www.barryfish.co.ukhttps://albysleith.co.uk