A popular Aberdeen bistro is now under new ownership, purchased by the team behind Deeside business Milton Brasserie.
Cognito on the Corner on Midstocket Road, which was run by businesswoman Nicky Turnbull, opened four years ago and will be renamed ‘Milton on the Corner’ as of Tuesday March 1.
Milton Brasserie owner Jay Emmerson says he is looking forward to this next step for his hospitality group and is keen to build upon what is already an incredibly successful business.
Extending his operation into Aberdeen for the first time in years, the businessman is looking forward to venturing into the city centre.
He first acquired Milton Brasserie, which is in Milton of Crathes, a number of years ago and has significantly grown the business.
He said: “I wanted to extend our operations to Aberdeen city and Cognito On The Corner seemed like a perfect fit for us.
“It has such a great location, is beautifully designed and has a fantastic atmosphere.
“The fact it also has private dining rooms was a real attraction. Basically, it was exactly what we were looking for.
“Nicky and her team have built up such a popular and successful neighbourhood bistro.
“My plan now is to build upon what has already been achieved, expanding on what Cognito On The Corner did best, namely serving good food and providing exceptional service.”
The sale will allow local businesswoman Nicky to focus on the other firms she owns across Aberdeen, including Café Cognito and Cognito At The Cross, while she retains ownership of the building in which the bistro is located.
All 10 Cognito on the Corner staff will transfer to the new owners.
Milton on the Corner’s offering
Looking to launch a new menu a few weeks after he takes over the business in March, Jay will add some Milton Brasserie favourites such as Cullen skink, smoked haddock fishcakes and homemade scones, and will also incorporate both a brunch and afternoon tea offering to the mix.
The brunch menu will take inspiration from Jay’s other business, Cafe 21 in Dyce, with dishes including eggs Benedict, smashed avocado, pancakes and sweet waffles all served with a twist.
This will further add to the bistro’s current offering of lunch and dinner.
As for the drinks menu, while the offering is also already well established with local gins, cocktails, beer, wine and more, Jay will also tweak the menu as the business grows.
While the venue is currently open Wednesday to Saturday from noon to 10pm, the longer-term the plan will be to open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 11pm and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. The venue will be closed on a Monday.
Jay joined Milton Brasserie as general manager in 2010 from city centre restaurant The Albyn, before taking over the business in 2013.
Developed from old farm steadings, Milton Brasserie itself is located in the heart of Royal Deeside and the company already employs 20 staff.
End of an era
Nicky Turnbull has spent the past four years developing the Cognito on the Cross brand.
She will still be the owner of the building, for which she was presented with an architectural award by the Aberdeen Civic Society, and says the support of the Rosemount community has been fundamental to her continued success.
She said: “I’m looking forward to growing the property side of my business and am delighted that the venue will remain as a flagship premise within my portfolio.
“I’ve really enjoyed being part of the Rosemount community these past few years and despite the recent pandemic, have had a great time building the business and welcoming people to Cognito on the Corner.
“I believe it’s now time for someone else to take it forward and build upon what has already been achieved.
“I have no doubt the bistro will continue to thrive under his ownership and go from strength to strength.”
For more information about Milton on the Corner visit www.miltononthecorner.co.uk or check out the business’s Instagram page.