Category: city centre

It’s beginning to look a lot like … Edinburgh’s Christmas is back!

On behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, Underbelly announces that tickets for Edinburgh’s Christmas 2021 are now on sale.

–          Tickets on sale for selected rides and attractions.

–          The much-loved ice rink returns, sponsored by Lidl GB and partnered by Essential Edinburgh.

–          East Princes Street will see the return of festive food & drink and the Christmas Market.

–          West Princes Street will include Santa Land, featuring the magical Santa’s Grotto and family friendly attractions.

–          EH postcodes receive 20% discount.

Edinburgh’s Christmas is back and set to bring festive cheer to the heart of the city.

This year we see the return of the city’s much-loved Christmas ice rink, sponsored by Lidl GB and partnered by Essential Edinburgh, in its new home on George Street. The firm favourite will include a first for Edinburgh’s Christmas, skate up festive food and drink offerings alongside family sessions. Lidl on Ice will open on 19 November.

Once again East Princes Street Gardens hosts one the UK’s favourite Christmas Markets. The fantastic festive market will offer a wide range of European and local food, drink and crafts which are bound to get you into the Christmas spirit. 

The Forth 1 Big Wheel will return, alongside the Star Flyer, all against the backdrop of the iconic Edinburgh Castle. 

Edinburgh’s Christmas at East Princes Street Gardens will open on 20 November.

In a first for Edinburgh’s Christmas, those looking to get to the top of the nice list will find the city’s magical Santa’s Grotto in West Princes Street Gardens.

The lower gardens will be transformed into Santa Land featuring family friendly attractions including the Christmas Tree Maze and market stalls, full of festive treats and gifts. 

Santa Land will open on 19 November.

Tickets for Ice Skating, Santa’s Grotto, The Forth 1 Big Wheel and Star Flyer are now available to purchase through the Edinburgh’s Christmas website. Those with an EH postcode receive 20% off their tickets. 

This year, Edinburgh’s Christmas is going contactless and introducing a new ‘tap and ride’ scheme, rather than purchasing tickets from the traditional box office you will be able to purchase your ticket at each ride.

Further additions to the programme include:

Winter Windows will return throughout the city, and this year’s theme is “Connections and Kindness”. 

This special creative project encourages Edinburgh’s young and budding artists to showcase their talents to residents and visitors outside of the classroom. School pupils are invited to design their own stained-glass window to be displayed in our streets and community hubs.

This year’s theme allows Edinburgh’s school children to reflect on the connections made and kindness that they received and gave during the global pandemic.

The Nativity Scene, which this year moves to St Andrew Square. 

The Nativity Carol Concert, organised in conjunction with Edinburgh Churches Together, takes place on 28 November in St Andrew Square.

Following on from the success of the Light Night rainbow installation on the Mound in 2020, Edinburgh’s Christmas is working with Edinburgh based artist Hannah Ayre who will produce a beautiful contemporary art installation, illuminating the Mound with cascading geometric snowflakes.

This installation will sit alongside Edinburgh’s Christmas tree donated by the Hordaland County Council in Norway and will replace the Light Night event. 

The Mound installation will be illuminated from 20 November.

The Neighbourhood Market will return in 2021 and offer free listings for local Edinburgh businesses and attractions to showcase their products. In 2020, 207 local Edinburgh businesses showcased their products on the Edinburgh’s Christmas website.

To make sure Edinburgh’s Christmas is an experience as enjoyable as possible to all, Underbelly is pleased to be offering sensory packs to children and adult visitors with additional needs.

These will be available to hire, free of charge, and will contain a fidget toy, earplugs, water bottle, stress reliever and ear defenders. These items are designed to help users relax in situations they might find stressful.

The sensory packs are designed and kindly provided by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society.

Underbelly is meticulously planning Edinburgh’s Christmas with Covid-19 in mind and is dedicated to creating a safe and fun environment for the 2021 Christmas celebrations.

Working closely with the City of Edinburgh Council and Essential Edinburgh, Underbelly has created an unmissable festive programme, helping to boost domestic tourism and reinvigorating Princes Street and the surrounding areas. 

Edinburgh’s Christmas is designed to support economic recovery across the capital, driving footfall to the wider city centre area, bringing some much-needed cheer and happiness to both residents and visitors to Edinburgh.

This year’s festivities will also support Edinburgh’s Social Inclusion charity, the OneCity Trust with donations being taken at point of sale on the Edinburgh’s Christmas website and collection points at bars.

Underbelly Co-Directors, Charlie Wood and Ed Bartlam said: “The Underbelly team has been working tirelessly to create a bespoke Edinburgh’s Christmas programme that not only provides unforgettable memories and experiences, but also makes visitors feel safe and at ease at all times.

“It’s been a very challenging couple of years for everyone but our proposed plans for Christmas are designed to support economic recovery throughout the capital, and to help Edinburgh be together again.”

Roddy Smith, Chief Executive and Director of Essential Edinburgh said: “We’re delighted to be able to partner with Underbelly to restore Edinburgh’s world-renowned festive celebrations for 2021.

“This year’s event has been designed to provide a much-needed boost to local business by supporting footfall throughout the wider city centre, providing more businesses with the chance to reconnect with residents and visitors to our spectacular capital city. 

“We are especially pleased to support the fantastic ice rink on George Street which I am sure will be a great hit with everyone.”

Edinburgh’s Lord Provost and President of the OneCity Trust Frank Ross, said: “The festive season is a very special time for our city and our communities and I’m sure this year’s programme will be warmly welcomed by residents and visitors.

“Whilst the safety of everyone remains a priority it will be fantastic to see people coming together again and enjoying Edinburgh’s Christmas this year where there really is something for everyone.

“Festive favourites like the big wheel and the Christmas market will be back and it’s great that the fun is spread out a bit further this year, with Santa Land in West Princes Street Gardens and a magical festive ice rink at the west end of George Street. It promises to be a cracking Christmas party for everyone to enjoy.” 

Commenting on the partnership with the OneCity Trust, he added: “After months of lockdowns and social distancing, tackling the challenge of social isolation and inequalities has never been more pressing.

“Partnerships such as this with Underbelly and Edinburgh’s Christmas are crucial to our work. Not only will the return of Edinburgh’s Christmas help bring people back together and promote social inclusion, but the money raised will be a vital lifeline for so many community projects across Edinburgh through our main grant funding programme.”

LISTING INFORMATION

Edinburgh’s Christmas 2021
19 November – 4 January

Facebook: EdinburghsChristmas
Instagram: EdinburghsChrsitmas
Twitter: EdXmas
Website (and to subscribe to the Edinburgh’s Christmas newsletter): www.edinburghschristmas.com

Prices start from £6. EH postcodes receive 20% off

Edinburgh’s Christmas, East Princes Street Gardens
20 November – 4 January

Santa Land, West Princes Street Gardens
19 November – 4 January

Lidl on Ice, George Street
19 November – 4 January

Winter Windows around the city centre
19 November – 4 January

Edinburgh’s Christmas Neighbourhood Market Place
20 November – 4 January

Councillors to discuss finalised proposals for city centre Low Emission Zone next week

A final proposed Low Emission Zone (LEZ) for Edinburgh has been published for approval ahead of its planned introduction next Spring.

Proposals for a city centre LEZ applying to all motor vehicles, except motorcycles and mopeds, and with a two-year grace period, were first reported to Transport and Environment Committee in June. These have been reviewed following a major, 12-week consultation involving both statutory and non-statutory consultees.

Participants were asked for their views on key elements of the LEZ, such as the boundary, grace period and whether local exemptions should be allowed. More than 5000 responses were received, with around 100 on behalf of organisations. After careful analysis of feedback, it has been recommended to proceed with the city centre zone approved for consultation in June.

While there was support for the LEZ in principle, some issues were raised by respondents, amongst which are the potential for the restrictions to displace traffic around the zone’s boundary and the two-year grace period being too short.

The report published yesterday, to be considered by Transport and Environment Committee on Tuesday 26 October, responds to the main areas of concern, providing reassurance around the effectiveness of the scheme, support for people to adjust and mitigating measures, in particular a Network Management Strategy. This is being developed to reduce any traffic and air quality impacts.

Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “The publication of the final LEZ for approval is the culmination of a power of work analysing monitoring data, assessing consultation feedback and scenario-modelling, so it’s fantastic to have reached this point at last.

“Being able to breathe clean air is a basic right that everyone in the city deserves and this scheme, along with the many other projects to encourage sustainable transport, is key to achieving this. We urgently need to address air pollution and the damage it’s doing to our health.

“I’m confident that the LEZ being put forward for approval will have a really positive effect, while taking into account any impact on local businesses, residents and traffic patterns.”

Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said: “This report outlines the many measures that will be taken as we continue to develop the LEZ ahead of its introduction next spring to ensure it works for everyone, while doing the essential job of limiting air pollution in the city.

“This is central to our plans to deliver a more sustainable, environmentally friendly transport future in Edinburgh.”

Dr Mark Miller, Senior Research Fellow at The University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Cardiovascular Science, added: “The research we have carried out with the support of the British Heart Foundation has unequivocally shown that the particles in vehicle exhaust have harmful effects in the heart and circulation.

“These effects would make a person more likely to develop heart disease over time and could even increase the chances of a heart attack or stroke. It is vital that we adopt measures to reduce the levels of these harmful pollutants from our environment.”

An evidence-led approach was taken when developing the LEZ, adhering to the National Low Emission Framework and based on detailed traffic and air quality modelling and data.

The city centre boundary was selected based on various factors, including the expected limited impact of a larger zone and predictions that an alternative city centre zone would have longer lasting negative impacts on air quality at its boundary.

While it is not expected that air pollution will get worse across the city due to diversions around the boundary, and with cleaner vehicles expected to use the surrounding area, the Network Management Strategy aims to mitigate any short-term impacts near the boundary. This is likely to include junction reconfigurations, improvements to signage and optimised signalling.

Other measures to mitigate the impact of the LEZ are the two-year grace period, which is considered sufficient to allow people to prepare, and several support funds currently available for lower income households and small businesses.

Once the LEZ is in place, vehicles must meet a minimum emissions standard to enter the zone freely, and those that don’t will be considered non-compliant and subject to penalties.

Penalty charges are set nationally at £60 for non-compliant vehicles (though halved if paid within 30 days), with the penalty rate roughly doubling for subsequent contraventions to a maximum level depending on the vehicle.

Following the two-year grace period for Edinburgh’s LEZ, enforcement will begin in spring 2024.

Read the full report, Low Emission Zone – Consultation & Development, on the Council website and watch the discussion live via webcast from 10am on Tuesday, 26 October.

You can also find out more about the LEZ on CEC’s dedicated web pages.

St James Quarter adds fashion brand REISS

St James Quarter has added British fashion brand REISS to its line-up. The new 1,978 sq ft store will open on level three of the shopping district joining the likes of Kooples, Aesop, Russell & Bromley, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and H Beauty.

REISS is a modern, global fashion brand offering stylish women’s and men’s wear and will complement St James Quarter’s luxury fashion line up, bringing even more jobs to the Scottish capital. Founded in 1971 by David Reiss, the brand has 185 locations across 8 countries.

St James Quarter has gone from strength to strength since opening in June, and REISS joins the impressive and growing list of names at the retail led destination, which includes & Other Stories, Mango, Zara, Bershka, Pull & Bear, Stradivarius, Miele, Next, H&M, JD Sports, John Lewis and many more.

This latest letting also follows on from the recent announcement of two new lettings to international restaurants WingStop and Thai Express Kitchen at the quick service pitstop dining area, Leith Street Eats.

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “REISS has been a fixture of the British shopping scene for half a century and will be a welcome addition to St James Quarter’s growing list of luxury brands.

“At St James Quarter, there really is something for everyone and we’re continuing to grow our diverse offering by blending international retailers with household names and popular local brands.”

Spokesperson at REISS, added: “In our 50th year, we’re proud to be opening another REISS store in a great location.  St James Quarter is an exciting development with everything the modern customer is looking for.”

This latest signing at St James Quarter, which recently opened the first phase of its retail, dining, and leisure elements in June this year, underscores the Scottish capital’s global appeal and further bolsters the St James Quarter leisure offer.

A game-changing mixed-use development being delivered by Nuveen Real Estate, St James Quarter completes the distinctive offer of Edinburgh with over 80 new brands, an enticing mix of restaurants and bars, W Edinburgh, a boutique Everyman Cinema, a Roomzzz Aparthotel, and an unrivalled guest experience providing customers with an enviable events programme in a range of new and attractive public spaces.

Complementing an unrivalled shopping offer, St James Quarter will be a premier food and drink destination. It will provide a truly diverse offer – from fast, fresh food, to family and restaurant dining, including Bonnie & Wild as the anchor for the development’s new concept food hall alongside Five Guys, and The Alchemist. The offer will be available over a number of locations throughout St James Quarter, each with its own unique look and feel.

Christmas is back with a bang as St James Quarter announces the arrival of Bar Hütte’s festive experience

Edinburgh’s Christmas is back with a bang as St James Quarter announces the arrival of Bar Hütte’s festive experience that is set to take shape from Monday 8th November, offering a unique take on ‘Alpine Après Ski’.

Proving popular in other cities across the UK, the pop-up concept provides private holiday style chalets for shoppers to get cosy with friends and indulge in festive speciality cocktails, whilst taking part in Christmas karaoke.

Located at St James Square, customers can also enjoy live music sessions whilst sipping on a hot gin or spiced mulled wine and tucking into mince pies until Sunday 2nd January.

Inspired by previous trips to Courchevel, Zermatt and Tignes, Bar Hütte have created the look and atmosphere of traditional Alpine ski resorts. Furnished with a warm, festive décor, the super-snug ski hüttes are the perfect place to accommodate wintertime get-togethers, a post-Christmas shopping ‘pick-me-up’ or date nights with a difference.

Each private, bookable hütte includes a karaoke set-up so you and the blast out Mariah, Wham or Kylie to your hearts content.

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Bar Hütte to St James Quarter as part of our Christmas offering. With it being our first Christmas, we’re excited to join our customers in getting into the festive spirit and what better than mulled wine and karaoke to help us do that.

“These Alpine Après Ski’ inspired huts are the perfect way to create our very own winter wonderland here at The Quarter and we can’t wait for everyone to enjoy them.”

To experience a ‘Cosy Karaoke Hütte’ for up to eight people for 1 hour 45 minutes, each hut requires a non-refundable booking fee of £60. This includes Christmas karaoke as well as a complimentary welcome ‘Bombardino’ – a warm drink made up of hot rum and eggnog topped with whipped cream & cinnamon.

Bar Hütte also has a VIP area that can cater for up to 20 people for two hours for £150. This includes hire of the space, Christmas karaoke, a welcome glass of prosecco and a Bombardino for all guests on arrival.

For more details and to book tickets visit: https://www.barhutte.co.uk/ or get more information on Instagram and Facebook.

Hilton unveils industry-first F&B creations

From a six layered cake to a premium gin cocktail, Hilton has expanded its menu with new unique dishes

Calling all food and drink lovers – Hilton is adding four new mouth-watering, unique creations to its menu, available in 31 UK Hilton hotels from London to Edinburgh, and 145 hotels across Europe, Middle East and Africa.  

The brand-new creations have been developed as part of Hilton’s annual Flavour and Flair competition, where Hilton’s talented food and beverage team members from across Europe, Middle East and Africa go head-to-head with their creations, competing to have their drink or dish featured on Hilton menus across the region.

A long-standing pioneer on the flavour-front, Hilton kitchens and bars across the world are responsible for the birth of world-famous F&B firsts, from the Pina Colada, Waldorf Salad and even the Red Velvet cake.

Continuing with the trail-blazing, the four newest taste sensations are: 

Pastry perfection … The Belle Provence

A delicious six layered sponge cake, tiered with a surprising combination of fresh rosemary, sweet almond and juicy apricot compote. 

Creator, Chef Ankit from Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villasin Qatar, took inspiration from the region of Provence in France, which produces the largest amount of apricots, to bring this baking creation to life.

Cocktail’s finest … The Simia Sour

Be transported to the tropics with this perfectly balanced cocktail by mixologist Andrea Volajova from Hilton Prague, Czech Republic. 

Featuring a range of fresh botanicals of gin, zesty lemon juice and punchy cranberry juice, topped off with a foam of egg white. 

Mouth-watering mocktail … The Zinggreen Frost

A health fuelled mocktail, bursting with luscious cold green tea, aromatic ginger water, lemon juice and sweet honey, with a touch of mint to finish. Bartender Mohammed Hassan from Hilton Hurghada Plaza in Egypt, wanted the drink to provide a refreshing hit of zesty goodness with every sip and move away from calorie laden, sweet concoctions.

Punchy power bowl … The Rainbowl 

A stunning power bowl like no other. Chef de Partie Pedro Caetano from Conrad Algarve in Portugal took inspiration from the colours of the rainbow. 

His creation features bright blueberry salmon, delectable quinoa and black chia, salty granola and a whole range of exotic vegetables and fruits which creates the stunning rainbow effect.

Emma Banks, Vice President of F&B Strategy & Development EMEA, said: “For over a century we have been serving up industry firsts, from the Pina Colada to the Red Velvet cake.

“Our culinary and cocktail teams are more determined than ever to be innovating and creating world famous F&B. By galvanising our talented team members with the Flavour and Flair competitions, it inspires them to create the next big dishes, that will help us lead trends for the next century.

“Now available in the UK, make sure you visit your nearest Hilton to sample them all for yourself!”

To find out more and join the conversation visit @tasteofhilton 

#TheNextBigThing

St James Quarter’s first ever fashion festival ‘Edinburgh Style’

Grab your heels, dress to impress and prepare to be inspired as St James Quarter presents its very first ‘Edinburgh Style’ event from Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th October.

Scotland’s new fashion capital, St James Quarter will host an array of stylish events over the long weekend. The line-up includes fashion and beauty workshops hosted by world-renowned influencers, autumnal wreath demonstrations to live music with Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival and an unmissable fashion show in partnership Edinburgh College of Art.

Kicking off from 11am each day, St James Quarter will have a variety of pop-up locations for fashionistas to explore including the ‘Style Dome’ on St James Square and the ‘Style Lounge’ in the galleria.

Attendees can drop into the ’Style Dome’ to watch a series of talks hosted by eight iconic influencers over the course of the weekend. The influential hosts include the beauty icon who boasts Kim Kardashian as one of their number one fans, Reuben de Maid, Scottish fashion guru and Dula fashion house founder, Jilly Isabella and food expert Just Jess.

John Lewis will also host an exclusive session with established model Chioma who will provide top tips on how to style your wardrobe this winter.

And it doesn’t stop there: Edinburgh College of Art graduates will be presenting their collections with models in the galleria and onto the car park for a one-off not to be missed boutique fashion show.

Attendees can also admire work created by Textiles and Jewellery & Silversmithing graduates displayed in the ‘Style Dome’, as well as hear from Edinburgh College of Art and Graduate Fashion Week 2019 Award Winner Rosie Baird, who will be discussing her own graduate collection and inspiration behind the St James Quarter Tartan that she designed.

Throughout the weekend shoppers will be entertained with pop-up bars, an art exhibition, selfie stations at the ‘Style Stories’ and so much more. A number of brands from The Quarter including Boots, Peloton, Ixia Flowers, Bodyshop, Keihl’s and IOLLA are also set to get involved throughout the weekend.

 Rochelle Weir, brand and marketing director at St James Quarter, said: “What an event we have lined up. Not only will this give people an opportunity to see all the amazing brands, including Keihl’s and IOLLA, we have here at St James Quarter but it’s also a chance to flaunt your own style and be inspired by others. The influencers attending to host our fashion and beauty workshops are some of the best in the business.

“Who better to give you glam tips than Reuben de Maid – the person who has worked one to one with Kim Kardashian!

“We are also extremely excited to be working with Edinburgh College of Art graduates to bring our very own fashion show to life. If you’re in Edinburgh from the 14th-17th October, make sure to come down and check out everything we have going on – it’s not to be missed!”

Mal Burkinshaw, Head of Design at Edinburgh College of Art, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with St James Quarter for this unique event. This opportunity gives our graduates a platform within a high-end retail context and will be an invaluable experience for them.”

Edinburgh Style events are free to attend and will be allocated on the day through a first come, first served basis. For more information on the events taking place from Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th October visit St James Quarter’s event page at: https://stjamesquarter.com/events/

To celebrate Edinburgh Style and other upcoming events, St James Quarter is offering all customers half price car parking from 5:30pm every night until Sunday 31st October.

First look at Castle of Light as the interactive show prepares for its return to the capital this winter

Tickets on sale now

The creative team behind Castle of Light has unveiled a first look at this year’s mesmerising sensory show, as general tickets go on sale. 

Celebrating ‘hidden treasures’, the 2021 show is set to put a spotlight on the lesser-known stories from Scotland’s past. Projections unveiled today tease the re-discovery of the Honours of Scotland, the return of Rex the lovable lion rampant and a first look at some of the secrets of St. Margaret, and the treasures within her chapel, ahead of the show launch in November.

10-year-old Robert Lauder, from Balerno, took to the grounds of Edinburgh Castle after-dark for a first glimpse of the light spectacular.

Tasked with uncovering stories, old and new, Castle of Light promises to bring tales to life with the use of stunning visuals, state-of-the-art projections and captivating storytelling. 

Creative Director Andy McGregor, who is working alongside Double Take Projections, NL Productions and War Productions Ltd, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, on this year’s event, said: “We are hugely excited to be back with a new show for 2021. The fact that we couldn’t make it last year has given us 2 years to develop HIDDEN TREASURES and we truly believe it will be worth the wait. 

“There will be new takes on popular family features plus a whole lot more in the way of legend, light and sparkle – all inspired by the lesser known stories of this incredible site. Edinburgh Castle is a magical place at any time but a visit by night with over a dozen unique light and sound experiences to enjoy really makes it Scotland’s unmissable winter experience.”

Heather Soutar, Head of Commercial Development at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which operates Edinburgh Castle, said: “We are thrilled to welcome back Castle of Light this year, especially following the success of our last event in 2019. 

“This year, we are inviting visitors to explore Scotland’s untold history as we take them on a journey using state-of-the-art projections at Edinburgh’s iconic landmark. Prepare to be amazed by the biggest light experience the capital has to offer, we can’t wait for everyone to experience it.”

Edinburgh Castle will be home to the immersive walking tour for eight weeks throughout the festive season, from Friday 19 November 2021 to Sunday 9 January 2022.  Tickets are on sale now. 

Tickets are also available for an ‘Access’ night taking place on Thursday 25 November, designed to cater for people with additional support needs, including autism and dementia.

Ensuring as many people as possible can experience the animated storytelling tour, the evening will feature a range of specific support, including British Sign Language interpretation and audio described tours, as well as a designated quiet space and ear defenders to help manage noise.

Adult tickets cost £20, with concession rates, family tickets and discounts for Historic Scotland members available. For more information and to get your tickets, visit CastleofLight.scot.  

St James Quarter completes Leith St Eats line up with Wingstop and Thai Express Kitchen

St James Quarter is spicing things up with two new international restaurants joining the already mouth-watering and diverse F&B line up in the heart of the city.  

Designed around a crescent ‘urban garden’ theme, Leith St Eats offers a hangout spot from lunchtime right though till late evening hosting a compelling line-up of local, national, and international eateries.

Wingstop, the international chicken wing restaurant, is set to occupy a 1,800 sq ft space at Leith St Eats on level one, becoming the restaurants’ most recent UK signing, the first in Scotland and adding to its 1,500+ branches worldwide. Partnered with rap artist Rick Ross in the US, the brand has already made its mark on the UK scene, collaborating with the likes of Gymshark, Reprezent Radio and Xbox.

Also bringing a new distinctive offer to St James Quarter is Thai Express, the global leading brand for fast casual Thai dining. Thai Express will be taking 2,600 sq ft located at Leith St Eats and bringing a new format – ‘Thai Express Kitchen’ to Edinburgh.

The new concept will add to the Quarter’s evening offering and will boast an open kitchen, allowing diners to marvel at flames created by wok chefs. Renowned for its signature Pad Thai and trademarked “General Thai”, Thai Express has over 350 stores worldwide, however this will be a first for the Thai Express Kitchen format, bringing that “same same but different” feel.

Completing the line-up alongside Five Guys, Tortilla and Edinburgh-based Maki & Ramen within Leith St Eats is gourmet kebab brand GDK.

Conceived in Berlin, GDK offers an elevated but authentic kebab experience with lean meats, hand-made breads and signature sauces.

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome more delicious eateries to the Quarter. The success of our restaurants and food outlets so far has been second to none and I’ve enjoyed not only hearing the incredible feedback from customers but also seeing the enjoyment from the staff at each establishment.

“Adding more ‘firsts’ to the list with Wingstop and Thai Express Kitchen really shows the calibre of our offering within Quarter and we can’t wait to welcome everyone in to try them out.”

Tom Grogan, Director, Lemon Pepper Holdings, said: “We have taken our time to look for the perfect location for our first Wingstop location in Scotland and we are delighted with the site we have chosen in Edinburgh at St James Quarter.

“We look forward to introducing our Flavours and Wings to the guests of this iconic development.”

Sachin Pattani, Managing Director, Thai Express, added: “We are eager to open our doors to the public. We have really pushed the boat on the design by introducing one of a kind double decker seating, a hanging garden, and an impressive 12 meter mural.

“As well as extending our food and drink offering with exciting twists on your traditional Thai classics. St. James is the perfect setting to unveil our new concept.”

The recent signings will join the likes of Ka Pao, Black Sheep, Bross Bagels, Salerno Pizza, Bonnie & Wild, Sushi Samba and Pho as St James Quarter continues to strengthen an already formidable line up of dining options.

St James Quarter gives a sneak peek into life ‘Behind the Quarter’

As the buzz of the official opening of St James Quarter continues, St James Quarter has provided a rare insight into life behind the scenes, showcasing some of the brands’ located at The Quarter and an update on their story so far.  

Episode 3 of the ‘Behind the Quarter’ series features exclusive interviews with some of the brands that are a first for Scotland, including Pull & Bear, Stradivarius and & Other Stories. Viewers can also enjoy watching snippets of shoppers and colleagues enjoying Edinburgh’s newest retail district.

The video reflects on what guests can now enjoy at the 1.7 million sq ft development which, once fully complete, will feature a shopping galleria with 80 different retailers, an enticing mix of restaurants, Scotland’s first W Edinburgh hotel, a boutique Everyman Cinema, a Roomzzz Aparthotel, residential apartments and parking for 1,600 cars.  

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter opens the video sharing details on life at The Quarter so far before moving onto some of the first guests to enter the galleria and their initial impressions and reactions to the brand-new shopping district.

Representatives from LEGO, Rituals, Krispy Kreme, Superdrug, Bonnie & Wild, The Kooples, Lane7 and Tortilla are also interviewed in the video sharing exclusive details of what they have been up to since opening their doors and what customers can expect over the coming months.

The full video can be streamed here.

To download this teaser content, click here.

St James Quarter announces partnership with two city charities

St James Quarter is proud to announce its partnership with two Edinburgh charities, Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids and Deaf Action. Through the partnership, St James Quarter aims to raise over £100,000 in the next 12 months, improving the lives of disadvantaged children or those who are deaf or hard of hearing in the local community.  

Over the next year, St James Quarter aims to raise the equivalent of 1p per visitor to The Quarter through a host of staff and guest initiatives.

Through the partnership with Deaf Action, St James Quarter is committed to becoming the world’s first cultural and lifestyle hub which is fully inclusive and accessible to deaf visitors.

There are 75,000 deaf and hard of hearing people living within 1 hour of St James Quarter, so together, the partnership aims to raise deaf awareness, celebrate deaf culture, and equip those at St James Quarter with the skills they need to offer a truly welcoming and inclusive experience for all.

Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids is a local charity based in Edinburgh. Everything raised locally, stays locally. The partnership with St James Quarter will help to raise vital funds to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the local Edinburgh community who are affected by poverty, illness, neglect and additional needs.

The collaboration comes at a crucial stage for Cash For Kids who have supported over 10,000 local families who have been hardest-hit by the pandemic by providing the basic essentials such as food, toiletries, clothing and electricity.

Nick Peel, Managing Director for St James Quarter, said: “St James Quarter sits at the heart of the Edinburgh community, and we distil this ethos through everything we do.

“We’ve been truly inspired by the incredible work Deaf Action and Cash For Kids do and we’re really proud to play our part in supporting them over the next 12 months.”

Victoria Hendry, Charity manager at Radio Forth Cash for Kids, said: “We’re thrilled to have been chosen as a charity partner of St James Quarter. Being a local charity supporting children and young people right on our doorstep, we’re so passionate about creating strong partnerships with local brands and with St James Quarter being such a staple destination in the city we couldn’t think of a better fit.

“We are really looking forward to working with them over the coming months on innovative and creative events and campaigns to enable us to support events more local children in and around Edinburgh.”

Philip Gerrard, CEO of Deaf Action, said: “Deaf Action is honoured to be one of the first official charity partners for St James Quarter for the year ahead. With 1 in 5 people in Scotland being affected by hearing loss, this is an amazing opportunity to raise the profile of deafness across the country.

“As we work with the team at St James Quarter to improve accessibility, we can help them become the UK’s first fully inclusive lifestyle hub where the deaf community feel welcome.”