Category: city centre

‘Just Like You’: Mercat Tours launches new Witches Tour

Mercat Tours has announced a brand-new history tour Witches; Trial and Truth launching this Easter weekend, Saturday 8 April, and running every weekend. Members of the team gathered at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade to visit the very place where the accused were once tried and executed.

Delving into injustices of the past and telling the truth about the witch craze which gripped Edinburgh, the adult-only tour aims to shed light on this dark period of paranoia and persecution. Promising to bring an immersive experience, the tour will transport visitors back to the past and separate facts from commonly held myths.

Starting at Mercat Cross visitors will learn when Scotland was ruled by an irrational king and his obsession with the dark arts. Mercat Tours’ five-star, award-winning Storytellers will walk visitors back two centuries as they follow the accused’s tragic last steps through the cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town and its centuries-old closes to uncover the historic tales before finishing at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. 

As part of the tour launch, Mercat Tours have introduced a campaign highlighting that Edinburgh’s ‘witches’ were really ordinary, innocent, people ‘Just Like You’.  It illustrates how the company celebrates diversity in their team and visitors by making a connection between the injustices and lack of diversity of the past vs now. 

Putting its own team members at the centre of the campaign, which is important to Mercat as an inclusive employer, it shines a spotlight on individuals who would’ve been targeted for their differences in the past.

Drawing parallels between their team today and the real stories of those who suffered reveals they were #justlikeyou ie someone who can heal such as Janet Boyman, an independent business women like Agnes Finnie, and those who speak a foreign language, to reflect modern times and a more inclusive society that exists today.

Kat Brogan, managing director at Mercat Tours said: “Inclusion and belonging is at the heart of everything we do at Mercat, its what we are valued for by the team and our visitors. It was important to reflect this through our new tour as we identify real life stories today that in the past would’ve led to something very different and considered a crime. 

“Mercat have been making connections between people and the past by giving history a damn good telling since 1985. We want visitors to make a thoughtful connection with injustices of the past and form their own thoughts about it.”

For more information and to book your tickets in advance visit:  

www.mercattours.com

Edinburgh Seafood Festival officially opens at St James Quarter

St James Quarter’s Edinburgh Seafood Festival has officially launched today and will run until Sunday 2nd April.

Eager seafood lovers descended on the market this morning and were some of the first to enjoy the culinary seafood delights which will be available all weekend at the Quarter, with vendors including Spanish Moskito Bites, Mana Poke, SanCiro pizza and Lemon Squeezy.

There is also a pop-up from Isle of Harris Distillery and a Prosecco and Sangria Bar, as well as the chance to pick up Scottish fish and shellfish from Catch of the Day fishmongers.

As well as enjoying the freshest produce from top quality vendors, guests looking to brush up on their culinary skills can enjoy a range of workshops and demonstrations, hosted by the experts on the Seafood Stage, located on Level 1, on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd April.  

For more information on this year’s Edinburgh Seafood Festival, please visit:

https://stjamesquarter.com/event/edinburgh-seafood-festival-2023

Richard Branson opens Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh was officially opened yesterday by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson. The event marks a significant milestone for the hotel which opened its doors in June 2022 and has since been enjoying tremendous success. 

Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the final phase of the launch will see the opening of the hotel’s 222 Chambers and Grand Chamber Suites as well as all dining outlets including, the hotel’s flagship restaurant, Commons Club, which features a lively bar and a locally-inspired menu, Eve, an all-day dining space as well as Greyfriars Hall, a 19th century church that has been beautifully restored and repurposed as a special event venue and an exclusive rooftop terrace with unobstructed Edinburgh Castle views. 

Since opening its doors, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh has quickly become one of the city’s most sought-after destinations for both locals and visitors alike.

The hotel’s prime location, combined with its exceptional service and unique design, has earned it numerous accolades, including being named one of the “Best New Hotels in the World” by Travel + Leisure and voted one of the “Best Hotels to Stay in Edinburgh for 2023” by Conde Nast Traveller. 

Virgin Group Founder, Sir Richard Branson, said: “I am thrilled to mark the grand opening of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh – the first Virgin Hotels property to launch in Europe – in this most wonderful city. 

“This is an incredible hotel that truly embodies the spirit of both the Virgin brand and the quirks and traits of Edinburgh’s beautiful Old Town – a place where people can come together to have fun, relax and enjoy all that this wonderful city has to offer.” 

To mark the occasion an exclusive musical performance from Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo piper, Louise Marshall, played a selection of traditional Scottish songs on the hotel’s roof terrace against the impressive backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. 

Virgin Hotels CEO, James Bermingham, said: “We are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved with Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.

“From the beginning, we set out to create a hotel that would be unlike anything else in the city – a place where locals and guests could come and feel welcome and inspired, and where they could experience the best of Edinburgh.

“We’re thrilled to see the hotel officially open and thriving, and we look forward to welcoming even more guests in the years to come.” 

The Ivy on the Square, Edinburgh – where dreams come true

Dine every day at The Ivy with a delicious, new selection of tantalising set menus and dishes for all occasions

The Ivy on the Square, Edinburgh is here to make all your dreams come true this spring.

Whether guests wish to enjoy a delightful mid-week lunch, or a meal with family, friends and loved ones, whatever the occasion, dine every day at The Ivy with something for everyone.

All Day Dreamers, launching Tuesday, 21 March

Indulge in a luxurious lunchtime experience with the All Day Dreamers set menu, brimming with dishes that dreams are made of. Diners can choose two courses for £17.95 or three courses for £22.95, plus a Champagne Dream Cocktail (£9.95), featuring a tantalising blend of Scapegrace Black gin poured over cotton candy and topped with Ivy Champagne.

Starters include a warming Creamed Cauliflower Soup, a fresh Pan-fried Scottish smoked haddock or Emilia Romagna cured coppa ham.

For mains, guests can choose from a selection of seasonal dishes including Spicy Jackfruit and Toasted Peanut Bang Bang Salad served with Mexican chayote, seasame, coriander, white mooli and shredded Chinese leaf, or chargrilled, grass-fed Rump Steak, served with thick cut chips.

The new Dream Dessert features a crispy vanilla cloud with warm chocolate brownie, vanilla ice cream, and hot yuzu caramel sauce, perfect for those guests with a sweet tooth.

Available Monday to Friday from 11:30am to 6.30pm.

Little Dreamers, launching Tuesday 21, March

For those looking for a family treat, the Little Dreamers menu is perfect for younger guests to enjoy, with all main dishes priced at £9.95.

Children can choose from Linguine Pasta with Tomato Sauce, Grilled Chicken Escalope with sprouting broccoli, a delicious Hamburger and Chips, and much more.

For dessert, children can create their Dream Sundae (£6.95), with vanilla ice cream, and a range of toppings to choose from including strawberries, marshmallows, honeycomb, and chocolate flakes.

Smashing Monuments launch event

COLLECTIVE

Exhibition opening – Saturday 25 March

2-3pm: In conversation: Sebastián Díaz Morales and Luciano Piazza
3-4pm: Opportunity to watch Smashing Monuments and enjoy refreshments.

Exhibition dates 25 March – 11 June 2023

Join us for the opening of Smashing Monuments by Sebastián Díaz Morales, from 2–4pm on Saturday 25 March 2023.

Originally comissioned for documenta fifteen, Smashing Monuments explores the relationships we have with urban monuments. The film follows five members of the Indonesian art collective ruangrupa as they walk the streets of Jakarta, engaging in one-sided conversations with the monuments around them.

The afternoon will include an ‘in conversation’ event with Sebastián and fellow artist Luciano Piazza, who has created an accompanying essay for the exhibition.

Sebastián and Luciano will discuss how urban developments, along with the passage of time, impact our everyday relationships with the statues and monuments that populate our cities. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to watch the film and enjoy refreshments. 

Capacity for the artist talk is limited, so please book your free ticket here if you wish to attend.

All welcome from 3.00pm to view the work. 

Access information about our site can be found here.

Smashing Monuments produced with financial support of documenta fifteen, Mondriaan Fonds and The Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Pitch Perfect Pairing: Six by Nico makes it’s festival debut with Otherlands this summer

  • Scotland’s newest camping festival, Otherlands, adds Six by Nico to its line-up for 2023
  • Partnership marks new direction for Six by Nico with first-ever ‘al-fresco’ experience

Otherlands Music & Arts Festival has announced that it’s adding flavour to its line-up this summer by teaming up with leading restaurant brand Six by Nico. Festival goers can look forward to a one-of-a-kind woodland sensory dining experience, bringing a bespoke gastronomic story to life.

The festival lands at Scone Palace in Perth, Scotland, this summer (11th-13th August 2023) for its second edition, bringing some of the most influential global and home-grown musical talent to its stages.

With 11 locations across the UK, including Edinburgh – the restaurant – will be dishing up its classic six-course menu across August 12th and 13th. Six by Nico will reveal the brand-new menu, exclusive to Otherlands in coming months. It will also be the group’s first-ever al-fresco dining experience.

Otherlands Arts and Music Festival was founded by Tom Ketley, owner of FLY – an event promotion company which has been hosting music events across Scotland now for over a decade. The festival boasts everything from live and electronic music, to punk, rock and rap.

Acts already announced for 2023 include the likes of Hudson Mohawke, Skin On Skin, Nia Archives & Overmono. Headline acts in 2022 included DJs BICEP, Jamie XX and Honey Dijon, while there were daytime live performances from singers Joesef, Maverick Sabre and Biig Piig.

As well as a carefully curated line-up of forward-thinking artists spanning multiple stages, the festival will also boast immersive art installations from leading Scottish artists, and will even host comedy direct from Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival, DJ Workshops, and inspiring industry talks and panel discussions with industry leaders.

Sam Joss, Otherlands Festival Director said: “We’re so excited about this partnership! 

“With food at festivals being more important than ever,  this collaboration really aligns with our ethos and pairs well with boutique camping, a stunning location and of course, a globally recognised musical line-up.

“We can’t wait to see how our guests react to the creativity of the Six by Nico menu and enjoy this multi-sensory dining experience in the unbeatable setting that is Scone Palace”.

Andy Temple, Chef and Chief Creative Officer at Six by Nico, said: “We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Otherlands on this unique event.

“It’s something completely new for us, and I believe it represents a new creative turning point for our company. A multi-sensory dining idea pushes us outside of our comfort zone and is an exciting move in a new direction for Six by Nico, as part of our mission to innovate and challenge ourselves in designing a new menu every six weeks.

“Otherlands takes a multifaceted approach to their festival, celebrating music, wellness, and arts, and Six by Nico is excited to add to that with our new on-site dining experience. The festival itself brings people together to celebrate, and our team is delighted to be a part of it”.

Early-bird Festival tickets are now sold out, but limited first release tickets are still available – ranging from £180-£189 for camping and non-camping options with Day Tickets becoming available at the end of March. Six by Nico ticket add-ons will go on sale following the launch of the menu in May.

As part of the collaboration, a competition will also be launching soon, where three lucky winners will bag two weekend camping tickets, a pair of tickets to the multi-sensory dining experience and a table for two people at Six by Nico. Another six runners-up prizes of £20 Six by Nico vouchers will be up for grabs.

For more information visit otherlandsfestival.com or sixbynico.co.uk

Share the love around the Quarter this Mother’s Day and spoil her with the Perfect Gift

Whether you’re looking to plan the ultimate day out or find the perfect gift, St James Quarter has everything you need to keep the whole family entertained. 

From pet mums to step mums, everyone deserves to be spoiled this year and shoppers can enjoy retailer offers from a selection of some of the Quarter’s top brands including H Beauty which will be offering customers a choice of five deluxe samples as part of a female founded brand beauty box when they spend over £75.  

Those looking to add a personal touch can get their gifts engraved by talented calligrapher Laila Lettering in John Lewis from 1-4pm on 18th March. Just spend £50 or more in store to take advantage of this unique and complimentary service.

 

Rituals and Neom will be providing the zen factor with complimentary hand and arm massage treatments so you can treat the mother figure in your life to some pamper time.

Rituals will be welcoming walk-ins across Mother’s Day weekend and Neom will be taking bookings between Monday 13th March – Sunday 19th March for massage for two, accompanied by a ‘mumosa’ and Hotel Chocolat treats. Anyone who books with Neom will also receive a 15% discount so they can treat themselves or choose the perfect gift. 

If you want to indulge in a little luxury, Coach and Kate Spade will be giving shoppers £100 off when they spend over £400 between 9th – 19th March. 

Those looking to make a day of it can continue the celebrations with a bite to eat at one of the Quarter’s many impressive dining destinations including Street Burger by Gordon Ramsay which will be offering a free strawberry spritz cocktail for all mums on the day. Duck & Waffle will also be offering complimentary fizz on arrival as well as a little chocolate dessert, the perfect sweet treat to round off a great day out with mum. 

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show the mother figure in your life some appreciation, and St James Quarter is on hand to help you celebrate in style to make this year extra special. 

“From our selection of world class retailers to our impressive dining and leisure destinations, there’s something for everyone at the Quarter and we look forward to welcoming you to celebrate this special day with us.”  

Mother’s Day retailer discounts and activities will be taking place at St James Quarter from 9th – 19th March.

Keep up to date with the full range of promotions on offer by visiting the website: https://stjamesquarter.com/ and stay up to date with the latest via the @StJamesQuarter Instagram page. 

Mother’s Day Celebrations at Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Treat your mother figure to an afternoon of whisky and chocolate tasting

On Sunday, March 19, Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh’s five-star whisky attraction, will celebrate Mother’s Day by offering guests a chance to treat the mother figures in their lives to a guided tasting of three delicious whiskies, each perfectly paired with a chocolate truffle from The Highland Chocolatier lain Burnett.

Set to take place in the ground floor retail area at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, this 45-minute experience will give lucky mother figures a taste of some of Scotland’s best whiskies, as well as some Johnnie Walker hospitality at Scotland’s visitor attraction of the year, as awarded by Whisky magazine.

The tasting will start with the velvety smooth and aromatic Dalwhinnie 15-year-old, then the delicate fruity Cardhu 15-year-old with bitter chocolate notes that pair perfectly with The Highland Chocolatier. This will be followed by a classic Johnnie Walker old fashioned with a raspberry twist. Guests will also learn about these unique drams, their distinct flavours, their history and the delicious chocolate they are paired with.

As a parting gift, all the lovely mothers on show will be presented with a mini dried bouquet to take home. 

Rob Maxwell, head of Johnnie Walker Princes Street said: “Our mother figures play such important roles in our lives, and they always deserve to be celebrated. We are really looking forward to hosting a great tasting experience that’ll live long in the memories of all the whisky-loving mums in attendance.”

A 20% discount will be offered for the bottle of each whisky from the tasting, as well as 10% off other retail purchases of up to £500 and for drinks in the bar on the day of the experience, and for up to 7 days afterwards (T&Cs apply). 

To redeem, guests must show their confirmation ticket to a member of staff at the till. 

For more information and to book an experience, please visit: 

www.johnniewalkerprincesstreet.com

The Edinburgh International Book Festival announces partnership with Waterstones

The Edinburgh International Book Festival today announces a new partnership with Waterstones, the UK’s leading book retailer.

With 29 bookshops in Scotland and a total of over 300 shops across the UK, Ireland, Brussels and Amsterdam, the bookseller could not be better placed to help support the Book Festival as it manages the transition to a new site at the Edinburgh Futures Institute in 2024. The agreement is for 2023 with a view to a longer partnership.

Nick Barley, Director at Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “We are excited to be partnering with such a well-established organisation as Waterstones, and we’ve been hugely impressed with the local knowledge of the Scotland-based team -especially now that the much-loved Blackwells shops have been integrated into the Waterstones family.

“This knowledge is matched by the passion and professionalism of the head office team and I have no doubt this will be a fruitful partnership that’s good for readers, writers and publishers who love the Book Festival.

“As we enjoy one more year at the Art College before moving to our new home next year, it is reassuring to know that book signings and book sales will be in the hands of such skilled partners.

“Waterstones have a passion for books and bookselling – and I’m especially pleased that key members of the Scottish team will be on hand to help us create a shop that’s suited to Edinburgh’s unique literary heritage.”

In 2023 and while at its interim home of the Edinburgh College of Art, the Book Festival book sales and book signing set up will remain as it was previously, with signings in the Signing Tent after events and an onsite bookshop housed in the stunning fire station building at the entrance to the Festival Village.

Highly trained members of Waterstones staff from across Scotland will be given the opportunity to work in the Book Festival shops this August.  

Angie Crawford, Scottish buyer for Waterstones, will play a key role in the partnership and will draw on a network of knowledge that has led to her being one of the most respected buyers in the country.

Meanwhile the Waterstone’s national event team, which has experience of delivering book sales for a number of other UK literary festivals, will oversee operations.

James Daunt, Managing Director at Waterstones, said: “We are thrilled to be able to support the Book Festival. It is the highlight of the bookselling calendar in Scotland and our Scottish booksellers could not be more delighted with this partnership.”

 In 2023 the Edinburgh International Book Festival runs from the 12 – 28 August at the Book Festival Village at the Edinburgh College of Art.

Tasty Return for Eat Out Edinburgh

Eat Out Edinburgh returns for 2023, bringing exclusive restaurant offers to the city centre

Eat Out Edinburgh 2023 is set to make a tasty return to the capital for a second year for locals and visitors alike to enjoy amazing offers from Edinburgh city centre’s best eateries for two weeks – from 13th to 26th of March.

Restaurants, cafés, and bars from St James Quarter to Charlotte Square, George Street to Princes Street will be participating, with many returning after a fantastic turn out in 2022.  

The capital’s dedicated Business Improvement District (BID) will be the setting for this foodie fortnight run by Essential Edinburgh. Celebrating the best of food, drink, and hospitality, over 30 participating venues are already confirmed for the campaign, including Edinburgh favourites Badger & Co, Lady Libertine, Hawksmoor, and Le Monde, and new favourites like Ka Pao, 63rd + 1st,  and Duck & Waffle.

Confirmed venues to date include offers like: 

  • Grazing by Mark Greenaway: Enjoy a delicious 5-course Tasting Menu for Two & a Bottle of Wine for £99 
  • Baba: £25 per person for a 4-course set menu lunch
  • Bread Street Kitchen & Bar: For £29 per person, enjoy a welcome cocktail and a three-course set menu
  • Tigerlilly: 20% off food for city centre workers by quoting ‘EAT OUT’ when booking
  • Ka Pao: Set lunch menu for £17.50 per person featuring a small plate, curry, jasmine rice and a side 

A full list of participating Edinburgh venues and offers is now live on Eat Out Edinburgh’s website, with special tasting menus, set menus, events and exclusive offers for city centre workers to attract bookings and increased footfall throughout the campaign period. 

 Eat Out Edinburgh 2023 

From business breakfasts to leisurely lunches and evening gatherings over dinner and cocktails, the Eat Out Edinburgh campaign has been designed to bring friends, family, and colleagues together and whilst supporting the city’s vibrant hospitality sector.

This year, the campaign is partnering with KidsOR – the Edinburgh-based charity provide lifesaving operations to children in need across the globe, allowing diners to support the charity through donation options at select participating venues. 

Lothian Busses also returns as a partner for 2023 with city centre offers open to Lothian bus employees, and promotion for the event being shown on bus screens across the city throughout the campaign. 

Roddy Smith, Chief Executive & Director, Essential Edinburgh, said: “This years’ celebration of Edinburgh’s iconic food & drink scene stands to bring together an even greater array of venues with set menus, events, and special offers exclusively for city centre workers. 

“Our hope is to bring people out to socialise, find new favourites and experience exciting meals created by some of the city’s best-known spots. Whether you’re a local, from the wider Lothians region or visiting from further afield, we know there will be something on offer to suit all tastes.”

For more information, a full list of offers, and to keep up to date with the campaign, visit: http://www.eatoutedinburgh.co.uk/