Inverness’s Eastgate Shopping Centre to open Scran Kitchen food court after six-figure revamp of the Highland site
Fiery Asian noodles, juicy burgers, authentic tacos, a brand-new bar serving local ales, and more are being promised when the Eastgate Shopping Centre’s revamped food court opens as Scran Kitchen this weekend.
The food court - which is set to create up to 25 jobs - has been undergoing a major transformation in recent months, after local award-winning hospitality group, Cru Hospitality, took over the site.
The food court has sat empty since its previous occupant left the site in February.
But news that the vacant site was set for a major six-figure revamp was swiftly announced four months ago, with Cru Hospitality taking over the reins.
And this was soon followed by an early taster, a teaser of what will soon come, when Cru opened the Scran Café on the site of the mall’s neighbouring former Fairground unit.
Its quirky bagel and brunch concept proved an immediate hit thanks to its “laid-back feel, and bang-on bagel menu” - swiftly carving out a loyal following.
Cru Hospitality hopes the new-look food court will now build on that momentum - with eager foodies finally getting the chance to see what the full Scran Kitchen has to offer when it opens to the public this Saturday.
Boasting a “distinct nod to global flavours and street food culture”, Scran Kitchen is promising to bring a “dynamic, marketplace-style vibe” to the heart of Inverness. The concept focuses on world food styles, from fiery Asian noodles to cheesy Italian slices, juicy burgers to authentic tacos - all served “in a buzzing communal setting”.
But it’s not just about the food. For a brand-new bar has been built into the concept, offering what is being described as a “stellar selection of local beers and spirits”, alongside a curated menu of wines and cocktails.
The brains behind the new revamp say that comfort and convenience “have been central to the redesign” of the food court area, with new booth seating and flexible dining areas giving guests the option to sit back, socialise or tuck themselves away in cosy corners.
And they are promising “a modest, competitive price point across the board”, which they believe will ensure that Scran Kitchen has something for everyone - families, students, workers and weekend wanderers alike.
“The goal here was simple - make food fun again,” said Scott Murray, CEO of Cru Hospitality. “Scran Kitchen is playful, affordable, and packed with flavour. We’ve got world-class street food and proper Highland hospitality all under one roof. We’re proud to bring this next chapter to life with our friends at Eastgate.”
Shopping centre manager Chris Kershaw said: “Scran Kitchen is exactly what Inverness needed, a fresh, flexible dining experience that champions local talent and global tastes. The team at Cru Hospitality have smashed it again, and we’re thrilled to see Eastgate’s food scene taken to the next level.”
Saturday’s celebratory occasion will be followed by “launch day” on Monday, August 11 with an exclusive 25 per cent off every visit when you download the CRU Loyalty App.