First look inside Edinburgh’s Café Modern One following major transformation

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The café’s operating company, Heritage Portfolio, has worked closely with the gallery to transform the space with fresh new interiors and a tempting new menu befitting one of Scotland’s most acclaimed and well-loved galleries.

The refurbishment works took place during the pandemic and the café is now fully open to the public, offering a relaxing place for art enthusiasts and guests to unwind in its interior, outdoor terrace, and gallery garden.

The new menu at Café Modern One has been developed with Heritage Portfolio’s ‘made from scratch’ principles, where all produce is prepared every day using the highest quality, locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients - many of which are foraged from the Gallery’s own herb garden.

Guests can expect a wide selection of homemade pastries and cakes, open sandwiches and gourmet sausage rolls, as well as an extensive salad bar selection, all perfectly complemented with artisan coffees, teas and soft drinks.

Yvonne Stirling, operations manager at Heritage Portfolio, said: “We took great care to ensure that the refurbishment of Café Modern One complements the environment of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, appealing to both gallery visitors and the local community alike.

“The café is enticing and I’m sure will attract people back to enjoy the surroundings, exhibits and of course our carefully crafted and locally sourced food.”

Steven Morgan, trading general manager at National Galleries of Scotland said: "We are delighted to welcome visitors back to a revamped Cafe Modern One with a fresh new look which we think our visitors will love. We've worked with our partners Heritage Portfolio to open up the space and further enhance the experience where customers can enjoy exceptional food, drinks and coffee in one of Scotland's most acclaimed galleries. On a sunny day diners can enjoy the cafe extending out into the beautiful garden terrace area."

Café Modern One is located a short walk from Edinburgh city centre and will be open daily from 10am until 4.30pm.

For the café, there is no need to book or have a ticket to visit the gallery.

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art itself reopened to welcome back visitors on Sunday May 16.

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