Edinburgh neighbourhood restaurant and bar, KORA by Tom Kitchin, has announced the appointment of David Messaoud as new Restaurant Manager.  David will take the helm of the restaurant as it heralds one year since opening its doors, leading the front of house and bar team at the 65-cover Bruntsfield restaurant and bar.

David joins the KORA team from sister restaurant, Michelin-starred The Kitchin in Leith.  At The Kitchin, David immersed himself in the independent, family-run business’ approach to exceptional service and its deep-rooted ‘From Nature to Plate’ philosophy, before being presented with the opportunity to lead the team at KORA.

Born in Edinburgh and raised in France, David brings a wealth of experience in hospitality roles, alongside an innate understanding and passion for the local dining scene, having most recently worked with Edinburgh hospitality collection The Bon Vivant Group, between 2018 and 2022.  David was employed across a number of the group’s city centre venues, including The Devil’s Advocate and The Bon Vivant, working his way up to a management role, where he supported with training and mentoring of the team.

At KORA, David will lead the team to continue the warm, welcoming and convivial atmosphere, matched with exceptional guest service that KORA has become renowned for.  Today, KORA employs a team of 30 across front of house and the kitchen, and since opening in July 2022, has seen staff retention of over 90%.  The venue is open 7-days a week serving dinner from Monday to Sunday, lunch from Friday to Sunday and more recently, brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

KORA by Tom Kitchin recently extended its weekend hours, introducing a brand-new brunch menu which has been proving popular with locals and visitors to the city.  Brunch is now served from 11.00am on Saturdays and Sundays, with an appetising menu appealing to the whole family.

Commenting on David’s new role within Kitchin Group, Chef Tom Kitchin said; “David was a valuable member of The Kitchin team, where he really immersed himself in understanding our world and his genuine passion for this industry really shone through.

“David brings a great talent for meeting guests, building relationships with local and loyal diners and delivering the most exceptional level of guest service.  His interest and knowledge in great food, wine and whisky, matched with his welcoming and friendly nature have ensured he has quickly become an integral and valued member of the KORA team, allowing us to enter this exciting next chapter for the restaurant.”

The team behind successful venues The Kitchin, The Scran & Scallie and The Bonnie Badger has sought to establish KORA as a genuine neighbourhood restaurant, local in every sense with a deep-rooted ‘From Nature to Plate’ philosophy.  A menu led by Chef Tom Kitchin, Chef Director Dominic Jack, and KORA Head Chef James Chapman, brings Scotland’s natural larder to the forefront.  Dishes evoke modern Scottish cooking with accents of global flavours in a collection of light bites, a la carte dishes, and a dedicated menu for children on offer alongside the brand-new brunch menu.

Guests can make reservations at korabytk.com or by calling the Reception Team on 0131 342 3333.   KORA by Tom Kitchin includes a 65-cover dining space and separate stylish bar area for those seeking to enjoy a drink or lighter meal.

KORA by Tom Kitchin, 14-17 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4HN, www.korabytk.com