The Balmoral appoints new head chef

Rocco Forte’s Edinburgh hotel the Balmoral has promoted senior sous chef John Munro as new head chef of its 4AA rosette fine dining restaurant, Number One.

Munro, who joined the Balmoral in 2022, steps into his new role after three years “shaping the restaurant’s culinary direction” alongside executive chef Paul Hart.

Hart described Munro’s promotion as “a natural next step”, adding that “he has been instrumental in shaping Number One over recent years”.

Munro, who will “continue to build on Number One’s identity while evolving its expression through a refined, ingredient-led approach”, has previously held posts at Timberyard, Tommy Banks’ Michelin-starred the Black Swan Oldstead, the Gannet East and the Little Chartroom.

He also acts as Number One’s head beekeeper, having first introduced a beehive to the restaurant’s offering in 2024. Sustainable practices including foraging play a key part in Munro’s approach – with ingredients sourced from across Edinburgh and the East Lothian coastline such as seaweeds, sea buckthorn and elderflower featuring in his cooking.

Munro said: “It is a huge honour to lead the kitchen at Number One. My focus is on showcasing Scotland’s exceptional ingredients while respecting the standards and identity that define the restaurant. I look forward to evolving the menu with the team and continuing to build on its legacy.”