“Eat Better, Live Better”—this ethos lies at the heart of Hendersons, a celebrated plant-based and vegan restaurant located in Edinburgh, Scotland. Hendersons bridges a significant gap in the Scottish food landscape by offering fresh, vibrant and innovative flavours while remaining deeply rooted in its heritage. Recently recognised by the Michelin Guide 2024, Hendersons continues to solidify its reputation as a top destination for plant-based dining.

Owned by Barrie Henderson, the establishment is dedicated to serving delicious, healthy plant-based and vegan fare, with a menu designed to be inclusive and accessible to all. The restaurant is located at 7-13 Barclay Place in Edinburgh, offering a welcoming space where food and community blend seamlessly.

A legacy of plant-Based excellence

Hendersons

The story of Hendersons began in 1962 when it was founded by Janet Henderson—Barrie's grandmother, making it one of the UK’s longest-running plant-based restaurants. After closing its doors in 2020 due to the pandemic, a void was left in Edinburgh’s dining scene. Determined to preserve his grandmother’s legacy, Barrie relaunched the restaurant, welcoming back several former staff members to the new location.

About the menu

Hendersons is committed to using locally sourced wholefoods and organic ingredients, including herbs grown in their own garden, wherever possible. Their passionate kitchen team crafts dishes from scratch, retaining some of the original recipes from the 1960s, such as their iconic vegan haggis and chocolate mousse. The menu offers a wide variety of options, catering to different tastes and dietary needs. However, in this article, we’ll highlight just a selection of dishes to give our readers an idea of what they can expect when they visit Hendersons.

Nibbles board 

The nibbles board is the ideal way to start a meal, featuring delights like fava bean hummus and a rich butterbean, confit garlic and rosemary pâté. Whether enjoying drinks and light bites or indulging in a full meal, this selection offers a perfect introduction.

Sides and starters

Hendersons presents a variety of sides and starters, perfect for complementing any dish. Highlights include roasted cauliflower, a potato and basil soup, a side of tender broccoli and the delicate oyster mushroom ‘scallops’.

Mains

Hendersons

Hendersons haggis  

A cornerstone of their menu, the Hendersons haggis is a must-try dish, offering a unique take on the Scottish classic. The peppery, creamy flavours are accentuated by a whisky tarragon cream, delivering just the right amount of kick. This dish continues to be crafted using the original recipe from over 60 years ago, with minor enhancements that reflect the restaurant's commitment to tradition.

Salt-baked celeriac

The salt-baked celeriac is another standout. Paired with a green cashew sauce, asparagus, seeds and walnuts, this dish strikes a perfect balance of creativity and flavour, offering a truly memorable dining experience.

Desserts

Biscoff cheesecake

Though often a familiar choice, Hendersons’ Biscoff cheesecake has garnered a reputation across Edinburgh. This dessert is a harmonious blend of sweet and subtly savoury notes, with a rich biscoff drizzle complementing the creamy base, resulting in a luxurious finish with every bite.

Ice cream

The Jura single malt whisky (aged 12 years) and shortbread crumb ice cream is a quintessentially Scottish offering. The dish’s smooth whisky notes provide warmth and complexity, while the shortbread adds a delightful crunch.

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Fruit cobbler 

For those seeking comfort, the warm spiced fruit cobbler is a delightful choice. Made with seasonal fruits and paired with homemade vanilla ice cream, this dessert embodies the warmth and familiarity of home-cooked fare.

The vision behind Hendersons: Barrie Henderson

Hendersons

Barrie Henderson has been immersed in the family business since the age of 14, starting by working through different departments—including the old organic bakery, the kitchen and front of house. Over time, Barrie took on more responsibility, eventually becoming general manager during a period when the company was run by his uncle Nicholas and father, Oliver.

During a two-year hiatus in 2010, Barrie expanded his culinary knowledge, gaining experience in Germany before working as a chef in the Inner Hebrides under the guidance of Pamela Brunton. He returned to Hendersons in 2012 and went on to earn a Master’s in Hospitality, becoming instrumental in the overall running of the business. Under his leadership, Hendersons has won several accolades, including Green Family Business of the Year 2018—The Herald and Family Business of the Year 2016—The Sunday Post.

Barrie is devoted to a plant-based lifestyle, spending much of his time developing new recipes. Passionate about sustainable food production, he also grows his own produce, a reflection of his commitment to ethical food practices. Among his many achievements, his most treasured award is for a red cabbage that won first prize at a local vegetable competition.

Hendersons offers a refined dining experience that appeals to a diverse range of diners. By focusing on nutrient-rich wholefoods, seamlessly blending old and new elements in their interior and menu and providing a high-end ambience, they have firmly established themselves as a leading light in Scotland's plant-based and vegan dining scene.

With their menu changing seasonally, some of these dishes may not be available for long. Be sure to visit soon to sample these exquisite offerings or explore the exciting new options that emerge with each season.

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