Edinburgh restaurant to close as owner announces retirement

Honeycomb & Co in Edinburgh is set to close after eight years of trading.

The closure coincides with the owner of the restaurant, Ian D’Annunzio-Green, announcing his retirement from the industry.

Honeycomb & Co launched as a neighbourhood diner in Bruntsfield in 2017 from the former owner and director of Scottish catering company Heritage Portfolio Ltd and became known for its brunch menu.

D’Annunzio Green has over 30 years’ experience in the industry, having created and operated events at prestigious venues such as the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and Hopetoun House.

Honeycomb & Co will be taken over by Peter and Steph Borgen-Nielsen, owners of the Pantry Edinburgh and Hula Juice Bar.

All staff at the restaurant will be transferred to the new business.

D’Annunzio-Green, executive director at Honeycomb & Co, said: “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved since opening in 2017.  The team and I have built a community of loyal regular customers and have supported local businesses, charities and independent suppliers over that time.

“Peter and Steph have decades of experience in hospitality and I’m delighted to see our sunny Honeycomb corner re-open as Pantry Edinburgh. My fantastic team of busy bees will make the move to become employees of Pantry and they will be looking forward to welcoming familiar faces back once the doors re-open.”

Nielsen, operations and growth at Hula Group, added: “We are honoured to take over such a cherished part of the community. Ian and his team have created something truly special and we’re excited to continue that legacy as Pantry.

“We’re delighted to welcome the Honeycomb & Co team into the Pantry family and look forward to working with them to bring our signature brunch and coffee experience to Bruntsfield.”

Honeycomb & Co will cease trading on 19 January and reopen as Pantry Bruntsfield in early February.