Stuart Ralston launches The Aizle Hospitality Group

Edinburgh-based chef and restaurateur Stuart Ralston has launched The Aizle Hospitality Group, following the closure of his debut restaurant in September after 11 years in operation. 

The group is composed of the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants Noto and Tipo, Michelin-starred Lyla and Ralston's upcoming projects – Parisian bar à vin Binette and its subterranean cocktail bar Vivien, which are due to open this month. 

What next?

The announcement marks a milestone for Ralston and his team, which includes his long-time operations director and co-owner, Jade Johnston, and his older brother, Scott Ralston, who now steps into the group chef role. Ralston's younger brother Calumn becomes head chef at Vinette and Vivien, while Stuart Skea will continue to oversee the wine programmes across the estate. 

Together with head chef Lewis Vimpany, Ralston will focus on his seafood fine dining restaurant Lyla, which received its first Michelin star in February. 

Speaking of Aizle's recent closure and the creation of the group, Ralston remarks: "Following the closure of my debut restaurant Aizle, it felt important to carry on its name and legacy through our hospitality group. Aizle Hospitality Group is just as much about the people as it is about the restaurants, and I am proud of the team we have built across all sites.

"This year marks a big next step for us as we open Vinette and Vivien, build on Lyla's Michelin success and continue the good work at Noto and Tipo. It feels especially meaningful to be doing this alongside the key people who've been on this journey with me – Jade, who has been integral for more than a decade, and my brothers, Scott and Calumn, who are stepping into leadership roles."

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