Portsoy will soon be home to a new restaurant as Aspire opens its doors to the public tomorrow (Saturday January 14).
Located in the former church on Seafield Terrace, Aspire is the brainchild of Portsoy local Jill Christine Mair who has “wanted to open a restaurant from the age of 12.”
The owner received the keys to the building, which had been closed for a number of years prior, in early 2020. It has taken two-and-a-half years to transform with the help of Jill’s family.
Her dad, David Urquhart of Urquhart Joinery Services, has overseen the entire project.
Aspire is welcoming members of the public tomorrow from 10am to 6pm and Sunday (January 15) from 10am to 4pm serving scones and coffees, as well as drinks from its bar area.
It will then be open for business every Wednesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 5pm until due course.
Jill, 34, said: “We are having the opening weekend to let the public see the restoration project in full before we open the restaurant the following week.
“My dad has overseen the project with me to create this wonderful venue for Portsoy and the surrounding area. We are very grateful for all the local tradespeople who were also involved in the restoration work.”
‘Aspire will put Portsoy on the map’
Jill has achieved a great deal since leaving school at 16, from working as a chef at The Seafield Arms in Cullen to winning Student Chef Of The Year in 2008 and 2009 at The Spirt Of Speyside Chef Competition.
She even operated Portsoy Coffee Shop & Bistro until its closure last year.
Aspire will be open for breakfasts, lunches, and fly cups to begin with until the team finds its feet in the new working environment. Evening meals will follow in due course.
Customers should expect freshly-made, home-cooked food made using locally sourced produce at the new Portsoy restaurant.
“We had many customers enjoy our freshly baked scones at Portsoy Coffee Shop,” Jill says. “I’m sure they will be a popular choice along with Cullen skink at lunchtime.
“We also have a licensed bar which will add to the customer experience at Aspire.
“Steak suppers will be a great addition to the evening menu when it’s up and running and Sunday roasts, too.”
The restaurant owner and her team are delighted the building has been brought back to its former glory for the community. Some original features have been retained, including the stained glass window.
Jill added: “St John The Baptist Episcopal Church came up for sale and seemed in the ideal location and size for what I was looking to create.
“We came up with the name Aspire as a family to reflect my dreams and aspirations of opening my own restaurant. It also ties in with the style and architecture of the kirk.
“I am most looking forward to working with my new team and seeing returning and new customers enjoying our new venue. Aspire will put Portsoy on the map.”
Bookings can be taken in-house this weekend, with the restaurant’s online booking system to follow.
Step inside Aspire…
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