St James Quarter has released episode four of its ‘Behind the Quarter’ series, giving viewers a look behind the scenes at Scotland’s top retail-led destination.
Episode four includes some never-before-seen footage of the latest brands opening in The Quarter this December and a look at some of the unique services available to guests.
Nick Peel discusses The Quarter’s first Christmas, the current success stories, latest openings, and a hint of what’s to come in 2022. Representatives from Thai Express Kitchen, Bar Hutte, The Alchemist, Pho and Moriconi provide a unique insight into their brand history and a first-hand look at life Behind the Quarter.
Viewers meet The Quarter’s Guest Services team for the first time who introduce some of the exclusive services accessible to guests, including ‘DropIt’ handsfree shopping and all the pawfect experiences available for any four-legged visitors.
Following the change in Scottish Government guidance and restrictions announced on 21 December, Underbelly has regrettably confirmed the cancellation of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay programme for 2021.
The decision has been taken in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, following the First Minister’s announcement, with the safety of all ticketholders, event staff and the wider city of Edinburgh being our foremost priority.
The Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Box Office team will contact all ticketholders in early January to arrange refund options.
A full summary of the Hogmanay celebrations cancelled are:
· Wednesday 29 – Friday 31 December – Scottish Music Programme at Greyfriars Kirk.
o Wednesday 29 December – Breabach
o Thursday 30 December – Dougie MacLean
o Friday 31 December – Eddi Reader
· Thursday 30 December – Torchlight Procession
· Friday 31 December – Party at the Bells
o Premium Access Tickets
o Garden Access Tickets
o Street Access Tickets
· Friday 31 December – Edinburgh’s iconic midnight fireworks display
· 1 January 2022 – Loony Dook at South Queensferry
Working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Government from the outset, Underbelly has ‘meticulously planned Edinburgh’s Hogmanay in the context of the pandemic, making Covid-19 passports or proof of negative lateral flow testing mandatory for collection of all tickets to Party at the Bells and the Torchlight Procession, as well as more recently proactively introducing the requirement for all ticket holders to all events within the Hogmanay programme to be able to provide proof of a negative lateral flow test from the day of the event they are attending’.
Unfortunately, due to the latest restrictions brought in by Scottish Government, the full Edinburgh’s Hogmanay line up cannot be delivered.
Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam, said: “We are incredibly sad to announce the cancellation of the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay programme for 2021 following new restrictions announced by Scottish Government today.
“After such a tough year for so many people, we were looking forward to helping bring people back together safely at Edinburgh’s iconic Hogmanay celebrations.
“We know this news will be disappointing for so many people, but we also know that Edinburgh is a wonderfully innovative and resilient city, and we know it will recover from these difficult times and return to the forefront of the world’s new year celebrations in the future”.
Council Leader Adam McVey said: “Our first and foremost priority must always be to protect the health and wellbeing of the public, our staff and the city as a whole. I know it will be hugely disappointing for people, particularly young people who were planning to attend these events.
“Given the spread of this variant, reflected in the rising infection numbers, we need to avoid any additional burden on our health and emergency services. I’m grateful to the Scottish Government, Public Health, NHS and Police for their engagement with our teams to keep the City as safe as possible as we grapple with these challenges through the festive period.
“I would encourage everyone to continue following the guidance and to please celebrate Hogmanay safely and responsibly.”
Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “A huge amount of work has gone into the planning of this year’s events and I would like to thank Council staff, Underbelly and our other event partners for all their efforts in what have been difficult and ever-evolving circumstances.
“I know many people will be disappointed but I’m sure they will understand the reasons behind the decision. We can look forward to Edinburgh returning to its rightful place as the home of Hogmanay next year.”
Chief Superintendent Phil Davison, Gold Commander for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay policing operation, said: “As a result of the continued rise in COVID cases, linked to the Omicron Variant, the Torchlight Procession, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Party at the Bells, and the Loony Dook cancellations are an appropriate response in order to help stop the spread of the virus and protect the NHS.
“This decision was not taken by Police Scotland, but we fully support the actions taken by the event organisers and the local authority.
“We would ask that those who had been planning to attend these events do not make their way to the city centre and instead celebrate the New Year in line with the existing guidelines.”
As 2021 comes to an end, St James Quarter shows no signs of slowing down with seven new retailers opening their doors in time for Christmas.
Throughout the month of December, St James Quarter announces a number of openings including Thai Express Kitchen, German Doner Kebab, Wingstop, Reiss, Bubbleology, Moriconi and Sunnamusk, just in time for the busy festive season.
Catering to everyone, the new line-up offers everything from clothing and accessories to food and drink, providing a luxurious escape featuring new trends and tastes from around the world.
Much to foodies’ delight, Wingstop and Thai Express Kitchen are now open and are tingling tastebuds with the American and Canadian brands both beginning their first venture in Scotland, bringing flavours and recipes from across the globe.
German Doner Kebab also opened its doors to its third restaurant in Edinburgh late last week and has launched its limited-edition ultimate winter warmer to celebrate. The all-new Chilli Heatwave Krunch Burger is set to get pulses racing and has arrived just in time for the Christmas holidays.
For those looking for the perfect Christmas party outfit, they can shop ‘til they drop in the brand-new Reiss store which opened today. Taking The Quarter’s fashion offering to a whole new level, the iconic brand will offer fashionista’s high-quality pieces suitable for all ages.
And it doesn’t stop there, St James Quarter has welcomed new name Moriconi, an Italian jeweller featuring handmade pieces from Tuscany using both traditional and modern processing techniques to the main galleria floor.
Joining them later this month will be Bubbleology, a leading Bubble Tea brand, crafting made to order tea-based beverages and Sunnamusk, a specialist fragrance house based in the UK. Working with a team of highly skilled perfumers, Sunnamusk produces an exclusive range of pure fine oils, Eau de Parfum and home fragrances.
Getting into the Christmas spirit, St James Quarter is also running a 12 days of Christmas giveaway offering car park users the chance to receive an exciting free parking prize for use in January. Guests using the car park will be surprised at random between the 12th to 24th December.
Additionally, shoppers can make the most of parking at The Quarter with a fixed rate of £5 from 5.30pm onwards available during the festive period.
Nick Peel, Managing Director for St James Quarter, commented: “As we approach Christmas, there couldn’t be a better time to welcome new and exciting brands to St James Quarter. As the place to shop in Scotland’s capital, we’re proud to welcome a number of Scottish firsts as well as brands already popular with visitors to the city.
“From luxury fashion to exotic tastes, there’s something for everyone at The Quarter and our retailers will be sure to make Christmas shopping an enjoyable experience for all.
“We look forward to welcoming guests over the Christmas period and will be excited to share our latest developments in the new year.”
City council leaders have urged residents to be extra vigilant and follow the guidance in place to help minimise the impact of the Omicron Covid variant.
Speaking at yesterday’s full Council meeting, Council Leader Adam McVey appealed to the public to test regularly, minimise social contacts and stay at home as much as possible in the lead-up to Christmas.
He also stressed the importance of getting vaccinated, and highlighted the efforts being made to facilitate vaccinations, including at the soon to be opened Edinburgh International Conference Centre mass vaccination centre.
Cllr McVey said: With cases of the Omicron variant now doubling every two or three days this is an area of huge concern, both for public health officials and ourselves as policy makers.
“I can’t stress enough the importance of following the rules around hand-washing, mask-wearing and ventilation and testing – visit our website for details of community testing sites or to order a home testing kit.
“Perhaps most importantly, getting vaccinated is probably our biggest weapon against serious illness and hospitalisation and I would urge everyone to make their appointment for first, second and booster vaccinations as quickly as possible.
“We’re working really hard with partners to maximise capacity for administering vaccinations, and this has included keeping the Royal Highland Centre open for appointments and reopening the Edinburgh International Conference Centre for vaccinations as soon as next week. Please visit the NHS website for more information and to book your appointment.
“As we approach Christmas, I also want to echo the First Minister’s advice to stay at home as much as possible – more than we normally would at this time of year – and minimise contacts.
“I know this is hard to do but we have it in our power to minimise the impact of this virus by reducing the chance for it to spread.”
Depute Leader Cammy Day added:“We face a rapidly evolving situation and we’re constantly monitoring the guidance with regard to our own buildings and services and also to provide guidance and support to businesses across the city to continue to operate safely.
“As well as having to adapt to the latest guidance, this is an extremely uncertain time and a particular concern for our local businesses and I’d like to take the opportunity to encourage everyone to shop local wherever possible.
“As soon as details of national support for business schemes are confirmed our teams are ready to help administer this too, as we have done throughout the pandemic.
“We’ll do all we can to keep any disruption to an absolute minimum but there’s every chance that we’ll have to make changes over the coming weeks. We’re planning ahead and liaising with partners to make sure we’re prepared. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for further information and service updates.”
Lord Provost Frank Ross said earier this week: “As we look forward to Christmas and the New Year, we all have a duty to do so responsibly with the safety of others foremost in our minds.”
NOTE: The Scottish Government published the updated business guidance yesterday afternoon
Community test centres and mobile test centres are open for people with no Covid symptoms. Full details of these, and how to order home lateral flow testing kits, are available online.
Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a 31-year-old woman was assaulted in the city centre.
The incident happened around 11.20pm on Sunday, 12 December, 2021, on Market Street directly underneath North Bridge outside Waverly rail station.
The woman sustained a serious head injury and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.
Officers are keen to speak to a man and a woman who were on the street at the time of the assault and then were seen on Jeffrey Street, going towards the Royal Mile.
The man is described as white, in his mid-30s, around 5ft 9ins, of medium build and with short dark hair. He was wearing a cream baseball cap, grey and blue padded jacket and a two tone blue hooded jumper, and blue jeans. He was carrying a plastic orange carrier bag.
The woman is described as white, also in her mid-30s, around 5ft 5ins, and of small build. She was wearing a knee length black padded jacket with the hood up and had small framed glasses.
Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe, from Edinburgh CID, said: “This part of the city was extremely busy at the time of the incident and we are appealing for anyone who was in the Market Street area and believes they may have seen what happened to come forward.
“If the man and woman see this appeal then please contact us. We are also keen to speak with any drivers in the area who may have dash-cam footage that could assist with our enquiries.
“Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting incident 3829 of Sunday, 12 December, 2021. Alternatively, you can call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”
Edinburghís Hogmanay Street paty.Photo David Cheskin.31.12.18
Underbelly, the producers of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, have announced that all ticket holders will be required to be able to provide proof of a negative lateral flow test from the day of the ticketed event to gain access to Party at the Bells, the Torchlight Procession, all concerts that are part of the Scottish music programme in Greyfriars Kirk and the Loony Dook.
Underbelly’s additional safety measures go over and above the latest Scottish Government guidance, as part of a continued commitment to providing a safe and great Hogmanay for the city of Edinburgh.
The updated Edinburgh’s Hogmanay safety measures include:
The Torchlight Procession: Thursday, 30 December
All ticket holders must be able to provide proof of a negative lateral flow on the day of the event (30 December) when collecting their torches from one of the three pick up locations.
Ticket holders must register their test result through the government website and bring the text or email with proof of the negative result in order to attend the event. A full list of COVID information and guidelines can be found here and on the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website for anyone attending.
Scottish Music Programme at Greyfriars Kirk – 29 – 31 December
All ticket holders must be able to provide proof of a negative lateral flow from the day of the event that they are attending at entry to Greyfriars Kirk. Ticketholders must register their test result through the NHS Scotland inform page and bring the text or email with proof of the negative result in order to attend the event.
A full list of COVID information and guidelines can be found here and on the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website for anyone attending. Additionally, Scottish Music Programme attendees at Greyfriars Kirk will be required to wear a face covering while enjoying the entertainment and will be asked to scan the Scottish Government Test and Trace QR code upon entering the venue.
Party at the Bells – Friday, 31 December, 10pm-1am
Underbelly will be opening the Box Office from Tuesday, 27th December for ticket holders to collect their official tickets and wristbands. Upon collection, members of the public will be required to provide proof of a negative lateral flow test taken within 48 hours or their vaccine passport.
Additionally, all Party at the Bells attendees will need to be able to provide proof of a negative lateral flow from the day of the event at an entry point into Party at the Bells to gain access to the event on 31 December. This applies to Street Access, Garden Access and Premium Access ticket holders.
Ticketholders must register their test result through the NHS Scotland inform page and bring the text or email with proof of the negative result in order to attend the event. A full list of COVID information and guidelines can be found here for anyone attending.
Loony Dook – Saturday, 1st January, 10:30am
Participants must be able to provide proof of a negative lateral flow result at the South Queensferry registration point.
The lateral flow test must be taken on the morning of the event and registered negative through the NHS Scotland inform page and bring the text or email with proof of the negative result in order to attend the event.
A full list of COVID information and guidelines can be found here and on the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website for anyone attending.
Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam, said: “Underbelly continues to work daily with the Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council and agencies to deliver a safe and a great Hogmanay.
“With safety at the heart of everything we do, we have decided proactively to introduce additional measures that are designed to protect our audiences, artists and employees to keep them safe.
“We and all agencies are working hard to deliver the event and to welcome audiences to Princes Street, placing Scotland at the forefront of the world’s new year events.”
Culture and Communities Convener, Cllr Donald Wilson of City of Edinburgh Council added: “Our absolute priority will always be the health and wellbeing of the public, staff and the city as a whole.
“We’re continually reviewing and updating our plans for Hogmanay in the face of the changing circumstances posed by the pandemic and these additional measures will help to ensure that our events are as safe as possible.”
Now, controlling those Christmas Market numbers – Ed. …
With 12 days until Christmas, St James Quarter has launched a brand-new gift-wrapping service, giving shoppers a helping hand this festive season.
Located on level one of the Galleria, the St James Quarter volunteers can expertly wrap gifts of all shapes and sizes, in exchange for a charity donation for the shopping destination’s charity partners, Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids and Deaf Action.
The festive service launched on Saturday where the volunteers were joined by The Rolling Hills and St Giles choirs who serenaded shoppers with Christmas tunes to help spread the Christmas cheer this year.
The gift-wrapping service will continue until Christmas eve and is available from Thursday to Sunday, 12 noon until 6pm. St James Quarter is also spreading the festive cheer to the lower levels, with unlimited parking for £5 after 5:30pm this festive season.
The award-winning team behind the UK’s best burger have today opened up their first Edinburgh outlet, taking a prime position within the acclaimed Bonnie & Wild food hall in the St James Quarter.
Nick Watkins of Glasgow’s favourite burger restaurant El Perro Negro said they had been looking for the right Edinburgh location for a while, and that the prospect of “joining the Bonnie & Wild family was a brilliant opportunity, and too good to pass up on”.
El Perro Negro has won a string of culinary and business accolades in recent years, including UK’s best burger in 2021 and in 2019. The popular eatery has a restaurant in Glasgow’s Woodlands area.
Now the popular burger restaurant and takeaway has today opened up its first Edinburgh outlet at Bonnie & Wild’s food hall, which hosts a variety of exciting chef-led food businesses including Chef Jimmy Lee’s Salt & Chilli, Gary Maclean’s Creel Caught and The Gannet, which last month won Best Restaurant at the annual SLTN awards.
Fans of El Perro Negro were given a tantalising hint of the new move over the weekend when the burger business published a cryptic post on their social media channels announcing the move to Edinburgh, but keeping quiet on the location.
El Perro Negro’s founder Nick said: “Opening in Edinburgh is a massive milestone for El Perro Negro, and both myself and business partners Peter McKenna and Ivan Stein are delighted to head east and join such a fantastic line-up at Bonnie & Wild.
“The support from customers over the past seven years, since we started out as a small pop-up in Glasgow has been overwhelming and we can’t wait to welcome everyone at our newest location.”
Offering a mouthwatering selection of meaty masterpieces, El Perro Negro will be serving up its spectacular Top Dog burger, twice winner of the National Burger Awards, boasting bone marrow and Roquefort butter, double bacon, caramelised onions and black truffle mayo.
Nick, who recently hosted a cook-off event at Bonnie & Wild in partnership with resident butcher MacDuff 1890, added: “All of El Perro Negro’s beef is sourced from small farms in the UK. Always grass-fed and always dry-aged.”
Bonnie & Wild’s Director of Operations Ryan Barrie said: “I’ve over the moon that Nick and the El Perro Negro team are joining Bonnie & Wild. Nick’s focus on high quality and responsible sourcing really chimes with Bonnie & Wild.
“We’re delighted to be welcoming the El Perro Negro team into our Scottish Marketplace, where they’ll be joining the likes National Chef of Scotland Gary Maclean, The Gannet and Chef Jimmy Lee, as well as local favourites east PIZZAS, CHIX and Joelato. I can’t wait to get my hands on one of their Top Dog burgers!”
Since opening in July, Bonnie & Wild has served more than 150,000 guests and attracted businesses such as Bowmore, Naked Malt, Bruichladdich, Virgin Atlantic and Scotland Food & Drink for product launches and other high-profile events.
As well as El Perro Negro, its food stalls include Creel Caught by Gary Maclean, Chef Jimmy Lee’s Salt & Chilli, Erpingham House, east PIZZAS, Joelato, CHIX, The Gannet East, MacDuff Butcher, Broken Clock Café & Patisserie and the Inverarity Morton boutique bottleshop.
El Perro Negro is open now and customers can visit at Bonnie & Wild, located in St James Centre, Edinburgh 7 days a week.
The Ivy on the Square celebrates with a festive installation and limited-edition cocktails created in collaboration with Edrington UK
The Ivy on the Square celebrates the launch of ‘A Jolly Robin’ with a spectacular festive installation for guests and passers-by to enjoy as well as new limited-edition cocktails.
Inspired by William Morris’ famous 1883 print, The Strawberry Thief, The Ivy on the Square’s façade will take guests on a wonderful festive journey combining festive florals, the Christmas robin and pomegranate.
Available until Friday 31 December, guests will be able to enjoy a selection of bespoke cocktails created in partnership with Edrington UK.
For those looking to treat themselves to a yuletide tipple, the brasserie’s bar team are serving up a number of bespoke cocktails, including the showstopping Red Robin (£9.75), a blend of Maker’s Mark Bourbon, lemon, pomegranate, and honey, finished with apple cider, and Hold-Up Ginger (£10.25), complete with Haku Vodka, Aperol, pineapple, lime, and gingerbread, perfect for an after-dinner treat.
Also featured is the Christmas Star(£10.25), a festive delight incorporating refreshing Roku Gin, star anis, pineapple, lemon and Crème de Mure.
Diners can also enjoy a delicious menu featuring showstopping seasonal desserts including the delightfully rich snowball fight (£9.50), with brandy ice cream, white chocolate, gingerbread and complete with cream sauce – perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Agata Lubera, General Manager at The Ivy on the Square said: “We’re excited to officially launch our new installation and delicious food and beverage menus to guests this week.
“Edinburgh is known all around the world for its vibrant Christmas celebrations so we’re looking forward to being part of the city’s festivities.”
Today, on the International Day of People with Disabilities (Friday 3 December), representatives from disabled access charity, Euan’s Guide, officially opened the new Changing Places toilet facility in Johnnie Walker Princes Street.
Situated on the ground floor, the toilet features a ceiling hoist, changing bench and provides additional space for disabled visitors who are unable to use conventional accessible toilets.
With less than 2,000 Changing Places toilets across the UK, of which less than 250 are in Scotland and only 10 in Edinburgh, the opening of this new facility will connect with the 250,000 Changing Places users in the UK and their friends and families who rely on these facilities to take part in everyday life.
Building a modern visitor experience that was inclusive was one of the core aims at Johnnie Walker Princes Street from the outset. Throughout the planning stages, Euan’s Guide was involved and consulted, looking at plans, meeting architects and testing out the building’s access before opening to the public in September 2021.
Paul Ralph, Access and Inclusion Director at Euan’s Guide, said: “Never in my wildest dreams, but always in my imagination, did I believe my newfound friends at Johnnie Walker Princes Street would create such a fabulous place to visit and then top that with the inclusion of a Changing Places Toilet!”
Barbara Smith, Managing Director at Johnnie Walker Princes Street said: “Accessibility was integral to the planning of Johnnie Walker Princes Street. Very early on we realised the benefits of working as a team with Euan’s Guide and we have collaborated to ensure the best possible welcome for everyone.
“Euan’s Guide have been integral to creating the visitor experience we have today at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, and we are extremely grateful for their support and collaboration. We look forward to continuing this partnership as we strive to create an exceptional experience for all, in the heart of Scotland’s capital.”
