Edinburgh locals 'gutted' as St James Quarter diner Duck & Waffle announces sudden closure
The popular brunch spot closed for good on Saturday
Duck & Waffle has announced its Edinburgh branch in St James Quarter has closed.
The “gastro diner”, which offers all day brunch, dinner and cocktails, opened in the city centre shopping district in 2023.
But it announced its sudden closure on Instagram on Saturday, informing customers it would be shutting its doors permanently.
The statement said: “Today marks our final day as we permanently close our doors.
“To our wonderful guests, our incredible team, and the Edinburgh community - thank you for the warm welcome, the support, and the memories we've shared along the way. It's been a pleasure being part of this wonderful city.
“While our Edinburgh chapter comes to a close, our London flagship continues to welcome guests with the dining experience you know and love.”
Dozens of Edinburgh residents commented on the post reacting to the news.
A gutted customer said: “I’m so sad to see such a wonderful venue close! I have lovely memories of the Duck and Waffle fabulous staff always with a warm welcome, great food and drink! It is a great loss to Edinburgh!
“Good luck to everyone in the team as I’m sure you will all do amazingly in whatever you do.”
Another said: “Gutted to read this!! Loved this spot so much! Good luck everyone.”
One customer called it the “best place in town ever”, serving up the “best cocktails and amazing food”.
The Edinburgh branch was Duck & Waffle’s only restaurant outside of London.
Subtle nods to Scotland’s heritage are found woven throughout the restaurant, seen in abstracted tartans and indigenous materials, from locally-produced porcelain floor tiles to handsome copper finishes – an ode to Whisky stills.
Even the washrooms pay homage to Edinburgh’s infamous haar, depicting either dawn or dusk through ombre tonal walls and floors.
The menu, meanwhile, is built around its iconic, namesake dish – made with crispy duck leg confit, fried duck egg and a mustard maple syrup on a buttermilk waffle and supported by a playful take on comfort food – a curated selection of signatures and new, location-specific offerings.
Duck & Waffle’s flagship venue is on the 40th floor of a skyscraper in East London.