CELEBRITY chef Jean Christophe Novelli was due to open a £7 million new casino in the city today.

Circus Casino at Fountain Park will include a restaurant called "110", where chefs work in a theatre-style kitchen preparing food in front of guests.

The 27,000sq ft site also has a bar and the latest in electronic gaming, including roulette and slots. There's also a high stakes area for roulette and blackjack players and a poker room.

Stanley Casinos regional director Sotos Scholarios said: "It's our vision to put Circus Casino Fountain Park on the 'must see' map in Edinburgh - making it a top leisure destination that appeals to people of all ages looking for a lively night out. The casino employs about 100 people."

Mr Novelli worked in a bakery in France before moving to the UK to manage Keith Floyd's gastro-pub. He opened his own restaurant in London in 1996, and became head chef on TV show Hell's Kitchen in 2005.