As families across Edinburgh search for ways to keep children entertained during the school summer holidays, Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard is launching a “Kids Eat Free” offer from 6 July to 6 August, creating the perfect family friendly day out at the Edinburgh Meadows.
Perched on the edge of one of the city’s most loved green spaces, within the historic Old Royal Infirmary, now The Edinburgh Futures Institute, Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard is perfectly placed for a family day out. Enjoy an afternoon in the park, a visit to the nearby playground, or simply some time outdoors before sitting down for a relaxed meal together.
More than just a restaurant, Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard has become a creative community hub, where guests are greeted by a bright family friendly atmosphere, and fresh menu of locally sourced classics. While the menu changes to make the most of fresh seasonal ingredients, children can expect familiar favourites such as cream of tomato soup, fluffy pancakes served with fresh strawberries or grilled pork sausages with mashed potatoes, peas and gravy.
Open to both locals and visitors, the month-long offer is designed to make family dining a little more affordable during the school holidays, while giving families another reason to enjoy time together outdoors this summer.
Available 6 July – 6 August. One complimentary children’s meal available with every adult main course purchased. Offer valid for children aged 12 and under. Subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you. We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and a delicious pudding.
What’s on the menu today:
Root veg soup
Tuscan bean chicken stew
Veggie haggis pasta
Please check the board or ask our volunteers about allergens. And just a heads-up, our food is served until it runs out!
We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you tomorrow. We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and a delicious pudding.
What’s on the menu today:
Broccoli soup
Mexican beef stew with rice
Veggie haggis curry with rice
Please check the board or ask our volunteers about allergens.
And just a heads-up, our food is served until it runs out!
Every family across the UK will pay less tax on meals and days out as new VAT cut helps families enjoy trips to the seaside and making memories with loved ones.
“I cannot think of a simpler and more accessible way to bring some affordable treats into family life this summer” – more businesses back the scheme and commit to passing on savings to customers including Butlin’s, Burger King, Wetherspoons and Picturehouse.
ALL FAMILIES can enjoy children’s meals in restaurants and days out for less from today as the Great British Summer Savings tax cut goes live today.
With every family set to benefit, the scheme will see VAT cut from 20% to 5% on eligible activities across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. This tax cut will help families enjoy weekend treats, days out, and day trips that make the most of the summer.
Meanwhile, the scheme will support businesses by generating additional summer footfall. Businesses up and down the country have confirmed their involvement in Great British Summer Savings, including some of Britain’s most prominent attractions and eateries.
Picturehouse, Everyman Cinemas, Vue, Butlin’s, Wetherspoons, Shepherd Neame pubs, McDonald’s, KFC, and Burger King are among the businesses that have made the commitment to pass on these savings to customers since the Chancellor held a roundtable with major leisure and hospitality companies last week.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:“The cost of living isn’t just about paying the bills, it’s about being able to afford the moments that matter with your family.
“Whether it’s a trip to the cinema, a day out together or family meal, too many parents have had to hold back because of pressure on household budgets – that’s why we’re slashing VAT on family days out this summer.”
Haven Holidays is also participating and expects to give up to £5 million back to families across their 39 parks during the scheme. Families will benefit whether they have already booked their holiday or book in the coming weeks.
In addition to passing on the reduction in VAT on their kids’ menus, Haven holidaymakers who purchase the Play Pass as part of their booking will receive a £7.50 voucher for each child. These vouchers can be redeemed against any of the many activities available on its parks.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:“I know the cost of living is a number one concern for families, and it can be even harder over the summer holidays when kids want to do things and money is tight. So we’re making it that bit easier for families to make memories together and enjoy the little treats – while giving a boost to businesses across the UK.
“This comes on top of support we’ve already put in place including freezing fuel duty, taking off £117 off energy bills, and freezing prescriptions and rail fares.
“We are able do this because we have the right economic plan, resulting in the UK having the fastest growing economy in the G7.”
Prices will be slashed for:
Children’s menu meals served in restaurants for consumption on the premises
Children’s and family tickets for cinemas, theatres, concerts, shows and exhibitions
Admission tickets, for both children and adults, to a range of attractions, including amusement parks, fairs, museums, zoos, soft play centres, circuses, adventure parks, nature reserves, wildlife parks and observation attractions.
Lyn Goleby, Founder and Chair of Picturehouse, said:“I cannot think of a simpler and more accessible way to bring some affordable treats into family life this summer.
“We’re looking forward to a summer of family cinema that is super charged in every way except price.”
Simon Palethorpe, CEO of Haven, said:“Summer is a time for making memories, and that’s why we’re giving back up to £5 million to our guests and owners as part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings initiative.
“We know household budgets remain under pressure, and we want to help our holidaymakers enjoy more of what matters – whether that’s a hole-in-one on the Crazy Golf, a leap of faith off The Jump tower or another shot to hit the bullseye in the Archery.”
A Butlin’s spokesperson said:“We’re pleased to support the Great British Summer Savings initiative by passing on the temporary VAT reduction where eligible.
“Families visiting our resorts will enjoy savings on Day Visits and children’s meals across a range of our dining venues during the campaign period.”
Projects supporting people most at risk of social isolation and loneliness have had their funding extended until March 2027.
A total of £1.05 million will help 52 organisations provide group and community activities, warm spaces, and opportunities for people to come together for a meal or other activities, aimed at older people, carers, disabled people and young parents.
This includes the Grampian Hospitals Art Trust providing arts and crafts to patients and their loved ones, Down’s Syndrome Scotland to support their social activities, such as last week’s summer prom for children and families, and the Big Hearts Community Trust in Edinburgh to host gatherings for older people and carers.
Other local beneficiaries of the funding iinclude Pilton Community Health Project, Edinburgh Tool Library, Pilmeny Development Project and Leith’s Living Memories Association.
Marking the end of Loneliness Awareness Week, Equalities Minister Simita Kumar said: “Loneliness can affect anyone and the cost-of-living crisis has increased isolation for many, including young people, carers and disabled people.Our funding will allow organisations to extend their projects, keeping people connected during this challenging time.
“I thank the organisations who are providing this vital support to people across Scotland, ensuring that people feel warmth and connection in their communities and can access important support networks.”
Launched in August 2023, funding through the Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund will culminate in March 2027 with over £3.8 million having been invested and at least 20,000 people supported.
Grampian Hospitals Art Trust Art and social activities for people in NHS settings
Grampian Society for the Blind, operating as North East Sensory Services (NESS) Social groups and activities for people with a visual impairment
Mearns & Coastal Healthy Living Network Health, wellbeing and social activities for older people
Cowal Elderly Befrienders SCIO Befriending and social activities for older people, people with dementia
Helensburgh Lunch Club Lunch club for older people
North Argyll Carers Centre Social activities indoors/outdoors for unpaid carers (young and older). Intergenerational elements
Parent to Parent Ltd Peer social support groups for parents
Cumnock Juniors Community Enterprise Walking football for older people
Contact Point in East Dunbartonshire SCIO Social club and café for older people, disabled people and those with long term health conditions
Carers Link East Dunbartonshire Café and social outings for carers
Home-Start East Lothian Volunteer befriending for isolated families
Our Community Kitchen Lunches and activities for older people, disabled people and those with mental health conditions
Stepping Out Range of indoor and outdoor activities for people with mental health conditions
Big Hearts Community Trust Social gatherings and activities for older people and carers. Volunteering.
Edinburgh Tool Library Group build project and volunteering for people from the LGBT+ community
Pilmeny Development Project Creative arts, health and wellbeing activities and refreshments for older people
Pilton Community Health Project Social indoor and outdoor activities for men and women
Care for Carers Small group breaks for unpaid carers
The Living Memory Association Range of group activities for health and wellbeing for older people
Denny Community Support Group Range of indoor and outdoor social and group activities for older, younger, families, recovery.
Freedom Of Mind Community Choir Choir singing
Abbey Church of Dunfermline Creative arts for people with dementia
Fife Society for the Blind aka Seescape Befriending, group sessions and drop ins for people with a visual impairment
The Linda Tremble Foundation (trading as SupportED) 1:1 befriending and support groups for people with eating disorders
Easthall Residents Association Men, women and single mothers (3 groups) – a range of indoor and outdoor activities
Gilded Lily Inspiring Enterprise CIC Craft and chat for women (BAME, refugee, asylum)
Maryhill Integration Network Choir for women of all backgrounds
The Urban Roots Initiative Lunch club for older people
The Well Multi-Cultural Resource Centre 1:1 support, toddler parent groups, ESOL, lunches and activities for women and children
Woodlands Community Development Trust Community café, activities, information, cooking for all age groups
Glasgow Association for Mental Health Wellbeing and social activities for young people aged 16-25 with mental health conditions
Glasgow Disability Alliance Digital connections for disabled people
Home-Start Glasgow South Community club for parents/carers with young families
British Deaf Association Providing information and support to the deaf community, online and in person
Project Ability Creative arts for disabled people
Down’s Syndrome Scotland Social face to face activities for people with Downs Syndrome
The National Autistic Society Online and face to face group sessions for people with autism
ENABLE Scotland Community based (indoor and outdoor) activities for people with a learning disability
Good Morning Project Limited (known as Good Morning Service) Telephone befriending for older people
Caithness Voluntary Group Befriending; mens group for older, disabled adults
Inverness Foodstuff Social lunches for homeless and other vulnerable people
Merkinch Partnership Ltd Developing a working group with lived experience to support others affected by SIAL
Scottish Men’s Sheds Association Develop and support Mens Sheds across the Highlands and Islands
Inverkip Community Initiative Community resource for a range of groups; access to chat, tea/coffee, internet, jobs information and signposting
Tagsa Uibhist Training, community walks and community social events for older people affected by dementia.
Cunninghame MS Drop-In Centre Social lunches, activities and trips for people with MS
Beith Community Development Trust Telephone befriending and social get togethers for older people
Lanarkshire Association for Mental Health (LAMH) Wellbeing activity classes for people with mental health conditions and older people, disabled people.
Sanday Afternoon Club Community meals, activities and outings for older people
Letham4All SCIO Community groups and activities for older people, parents with young children, young people
Lochside Neighbourhood Group Social meals and activities/info for older people with low income
Forth Community Resource Centre Steering Group Activity cafés for older people, living on own, carers.
New parents in Lothian could be missing out on free support to help with the cost of everyday baby essentials.
Britain’s biggest discounter is continuing to give away a £100 Aldi voucher to one family every week as part of its Mamia New Parent Fund, to be used on everything from nappies and wipes to toiletries.
It comes as new Aldi analysis reveals parents who choose Mamia nappies, baby wipes and formula could save over £550 during their baby’s first year compared with leading branded equivalents*.
Since the initiative launched earlier this year, Aldi has already gifted thousands of pounds in vouchers to parents across the UK.
Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said:“The reality is that the costs don’t stop once you’ve bought the pram and decorated the nursery – it’s the everyday essentials that really add up week after week for parents.
“When you’re suddenly buying supplies like nappies and baby wipes alongside your normal shop, even small savings can make a meaningful difference over the course of a year.
“That’s exactly why we continue to invest in keeping everyday baby essentials affordable through our Mamia range, while our New Parent Fund is another way we’re helping families during those early years.”
New parents in Scotland who want to apply for Aldi’s Mamia New Parent Fund should email mamiaparentfund@aldi.co.uk with a receipt showing their latest Mamia purchase. One family will be chosen each week throughout 2026 to receive a £100 voucher to spend in any UK Aldi store.
A little taste of sunshine is coming your way this Monday! 
Lunch is served 11:30am – 12:30pm
