Category: West End

Room to Recharge:  Kimpton Hotels in Scotland launch new wellness programme, ‘Stay Well’

  • Kimpton Hotels in Edinburgh and Glasgow have launched ‘Stay Well,’ a new wellness-first initiative designed to help guests “feel good, travel better, and stay well” while travelling.
  • From Swell Sound Therapy for better sleep to personalised Technogym workouts (tailored to available equipment), Urban Trails, and indulgent self-care treats, wellness is effortlessly woven into every stay.
  • As part of the Forgot It, We’ve Got It programme foam rollers, blue light glasses, Recovery Wave Boots, grounding mats, and LED therapy masks will be available for guests to borrow too.
  • Available from January 2nd at Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa in Glasgow and Kimpton Charlotte Square in Edinburgh
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Ever worry about sticking to your fitness routine on holiday? Or struggle to unwind after a day of exploring? Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa in Glasgow and Kimpton Charlotte Square in Edinburgh have the solution.

Introducing Stay Well, a new wellness-first initiative designed to help guests feel balanced, rejuvenated, and completely at ease while travelling, launching on 2nd January 2025. From tailored fitness options to luxurious self-care treats, Stay Well seamlessly integrates wellness into every stay.

At the heart of Stay Well is complimentary access to Swell Sound Therapy, offering calming soundscapes in every room to help guests relax, de-stress, and enjoy better sleep. This service is available to all guests, with no additional charge.

For fitness enthusiasts, Kimpton’s exclusive partnership with Technogym provides access to personalised workouts via an easy-to-use app, tailored specifically for each traveller. The app creates bespoke workouts based on the available equipment or even the surroundings, ensuring a seamless fitness experience wherever you are. 

Guests can continue using the app even after leaving the hotel. Whether you prefer a session in the gym, yoga in your room, or mindful movement outdoors, your wellness routine is covered. The only part of the experience that is paid for is the special room service menu.

Exploring Glasgow or making the most your time in the Scottish capital? The Stay Well experience extends beyond the hotel with curated Kimpton Urban Trails, designed for walking, running, or cycling through iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Guests can even take advantage of the complimentary Kimpton bikes, perfect for a leisurely ride or a heart-pumping adventure around town.

Forgotten your wellness essentials? Don’t worry—Kimpton’s ‘Forgot It, We’ve Got It’ programme has you covered. Whether it’s a toothbrush, hair straighteners, or other travel must-haves, Kimpton will ensure you have what you need to feel at ease. Building on this, the programme now includes a range of wellness equipment you can borrow straight from reception. From foam rollers to Theraguns, Recovery Wave Boots, grounding mats, LED face masks, and beyond, these additions make it easy to maintain your wellness routine while traveling.

And for the ultimate in self-care, the Stay Well Room Service Menu brings indulgent treats right to your door. Visitors can enjoy organic Ishga bath salts, Maskology warming eye masks, and restorative patches by celebrity acupuncturist and wellness expert Ross J. Barr—known for treating Meghan Markle. These patches are designed to support a range of needs, including enhancing breathing (Breathe), promoting relaxation (Calm) and sleep (Sleep), soothing discomfort and aiding pain relief (Healing), and alleviating aches and pains associated with menstruation (Period).

“We’ve listened closely to our guests, and it’s clear they want wellness to be a natural part of their travel experience—not an afterthought,” says Finlay Anderson, Area Spa Director UK – InterContinental Hotels Group. “Stay Well is about meeting that need with thoughtful touches, from fitness options that fit seamlessly into their routines to luxurious self-care treats that help them truly unwind. It’s all designed to help our guests feel their best—whether they’re here for work, leisure, or a bit of both”.

Guests can already enjoy award-winning facilities such as Kimpton Blythswood Square’s Spa, home to Scotland’s first snow shower. Located in the heart of Glasgow’s most elegant square, the spa features four curated journeys which use contrasting thermal therapies to soothe the mind, body, and soul.

Whether visitors are yearning for stillness, seeking clarity, craving an energy boost or aching for relaxation, the Spa at Kimpton Blythswood Square is the perfect place to relax, detox, invigorate and recover. 

For those visiting Kimpton Charlotte Square, the spa and leisure club is the ultimate destination for fitness and wellness. A pioneer for new cutting-edge technology, the spa features the UK’s first Sound Therapy Room and Suite – a haven for relaxation within Edinburgh’s bustling City Centre.

A perfect place for guests to elevate their wellness experience, the Spa at Kimpton Charlotte Square also offers a Leisure Club membership for those looking to work up a sweat in luxury surroundings followed by a dip in a mood-lit 12m pool. Leisure Club members also have access to the thermal area, featuring a sauna and steam rooms, and experience showers.

The Stay Well experience is available from 2nd January at Kimpton Hotels UK-wide including Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa, Glasgow, Kimpton Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, Kimpton Fitzroy London, and Kimpton Clocktower Manchester.

‘Murder on the Midnight Express’ returns to Somewhere by Nico for a limited time only

  • Somewhere by Nico is calling for all detectives as it brings back its sell-out Murder on the Midnight Express cocktail experience, inspired by the classic game of suspense
  • Running for a limited time only, the menu will be available at Somewhere by Nico in Edinburgh at Charlotte Lane from 8th January – to 2nd February 2025
  • 0% alcohol options are also available, providing new ways to enjoy the experience without compromise

Back by popular demand, Murder on the Midnight Express is making its highly anticipated return to Somewhere by Nico in for a limited time only. From 8th January — 2nd February, this thrilling cocktail experience invites guests to step into a world of mystery, inspired by the classic game of suspense.

As the train pulls back into Somewhere by Nico, guests will be immersed into the exhilarating journey to solve the mystery of who shot Gustave Laroche. For £45 per person, the five-course cocktail menu takes participants on a flavourful and intriguing ride, with each sip revealing a new clue.

For those seeking an extra twist, an optional bonus cocktail provides an additional hint to elevate the detective experience.

Perfect for a new year outing with friends or family, Murder on the Midnight Express is an experience like no other – combining captivating storytelling, exceptional cocktails, and an immersive mystery to solve. With 0% alcohol options available, there’s something for everyone at Somewhere by Nico – without compromising on taste.

This limited-time menu will be available at both Somewhere by Nico Edinburgh (39a Charlotte Lane) and Somewhere by Nico Glasgow (358 Byres Road).

Limited-Time Offer
Guests are encouraged to book early to secure their seat in January with a limited-time offer at just £30pp (saving £15pp).

Early bird bookings for can be made here

Whether for a friend, loved one, or a treat for yourself, Murder on the Midnight Express is the perfect gift that provides an unforgettable experience to share.

Nico Simeone, CEO and Founder of Six by Nico, commented: “We’re thrilled to bring back Murder on the Midnight Express to Somewhere by Nico for a limited time. This unique cocktail journey blends mystery, adventure, and creative storytelling to offer our guests an experience that goes beyond just drinks.

“We can’t wait to welcome guests as they put their detective skills to the test and solve the mystery of Gustave Laroche’s murder. With a carefully crafted five-course cocktail journey, plus 0% alcohol options, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.”

For more information about Somewhere by Nico and to secure your booking, please visit here

Free Concert: Bach’s Magnificat at St Mary’s Episcopal Catherdral

SUNDAY 15th DECEMBER at 3.30pm

🎵 Don’t miss our upcoming performance of J.S. Bach’s famous Magnificat!

✨ Free-entry! No need to book to hear this beautiful choral music!

❄️ This liturgical performance will be interspersed with short readings for Advent.

https://tinyurl.com/5359me5s

Johnnie Walker Princes Street all set for successful Festive Season

  • Gifting, tours and tastings, Johnnie Walker Princes Street has everything under one-roof this festive season
  • The Eight Floor venue on Edinburgh’s Princes Street has Once Again been Named World’s Leading Spirit Experience at the World Travel Awards

The countdown to the most festive time of the year is officially on, and as the lights begin to twinkle and thoughts turn towards celebrations, there is no better place to start the festivities than Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh.

This has been a milestone year for the venue which celebrated its third anniversary and one million visitors from over 141 countries since opening, and last week was once again crowned as the World’s Leading Spirit Experience in the World Travel Awards, known as the Oscars of tourism.

Bringing in the most festive time of the year, the venue is getting ready for party season with festive discounts on whisky and retail items, prize draws of a seasonal bottling and experiences*, canapes, alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails and non-alcoholic hot-toddies, plus performances from Wicked Pitch Choir, all available between 6-8 December.

The venue is a must-visit location throughout November and December for anyone looking for festive food and drinks, a whisky experience like no other, or a place to pick up the perfect gift for loved ones.

Don’t miss the venue’s annual wintery projection which will be lighting up Princes Street with eight-storey high nutcrackers, beautifully wrapped presents, and a stunning snowscape to mark its newly released Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet bottle in collaboration with Priyanka Chopra Jonas.

Go online to explore the experiences available or book your spot at the 1820 Rooftop Bar: JohnnieWalkerPrincesStreet.com.

Festive food and drink at the 1820 Rooftop Bar

‘Tis the season for enjoying the very best food and drink, and the 1820 Rooftop Bar has just that. If you’re looking to bring in the festive season with friends or work-mates over a festive meal, or need somewhere to relax after a long day of shopping, pick from a range of small to large plates of delicious, locally sourced food.

Cocktails and mocktails are available at the 1820 Rooftop Bar and are complimented by expansive views over the Edinburgh City skyline and the Edinburgh Castle. Crafted by the talented in-house team, you can select from classic cocktails to something a bit more creative such as the maple syrup + five spice lowball.

This mix of Johnnie Walker Green Label, Maple Syrup Port of Leith Oloroso Sherry and the house-made five spice liquid infusion packs flavour and comes and topped with that all important black sesame cracker.

Book your spot now.

One stop shop for gifting

An experience in itself, visitors can explore one-off rare gifts, to stocking fillers and much more. Discover a treasure trove of Johnnie Walker exclusives, single malt whiskies. From peaty to smoky to sweet flavours, there’s something for every palate, plus you can even get hands-on by filling, bottling, and engraving your own seasonal Johnnie Walker blend which is the perfect gift.

Gift boxes can be packed full of Johnnie Walker goodies galore. Select the perfect combo for the lucky person on your gift list – Christmas tree baubles, crackers, a Johnnie Walker hat made from sustainable materials or a miniature bottle of the iconic Johnnie Walker Blue Label, make your pick and be sure to stand out at this year’s Secret Santa.

Kind spirits looking to give the gift of whisky to a loved one are also in luck. Johnnie Walker Princes Street whisky gift cards in store to give the gift of choice, from exclusive bottlings, clothing and accessories; or arrange an e-gift card online for one of the brilliant experiences.

Experiences

Experiences continue to be on the rise when it comes to what people are looking for during gifting season – at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, you can hand-pick an experience for the favourite people in your life based on their preferences. From experiences for those new to whisky, to guided tastings from experts for those better acquainted with the liquid and its origins, choose from a host of options and make someone’s winter.

Journey of Flavour (£30)

Perfect for a gift, or just for marking the most magical time of year with loved ones, add the immersive 90-minute Journey of Flavour Tour to your plans, and set off on a whisky discovery experience where personal flavour preferences are mapped with drinks tailored to each individual palate.

Book Journey of Flavour here.

Whisky Maker’s Cellar (£95)

One for the whisky lovers, here guests can delve further into the plethora of whiskies made across Scotland including newly added exclusive casks, Mortlach and Roseisle. With tastings of rare and exceptional drams, plus the chance to watch as an expert guide draws from a cask and blends a truly unique iteration just for you – this is a must-do experience for anyone who loves their Scotch.

Book the Whisky Maker’s Cellar here.

Johnnie & The Chocolatier Experience (£65)

Treat your loved ones to two of life’s luxuries at this pairing experience. Tap into the senses and taste whisky like never have before – explore the depth of flavours and complexity of taste with four delicious Johnie Walker drams, alongside chocolates from the renowned Highland Chocolatier, Iain Burnett.

Book Johnnie & The Chocolatier Experience here.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label & Ice Chalet Tasting Experience (£30)

Perfectly on season, try out the newly released Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet by Master Blender Emma Walker in a 45-minute sensory tasting at Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s exclusive Cinema Room. A stunning blend of drams from some of Scotland’s highest distilleries distilled in the coldest of winters, you can sample this unique, velvety-smooth whisky which evokes fresh snow, warm fires and crisp mountain air.

Book The Ice Chalet Experience here.

Rob Maxwell, head of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said: “It’s been a year of celebrations for us here at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, and as we approach our third festive season in Edinburgh, we are looking forward to celebrating with our guests.

“Our stunning projection is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to us marking party season in style – once guests step inside, they’re in for a treat, whether they’re in for an experience, a cocktail or a spot of shopping.

“If you’re looking for something wintery, we have it in the form of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet bottle which comes with its own carrier as designed by luxury ski-wear brand Perfect Moment, or if you’re staying out the cold head up to the 1820 Rooftop Bar and look down, cocktail in hand, as the lights sparkle across the city welcoming in the most wonderful time of the year.”

To book your Johnnie Walker experience, and for more information, visit:

 JohnnieWalkerPrincesStreet.com

Re-igniting magical memories with nostalgia at Six by Nico

  • Running for six weeks, this latest menu provides nostalgic feelings to transport you back to a simpler time. 
  • The menu will run in both of the capital’s Six by Nico locations including Queensferry Street and Hanover Street from 16 December 2024 to 26 January 2025 – with bookings starting at £44 per person

Six by Nico, the dynamic dining experience in Edinburgh known for its six-week tasting menu rotation, has unveiled its latest six-course concept, transporting guests back to the good old days with déjà vu food that serves a taste of forgotten flavours with every bite.

Taking inspiration from CEO and Founder Nico Simeone’s childhood favourites and his families festive traditions, the latest concept menu is full of creative twists on old school classic flavours that will never fade.

The latest menu will run at Six by Nico’s city centre locations including Queensferry Street and Hanover Street, for six weeks from 16th December 2024 to 26th January 2025, using timeless tastes to help guests forget about being an adult for a while.

The menu includes the following dishes:

Snacks – Space Raiders

Crushed Baby Potato, Pickled Onion, Garlic Emulsion & Fermented Melon Hot Sauce

Course 1 – Blockbuster

Aged Comte, Hazelnut & Serrano Ham “Taco” 

Course 2 – Super Mario

Roasted Maitake, Smoked Celeriac, Cep Gnocchi, Lovage, Truffle & Sherry Cappuccino

Course 3 – “Let’s go camping!” 

Smoked Pork Sausage, Aged Belly, Red Pepper Romesco, Nasturtium & Almond 

Course 4 – Fish Fingers 

Barbecue Coley, Miso Carrot & Lobster Emulsion served with Crispy Fish Finger, Shellfish Bisque & Salted Kumquat

Course 5 – Guess Who? 

A classic game inspires our dish, but can you Guess Who?

Course 6 – “SNOWBALL FIIIGHT!!”

Coconut Parfait, Lime Gel, 55% Chocolate, Yoghurt “Snow”

Vegetarian

Snacks – Space Raiders

Crushed Baby Potato, Pickled Onion, Garlic Emulsion & Fermented Melon Hot Sauce

Course 1 – Blockbuster

Aged Comte, Hazelnut & Quince “Taco”

Course 2 – Super Mario

Roasted Maitake, Smoked Celeriac, Cep Gnocchi, Lovage, Truffle & Sherry Cappuccino

Course 3 – “Let’s go camping!”

Smoked Potato, Red Pepper Romesco, Nasturtium &  Almond

Course 4 – Fish Fingers

Barbecue Hispi Cabbage, Miso Carrot & Vadouvan served with Smoked Onion Foam & Carrot Cromesquis

Course 5 – Guess Who?

A classic game inspires our dish, but can you Guess Who?

Course 6 – “SNOWBALL FIIIGHT!!”

Coconut Parfait, Lime Gel, 55% Chocolate, Yoghurt “Snow”

For £44, guests will be able to experience the old school flavours of Nostalgia, with a matching wine pairing from £30 per person or cocktail pairing from £40 per person. Start the experience with the snack selection for only £10 per person.   

Nico Simeone, CEO and Founder of the Six Company, commented: “Our final menu of 2024 and the first of 2025 pays homage to nostalgia, inviting guests on a journey through flavours that evoke personal memories.

“Inspired by reflections on my childhood, it draws on moments from an era spent watching films, playing games, or enjoying time outdoors with friends.

“While New Year often focuses on resolutions, this menu celebrates traditions and revisits the timeless magic of Christmas through familiar and comforting tastes.”

St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral features on Christmas postage stamp

ST Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in Palmerston Place are delighted to announce that they feature on Royal Mail’s Second Class Christmas postage stamp this year!

CHRISTMAS stamps for 2024 from Royal Mail feature original illustrations of five UK cathedrals: St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh; St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh; Liverpool Cathedral; St Deiniol’s Cathedral, Bangor; and the RC Westminster Cathedral.

The Royal Mail’s director of external affairs and policy, David Gold, said at the launch: “Cathedrals are a hugely significant part of our cultural heritage and play an important role in local communities.

“They also offer space for peaceful reflection and a bit of an escape from the challenges of daily life, which can be especially important at Christmas.”

Designed by the British artist Judy Joel, the stamps were revealed for the first time today – 5 November.

Royal Mail described the five buildings as “some of the most spectacular cathedrals in the UK”, highlighting the first, Edinburgh, designed by Sir Gilbert Scott and consecrated in 1879, as “boldly harking back to upwardly soaring medieval Gothic cathedrals, with its three spires dominating Edinburgh”.

Royal Mail worked closely with Janet Gough, formerly director of cathedrals and church buildings for the Church of England, and an authority on historic churches. Ms Gough said: “These special stamps are a reminder that, for centuries past, cathedrals have provided sanctuary, community, joy, and wonder at the birth of Christ”.

“And they continue to do so today, standing at the very heart of our cities. All the UK cathedrals will be open over Christmas, ready to welcome people of all faiths and none. For services, prayer, and celebration, to find peace, or to enjoy the splendour of their music, architecture, and treasures, visit a cathedral this Christmas.”

The stamps, together with a range of collectibles, are now on sale.

Why not visit St Mary’s Cathedral this Christmas? https://tinyurl.com/49zxue2u

Johnnie Walker Princes Street marks one million visitors milestone

  • “World’s Leading Spirit Tourism Experience” has hosted over 1M guests from over 141 Countries
  • 80% of visitors note a positive influence on Scottish tourism
  • Further stats & downloadable infographics are available here.

Johnnie Walker Princes Street, the World’s Leading Spirit Tourism Experience, is celebrating a massive milestone this week, having now welcomed over 1 million visitors from 141 countries just three years since opening its doors.

Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray was on site today congratulating the team as they celebrated the milestone.

The venue leverages AI powered personalisation technology to help guests discover their personal flavour profile, which is then used to tailor their experience on Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s signature “Journey of Flavour”.

To date, the experience has collected the flavour profiles of over 100,000 guests, an invaluable resource for product development. The experience seeks to inspire visitors to explore the wider world of Scotch Whisky as it relates to their own personal tastes, breaking down barriers including those around how the drink should be enjoyed by focusing on cocktail culture, serving almost 700K highballs and cocktails alone since opening.

Johnnie Walker Princes Street serves as a key destination within Scotland’s vibrant food and drink landscape, attracting visitors eager to immerse themselves in local culture. According to the Scotland Visitor Survey 2023, nearly half (46%) of visitors to the country engage in food and drink activities during their stay, with 26% visiting a whisky, gin distillery or brewery, and 21% visiting a whisky distillery.

The venue’s formula has proved a successful one, with Johnnie Walker Princes Street garnering an impressive “Net Promoter Score”, a trusted metric for measuring customer experience, of 85, and 91% of visitors’ perception of Johnnie Walker improving post visit using “brand conversion” tracking.

The nearly 50/50 male and female gender split  is a particular point of pride.

The Rt Hon Ian Murray MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, said: “It was incredibly exciting to visit Johnnie Walker Princes Street today to celebrate this hugely important milestone.

“It’s a fantastic attraction, making a huge contribution to Edinburgh’s tourism and the local economy. And of course, it’s a huge promotion for Scotch whisky, one of Scotland’s biggest success stories, and a key part of Brand Scotland.”

Guests from Australia to Zimbabwe and everywhere in between have passed through the venue’s doors since September 2021. With 24% of guests visiting from countries with high spend per head like the US 7 and 80% of visitors noting Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s place in supporting the growth of Scottish Tourism 2.

Vicki Miller, Chief Executive at VisitScotland, said: “This is an amazing achievement by Johnnie Walker Princes Street. It is a testament to the investment and confidence of Diageo in creating a luxury visitor experience in the centre of the city, and the staff, whose work has maintained its popularity.

“Scotch whisky is a unique part of our cultural heritage and as such is hugely important to what makes Scotland a must-visit destination. Our own research shows that a quarter of all visitors to Scotland take in a whisky, gin or brewery experience.

“Since opening in 2021, Johnnie Walker Princes Street has become an essential attraction while complementing the burgeoning food and drink experiences across the city. Its popularity will no doubt have helped support the successful post-pandemic recovery of international tourism.”

Dafydd Pugh Williams, Managing Director of Diageo’s Scotland Brand Homes added: “Johnnie Walker Princes Street was launched to recruit consumers from around the World to Johnnie Walker and indeed the entire Scotch Whisky category.

“We wanted to disrupt consumer perceptions of Whisky through offering a pioneering experience which demonstrated the huge breath of flavours with the category, the incredible history of Johnie Walker and champion the people and communities which have helped make the brand a global icon.

“We could not be prouder of the venue’s hugely dedicated team who have made such an impact on so many guests in just three short years. We’d like to thank our colleagues in the Scotch Whisky Association and Visit Scotland for their continued support as we work together to showcase Scotch, and Scotland, to the world.

“Most excitingly we feel like we’re just getting started and there is plenty more growth to come as we Keep Walking.”

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World Premiere at St Mary’s

🎵 Join us for a world première!

✨ Our renowned choir will give the first performance of Joanna Marsh composer‘s new piece ‘The Everlasting Covenant’ at Choral Evensong on Sun 6th Oct at 3.30pm!

💡 All welcome to join us, for FREE. https://tinyurl.com/3w9pnztw

Million-pound legacy for Scotland’s national Music School

St Mary’s Music School, Scotland’s national music school, is celebrating the most significant legacy to be received in its 50-year-long history, thanks to the generosity of School supporter and music enthusiast, the late David Hutcheson.

A great music lover, David was a major supporter of the Edinburgh School in his later years and a regular attender at its concerts and performances. He believed passionately in supporting young people and music.

His legacy to the School, which will total more than one million pounds, comes at an exciting time in the history of St Mary’s Music School, as it looks to develop and modernise its facilities and provide the best possible experience for generations of talented young musicians to come.

St Mary’s Music School Headteacher, Dr Kenneth Taylor, remembers David fondly: “David was a great music aficionado and a generous supporter of the School. His support of our young musicians during his lifetime was wonderful but his legacy is nothing short of remarkable.

” We are deeply grateful to David for supporting the School with such a significant gift. His generosity will live on with the School and help our aspiring young musicians to go on to careers as professional instrumentalists, composers, singers, conductors and music teachers around the world.”

A music aficionado

Born in the Borders and raised in a musical family, it was David’s mother – an excellent violinist – who inspired in him a lifelong love of music and encouraged him to become an accomplished pianist himself.

A keen collector throughout his life, David amassed a significant collection of antique furniture, British & European paintings and silver. 

Highlights of his collection will be auctioned by Lyon & Turnbull in their forthcoming Five Centuries sale on 4 – 5 September and across a range of specialist auctions this autumn.

All will benefit St Mary’s Music School, as was his wish.