Timberyard is one of Edinburgh's most innovative restaurants, set in a converted Victorian timber and props store. The Ben Radford-Bell family operation focuses on hyper-local, foraged, and fermented foods. The menu is built around the seasons and what's available from their extended network of suppliers, farmers, and foragers across Scotland.
Timberyard opened in 2012 in a converted Victorian industrial building on Lady Lawson Street in Edinburgh's West Port, retaining the original brick and timber of a former props and timber store. The restaurant is run by the Radford family — Ben Radford-Bell leads the kitchen — and represents the most thorough expression of New Scottish cooking in the city. The philosophy is built on fermentation, preservation, foraging, and hyper-local sourcing: the kitchen grows vegetables and herbs, works with biodynamic farmers, and forages from Scottish coastline and woodland throughout the year. The result is a menu unlike any other in Scotland — dishes built around fermented dairy, cultured grains, carefully preserved wild plants, and seasonal proteins from trusted small-scale Scottish producers. The tasting menu changes almost nightly in response to what is available. Bread, cultured butters, and house-made charcuterie arrive first, signalling the kitchen's attitude before any main course appears. The wine list is one of the best in Edinburgh, with particular depth in natural and biodynamic producers from France, Georgia, and Italy. The room itself is spare and industrial in the best sense: bare brick, warehouse windows, and a wood-burning stove that gives the space warmth in winter. Timberyard holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Reservations are essential and fill quickly; the restaurant operates Tuesday to Saturday.
Location
10 Lady Lawson Street, Edinburgh EH3 9DS
Highlights
- Edinburgh's leading New Scottish restaurant built on fermentation, foraging, and hyper-local produce
- Dramatic converted Victorian warehouse with bare brick, timber, and a wood-burning stove
- Tasting menu changes near-nightly based on what Scottish farms and coastline are yielding
- Exceptional natural wine list with rare biodynamic producers from France, Italy, and Georgia
- Run by the Radford family as a genuinely independent operation with full farm-to-table traceability
Tips for visiting
- The tasting menu is the only real way to experience Timberyard — à la carte gives less of a sense of the kitchen's philosophy
- Book as far ahead as possible; tables fill quickly and the restaurant operates only Tuesday to Saturday
- Ask the sommelier for a natural wine pairing — the list is carefully selected and the team are knowledgeable
- The bread and cultured butter course at the start is not to be rushed — it sets the tone for the meal
- Timberyard suits diners who are genuinely curious about ingredients and process; if theatrical service is the priority, other Edinburgh options may suit better
Accessibility
Timberyard is on the ground floor of a converted warehouse building. The open-plan room is largely step-free. Guests with wheelchair or mobility requirements should contact the restaurant before booking to confirm access arrangements.
Frequently asked questions
Is Timberyard suitable for vegetarians?
The restaurant has a strong track record with plant-based cooking and the seasonal menu naturally incorporates many vegetable-forward dishes. Inform the team when booking and a vegetarian tasting menu can be arranged.
What is the price per person at Timberyard?
The tasting menu is typically priced at around £65–£80 per person before wine and drinks. With a natural wine flight the total cost per person increases substantially.
What makes Timberyard different from other Edinburgh fine-dining restaurants?
The focus on fermentation, foraging, and biodynamic sourcing sets it apart. The menu reflects Scottish landscapes and seasons rather than French classical technique, making it one of the most distinctly Scottish dining experiences available.
Is there parking nearby?
The West Port area of Edinburgh has limited street parking. Edinburgh city centre car parks on Castle Terrace are within walking distance, and the restaurant is accessible by taxi from the centre in under ten minutes.