Lunch clubs launching soon: Stirling & Edinburgh

Lunch clubs are a great place to eat, socialise and make new friends. Perhaps your local club has closed, or doesn't offer veg*n options and you are looking for a delicious lunch? Whether you would like a light bite or a three-course lunch, we have some great restaurant suggestions for you with newly launched lunch clubs.

Nooch Bar & Kitchen, 44 Upper Craigs, Stirling FK8 2DS

The idea for Nooch came about over a period of a few years. Chef James says: “I have worked in various hospitality roles since leaving Stirling University in 2014 and over that time thoughts of owning my own place got stronger.” He continues: “Meeting my partner Chloe and both becoming vegan a few years ago really helped increase my passion for food and all the new options going plant-based throws up. We settled on the concept of a 'bar & kitchen', serving freshly-made and locally sourced food in a relaxed and inclusive environment, alongside a small selection of beers/wines/spirits and locally roasted coffee.”

James adds: “Our ethos is simple, fresh plant-based food which is accessible for everyone in a warm and welcoming space, with the majority of options being homemade."

Sample menu:

• Soup with local sourdough bread
• Macaroni cheese with seasonal vegetables
• Freshly made sandwiches (e.g. vegan haggis and cheese quesadilla, cream cheese and carrot lox bagel)
• Onion bhajis with spiced apple chutney
• Soft shell tacos with vegan haggis and pickled neeps
• Hand cut chips
• Selection of cakes and bakes 

Cost £15pp including a hot drink.

Nooch has disabled access, is pet friendly and offers a range of activities including board games, cards and dominoes. They also host a quiz night every Thursday and live acoustic music on Sundays.

Booking is recommended, with the lunch club starting Wednesday 5 July at 12.30pm. Contact Nooch for booking and confirmation of future dates on 01786 357 600.

Hendersons – Eat Better Live Better, 7–13 Barclay Place, Edinburgh EH10 4HW

Manager Clara tells us: “We opened our doors in October 2021 and although that isn’t that long ago, we have a much longer history. Hendersons – Eat Better Live Better was started by Barrie Henderson, grandson of Janet Henderson who founded the original Henderson on Hanover Street that closed in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This marked the end of an era, as Hendersons had originally opened in 1962, and was one of Edinburgh’s longest running restaurants and the UK's longest running vegetarian restaurant. Its closure left a visible gap in the Edinburgh dining scene. Feeling compelled not to let this happen, Barrie opened this new restaurant to ensure that his grandmother’s legacy will live on. Not only has Barrie returned to the new location, but also many previous staff members who had lost their jobs alongside Barrie.”

Clara adds: “We stand by the values that the original Hendersons also stood for, such as using locally sourced whole food and organic ingredients as much as possible. Our menu is accessible enough for everyone but also contains plenty of options for people with specific dietary requirements and we hope you will visit us soon!”

Sample menu:

• Soup of the day
• Selection of salads

Cost from £6.50pp.

Hendersons has a ground floor accessible toilet and is pet friendly (confirm in advance if bringing pets to book a suitable table) They also host activities such as wine tasting, live music, foraging tips and vegan friendly BBQs.

Booking is recommended, with the next two lunch clubs taking place on 23 October and 20 November, from 12-2pm. Contact Hendersons for booking and confirmation of future dates on 0131 202 1635.