Meet the local: Jonny Wright

We sat down for coffee with Jonny, Head Chef at Gleneagles Townhouse, to chat about what he loves most about Edinburgh, where he takes friends when they visit, and what makes Trinity, the neighbourhood he calls home, so special.

1. Can you tell us about who you are and what you do?

I’m Jonny Wright, a husband, father and chef. Since 2022, I’ve been at the helm of The Spence at Gleneagles Townhouse, which opened in June that year.

I grew up in Dunblane, and my first kitchen role was at The Kailyard, run by Michelin-starred chef Nick Nairn. At 20, I moved to London and rose through the ranks at the Gordon Ramsay Restaurant Group, with spells at Claridge’s and York & Albany.

In 2022, I returned home to Scotland with my now wife and took on my role here at Gleneagles. As well as overseeing The Spence, I also look after all other private member and hotel guest dining options within the Townhouse.

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2. Why did you choose to move to Edinburgh?

I always vowed that if I returned to Scotland, after moving to London, it would only be to Edinburgh. I enjoyed my time in London, but I reached a stage where I wanted a different pace of life. London was too frenetic.

I’d long admired Edinburgh. It’s a beautiful city and offers the best of both worlds, energy and opportunity, while still being small enough to enjoy with ease. It has a unique sense of charm and character, and it feels calmer and more intimate than somewhere like London.

3. What do you love about Trinity?

What’s not to like? Quietly elegant, beautiful architecture. I’d love to be able to afford a house slightly further into Trinity one day. There’s seaside charm (I’ve always wanted to live near the sea) and a strong sense of community. It feels a world away from the noise of the city, yet it’s just a short journey into the centre and my work at Gleneagles Townhouse. Life here has a peaceful, almost village-like quality — perfect for my new life with a 19-month-old in tow.

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4. Where would you go to meet with friends?

Things have changed slightly now we have our daughter, but Trinity offers a great mix of relaxed cafés, charming pubs and scenic spots. It’s ideal for catching up with friends. These days, we’re more likely to spend time in the park or head out for breakfasts, coffees and lunches rather than dinners. We love a little café called The Haven.

Pablo Eggs Go Bao is a guilty pleasure, and we enjoy popping in after church on Sundays. Sazbi serves the most delicious North Indian dishes. It’s a brilliant, family-run restaurant with excellent food and fab service.

5. What inspires you about the city?

It’s the balance, the pulse and the beat… a city where creativity is everywhere — in festivals, food, art and innovation. It punches well above its size. It’s the mix of old and new. The grandeur and the intimacy. There’s so much cool stuff happening, and what’s exciting for me is seeing how the city has developed as a foodie destination. The last four or five years have brought so much movement, it’s really put itself on the map.

6.  If friends were visiting for a day, what would you advise they do?

Climb Arthur’s Seat, a manageable hike offering panoramic views of the city and beyond. Then seek out some of Edinburgh’s best cafés: The Palmerston, William and Johnson (a small speciality coffee roastery in Leith), and Mr Eion in Trinity.