Our story
Ninety-two years, one address.
Founded in 1934, Valvona & Crolla is Scotland’s oldest delicatessen and Italian wine merchant — one of Europe’s original specialist food shops, still run by the family, still at 19 Elm Row.
The family
The Continis of Elm Row.
Cav. Philip Contini, Chairman & Managing Director — who also fronts His Be Happy Band every August. Mary Contini, director and author, whose family food memoirs Dear Francesca, Dear Olivia and Dear Alfonso sit on the Cookshop shelves.
And the next generation — Francesca and Olivia — who sign the family’s letters alongside their parents, just as the letters have always been signed.
Behind them all, Carlo Contini — for decades the face of the shop at 19 Elm Row, and creator of the Caffè Bar’s house coffee in 1993. It’s roasted in-house again today, just like Carlo used to do.
In their own words
“Our roots are firmly planted in tradition — our growth is nourished by technology — our future lies in the pursuit of ever increasing quality, value and service in all that we do.” Cav. Philip Contini · Chairman & Managing Director
From market stall to dot com
The whole nation, served from one shop.
What began as one of Europe’s original specialist food shops now ships next-day to most of the UK — wine, cheese, Fonteluna® sausage, hampers — all packed at the original premises.
An accredited Living Wage Employer, and holder of the Royal Warrant as supplier of fine cheese to His Majesty King Charles III.
Mary’s books
A family history you can cook from.
Mary Contini’s memoirs trace the family from Italy to Edinburgh — recipes folded into the story of the shop itself.
- Dear FrancescaA mother’s story
- Dear OliviaFrom Italy to Scotland
- Dear AlfonsoCarlo’s story — Naples to Elm Row
Come and see it
The shop is the story.
Mon–Sat, 9am–6pm at 19 Elm Row — or let the counter come to you.