Day: February 21, 2026

Edinburgh’s month-long celebration of food & drink returns this March

A month of exceptional dining awaits as Eat Out Edinburgh returns to the city this March, inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy a month of exclusive deals, special menus and curated experiences from some of the capital’s best bars and restaurants.

Following a standout 2025 campaign, Eat Out Edinburgh 2026 will once again run for the entire month, bringing family, friends and colleagues together to support the city centre’s hospitality scene. More than 50 venues are expected to take part this year, building on last year’s momentum.

Founded in 2022 by Essential Edinburgh, the city’s Business Improvement District (BID), the campaign encourages people to explore new cuisines while taking advantage of discounts and limited-time offers.

In 2025, the initiative delivered tangible results for participating businesses, with bookings up by 31% for the month of March, a 33% increase in sales, and 75% of diners going on to shop elsewhere in the BID after their meal.

Once again, Eat Out Edinburgh will showcase a diverse mix of restaurants, cafés and bars across Princes Street to George Street, St Andrew  Square and St James Quarter. Popular city favourites like Dishoom, Hawksmoor, Contini, SUSHISAMBA and more will return alongside a strong line-up of new additions for 2026.

Restaurants joining for the first time include Brasserie Prince at The Balmoral, ASSAGGINI, The Garden at The Kimpton, The Caley Bar, Miele, and Wahaca, adding even more variety to this year’s campaign.

A full list of participating venues and offers will be available soon on the Eat Out Edinburgh website, featuring exclusive menus, events and deals.

Diners are encouraged to sign up for updates and browse the latest offers at www.eatoutedinburgh.com.

Emily Campbell Johnston, Senior Manager of Marketing & Communications, Essential Edinburgh, said: “Last year’s campaign really demonstrated the power of Eat Out Edinburgh, not just in driving bookings but in encouraging people to spend more time in the city centre.

“Seeing a 31% increase in bookings shows the real impact this initiative has on our hospitality businesses at a time when restaurants need the most support.

“With an exciting mix of returning favourites and new openings joining the campaign this year, we’re confident 2026 will offer something for everyone – from impromptu lunches to celebratory dinners – giving locals, workers and visitors even more reasons to explore all the experiences our city centre offers, and support our hospitality sector.”

For more information, and to keep up to date with the campaign, visit: 

www.eatoutedinburgh.com 

Puberty blockers trial paused over concerns from medicines watchdog

PATHWAYS clinical trial paused following new MHRA advice

The MHRA have raised new concerns around the PATHWAYS trial looking into the prescription of puberty blockers among young people with gender incongruence.

The preliminary work in establishing the PATHWAYS clinical trial into the prescription of puberty blockers for children and young people with gender incongruence has been paused, following new concerns raised by the medicines regulator, the MHRA.

Discussions between the MHRA and the trial sponsor, King’s College London, will begin next week to address the new concerns. In the meantime, the trial will not start to recruit until issues raised by MHRA have been resolved between the regulator and the trial clinicians.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We have always been clear about the red lines regarding this trial – ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the children and young people involved and always being led by the clinical evidence.

“The MHRA has now raised new concerns – directly related to the wellbeing of children and young people – and scientific dialogue will now follow with the trial sponsor.

“As the evidence is now being interrogated by clinicians, preparations for the trial have been paused while the MHRA and clinical leaders work through these concerns.

“This trial will only be allowed to go ahead if the expert scientific and clinical evidence and advice conclude it is both safe and necessary.

“The safety and wellbeing of children and young people have always been the driving consideration in every decision we have made regarding this trial and always will be.”

An MHRA spokesperson commented: “With all complex clinical trials, MHRA’s top priority is the safety and wellbeing of the trial participants.

“It is part of the usual process that clinical trials are kept continuously under review and for us to have active scientific dialogue with the trial sponsors.

“The safety and wellbeing of the participants to be recruited into the PATHWAYS clinical trial is paramount, particularly in view of the age of the children and young people who may be involved.

“For this reason, the MHRA is applying the highest scrutiny and taking a cautious and measured approach. We have raised some concerns related to the wellbeing of participants and scientific dialogue will now follow with the trial sponsor.

“We rely on the best scientific evidence to ensure all trials are as safe as possible for those participating.”

The MHRA has written to King’s College London. A copy of the letter is available here Sponsor letter (PDF, 1.23 MB, 4 pages)