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Tracking down the elusive owner of "the Armenian restaurant"

Edinburgh is renowned for its culinary scene with its chef’s and restaurants attracting foodies from around the world.

But one restaurant is perhaps more memorable, more mythical and more infamous than the rest: a derelict Victorian police station turned into the β€œAghtamar Lake Van Monastery in Exile” – or as its loyal patrons simply called it, β€œthe Armenian restaurant”.

Found only by rumour and word of mouth, entry into the elusive eatery was notoriously guarded by the secretive Armenian owner and cook, calling himself Peter.

Throughout the 1980’s and 90’s, Peter’s restaurant and his antics grew a cult following, until the early 2000s when Peter suddenly abandoned his beloved restaurant and seemingly disappeared without a trace.

Those who ate at Peter’s restaurant have been hungry to know what happened to him and his legendary meals. Over the last six months, the Nine’s Christopher Bobyn has gone searching for the reclusive restauranteur who changed the Scottish food scene.

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7 minutes

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