Tag: food and drink

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh to Host Hard Rock Rising, Global Music Competition for Emerging Artists

The grand prize: a Coke Studio recording session, $10,000, a Hard Rock Orlando performance and more

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh is inviting Scotland’s emerging music talent to take centre stage as it hosts Hard Rock Rising, the global music competition launched by Hard Rock International and Coca-Cola.

Spanning 34 countries and 64 Hard Rock Cafes, the competition gives singer-songwriters, bands and DJs the opportunity to perform live, build a local following and compete for a career-launching global prize package.

For more than five decades, breakthrough artists and legends have taken the stage at Hard Rock Cafes. Coca‑Cola has built a global platform for musicians through Coke Studio L.A. Live. Now, the two brands are joining forces to help singer‑songwriters, bands and DJs launch their careers. 

Hard Rock Rising unfolds as a series of live performances at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh. Local fan votes advance artists round by round. The Coke Studio team then selects one grand prize winner who earns a recording session, $10,000, a performance at Hard Rock Orlando and more. 

Artist submissions are open now through August 18th, with four live competition rounds running 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd September. The global winner will be announced 5th October. 

Nick Chiverton, General Manager at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh, said: “Edinburgh has a long-standing reputation for championing live music and emerging talent, so we’re thrilled to bring Hard Rock Rising to the city.

“This competition is a fantastic opportunity for local singer-songwriters, bands and DJs to perform in front of live audiences, grow their fanbase and compete for an incredible global prize package, including a recording session at Coke Studio L.A. Live, a performance at Hard Rock Orlando and $10,000.

“We can’t wait to discover the next generation of Scottish talent and showcase them on the global stage.”

Multi‑platinum, GRAMMY‑ and Juno‑nominated executive producer Rob Rettberg leads the Coke Studio team. The Los Angeles facility houses a professional recording studio built for career‑launching sessions, giving the winning singer‑songwriter, band or DJ a genuine industry platform. 

“This partnership taps into Hard Rock’s unparalleled reach and iconic stages while leveraging Coke Studio’s production expertise to transform talented musicians into the next generation of recording artists,” said Rettberg 

The competition is amplified by a full Hard Rock Rising lineup, from a limited-time menu with cocktails made with Coca-Cola products for fans watching the live performances, to collectible merchandise available at Rock Shops® and shop.hardrock.com.  

Extending the competition’s celebration of music and self-expression beyond the stage, Hard Rock is partnering with Cult of Individuality, the streetwear brand renowned for its deep roots in music culture and strong connection to today’s artists and fans. Together, the brands will launch a limited-edition Hard Rock Rising tee and an exclusive co-branded apparel collection, bringing the spirit of emerging music talent into fashion.   

The Search Is On

Every performance is a chance for friends, family and new fans to champion local artists, helping emerging talent build a real following in their own hometowns. 

The competition kicks off in September. Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh will host up to nine acts across four live rounds, with singer‑songwriters, bands and DJs all welcome. In every round, the audience becomes the judge, voting in real time via a mobile app. Fans score each artist on Musicianship, Fan Support, Vocal Talent, Originality and Stage Presence. 

In the fourth and final round, Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh will crown a local winner with a cash prize. Every local champion then advances to the global round. There, the Coke Studio team reviews recorded performances from all 64 Cafe winners and names the grand prize winner on October 5th. 

 The selected artist will receive a career-launching package: 

  • World-class recording session at Coke Studio L.A. Live, including flights and accommodation 
  • Music distribution across all major streaming platforms 
  • Performance at Hard Rock Orlando  
  • Two-night stay at Hard Rock Hotel Orlando with passes to Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure 
  • $10,000 cash prize 
  • An exclusive assortment of Marshall amplifiers and accessories  

A Menu to Match the Moment

From August 17th to September 30th, Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh will serve a limited‑time menu for fans to enjoy while cheering on local artists.

Perfect for bringing a crew to cheer on fan-favourite bands, these shareable bites and vibrant cocktails are designed to bring the excitement of the evening and the victory celebrations that follow. 

  • Thai Peanut Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts tossed in a ginger and soy gastrique, finished with crushed peanuts, toasted sesame and scallion  
  • BBQ Pulled Beef Sliders: Slow-braised pulled beef piled high on soft buns with tangy coleslaw, crispy onions, pickled Fresno peppers and house BBQ sauce 
  • Lemon & Lime Black Pepper Wings: Jumbo wings glazed in charred citrus, served with pickled onions and fresh cilantro  
  • Barbacoa Beef Queso: Braised barbacoa beef folded into creamy house queso, topped with pico de gallo, pickled jalapeños and scallions 
  • Cheesecake Dip: A decadent whipped cheesecake dip with a brown-butter graham crumble, served with cinnamon-sugar pretzel bites, seasonal fruit and whipped cream  

The menu also features a selection of exclusive cocktails and mocktails featuring Coca-Cola products, including: 

  • Last Call Guava-rita: A vibrant tequila and triple sec cocktail with dragon fruit syrup, shaken with fresh strawberries and blackberries, topped with Sprite 
  • Orange Cream Soda: A creamy, nostalgic mocktail made with Orange Fanta, vanilla syrup and cream 
  • Spiced Jack & Yuzu Soda: A citrus-forward whiskey cocktail made with Coca-Cola, yuzu purée and spiced brown sugar; also available spirit-free 

34 Countries, One Iconic Tee

Limited‑edition Hard Rock Rising merchandise arrives at select Rock Shops® and shop.hardrock.com on 17th August. The collection centers on a campaign tee with the Hard Rock logo on the front and all 34 participating country names on the back. It also includes exclusive apparel and a collectible pin. 

More than a Sunday Market at Leith Community Croft

More than ever, we need to take back control of our food system.

Recent droughts and extreme weather have highlighted just how fragile our food supply chains have become. When food travels thousands of miles to reach our plates, we’re left vulnerable to climate shocks, rising costs and global uncertainty.

Our market is part of the solution. By supporting local growers, producers and community food businesses, you’re helping to build a stronger, fairer and more resilient food system right here in our community.

Every pound spent supports local livelihoods, keeps money circulating in the local economy, reduces food miles and helps ensure that good food remains accessible to everyone.

This market is also a celebration of diversity, bringing together producers, cultures, flavours and traditions that reflect the richness of our community. It’s a place to connect with the people who grow, make and share our food, and to be part of a movement that values sustainability, fairness and local self-reliance.

In a time of climate uncertainty, supporting local food isn’t just a shopping choice. It’s an investment in our collective future.

Join us, support your local producers, and help build a food system that works for people, place and planet.

Free Iced Matcha for every National 5 and Scottish Highers students, and their teachers, no matter the grades!

4th August at Bird & Blend stores in Edinburgh and Glasgow

Bird & Blend Tea Co. Celebrates Tea-rrific A-Level and GCSE Results Days in Scotland with a Free Iced Matcha Worth £5.25 for Students and Teachers on 4th August at Bird & Blend Edinburgh & Glasgow

It’s time to sip back and relax – A-Level and GCSE results day has arrived!

To celebrate the hard work, dedication and achievements of the Class of 2026, Bird & Blend Tea Co. is treating students and their hard working and deserving teachers to a free iced Superstar Matcha, worth £5.25, on A-Level and GCSE Results Day.

Whether you’re celebrating smashing your goals or simply making it through the exam season, Bird & Blend believes every student and their teachers deserve a moment to pause, refresh and celebrate. Pop into your nearest store and enjoy a matcha on us.

Date & Time

Tuesday 4th August 2026
11:00am – 5:00pm

Location

Bird & Blend Tea Co. stores:

Edinburgh, 89 Rose Street, EH2 3DT

Glasgow, 215 Byres Road, G12 8UD

Offer Details

  • Claim a free iced Superstar Matcha latte, worth £5.25, by showing your A-Level & GCSE results and valid student ID at the till, or TRN/school staff badge.
  • Offer is for an Iced Superstar Matcha only.
  • One free drink per person.

The offer is available at all Bird & Blend Tea Co. stores in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Terms & Conditions

Offer available at all Bird & Blend Tea Co. In-store only.

Redeemable between 11:00am and 5:00pm on Tuesday 4th August 2026 only.

No cash alternative. Drink choice subject to availability. One free drink per person.

A-Level & GCSE results and valid student ID, or a Teacher Reference Number (TRN) or school staff badge must be presented to redeem the offer.

Amorino opens on North Bridge

Luxury Italian gelato brand Amorino has opened in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. After much anticipation, the new venue opened its doors on 17 July at 27 North Bridge, just steps away from the city’s iconic Royal Mile.

The launch marks a significant milestone for the brand’s continued UK expansion, bringing its internationally renowned gelato experience to Scotland for the first time.

The Edinburgh opening is expected to attract a high level of interest, reflecting the brand’s growing popularity as it continues its expansion across major regional destinations including London, Birmingham, Bristol and Newcastle.

The Edinburgh launch marks Amorino’s 360th site worldwide  and its 45th in the UK since entering the market in 2009.

Renowned for its iconic, handcrafted flower-shaped ‘petal gelato’, the Edinburgh venue will serve the brand’s full menu, featuring popular flavours including tiramisú, cremino, stracciatella and amarena, alongside a wider rotating selection of seasonal offerings. The store will operate seven days a week, offering both takeaway and on-the-go gelato hand-crafted to order.

Leandro Crolla, Director of Vittoria Hospitality Group said: “Bringing Amorino to Scotland marks a really exciting new chapter for us as a family.

“We’re really looking forward to introducing the people of Edinburgh to authentic Italian gelato this summer, and creating a space that locals and visitors alike can enjoy.”

The Edinburgh opening forms part of the Vittoria Hospitality Group’s wider portfolio, led by the Crolla family, which includes Divino, Vittoria on the Walk, Vittoria on the Bridge, Taste of Italy, Brunswick Book Club, Bertie’s Proper Fish & Chips, and Landy’s, reinforcing its long-standing presence in Scotland’s hospitality sector.

Amorino will be open 7 days a week from 11am until midnight Sunday to Thursday, and until 2am Fridays and Saturdays.

To find out more, please visit www.amorino.com/en/ or follow the brand on Instagram at @amorino.uk  and TikTok at @amorinogelatouk 

F1 stars, comedy icons and whisky masters head to Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy

If you’re looking for something different to do in the centre of Edinburgh this summer, then look no further than Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy (EFDA).

Whether you’re visiting Scotland’s capital on holiday, or live nearby and need some new ideas for a date night or day out with friends, EFDA offers something for everyone.

From whisky and food pairing, to behind-the-scenes conversations with Formula 1 experts and comedy cook-alongs, EFDA has you covered this summer season:  

A taste of Scotland – whisky and food pairing event

Interested in learning more about Scottish whisky, or discovering how to pair it beautifully with food? Master of the Quaich, Annabel Meikle, is hosting dedicated whisky and food pairing events at Edinburgh Food and Drink Academy throughout the summer – perfect for those new to Scotch or looking to deepen their appreciation. 

Over the course of the event, Annabel will lead guests through a nosing and tasting of three whiskies from Wemyss Malts. Further elevating the sensory experience, each whisky will be paired with premium charcuterie and cheese from I.J. Mellis, and artisan chocolate from Edinburgh-based Quirky Chocolate. 

Attendees will learn how to nose and taste whisky, identify key flavour notes, and gain the confidence to create the perfect pairings at home. Tickets cost just £45 p/p with events taking place on Friday 24 July, Friday 14 August and Thursday 27 August.

Insights from the Formula 1 Pit Lane

Get your pit-lane pass with Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy this August during an exclusive conversation with Bernie Collins, former Head of Race Strategy at Aston Martin F1 and current Sky Sports F1 analyst, and Ryan McGarva, former Mercedes-AMG Petronas pit crew member and mechanic to seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton. 

During the hour-long conversation, Bernie and Ryan will share behind-the-scenes insights from life in the pit lane, reflect on their careers working alongside some of the biggest names in motorsport, and discuss the split-second strategy and teamwork that shapes every race weekend – from the nutritional prep to the winners podium. 

An exclusive cook and dine session with Bernie and Ryan will follow, allowing just 14 guests to make fresh ricotta-filled tortellini (inspired by the forthcoming Italian Grand Prix) alongside EFDA’s professional chefs. 

Taking place on Saturday 15 August, tickets cost £95.00 for the Insights from the F1 Pit Lane conversation session or £180 for both the conversation and the cook and dine session. 

Laughter on the menu: Comedy Cook Offs with The Stand Comedy Club

Combine your love of comedy with delicious food by attending a Comedy Cook Off at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy this August.

Throughout the month, comedians will challenge each other to cook dishes live in the EFDA Demonstration Kitchen while trading their best jokes. Audience members will then get to sample the finished dishes and vote on who they think deserves to be crowned the culinary champion.

In partnership with The Stand Comedy Club, the events, hosted by Bruce Devlin, take place throughout the month of August with tickets costing just £20 per person. 

For more information or to book your summer experience, visit www.efda.co.uk. 

From plot to plate with EFDA & Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 

This summer, Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) are partnering for a series of Gardener and Chef events, showing attendees how to make the most of home-grown garden produce. 

With a shared passion for showcasing Scotland’s natural larder, the programme brings together the best of the culinary and botanical worlds. Equipping attendees with practical kitchen skills alongside a deeper understanding of seasonal planting, the events will run from 10am and combine hands-on time in the RBGE kitchen garden with live cookery demonstrations. 

With dedicated sessions on both fermenting and pickling and seasonal summer cooking, attendees will leave with the skills and knowledge to create nutritious, vibrant meals and snacks at home. 

Running until the end of September the events will take place at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, with tickets ranging from £126 p/p to £137 p/p. More information can be found at www.rbge.org.uk. 

Master the art of Scottish shortbread 

Whether you’re a local resident or simply visiting Edinburgh, why not take the time this summer to master the art of Scottish shortbread?

Throughout the summer, Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy will be hosting The Wee Walk-in Shortbread Workshops, a 90-minute session offering a concise and authentic introduction to Scotland’s most iconic bake.

Create your very own Shortbread Petticoat Tails on select Thursdays during the summer period for just £50 per person. 

Last but certainly not least, looking to use your summer to kick-start a new career?

Whether you’re interested in becoming a professional chef, a food and drink entrepreneur, want to learn more about the different career opportunities in the food and drink industry, or use your summer to upskill and embark on paid holidays working in ski chalets and on board private yachts, EFDA offers something for everyone.

Edinburgh Food and Drink Academy launch event

From the five-day Seasonal Chef Host Course to the 12-week Diploma in Professional Cookery, including a new evening-only class, use this summer to sign up to transform your life and embark on a culinary adventure.

For more information, visit www.efda.co.uk. 

Today: Community Meals at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

Rise and shine! 🌞 Our lunch menu for Monday, 27th July, is a celebration of local, organic goodness! We’re thrilled to be serving a broad bean and goat’s cheese tart, made with broad beans harvested by the fabulous Walking Group at Edinburgh Agroecology Coop last week, paired with a fresh side salad.

For dessert, indulge in our Gooseberry Crumble Cake, made with gooseberries plucked from our very own garden, served with a divine fruit coulis created by the talented volunteer chef, Artemis!

This menu is a testament to the power of community and the beauty of summer – don’t miss out on this opportunity to treat yourself to a delicious, healthy, and uplifting meal.

As always, our doors open at 9am for a free breakfast and a warm welcome, so spread the word and invite your friends and family to join in on the feast!

First Minister welcomes start of zero US tariffs on Scotch whisky

SWINNEY: “A win for Scotland and a win for the United States”

First Minister John Swinney has welcomed the lifting of US tariffs on Scotch whisky and the creation of a ‘zero-for-zero’ tariff regime from today.

The exemption announced by President Trump following the King’s State Visit in April, was confirmed by US Authorities today and come into force today (Friday).

Scotland exports more whisky to the United States than to any other country.

The First Minister said: “The end of US tariffs on Scotch whisky has now been confirmed by the US Authorities and from, tomorrow, will be whisky will be tariff free.

“This follows the remarkable contribution of the King and a ‘Team Scotland’ approach that saw the Scotch Whisky Association and the Scottish Government work hand in hand.

“We were able to partner with the bourbon industry in the United States, raise the issue with President Trump in the Oval Office, and get this issue on his agenda.

“The result is a ‘zero-for-zero’ tariff regime that is a win for Scotland and a win for the United States. It benefits businesses and workers on both sides of the Atlantic and not just among whisky producers but also the businesses and communities that support the sector across Scotland.

“This is a good day for Scotland.”

International Director at the Scotch Whisky Association Ian Duddy said: “The return of tariff-free trade for Scotch Whisky in the US is welcome news for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.

“As Scotch Whisky’s most valuable global market, worth £933 million in 2025, the removal of tariffs provides greater confidence to invest, grow exports, and support jobs and communities across Scotland and the US.

“From Kentucky to Speyside, this will not only benefit the Scotch and US whisky sectors, but our wider supply chains of cooperages, farmers, hospitality and retail.

“This outcome is testament to the strength of the enduring relationship between the UK and the US. On behalf of the Scotch Whisky industry, we are grateful to everyone who worked to make this happen, including His Majesty The King during his recent State Visit.

“We look forward to building on this positive momentum and working with partners on both sides of the Atlantic to ensure Scotch Whisky continues to thrive.”

To mark the long-awaited milestone, Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander visited Pernod Ricard’s Strathclyde Distillery in the heart of Glasgow.

https://twitter.com/UKGovScotland/status/2080571196970557645/video/1

Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander said: “This is a day of celebration for Scotland’s whisky industry. The removal of tariffs by the US is a significant measure that will open up opportunities for growth and prominence for this already beloved Scottish product in US towns and cities.

The action taken by President Trump demonstrates the partnership our two countries have and the close working in trade that supports economic growth both here in the UK and in the United States.

This is the second action this month which has opened up the world even more to our whisky exports, with the India Free Trade Agreement, which came into force earlier in July, seeing tariffs reduced from 150% to 40% over the next ten years.

Businesses have also benefitted from recent deals with China, the Gulf Co-operation Council, the EU, and the US, as the UK Government delivers for Scotland and continues to use the strength and reach of the UK to support economic growth in Scotland.

“I join all those raising a dram today for the efforts to reach this point and look forward to seeing our whisky industry flourish.”

The whisky industry supports 41,000 jobs in Scotland and a further 25,000 jobs across the UK, according to the Scotch Whisky Association. 

The removal of tariffs by the US is the latest big win for the industry this month, with the India FTA coming into force and reducing whisky tariffs from 150% to 75% immediately, then to 40% over ten years.

CAMRA: First Minister must match Burnham’s pro-pub stance in Scotland

Pubgoers group CAMRA calls for business rates cut to be matched

Responding to the announcement that Prime Minister Andy Burnham is cutting business rates bills in England by 20%, CAMRA Chief Executive Tom Stainer said: “Pubgoers are crying out for a First Minister and Scottish Government that matches the new Prime Minister’s pro-pub stance, and which wants to protect and promote our pubs as vital community hubs.

“The First Minister should commit today to matching the announcement made for pubs in England and give our locals an extra 20% discount on their business rates bills too.

“Our business rates system is grossly unfair to pubs and social clubs, bricks and mortar businesses that are also vital social institutions for their communities.

“We desperately need proper reform of the system, so pubs aren’t forced to pay eye-watering business rates bills.

“A truly fair business rates system would permanently lower bills for pubs and end the need for these temporary reliefs once and for all.”

Aldi to fund the weekly shop for the grandparents bringing Edinburgh families together around the table

As family meals make a comeback, Scotland’s Cheapest Supermarket invites families to nominate grandparents who never gave up on gathering around the table

As more families choose to cook and eat at home, Aldi is celebrating the generation that has always understood the power of sharing a meal together.

Research from Barclays’ UK Consumer Spending Report for May 2026 found that 42% of consumers are changing their spending habits due to rising costs, and are cutting back on takeaways and meals out.

Over the same four-week period, separate transaction data also recorded a 2.7% fall in spending at restaurants, cafés and bakeries.*

With more meals being enjoyed at home, Aldi believes there’s a renewed opportunity for families to reconnect around the dinner table, and nobody knows the value of that better than Scotland’s grandparents.

Influencer Granny Griggly visits Aldi in Peterhead. Picture Simon Price /Firstpix Photography

Today (22 July), Aldi launches a nationwide campaign celebrating the grandparents and grandparent figures whose home cooking has brought generations of families together.

Long before recipe apps, air fryers and social media food trends, grandparents were passing down family recipes, cooking from scratch and creating the meals that became the backdrop to family life.

From bowls of homemade broth and freshly baked scones to Sunday roasts that still draw everyone home, they’ve spent decades proving that the best memories are often made around the table.

Now Aldi wants to recognise those everyday family heroes.

Families across Scotland are invited to nominate a grandparent or grandparent figure whose cooking, generosity and love of bringing people together have made a lasting impact on their family. Whether it’s the gran whose soup is famous across three generations or the grandad still teaching grandchildren how to bake, Aldi wants to hear the stories behind Scotland’s favourite family cooks.

As a thank you, Aldi will fund a month’s grocery shop for up to three Scottish grandparent figures.

To nominate, families should email scottishcompetition@aldi.co.uk with a short explanation (200 words) of why their grandparent deserves to be recognised.

Tom Brearey, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland said: “Some of life’s best moments happen around the dinner table.

“As more people choose to cook and eat at home, this is a great opportunity to spend quality time with family, share stories and reconnect with the people around us.

“Grandparents have understood that for generations. They’ve always known that a home-cooked meal is about much more than what’s on the plate – it’s about bringing people together.

“This is our way of celebrating the people who’ve quietly kept those traditions alive for years, and thanking them for everything they do for their families.”

Ronaq Restaurant closes

LAST ORDERS AT POPULAR COMELY BANK INDIAN RESTAURANT

After so many wonderful years serving you at Ronaq Restaurant Comely Bank, we are writing with heartfelt gratitude, and a touch of nostalgia, to let you know we’ll be closing our doors.

Your support has meant the world to us. Though we’ll miss hosting you, we’re excited for the future.

A new restaurant will soon open in this location, and we encourage you to welcome them warmly.

You can find them at: www.yaduvanshiindianrestaurant.co.uk

Thank you for every shared meal and every memory.

With gratitude,

The Ronaq Restaurant Team