Refurbished Cafe Portrait to reopen at National Galleries Scotland Portrait
On Saturday 8 February, Heritage Portfolio, the specialist events and catering company, will reopen the fully refurbished Café Portrait at the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait.
Article Source: Heritage Portfolio
Last Updated: 7 February 2025 15:20
07 February 2025
On Saturday 8 February, Heritage Portfolio, the specialist events and catering company within Sodexo Live! based in Edinburgh, will reopen the fully refurbished Café Portrait at the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait, unveiling a more accessible, vibrant, and relaxing space for all visitors
Following the extension of Heritage Portfolio’s contract with the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait in 2024, the team saw an opportunity to refresh a much-loved café. The redesigned space now features modern furniture, soundproofing measures to improve acoustics, and a newly designed servery for a faster and more seamless service.
A highlight of the refurbishment is The Nook, a cosy, bookable table-service area offering brunch and lunch seven days a week. As its name suggests, The Nook provides an intimate and welcoming escape within the café. The Nook is also available for private dining and events.
The café itself remains largely self-service, with the addition of a dedicated coffee and cake counter, complmenting the main counter that offers a full menu of savoury dishes, sweet treats, and drinks.
To transform the space, Heritage Portfolio worked with design consultancy, Space Solutions. The refreshed interior takes inspiration from John Bellany’s painting "Queen Street Café," which hangs in the space. Its colour palette reflects the artist’s colour board , blending creativity and comfort to ensure art is not only displayed on the walls but embedded in the very fabric of the café —including its carefully curated menu.
The menu remains true to its core principles - fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared onsite. Under the guidance of Head Chef Alec, new signature dishes have been crafted, by the gallery’s artwork. One standout from The Nook’s menu is the Smokie Hash, a vibrant dish of smoked haddock, sweet potato hash, poached egg, wilted kale, spinach, grilled vine tomato, and cava beurre blanc. It’s a dish that’s again inspired by John Bellany’s Queen Street Café, which prominently features fish.
Sandy Robson, Executive Director of Heritage Portfolio said: “Café Portrait has always been a space where art, food, and community come together. This refurbishment reflects our commitment to enhancing the visitor experience. The new design and menu are inspired by the very artwork that surrounds us, creating a space where everyone feels welcome, whether stopping for a quick coffee or enjoying a leisurely brunch in The Nook. We’re thrilled to reintroduce this iconic venue to our guests."
Isabella Miller, Director of Audience at National Galleries of Scotland said: ‘We are so excited to celebrate the re-opening of Café Portrait and can’t wait to welcome visitors to relax and enjoy delicious food in beautiful surroundings. The café is a staple for so many of our visitors to the Portrait gallery, whether catching up with friends for a scone or dropping in after visiting the familiar faces in the gallery, like Lorraine Kelly, Billy Connolly and Andy Murray. Whatever your reason for visiting we hope that everyone will find the new look Café Portrait a warm and inviting space to make memories. Plus, visitors can now plan their trip ahead of time and take advantage of the exciting new bookable table service space, The Nook! Nestled amongst Scotland’s magnificent national collection of art, discover all that the brand new Café Portrait has to offer from this Saturday."
Stephen Griffiths, Studio Director at Space Solutions added: “Our goal was to create a space that’s both inspiring and inviting, where visitors can relax and connect with their surroundings. Inspired by Bellany’s artwork, we carefully crafted the design—from rich colours to acoustics—to enhance the experience. It’s been a pleasure collaborating with Heritage Portfolio to bring this vision to life.”
Heritage Portfolio’s continued partnership with the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait is a clear indication of its commitment to the catering and events sector and will bring about a new era of service excellence at one of Edinburgh's most beloved cultural venues.
Heritage Portfolio, a division of Sodexo Live! is a leading provider of private and corporate hospitality for cultural destinations. Producing outstanding catering and event services, it serves some of the most prestigious venues across Britain, delivering amazing experiences that go beyond the remarkable food it creates
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Michelin success for top new restaurant of the year in Edinburgh
Barry Fish, one of Edinburgh’s most celebrated new restaurants of 2025, has earned its place in the prestigious Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland, just 8 months after its launch.
READ MORE
Deer Park Golf and Country Club Tees Up Championship Quality Golf All Year Round
Deer Park is offering golfers the chance to enjoy superb playing conditions 365 days a year, ensuring the course remains in peak form, whatever the weather.
READ MORE
National Galleries of Scotland celebrates Halloween by sharing rare images from Egyptian Book of the Dead
This Halloween National Galleries of Scotland is diving into the special books collection to share the rare work 'Le Livre des morts des Anciens Egyptiens' by Anton Prinner.
READ MORE
Santa Opens a Brand New North Pole HQ at Conifox
Edinburgh’s Ultimate Christmas Experience Arrives in a Spectacular New Purpose-Built Building at Conifox Adventure Park.
READ MORE
Final call for Edinburgh walkers to join autumn challenge
THE FINAL countdown to Walking Scotland’s Autumn Step Count Challenge has begun, with teams across the country being urged to register before the event starts on Monday, 3 November 2025.
READ MORE
Sail into the festive season with five star luxury floating hotel Fingal
Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel, Fingal, is adding some festive magic to its guest experiences this Christmas and Hogmanay.
READ MORE
First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets
First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
READ MORE
Scotland Meats Germany
Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.
READ MORE
Palm Court at The Balmoral unveils new Elevenses menu
Palm Court at The Balmoral has launched a new ‘Elevenses’ menu, showcasing the pastry team’s viennoiserie skills.
READ MORE
Vault City launches blood red strawberry sour beer for Halloween season
A POPULAR Halloween treat is being reimagined for grown-ups this year, as Edinburgh’s wizards of sour beer unveil their latest spooky special.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour
Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.
READ MORE
Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night
Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.
READ MORE
Red Hot Chilli Pipers announced to headline Ross Bandstand programme
With just under three weeks left until Edinburgh’s Christmas events and attractions open to Edinburgh residents and visitors, the full Ross Bandstand programme is unveiled today.
READ MORE
Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE
Mowgli Street Food unveils its Christmas feasting menus
Mowgli Street Food restaurants have launched their special Christmas menus - a vibrant celebration of Indian home-style cooking, made for sharing.
READ MORE
50 Scottish entrepreneurs gather in Edinburgh for National Mentoring Day
More than 50 entrepreneurs from across Scotland gathered in Edinburgh this week for Edinburgh Mentor Match - a free business speed mentoring session run by Virgin StartUp.
READ MORE
OMNi teams up with local school and partners for Creative Milestone Initiative
Edinburgh’s OMNi Centre has teamed up with Scottish artist Helen Denerley and Edinburgh Zoo to deliver a primary school design project for the Dreaming Spires sculpture’s 20th anniversary.
READ MORE
The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries
Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.
READ MORE
Halloween Events Round Up for Edinburgh Restaurants
Take a look at some of the Halloween events taking place in Edinburgh Restaurants this week!
READ MORE
Sterling Home brings festive cheer with heartfelt Christmas donation
Leading furniture retailer Sterling Home is lighting up the festive season with a generous donation of Christmas decorations and furniture to children’s hospices and hospitals across Scotland.
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids
Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.
READ MORE
Simply Greek Opens Vibrant New Home Near the Playhouse
Simply Greek, the family-owned restaurant adored for its authentic Greek flavours, is proving a hit with diners in its stunning new home, right across from the iconic Edinburgh Playhouse.
READ MORE
Five star spa in the capital awarded top UK accolade
The One Spa, one of Scotland’s most luxurious spas, has secured the highest honour from the UK’s most prestigious spa authority.
READ MORE
One more! A quarter of Scots say they will spend their extra hour in the pub as clocks go back
To celebrate, Innis & Gunn is hosting 'Sunset Sessions' at its three Taprooms in Glasgow and Edinburgh, with live trad music performances kicking off at 4.50pm - the exact time of sunset!
READ MORE
Illusions, Laughter, Shape Shifters and Dark Mysteries at MagicFest
Unleash your inner magic – MagicFest, Edinburgh’s annual avalanche of illusion, sleight of hand, mystery and laughter.
READ MORE
Snooker Giants Set For Edinburgh
The draw and schedule for the BetVictor Scottish Open in Edinburgh is out now and fans are strongly urged to book tickets fast!
READ MORE
Where to spend Christmas in Edinburgh
The Scott Hotel and its restaurant, Bonnars, have unveiled its highly anticipated festive packages, offering both luxurious overnight escapes and festive fine dining for visitors and Edinburgh locals.
READ MORE
Edinburghs Hogmanay announces music and comedy programme
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has today announced a music and comedy programme spanning four days of the festival, with Scottish talent topping the bill.
READ MORE
Loganair marks four year partnership with CHAS with aircraft naming
Loganair has marked the fourth anniversary of its partnership with Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) by naming one of its aircraft in honour of the charity.
READ MORE
Vittoria Group teams up with Hirundine Whisky for Edinburgh wide partnership
Edinburgh’s top restaurant group is raising a glass to a new partnership with Hirundine Whisky, the premium single malt created by Scottish rugby stars Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links