Tag: bars and restaurants

Cocktail Bar with Scotland’s largest collection of rum celebrates first Birthday with new Low-Waste Menu

Edinburgh-based Ruma – home to the largest collection of rum across the whole of Scotland – is adapting to an ever-changing cocktail scene with a brand-new low-waste menu including non-alcoholic & non-rum options, launching an online shop, plus a host of new tasting experiences.

Ruma (Scots Gaelic for Rum) host to over 170 bottles of the spirit – more than any bar ever in Scotland – is celebrating one year in business.

The rum experts are adjusting positively to a rapidly-evolving cocktail scene with a brand-new cocktail menu including a host of non-rum and non-alcoholic options, as well as launching an online shop in time for summer 2025. 

Ruma’s brand-new menu is split into five sections based on each drink’s flavour profile: Fresh, Fruity, Short, Smoke & Savoury, and Classics – the idea is to make it as easy as possible for guests to navigate, learn & discover new cocktails – alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic.  

Reducing waste throughout, the menu strives to use each ingredient to its fullest. Ruma’s most popular drink, the Spiced Pear Mule – which uses a poached pear syrup from fresh pears – is utilised to the maximum. 

Any wasted fruit from the Spiced Pear Mule is then blended with spent wine, to create a new drink – the Mrs Kenmore –  which is carbonated alongside a gentian liqueur and Brugal 1888 Rum, to create a fresh, fizzy cocktail reminiscent of sparkling wine. 

A new online bottle shop will launch at the beginning of May containing all 170 of the Ruma’s rums available for rum-lovers to enjoy 30ml sample bottles at home. Ruma is also launching a range of canned cocktails for the new menu, handing them out to local businesses and bars to create comradery among independent business owners.

Ruma now offers ‘Rum Experiences’ – bookable each week on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. A tasting flight of three rums, with different categories available such as ‘Taste of the Caribbean’ or ‘Intro to Scottish Rum’. 

The bar also hosts ‘Passport Sessions’, a world tour of rum tastings specialising in a different country each month and sampling six hard to find or rare bottlings, taking guests to the likes of Guyana, Haiti, Barbados, and Martinique. 

Ruma Co-Owner, Jamie Shields, said: “We opened Ruma one year ago to welcome the largest collection of Rum to Scotland. The response from our loyal guests has been amazing. A thirst for knowledge and interest in where each rum comes from and tastes like is what our staff love talking about. 

“In our first year we have seen a demand for cocktails and drinks of all types. At our heart we will always be a rum bar, but we also thought ‘why can’t we offer a range of other drinks too?’ Non-alcoholic options are now key in hospitality. Rather than relegating these to a section at the back of the menu, we believe that guests who are not drinking alcohol should have the same menu experience as those who are, as each has been crafted with as much care as the drinks with alcohol. 

“We love championing local. That’s why we serve local beer from Campervan Brewery, and we also have a great wine list by the glass too. Ruma’s goal is to serve the widest range of rum in the country through unforgettable experiences, but also offer deliciously alternative drinks to ensure guests leave with a satisfied smile on their face, and always come back for more”.  

Ruma is based at 39-41 Broughton Street in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town serving Scotland’s largest collection of rum. 

The Botanist is giving away over 1500 Christmas cocktails this week

Here’s how to get one!

Award-winning bar & restaurant, The Botanist, is giving everyone the chance to snap up a Christmas gift on the house this week, in the form of a festive tipple from its brand-new Christmas specials menu … but they’ll have to be quick! 

Holding a city-wide race to find the boozy prizes, The Botanist’s elves will hide 10 tinsel-filled Christmas baubles in secret locations near the venue in every town and city it has a site on Friday 22nd November.  

Eagle-eyed customers should head to their local Botanist’s Facebook page from 12 o’clock for hints on when and where the prizes can be found. 

The lucky winners will find a gift tag attached to the bauble to be exchanged at a Botanist venue for the bar’s showstopping new sharing drink – a Christmas tree holding six Blooming Bauble cocktails for groups of friends to get merry over. 

A seasonal fruity cocktail of Beefeater pink gin, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, cranberry juice and lemon with cranberries and rosemary, served in a Christmas bauble, it’s perfect for party season.

Other festive drinks on the new menu include the S’mores Old Fashioned with Maker’s Mark bourbon, orange curaçao, cold brew coffee, orange bitters, and creamy foam over ice with a chocolate & Biscoff rim, topped with toasted marshmallows, and the Festive Sparkler of prosecco with seasonal spices. 

Encouraging everyone to share the joy with loved ones this season, The Botanist’s highly Instagrammable Christmas, launching on 20th November includes turkey burgers topped with pigs in blankets, chocolate orange mince pie cookie dough for two and festive cocktail specials.

And that’s not all, the halls are being decked with beautiful decorations and The Botanist’s house bands are ready to let the good times roll until the early hours too, playing live every Friday and Saturday night as guests drinks and dine throughout the festive season. 

Head to your local Botanist’s Facebook page for more information on the Bauble Hunt. 

To book a table at The Botanist, visit: https://thebotanist.uk.com/  

Manhatta Edinburgh is now OPEN

The wait is over! Manahatta, the stylish bar and restaurant inspired by the glitz and glamour of New York City, is now officially open in Edinburgh. Located in the heart of the city centre, Manahatta brings a vibrant blend of cocktails, dining, and nightlife to Scotland’s capital.

The new venue on Rose Street showcases a stunning interior that blends modern aesthetics with glamorous touches that are designed to transport guests straight to the Big Apple. From the chic décor to indulgent food and drink menus, Manahatta is the perfect destination whether you’re looking for a lively brunch experience or a glam night out. The Edinburgh location will also debut an unforgettable ‘LIVE & LOUD Piano Night’ every Thursday where guests can enjoy live music, request songs and dance the night away.

When it comes to drinks, there is something for everyone, with £7 cocktails from Monday to Thursday and a menu brimming with endless options including the Diamonds are Forever sharer – a delicious mix of Bacardí Carta Blanca, watermelon, kiwi, cranberry, apple, and lime, served in a giant sparkling diamond, plus other signature drinks from the Six in The City collection.

As well as a selection of carefully created cocktails, prepare to feast on a variety of dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. From the NY Club Bagel and Karaage Chicken Bowl to the delectable Bao Buns and famed Steak Frites, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Manahatta’s legendary Boozy Brunch has also arrived in Edinburgh, and it’s not to be missed! Running until 8pm daily, this brunch bonanza includes six delightful drinks and dishes from the main menu, serving up the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement. It’s the ultimate way to unwind, sing, dance, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

Set across two floors the impressive new venue boasts art deco-inspired bars and bold lighting that channels New York realness. A stunning mirrored disco ball, reminiscent of Times Square’s famous ball drop, adds a touch of glamour and an elevated DJ booth looks over the sprawling dancefloor – setting the perfect scene for chic gatherings and unforgettable parties.

Manahatta Edinburgh is open seven days a week, with both dining and late-night options available. Bookings are now open, and reservations can be made via the official website or by calling the venue.

For more information, please visit: https://www.manahatta.co.uk/bars/edinburgh or follow Manahatta on social media @manahattauk.

Martin Wolstencroft, CEO, Arc Inspirations said: “We are over the moon that our first official site in Scotland is now open and what better place to get the party started than in Edinburgh – the capital city.

“Manahatta is more than just a cocktail bar; it’s a place to gather, celebrate, and enjoy great food and drinks in a lively atmosphere. We can’t wait to welcome Edinburgh locals and visitors to newest spot in town.”

Hectors reopens with a fresh new look

Hectors in Stockbridge has officially reopened following an extensive 5 week refurbishment, giving the iconic pub an exciting new look. 

The pub has been given a facelift while keeping its traditional look and feel inside. Changes include a new hand-carved wooden gantry, brand new furniture and fresh frontage colour scheme. 

Hectors is renowned for its friendly and welcoming team, as well as the selection of comforting Scottish pub fayre. The pub itself takes its name from Sir James Hector, a Scottish-New Zealand geologist, naturalist, and surgeon who originated from Stockbridge in 1834. 

Guests can tuck into all the pub classics, a chicken and truffled oyster mushroom pie, classic fish and chips and delicious beef brisket burgers, as well as a delectable range of Sunday roasts. 

Along with the new food menu, guests will also be greeted with an extensive drinks’ menu, boasting a wide selection of craft beers, British Gins and an exciting range of whisky. 

Speaking about the refurbishment, General Manager Alex Bruce at Hectors said: ‘This is an exciting time, not only for Hectors, but for the people of Stockbridge. Our aim is simple, to serve delicious food, great drinks, and friendly service to all of our guests.

“Our fresh new look, matched with our welcoming team, will go hand in hand to provide Stockbridge with an excellent local pub where everyone is welcome.” 

Following the extensive refurbishment and significant investment made at the pub, several new jobs have been created for the local area, with the team now ready to pour pints and serve delicious food to guests. 

For more information about Hectors please visit: 

https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/scotlandandnorthernireland/hectorsedinburgh

Pubs to stay open late as England bid to ‘bring football home’

Pub and bar licensing hours extended tonight after England reach the final of the UEFA European Football Championship

TONIGHT (Sunday 14 July), pubs and bars across England and Wales can keep their doors open until 1am as England bid to become champions of Europe, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has confirmed.

Following the Three Lions’ emphatic (Eh? – Never a penalty! – Ed.) semi-final win on Wednesday night, the team is set to go head to head with Spain in the final of the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship.

The heavyweight clash will kick off at 8pm, with fans up and down the country coming together to show their support.

Pub licensing hours can be relaxed to mark occasions of “exceptional national significance”, meaning pubs and bars will be able to stay open for an extra 2 hours tonight.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “We’re so proud of Gareth Southgate and the England team. It’s right that we can all come together tomorrow to enjoy the match and—do we dare to dream?!—hopefully celebrate an England victory.

“I want to pay special thanks to the police officers and first responders who will be working across communities to keep us safe.

“I look forward to getting behind all our brilliant players, who bring so much pride to our country, and I want to wish the team the best of luck. Let’s bring it home.”

As well as bringing fans together for longer, tomorrow night’s extension is due to be a welcomed boost to the hospitality industry.

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “As with the semi-finals, pubs will be licensed to stay open until 1am on Sunday night and thanks to the Home Office for making the changes to the licensing rules for allowing this to happen. 

“The changes give fans even more time to enjoy the game, support our pubs and hopefully celebrate football finally coming home. 

“Fans have shown us resoundingly this tournament that there is no better place to watch our teams and soak up the atmosphere than the great British pub. This Sunday the BBPA urges everyone to get down their local, support our pubs and get behind the boys. Come on England!”

UK Hospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “The Euros have provided a huge boost for hospitality businesses this summer, as fans pack pubs, bars and fan zones to come together and cheer on the home nations.

The extended licensing hours for the final will allow venues and fans to take advantage of the occasion, and hopefully celebrate an historic England win.”

IN THE INTEREST OF BALANCE IT’S ONLY FAIR TO SAY THAT NOT EVERYONE IN THE BRITISH ISLES IS LOOKING FORWARD TO ‘AN HISTORIC ENGLAND WIN’:

MAY the best – and not just the luckiest – team win tonight! – Ed.

Mother’s Day with The Eden Mill Experience

The Eden Mill Experience offers three uniquely delicious cocktails and a journey through Eden Mill’s best-selling fruity & floral Love Gin; a new online offer with ‘itison’ makes it the perfect Mother’s Day treat 

Edinburgh’s fun & thriving West End will see adoring gin fans flock to The Eden Mill Experience this Mother’s Day with the brand-new drinks venue announcing a special partnership with itison with deals from just £21. 

The capital’s newest drinks experience, and Eden Mill’s first venue in central Edinburgh, is located in the Heads & Tales Gin Bar at 1A, Rutland Place, EH1 2AD, inviting gin lovers to spoil mum this Mother’s Day with an interactive & immersive mixology experience. 

Eden Mill’s delectably fruity and subtly floral pink Love Gin is available in the ‘Share The Love Gin’ session. During the experience, gin enthusiasts will hear the story of how Love Gin was born and the flavoursome botanicals used to make it.  Guests are whisked through a dreamy experience with three uniquely delicious cocktails, one of which they will learn to mix themselves.

Hannah Ingram, Head of Marketing at Eden Mill, said: “Mother’s Day is a wonderful opportunity for Edinburgh’s gin lovers to treat their mums to a range of inventive & delicious cocktails. Our new experience has received fabulous feedback so far, we are so thrilled to bring a taste of St Andrews to the Scottish capital. 

“The Eden Mill Experience is the perfect opportunity to showcase our wonderful expressions in an interactive and immersive way, and it’s a privilege to bring our brand to a city with such a vibrant drinks scene.”   

‘The Guard Bridge Masterclass’ is also available on Itison for whisky fans; Eden Mill’s blended malt Scotch whisky is can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails, and guests will enjoy a dram and three delicious serves – all expressing the whisky’s sweet, warming tasting notes of sherried fruit and gingerbread. What’s more, one cocktail is “guaranteed to feature an ingredient guests have never tasted before!”. 

Pic Greg Macvean 03/02/2024 Minty Communications – Eden Mill Experience, Edinburgh

The Eden Mill Experience is located in the Heads & Tales Gin Bar at 1A, Rutland Place, EH1 2AD in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End. Offering immersive whisky & gin experiences, bookings are available now via the Eden Mill website and itison.