Johnnie Walker Princes Street joins forces with two Michelin-starred chef

Johnnie Walker Princes Street has launched a new partnership with two Michelin-starred chef James Close and his wife Maria.

Owner of Raby Hunt, James and his wife Maria will help serve up a new culinary sensation with STIR – a new cocktail and cuisine concept.

The pair will create small-bite plates to be served alongside curated cocktails from Johnnie Walker Princes Street head bartender, Miran Chauhan.

From a Hedgerow Aquavit, created from foraging for berries nearby the Glenkinchie distillery, to a Cliff Edge Vermouth, using botanicals from the Four Corners of Scotland distilleries, Miran will bring the whiskies into a new light.

James and Maria have created six small bites, to match the cocktails from rich, umami intensity within the Aguachile Oyster bite, to soft, sweet indulgence within the Green Apple.

James 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.’

Back in Edinburgh for the collaboration, James is returning to the capital after living in Scotland as a young man, when he worked in the menswear department of House of Fraser, in the very building that is now Johnnie Walker Princes Street Edinburgh.

Miran 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.’

Reservations for STIR are available now and can be made online.

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