HE may not be a household name like Jamie Oliver just yet, but parents and children alike will soon be eating the wholesome cooking of Tony Singh as he aims to develop the tastebuds of the next generation of restaurant-goers.
The award-winning Edinburgh restaurateur is to join forces with Rangers owner Sir David Murray to launch Tony's Table, offering fine food without any fuss. And Mr Singh wants to invite a class from every Edinburgh school to come for lunch at the rest
aurant.
"Everybody bangs on about fast food and not having the choice. Well, we want to give kids the chance to try different foods," he said. "What we are planning to do is get a class from every school in Edinburgh to come for lunch.
"This is a time when people want value for money and our aim is to get families and foodies visiting our new venue to enjoy simple, but tasty dishes – somewhere that families can dine together and know what they're eating is healthy and hearty.
"By getting the kids in we are looking after the next generation of customers."
Tony's Table, which will open next month, will combine an informal bistro-style restaurant with an on-site bakery, as well as the sandwich shop Circus Express next door.
As part of the agreement, Tony's Table will lease the restaurant on the North Castle Street site of the former Cosmo restaurant – a favourite haunt for Sir David Murray and close friend Sir Sean Connery – and Murray International Holdings will have a minority shareholding in the new venture.
The new restaurant will replace Circus Wine Bar & Grill which opened in November 2006 to replace the original Circus Café run by Sir David's son, Keith.
Mr Singh said: "Edinburgh is ready for something new. The concept of Tony's Table is uncomplicated – quality, substantial and wholesome food at a good price.
"It was a fine dining restaurant so we will give it a lick of paint and make it a bit more relaxed."
For over 18 years, Edinburgh-born Mr Singh has pushed the boundaries of culinary innovation, combining his Sikh upbringing with his love of Scottish produce.
In October last year, Mr Singh decided to hand over control of popular Indian restaurant Roti to his cousin, Ryan Singh, to allow him to concentrate on his other award-winning Edinburgh restaurant, Oloroso, and look at further investment opportunities.
Mr Murray said: "Tony Singh's track record as an outstanding chef and successful entrepreneur speaks for itself and I am delighted to join him in this exciting new project."
Wines at Tony's Table, which will have 60 covers, will be supplied exclusively by Sir David Murray's Wine Importers business. The on-site bakery will serve Tony's Table and surrounding restaurants and hotel kitchens.
Mr Singh added: "We will be open five days, with Sunday and Monday off to get back that quality of life for myself and the guys."
