ABOUT US
Introduction
Blank Plate Creative was founded by Scott Smith, an award-winning chef and restaurateur, to provide innovative and honest consultancy services for the food and hospitality industry. With years of experience leading acclaimed restaurants and a passion for problem-solving, we are dedicated to helping businesses craft memorable, cohesive dining experiences.
Who We Are
At Blank Plate Creative, honesty and integrity are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in building genuine partnerships with our clients, working collaboratively to solve challenges and deliver impactful solutions. Whether it’s developing innovative menus, aligning brand identity, or training a team, our approach is rooted in transparency and a commitment to excellence.
Scott Smith: The Vision Behind Blank Plate Creative
Scott Smith’s journey in hospitality is one of creativity, resilience, and excellence. Before founding Blank Plate Creative, Scott established and led two highly acclaimed Edinburgh restaurants: Norn, a critic favourite known for its innovation, and Fhior, a celebrated modern Scottish restaurant that champions authenticity, sustainability, and innovation. Both restaurants have earned significant recognition, including accolades such as:
Michelin Guide Recommendations
The Sunday Times UK Top 100
Harden's UK Top 100
Scottish Restaurant of the Year
Beyond his fine dining experience, Scott has also overseen the operations of multiple casual dining sites, demonstrating his ability to manage and optimise large-scale food operations. Through these experiences, he has developed a deep understanding of how to balance creative vision with commercial success. His passion for problem-solving and his ability to adapt to new challenges have shaped Blank Plate Creative’s approach, ensuring that each client benefits from bespoke, results-driven solutions.
Root to Market: Problem-Solving in Action
Scott thrives on tackling challenges head-on and finding creative solutions in the face of adversity. When the pandemic disrupted the restaurant industry, he saw an opportunity to support both local producers and customers. This led to the creation of Root to Market, a platform designed to connect small-scale suppliers with a broader customer base. By quickly identifying gaps in the supply chain and developing a streamlined solution, Scott turned a moment of crisis into a thriving marketplace that sustained businesses through unprecedented times. His ability to react to shifting market conditions and devise innovative, practical solutions is at the core of Blank Plate Creative’s consultancy approach today.
Why Choose Us?
"What sets Blank Plate Creative apart is our unwavering commitment to your success. We bring a unique combination of:
Experience: Decades of hands-on leadership in the hospitality industry.
Integrity: Honest, tailored advice; we won’t take on projects unless we can genuinely add value.
Creativity: Bespoke, innovative solutions designed to align with your vision and goals.
Adaptability: A proven ability to navigate challenges, solve problems, and deliver effective results in any market condition.
Extensive Network: We have built a close network of experts in their fields, from producers and marketing professionals to ceramicists, allowing us to bring in the right specialists to support your project as needed.
"We understand the challenges you face and are here to provide clear, actionable guidance to help your business thrive."