Strachan House quizzers beat the Auld Enemy in Earth Day battle!

Residents and guests at Strachan House care home in Blackhall enjoyed a morning of quizzing and a classic English High tea as they hosted a virtual quiz with Goodson Lodge care centre in Trowbridge.

Residents in the Goodson Lodge Care centre were treated to irn bru, whisky and shortbread as both teams battled it out to see who would be crowned quiz master champion. 

Teams from both the English and Scottish homes provided quiz questions about their country whilst the other side aimed to guess the answers with mouthfuls of their countries’ finest fare.

General Manager, Fran Fisher said, Our residents had a wonderful morning and were really excited to meet new people and learn lots of amazing new things.

“It’s always great to connect with others in the care industry and we hope we can continue for many years to come”. 

The quiz held on Earth Day was a true celebration of community and coming together. The Scottish team took the win this year but, with this now being an annual event, we will see if the English team can make it a draw next year! 

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. 

Strachan House provides Nursing and Dementia care  for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.

Once Upon A Time afternoon tea at The Caledonian

Peacock Alley, located at the heart of The Caledonian in Edinburgh, is now serving Once Upon a Time afternoon tea, available until 2nd June.

Embark on a magical journey with Once Upon a Time afternoon tea at Peacock Alley.

A selection of sandwiches created by head chef Ryan MacFarlane feature selections such as Chilli Arran Cheddar and Scottish Smoked Salmon with Dill Crème Fraiche, followed by an enchanting array of pastries created by head pastry chef Tamara Curcic.

Selections such as the Happily Ever After (Cracked Pepper, Salted Caramel, and Burnt White Chocolate Cream Puff) and Frog Prince (Flourless Chocolate Sponge, Mint and Chocolate Chip Pepitè) are straight out of a fairy tale.

Standing proudly at the West End of Princes Street, this former Victorian railway building hotel nestles in the shadow of the enchanting Edinburgh Castle. Formerly the station concourse and ticket office, Peacock Alley represents the historic heart of the Caley.

It is imbued with the peerless style and sophistication of this famous former railway hotel, offering the perfect backdrop for your fairy tale afternoon tea.

Once Upon a Time is available in Peacock Alley, The Caledonian daily from 12:30 – 4pm, until 2nd June. Gluten free, vegan, and children’s menus are also available. Priced at £60 per adult and £30 per child. The menu can be viewed here.

Bookings can be made by emailing caledonian.dining@waldorfastoria.com or calling the reservations team directly at 0131 222 8832.

Strachan House Care Home invites community to Open Day

The Strachan House care home in Blackhall will be opening their doors to the local community for a day of tea and entertainment on Saturday 20th April.

Taking place between 10am and 4pm guests will be able to enjoy home-made cream cakes prepared by Paul Dow the home’s Head Chef, and will have the chance to meet the team and take a tour of the home. 

Fran Fisher, General Manager at Strachan House says: “I’m excited about welcoming new visitors and existing friends of the home to our open day.

“Looking for care can be a little bit daunting, but our team here at Strachan House will do all we can to provide all of our guests with the guidance and support they may need, and answer all of their questions, big or small.

“Our open day is a great chance to enjoy some delightful entertainment in a homely and friendly setting- hope to see you all there!”

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.

Full Steam Ahead for 102 year old Muriel

STRACHAN House resident Muriel Sinclair had always wanted to jump on board and relive her journeys she would take on a steam train, so staff at the home made her  wish a reality with their Gone Fishing 23 project.

Muriel said some of her fondest memories was travelling around Scotland on days out with her children, and the fun they would have as a family. 

Muriel has lived at Strachan House for many years and at 102 she is dearly loved by the staff and residents alike. Staff jumped on board when they heard of her memories travelling from Edinburgh to Dundee on the steam trains and worked in secret to ensure her surprise was kept on the right track.

Speaking with Boness Railway about Muriel the team organised for her to take a 70 minute steam train ride whilst enjoying a good old fashion afternoon tea.

What Muriel didn’t also know was when she reached the platform her daughter was there to surprise. And as if that wasn’t enough excitement for one day, the station master and guards then surprised her with a First class compartment to ensure she had a day to remember!

Mandy Head of Activities said “Our Gone Fishing 23 is all about making that meaningful moment happen and this like many others, was very special. To see Muriel’s face light up when she heard the steam train pull up was just magical!”

“I’m 102 and never ever thought I’d take another ride on a steam train. I can hardly see now, but the smell of smoke and the sounds reminded me instantly of the fun journeys I would take in my younger days. I can’t thank the team enough for an amazing day. The afternoon tea was just the cherry on the top of such a wonderful surprise.”

Gordon Philp General Manager at the home, said: “We want everyone we care for to know how important they are to us here at Strachan House.

“It was marvellous see how overwhelmed Muriel was – and how hard the team works behind the scenes to make sure our residents have such special moments like these.”

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.

Fun-filled Fathers Day at local Care Home

Residents at Strachan House in Blackhall enjoyed an Afternoon Tea and photoshoot with their loved ones on Sunday in celebration of Father’s Day. 

With the lovely warm weather residents were able to enjoy meeting up with loved ones in the home’s garden over afternoon tea freshly prepared by the home’s talented chefs.

Throughout the afternoon the residents and their children were then offered a photo shoot session to capture the special moment with a keepsake photo of their day together. 

Gordon Philp, General Manager of the home, said: “We’ve all had a wonderful day today welcoming friends and family into the home.

“Occasions like Father’s Day are so important, it was fantastic to have such a lovely gathering with our residents and their loved ones all together enjoying the sunshine.”

Gerry Smith, resident at Strachan House said: “I’ve had a great time celebrating with my daughter,it has been so lovely to see them and spend some quality time together. 

“Father’s Day is such a special day, I’m so pleased we were all able to celebrate together.”

Strachan House Care Home’s varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.

Strachan House is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides nursing care, residential care, respite care.

Morrisons offers Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea for just £10

  • Afternoon tea includes a tower of sandwiches, cakes, fruit scones and a pot of tea for £10 –
  • Offer available in Morrisons cafés nationwide from 13th – 19th March –

Morrisons has cut the price of its popular afternoon tea for two to just £10 in its cafés ahead of Mother’s Day. 

Customers will receive a selection of sandwiches, cakes, fruit scones – complete with jam and clotted cream, and a pot of Yorkshire Tea for mums to enjoy as a tasty treat at an affordable price. 

The afternoon tea is presented on a three-tier stand just as it is in hotels and upmarket restaurants to give customers a touch of luxury and make the momentous day extra special.

For those that want to dine from the comfort of their own home, the afternoon tea can also be ordered for collection from the store at a date and time that is convenient for them.

At £5 per person, the Morrisons afternoon tea is a fraction of the price of alternatives including Fortnum & Mason’s which will set diners back £75 each.*

For younger customers looking to treat mum with their pocket money, there are alternative options available including:

  • toasted fruit tea cakes for £1.29
  • crumpets for just £0.99
  • hot drinks from £1.29.

Morrisons is committed to providing good quality food at affordable prices in its cafés and this deal follows the recent launch of a two-course set menu for just £8.99 . Morrisons is also continuing to reduce prices across its stores and has cut costs of 1,000s of products this year alone.  

Chris Strong, Morrisons Café buyer, says: “Treating mum shouldn’t cost the earth, that’s why we’re helping our customers by cutting the price of our popular afternoon tea for two just in time for Mother’s Day. 

“Customers can spoil mum with a selection of tasty sandwiches, cakes and fruit scones for just £10 – we look forward to welcoming families into our cafés to celebrate.”

The afternoon tea for two is available in all Morrisons cafés nationwide and can also be ordered for collection.

To find your local café, visit: https://my.morrisons.com/storefinder/

Enjoy a Mum-believable Afternoon Tea at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Garden Centre launches Mother’s Day celebrations

The UK’s leading garden centre, Dobbies, is celebrating mother figures in Edinburgh with its Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea, taking place on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 March in Dobbies’ Edinburgh store.

Show your love and appreciation for the mother figure in your life by treating her to an array of delicious bites, complete with a complimentary gift that can be taken away and planted at home.

From delicious sandwiches to buttery scones with Cornish clotted cream and a melt-in-your-mouth blackberry delice, Dobbies’ traditional Afternoon Tea will certainly impress.

Customers in Edinburgh can enjoy refillable tea or coffee and even upgrade with a 200ml bottle of Prosecco for £6.35 per person. The Children’s Afternoon Tea is also available for families looking to celebrate Mother’s Day together.

Adam Veysey, Dobbies’ Development Chef, said: “We are looking forward to celebrating Mother’s Day this year with a fantastic Afternoon Tea experience which features three tiers of treats to enjoy.

“On the first tier there are freshly made finger sandwiches; the second has our famous Dobbies’ scones; while the third tier has a carefully selected range of delicious cakes, tarts and a mini macaroon. We hope mums enjoy the gift, which comes with care tips to support a successful bloom.” 

The Adult Afternoon Tea starts at £13.50 per person and the Children’s Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed for £8.50 per child.

For more information about Dobbies’ Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea experience in Edinburgh visit, Events | Dobbies Garden Centres

Scoop savings at Dobbies’ Edinburgh restaurant

Garden centre offers family-friendly value meals

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is giving customers a helping hand with value restaurant offers in its Edinburgh store. 

Customers in Edinburgh can recharge and relax in Dobbies’ restaurant. Whether catching up with friends or spending time with the family, the Dobbies’ team will be on hand, serving hearty breakfasts, lunches and delicious sweet treats throughout the day. Dobbies’ restaurant also offers a dog-friendly area.

Hearty breakfasts for under £5

Kick start the morning and enjoy the most important meal of the day at Dobbies. Customers can order a three-item breakfast roll for just £4.25 and a five-item breakfast for £4.50. Quality produce is at the heart of Dobbies’ breakfasts with succulent pork sausages, thick cut back bacon and free-range eggs. There’s also a vegetarian choice for an alternative breakfast option.

Effortless lunches

Choose from a wide selection of lunch options, including light seasonal dishes such as hearty soups, jacket potatoes and handmade sandwiches or toasties from £4.95, served from 11:30am until 3pm.

Main courses can also be enjoyed daily from 12noon until 3pm. Popular dishes include Dobbies’ sustainable haddock dipped in a gluten-free batter served with chips, peas and tartare sauce, classic lasagne or chicken Caesar salad.

Customers over 60 can tuck into a main meal and a cake for just £9.95, Monday-Friday from 12noon. 

Delicious sweet treats

Indulge in a sweet treat at Dobbies and take advantage of this delicious deal. Customers can treat themselves to a traditional or vegetarian Afternoon Tea for two experience for £20 and enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, mini cakes and slices, freshly made plain and fruit scones with jam and clotted cream, plus a pot of tea or coffee is included.

Afternoon Tea should be booked online, in advance, at dobbies.com.

If you’re looking for a light afternoon bite, Dobbies’ two for one offer on scones is priced at £3.75 and is available from 2pm.

Kids Eat Free

Dobbies’ Kids Eat Free offer runs through the day, allowing children under the age of 16 to enjoy their food for free with every traditional adult breakfast and main course meal at lunch. This includes kids’ breakfasts, lunch menu or a pick ‘n’ mix meal, plus a drink.

Adam Veysey, Dobbies Development Chef, said: “We’re committed to offering great tasting and great value meals in our Edinburgh restaurant.

“We’re very aware that people will be controlling their spend this January, so we’ve ensured we’re offering our customers the chance to enjoy eating out for less. With seasonal produce and customer favourites, we have something for all the family.”

For opening hours visit www.dobbies.com.

New Laurent Perrier summer afternoon tea at the Ivy on the Square

This National Afternoon Tea Week, The Ivy on the Square, Edinburgh welcomes guests to experience its luxury afternoon tea offering

If you’re looking for a mid-afternoon indulgence this August, look no further than The Ivy on the Square’s new Laurent Perrier Summer Afternoon Tea, available every day from 3pm – 4:45pm.

The brasserie has partnered with Laurent Perrier to offer a glass of Rosé Champagne with its afternoon tea experience, which includes a delicious array of sandwiches, including Ivy Cure smoked salmon and cream cheese fingers, grilled chicken and truffle mayonnaise brioche and pickled cucumber, courgette and basil double decker rolls.

Freshly baked fruit scones are served with clotted cream, fresh strawberries and strawberry preserve, while the sweets include a chocolate plant pot, madeleine cake with lemon curd, red velvet raspberry cake and a strawberry milkshake, all accompanied by a choice of teas, infusions or coffees.

Summer Afternoon Tea starts from £28.95 per person, or £37.95 per person with a glass of Laurent Perrier Rosé Champagne, is available to enjoy in The Ivy on the Square’sluscious surroundings seven days a week and served between 3:00 – 4:45pm.

Book your experience or purchase an Afternoon Tea gift voucher for a loved on at https://theivyedinburgh.com/

Spoil Mum this Mother’s Day at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Garden centre launches new Afternoon Tea

The UK’s leading garden centre, Dobbies, is launching its new Afternoon Tea offering just in time for Mother’s Day, with a complimentary Hotel Chocolat gift for all mums over the Mother’s Day weekend.

Spoil your loved one this March and take them to Dobbies’ Edinburgh store for an experience to remember. Taking place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 March, Dobbies’ Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea is perfectly suited for all those fantastic mother figures in Edinburgh.

The new Afternoon Tea features selection of sandwiches, dainty mini cakes and slices, freshly made plain and fruit scones with jam and clotted cream, plus a pot of tea or coffee. Dobbies’ Mother’s Day experience can also be made vegan, and a tempting Children’s Afternoon Tea is also available so the whole family can get involved.

Customers looking to add a touch of sparkle can upgrade their experience with a 200ml bottle of prosecco for £6.35 per person.

Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager Sarah Murray said: “We’re really excited to be inviting our customers in to spoil all the mother figures in their lives this Mother’s Day. Our new Afternoon Tea offering in Edinburgh is perfect whether you want to celebrate with the whole family or just a party of two.

“Our Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea is set to be popular so we’d encourage customers to book in advance to avoid any disappointment.”

The new Afternoon Tea menu launches on 17 March, available in 66 stores. Adult Afternoon Tea starts at £13.50 per person, and the Children’s Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed for £7.50 per child. There is no additional cost for the special Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea which takes place on 26 and 27 March only.

Dobbies offers Book with Confidence with each purchased slot, for more info visit: https://www.dobbies.com/book-with-confidence.

To book your visit or find out after Afternoon Tea at Dobbies visit:  https://events.dobbies.com/