Owner of Aberdeen’s popular Cafe Boheme to take over Stonehaven’s Tolbooth restaurant

North-east restaurateur, Paul Mair, has taken over the Tolbooth in Stonehaven and will reopen it in April following a full refurbishment.

By Julia Bryce

March 31 2023, 5:00 pm

From the front: Head chef at Tyron Ellul (right) with new owner of Tolbooth, Paul Mair (left), in Stonehaven with the rest of the staff. Image: Paul Glendell/DC Thomson

The owner of one of Aberdeen’s most respected dining establishments is to take on the popular Tolbooth restaurant in Stonehaven.

Paul Mair who already owns Cafe Boheme in The Granite City and The Old Pier in Stonehaven has purchased his second establishment in the coastal town.

A six-figure sum has been invested into the building and renovating the restaurant which lies on the corner of the Old Pier at the harbour.

A total of around 11 staff will be employed for Tolbooth. Those staying on include head chef Tyron Ellul who Paul and his team have admired for a long time, and a kitchen porter who has worked at the venue for 25 years.

Outside the restaurant at Stonhaven harbour. Image: Paul Glendell/DC Thomson

Paul took over the venue just a few months ago and plans on opening it on Tuesday April 11.

Cafe Boheme, which Paul took over in November 2017, was recently recognised in the UK Michelin Guide. The entrepreneur is eager to ensure the same quality as his French restaurant on Aberdeen’s Windmill Brae is emulated in the new venture, which he says will have a strong focus on seafood and shellfish.

“It was an opportunity too good to refuse,” said the restaurateur.

Paul Mair has taken on Tolbooth in Stonehaven. Image: Paul Glendell/ DC Thomson

“We aim to maintain The Tolbooth’s reputation for great food with a slightly more relaxed approach. Customers can expect the same ethos and standard of service as Cafe Boheme with a focus on chargrilled seafood and shellfish.

“I was approached to buy it a few years ago, and again last year. Now the teams in the other venues are settled I needed a new challenge and this is the perfect venue for that. I didn’t want to regret not having it.”

What’s on the menu at Tolbooth?

Paul and Tyron, plus the extended kitchen team have worked collaboratively to design a new menu.

Tolbooth was traditionally known for its high-end price point and Paul is hopeful he can reduce that a little for customers.

The restaurant has seen some changes, with more still to come. Image: Paul Glendell/ DC Thomson

He added: “Our starters and seafood platters are intended to be shared for lunch with a variety of Champagne cocktails.

“We’ve designed a small menu that can be changed weekly, depending on seafood availability in Johnshaven, Stonehaven and Peterhead, and we will also have a variety of local game, vegetarian and vegan dishes on the menu. There will be pork and seasonal game from the local estates, too.

“This is our chance to not cook French, too.”

Appetisers will include everything from a Thai style bisque with lobster dumpling to fresh mussels and oysters, scallops, sea trout, a shellfish chowder, salad or chicken terrine.

Mains will see the 40-seater venue offer up halibut, hake, celeriac steak, lobster, whole frilled lemon sole, seabass, fillet of beef, crispy skin pork belly and multiple specials.

The new team that will take Tolbooth forward as it reopens to the public next month. Image: Paul Glendell/DC Thomson

A sommelier will be on hand to perfectly pair wines to every dish and Tolbooth will also be serving up its own gin made in collaboration with House of Elrick and its own beer made with Six Degrees North.

“I want it to be casual so people feel that they can just walk past and come in and don’t have to book,” he added.

For a sweet treat, gianduja cheesecake, rhubarb and custard, spiced roast pineapple and cheese will be served.

The refurbishment will see a new kitchen, bar, interior, toilets, and different seating added, and Paul has also got a big communal table.