UK's "longest-running" vegetarian restaurant to live on

The Hanover Street restaurant closed last summer citing a poor winter trading period combined with the effects of the pandemic, but the founder's grandson Barrie Henderson is hoping to be back up and running by early September.

Founded in 1962 by Janet Henderson, Hendersons was one of the first restaurants in the UK to encourage people to embrace a meat-free lifestyle, and was also a pioneer of farm-to-table with much of the produce grown on a farm in East Lothian.

“Many people were in touch last year to tell me how sad they were to see the business close,” says Barrie, who has worked for the family business for the past 20 years.

"We built up so much loyalty and trust from staff and customers over the years that I know will be tough to recreate, but I’m confident our brilliant community will come together and we’ll create a very welcoming environment for our friends old and new.”

Work has already begun to renovate the site on Barclay Place, which is the former home of The Apartment, another longstanding Edinburgh restaurant. 

Opening seven days a week, the new Hendersons will be open all day with Barrie in the process of devising a tapas-style menu of dishes that will work alongside a drinks list of cocktails, wines and local beers.

“Whilst we only serve veggie and vegan food at Hendersons, we aim to create the most vibrant, creative dishes that will excite everyone," he says.

"I’m working on some amazing new dishes right now, but we’ll also be incorporating the classics from the old menus. It’s all about balance and ensuring there’s something for everyone.”