James Close: even a two Michelin-starred restaurant can’t find front of house staff
Johnnie Walker Princes Street unveils new STIR collaboration with two Michelin-starred chef James Close
After a £350k refurb, James Close reopens the doors to the two Michelin star restaurant The Raby Hunt
Obsession 17: James Close
The Raby Hunt's James Close is Chef of the Year in The Good Food Guide 2017
James Close, chef patron, The Raby Hunt
Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh is poised to revolutionise Scotland's culinary landscape with the unveiling of STIR, a cutting-edge concept that combines world-class cocktails and pioneering cuisine.
This groundbreaking partnership brings together the talents of two Michelin-starred chefs, James and Maria Close, renowned for their exceptional culinary skills and owners of the globally acclaimed restaurant, Raby Hunt.
At STIR, guests will embark on an unparalleled gastronomic journey as James and Maria present their unique menu of brilliantly innovative small-bite dishes.
These tantalising creations are expertly paired with meticulously crafted cocktails by Miran Chauhan, the Head Bartender at Johnnie Walker Princes Street.
Johnnie Walker Princes Street invites you to STIR.
— Johnnie Walker Princes Street (@JWPrincesStreet) June 1, 2023
An exclusive collaboration between our Explorers’ Bothy bar and the two @MichelinGuideUK starred team at @rabyhunt.
Available from 22 June.
Discover more: https://t.co/1LRqwjcDwW pic.twitter.com/T2nlwHqAi1
Miran Chauhan, Head Bartender at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said: ‘We see STIR as the portal to a new world of whisky and food combinations, in the heart of Edinburgh at Johnnie Walker Princes Street. James and I have a shared obsession for flavours and techniques and together we’ve created an enticing and highly original taste experience for everyone to enjoy.”
The collaboration between the chefs and bartender aims to redefine the art of whisky and food pairing, offering an unrivalled sensory experience.
James Close, two Michelin-starred-Chef of Raby Hunt Restaurant, said: “We approached this challenge with the same energy and enthusiasm as we always do, creating a set of signature dishes that derive from a single ingredient, inspired by a global adventure. And then just like Miran does with his cocktails, we bring layers and textures together to tell a unique story through taste.”
Each cocktail served at STIR tells a captivating story and is designed to captivate guests with its exquisite flavours. Miran has taken an inventive approach, shedding new light on the whiskies by incorporating them into innovative cocktail creations.
From the Hedgerow Aquavit, crafted with locally foraged berries near the Glenkinchie distillery, to the Cliff Edge Vermouth, featuring botanicals sourced from distilleries across Scotland, Miran's cocktails are sure to captivate the attention of guests.
Renowned for their contemporary approach to fine dining and their talent for storytelling through micro dishes, Chefs James and Maria Close have curated six delectable small bites to complement the cocktails.
These creations offer layers of luminous flavours and textures, promising a delightful culinary showcase.
Guests can expect an exploration of uncharted food combinations, from the rich and intensely umami Aguachile Oyster bite to the delicate and sweet indulgence of the Green Apple.
STIR presents three distinct flights for guests to choose from:
The Four Corners Cocktail Flight: This extraordinary journey takes guests on a tour of the Four Corners of Scotland distilleries—Glenkinchie (Lowlands), Cardhu (Speyside), Clynelish (Highlands), and Caol Ila (Islands). Each distillery plays a crucial role in blending Johnnie Walker whisky. The flight is expertly curated to highlight the unique landscape of each distillery, incorporating locally grown and foraged ingredients that represent the flora and fauna of the region.
The Seasonal Cocktail Flight: This flight offers guests the opportunity to experience a rotation of exclusive whiskies and seasonal ingredients carefully selected by the Johnnie Walker Princes Street team. Each season brings a new blend, with the Spring Season showcasing the exceptional Johnnie Walker Princes Street Spring blend.
The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Cocktail Flight: This flight is a rare chance to savour the iconic Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky in an unexpected and delightful way. The cocktail is thoughtfully paired with an exquisite small bite, creating a moment of luxurious indulgence for connoisseurs of Johnnie Walker Blue Label.
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Johnnie Walker Princes Street unveils new STIR collaboration with two Michelin-starred chef James Close
James Close: even a two Michelin-starred restaurant can’t find front of house staff
After a £350k refurb, James Close reopens the doors to the two Michelin star restaurant The Raby Hunt
Obsession 17: James Close
The Raby Hunt's James Close is Chef of the Year in The Good Food Guide 2017
James Close, chef patron, The Raby Hunt
