Tucked away in Edinburgh’s West End on Randolph Place, is one of Edinburgh’s best wine bars Le Di-Vin and we had the pleasure of catching up with the owner Virginie Brouard about the bar and her restaurant next door La p’tite Folie.
You own and run Le Di Vin tell us about the back story, how did the bar start?
I have had the restaurant in Randolph place since 2003 but when the oratory next door needed work/repair, I organised a meeting with the owners of the building, asking if there was a chance I could get the space. They liked the idea when I described what I wanted to do and straight away gave me the keys of the oratory to get my architect in. Seven months later, the wine bar opened and was successful from day 1.
The building is beautiful, tell us a bit about it’s history.
The oratory is owned by The Roman Catholic Church and the polish community was using it since after the war. Because the Polish community is now much more important, I did ask if they would want to come back to the oratory (Called St Ann’s) after the repair. I was told they were quite happy at St Mary’s cathedral. So I jumped at the opportunity and I admit the building is interesting and full of character.
Wine cheese and meats are your speciality – tell us how the wines are picked (how often do they change) and how are the cheeses and meats picked?
Our wine list changes every spring. We have around 10 suppliers and their help is very much appreciated. The suppliers organise wine tastings so that we can then choose our wine. It is the same for the cheese and cured meat, we have different suppliers. Our products come from France, Italy, Spain and Corsica. We try to offer a good variety of meat/cheese. We cannot have too many strong cheeses either.
With the festive period now in sight what do you have on the cards for customers this winter?
December is a very very busy time for us. Because I also own the restaurant next door, both businesses work together. Guests will come to the wine bar to meet over a few drinks, then they go upstairs to the restaurant for their lunch or dinner and very often, they come back to the wine bar later. December is hard work with all of the large parties but it is fun. Winter time is definitely a season for Red Wine and Cheese. Our Raclette evening is back on the menu. The wine bar is a cosy place, definitely busier in the winter than in the summer.
For first time visitors to Le Di Vin what do you recommend off the menu?
For first time visitors, the attraction is the great selection of wine by the glass. My staff always let people sample a wine if they wish. Our prices are also very fair.
And finally what is your perfect day out in Edinburgh, any little hidden gems you recommend?
I ‘m afraid I don’t socialise much but I do enjoy taking my children to Oregano, it serves the best pizza in a nice surrounding. I enjoy meeting friends in Harvey Nicks for a glass of Champagne and I lately discovered a lovely Thai restaurant in Stockbridge called “Nok Kitchen’s”. I also love Ondine and Martin Wishart. Edinburgh has numerous good places to eat and drinkt and we are spoilt for choices.
www.ledivin.co.uk
