Strachan House care home resident Betty Hardie had always wanted to learn how to pull a pint, so staff at the home made her wish come true. The amazing staff at the Scottish Engineer were more than happy to welcome Betty and teach her everything she needed to know to get the perfect pour!
Betty is at Strachan House on a respite stay and couldn’t believe that we had made her wish come true. Staff at the home were delighted to be a part of making Betty’s dream come true, as they knew how much it meant to her.
Staff first found out about Betty’s dream after having a chat with her on her admission, ever since then, they have been dedicated to helping Betty achieve it. Christine, a fellow resident and Betty’s friend was also there to offer moral support and enjoy a beautiful pub lunch.
In response to this wonderful surprise, Betty, said: “It was such a wonderful day, I can’t believe that the home were able to make this happen!”
Fran Fisher General Manager at the home, said: “We believe that every moment is worth cherishing.
“We want everyone we care for to know how important they are to us here even if their stay is short It is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team here in making our residents’ dreams come true and we couldn’t have done it without Lisa, Connor and the amazing team at the Scottish Engineer; we will be forever grateful”.
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.
The award-winning Amber Restaurant at The Scotch Whisky Experience has announced a series of food and drink offerings to celebrate its 25th anniversary. To mark the milestone, the restaurant has launched two retrospective menus featuring some of Amber’s most memorable dishes from the past 25 years, alongside a specially created anniversary cocktail, the Amber ’25.
Since opening in 2001, Amber has helped champion whisky pairing and whisky-led cooking within Scotland’s dining scene, pairing dishes with whiskies from all five whisky producing regions.
At the heart of the celebrations is the limited-edition ‘Taste of Scotland’ menu, running across two periods, 20th – 24th May and 23rd – 30th November. Curated by Executive Chef David Neave, who has led the kitchen since the restaurant opened, the menu revisits a selection of standout dishes from the past 25 years. Each course reflects the evolution of Scottish seasonal ingredients and Amber’s distinctive approach to whisky-infused cuisine.
David Neave, Executive Chef at Amber Restaurant, said: “Reaching 25 years at Amber Restaurant is a hugely proud moment for all of us. This anniversary menu, created by our team of chefs, is an opportunity to celebrate the very best of Scottish produce and revisit the dishes that have helped define who we are, as a restaurant, over the years.
“Whisky has always been central to our cooking, not only as a pairing, but also as an ingredient that can bring real depth and character to a dish. Looking back at these menus has been incredibly special and reflects the journey Amber has been on over the past 25 years.”
Amber was also the restaurant that introduced the concept of Scottish tapas, creating small plates designed to give visitors from around the world the opportunity to experience a broad taste of Scotland in one sitting. A quarter of a century on, the concept remains at the heart of the restaurant, with a celebratory Scottish tapas offering running throughout the anniversary year and featuring guest favourites from across the decades.
Wendy Neave, Head of Events and daughter of Executive Chef David Neave, said: “Amber Restaurant is extremely special to our family. My father, David, has led the kitchen with real passion since the beginning, and my brother Michael has also played an important role in the kitchen over the years, following in his father’s footsteps, so it’s something we’ve all been closely connected to.
“Our team have always been passionate about showcasing the very best of Scotland to our guests, and that’s what led to the creation of our Scottish tapas concept. We wanted visitors to have the opportunity to experience a wide variety of Scottish dishes and flavours in a small plate format.”
To find out more about The Scotch Whisky Experience’s Amber Restaurant please visit Amber Restaurant.
Ice Cream is now Sipped! Pepsi® has unveiled its new Ice Cream Zero Sugar Flavour range, with three new delicious cola flavours, made to refresh you with a smooth taste and zero-sugar sweetness—perfect for a summer treat. Should you lick it, bite it, scoop it? No, you sip it!
The new flavours are set to launch exclusively in Tesco from 18th May, with Cherry & Vanilla Ice Cream Flavour and Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream Flavour rolling out nationwide from 14th July onwards.
This trio has been meticulously crafted for a generation that has mastered the art of intentional treating. In an era defined by constant hustle, Pepsi is reframing the ‘Treat’ moment.
Pepsi’s unique new flavours double up as the ultimate sweet treat to cool the summer heat. Cold, bold and surreal, the new flavours reimagine and remix the ice cream and Pepsi combination, bringing a whole new vibe to treating yourself – with zero sugar. With a classic Pepsi base, the new flavours add a creamy, sweet kick to the iconic cola recipe, twisting your senses.
Life today is lived in micro-moments, those blink and you’ll miss it victories – like finally hitting “send” on an email, replying to those messages that have been on read for weeks, or simply making it through a long Monday. These quiet wins are the real status symbols of Gen Z culture, and Pepsi is here to make sure they don’t go unnoticed, by redefining the treat moment for a new generation.
The new trio of delectable new zero sugar flavours include:
Cherry & Vanilla Ice Cream Flavour: A smooth, sweet, and totally indulgent taste sensation
Raspberry Ripple Ice Cream Flavour: A tangy, creamy, nostalgic dream – in a can.
Salted Caramel Ice Cream Flavour: The ultimate flavour flex. Sweet meets salty in a fizzy, treaty collision!
Natalia Fillipociants, SVP and General Manager Europe International Beverages, PepsiCo , said: ‘’At Pepsi, we know it’s the small moments that can feel like a win and deserve something refreshing.
“Our new ice cream-inspired flavours are made to be a fun, zero-sugar summer treat that’s a little unexpected in the best way. We hope people enjoy cracking one open, trying something different, and making it their go-to refreshment this summer’’.
The new Ice Cream flavours come as an expansion of Pepsi’s Treats range, following the craze surrounding the launch of Strawberries & Cream and Cream Soda flavours last year.
The irresistible new range will be available to buy in four different formats – individual 330ml cans, an 8 can multipack, plus 500ml and 1.5 litre bottles.
For more information on the new flavours and brand news, visit Pepsi UK on Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok and X.
Contini George Street is proud to announce a meaningful new partnership with Maggie’s Edinburgh, a charity offering expert cancer support and information in Edinburgh.
The newly formed partnership will support the charity’s vital cancer care services throughout the month of May through a series of fundraising initiatives, headlined by a pre-loved designer pop-up shop and a specially curated menu designed to reflect the spirit and colors of Maggie’s.
From May 14th to 17th, the former Jo Malone shop at 93 George Street will be transformed into Maggie’s Boutique, featuring over 1,200 donated lines of high-end designer fashion.
To celebrate the collaboration, anyone visiting the pop-up will receive a voucher for a complimentary Maggie’s Cocktail (available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions).
The voucher can be redeemed at Contini George Street with the purchase of any main course during lunch or dinner service and featured cocktails include:
Brindisi per Maggie: A refreshing Passion Fruit Spritz with prosecco, Aperol, passionfruit, and mint.
Dolce Maggie (Non-alcoholic): A sophisticated blend of Crodino Biondo, soda, and 0% ABV sparkling wine.
These cocktails will also be available for general purchase at £10, with £1 from every drink sold donated directly to the charity.
For the entire month of May, Contini George Street will also feature two dedicated dishes on their à la carte and breakfast menus, with a portion of every sale supporting Maggie’s fundraising goals.
Buongiorno Maggie’s (£9): A breakfast delight of seasonal fruit salad with Graham’s Greek yoghurt, Victor’s honey, and homemade granola.
Maggie’s Giardino (£20): A nutritious take on the classic Italian Caprese, substituting traditional red tomatoes for orange Datterini tomatoes and fresh Italian apricots to match Maggie’s signature branding. This vegetarian and gluten-free dish features Mozzarella di bufala DOP, Contini kitchen garden basil, and Victor’s organic extra virgin olive oil.
Carina Contini, co-owner of Contini Restaurants, said: “We are incredibly proud to collaborate with Maggie’s this May. Our ‘Maggie’s Giardino’ dish is a tribute to their work. We invite all our regulars and new visitors to the George Street pop-up to join us in raising a glass, and more importantly, vital funds for a charity that holds a special place in the hearts of so many Edinburgh residents.”
By combining the reach of Contini’s George Street presence with the high-profile designer pop-up, both organisations hope to drive significant foot traffic and awareness for cancer care support in the capital.
Maggie’s Edinburgh Fundraising Manager Samantha Lea said: “We are so grateful to Contini for supporting us this May, particularly with Maggie’s Boutique later this month.
“As a charity we rely almost entirely on voluntary donations to support people facing a cancer diagnosis, as well as their family and friends.
“It is 30 years since we opened our centre in Edinburgh, the first of what is now 27 across the UK, and thanks to partnerships like this one with Contini we are able to reach even more people living with cancer from across the whole Lothian region.”
Event Details & Opening Times
Maggie’s Boutique Pop-Up (93 George Street):
Thursday, May 14th: Noon – 9:00 PM
Friday, May 15th: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, May 16th: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, May 17th: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Contini George Street (103 George Street):
Maggie’s Fundraising Menu: Available daily throughout May 2026.
Cocktail Voucher Redemption: Valid for pop-up visitors during event dates.
Great British Bake Off winner, Peter Sawkins, is partnering with Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy to host an intimate ‘cook along’ masterclass event for foodies and baking enthusiasts in the heart of Edinburgh on Saturday 30 May.
The youngest ever winner of The Great British Bake Off, Peter will deliver a live demonstration on how to master the French classic dessert, Croquembouche, at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy on Queen Street.
The 12 attendees will then cook along with Peter, creating an Almond, Ricotta and Strawberry Celebration Cake, learning professional techniques, tips and insider secrets to create their very own competition-worthy bake.
Rounding off the event, delegates will sit down with Peter for an informal Q&A over a cup of tea or coffee and freshly baked goods, before taking home their finished cake. Taking place from 2pm – 5pm, the three-hour masterclass is suitable for all capabilities and costs just £140.
Edinburgh Food and Drink Academy Launch Event
Commenting on the event, Peter said: “I’m looking forward to being back in the kitchen at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy and helping local bakers create their own delicious and beautiful bakes.
“Hosting an intimate event like this allows me to really engage with attendees and help them develop their skills and confidence in the kitchen, before we sit down together over a cuppa and cake for a chat.”
Edinburgh Food and Drink Academy Launch Event
Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne, executive chair at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy, commented:“A great friend of Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy, we’re delighted to be able to offer keen bakers the opportunity to meet with and learn directly from Peter.
“Tackling the famously tricky croquembouche, a staple challenge on the Great British Bake Off, Peter will be demonstrating the skills that won him the competition and helping delegates to pick up some tips and tricks along the way.
“At Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy we have one central mission – to create, connect and elevate the food and drink industry, and events like these are just one of the ways in which we do this.”
Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy (EFDA) relaunched earlier this year, following 17 years as the Edinburgh New Town Cookery School, with a clear mission to create, connect and elevate the food and drink industry.
Based in the centre of Edinburgh, which is regarded as a vibrant food and drink destination, it brings together innovation and experience to deliver a range of professional chef courses and recreational classes and events for home chefs with an interest in mastering the kitchen.
With only 12 spaces available for the event, tickets can be purchased online at www.efda.co.uk.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has unveiled its newly refreshed Garden View Deck & Bar, in association with Maison Pommery & Associés, offering a relaxed and elevated al fresco escape in the heart of the capital, in time for the summer season.
Located within the John Hope Gateway, the Garden View Deck & Bar will, for the first time, extend its opening hours across the summer months. The Deck & Bar is open from 12PM to 8PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 12PM to 4:30PM on Sundays, offering the perfect weekend lunchtime escape with a view.
On Fridays and Saturdays, guests can continue enjoying the space with extended opening hours until 8PM. While the wider Gardens close at 5PM, the Deck remains open, offering panoramic views over the Living Collection in the light summer evenings.
The new evening offering invites guests to experience the Botanics at a different pace, encouraging them to linger longer and unwind in a beautiful garden setting as the sun sets. In collaboration with catering partners Heritage Portfolio, the menu has been designed for informal grazing and sharing, with a focus on seasonality and bold, summery flavours.
Freshly prepared stone baked pizzas include classic combinations such as Margherita with tomato sugo, mozzarella and basil, and pepperoni with nduja and hot honey, as well as a vegan bianca with potato, caramelised onion and vegan mozzarella.
A selection of artisan small plates includes a cheese board for two with Stilton blue, Camembert and Arran smoked cheddar, seasonal pickles and Gordal olives and more. Just like the Gateway Cafe, the menu will be inspired by produce from the Kitchen Garden, infusing fresh, seasonal, and hyper-local ingredients into the menu.
Dr Julia Knights, Regius Keeper at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh said: “Today marks an important moment in an exciting new partnership between Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Maison Pommery, which brings together shared values of excellence, heritage, sustainability and cultural engagement.
“Together we are creating a premium experience that invites our visitors to enjoy nature and celebrate the Garden through a new lens, showcasing both the beauty of the Garden and its important mission to protect Earth’s fragile habitats.”
Sandy Robson, Executive Director of Heritage Portfolio commented: “We are delighted to offer a new space for Edinburgh locals and visitors to enjoy this summer, with a food and beverage offering that champions local produce while reflecting the best of the season in a relaxed, open-air setting for long summer evenings.
“The menu has been designed to be informal and shareable, encouraging guests to graze, try a little of everything and spend time together over food.”
Maison Pommery is highlighted through a selection of its emblematic cuvées, reflecting its expertise and heritage. Each Champagne precisely expresses the House style, combining finesse, freshness, and balance.
Julien Lonneux, CEO of Maison Pommery United Kingdom, adds: “At Maison Pommery, we firmly believe that excellence cannot exist without responsibility. Preserving nature means preserving the very essence of our wines and our heritage.”
The drinks offer also includes a selection of wines, beers and soft drinks chosen to complement relaxed outdoor dining. A dedicated spritz menu brings a playful, botanical focus inspired by summer evenings.
Alongside classic serves like an Aperol Spritz and Hugo Spritz, the bespoke Garden Party collection includes the Strawberry Meadow with strawberry and elderflower, and the Provençal Bloom with lavender and lemon.
The Garden View Deck & Bar operates on a walk in basis, offering a flexible way to visit whether guests are rounding off a day in the Garden or arriving specifically for an evening drink and something to eat. Guests can enjoy the refreshed space on weekends from May 8th.
For more information on the Garden View Deck & Bar, please visit:
A much-loved Glasgow Indian restaurant, popular with famous faces including Mel Gibson, Orlando Bloom and Sir Billy Connolly is bringing its best-loved dishes to homes across the country for the first time.
This week, Mister Singh’s – which has built a loyal following serving patrons for over 30 years and regularly attracts sports stars and celebrities – is launching two of its top selling signature curries in Scotmid stores nationwide.
The family-run restaurant, led by four generations of Scots with Punjabi heritage, will roll out its iconic Chicken Bhoona and South Indian Garlic Chilli ready meals in Scotmid stores from 6 May.
Until now, curry loving fans have travelled from across Scotland for a taste of Mister Singh’s rich flavours and perfected recipes. Now Scotmid customers can pick them up locally and enjoy them in the comfort of their own homes.
The dishes have been expertly developed alongside Glasgow-based PK Foods, which has more than 25 years’ experience in producing top quality, ethnic foods.
The move into stores across the country follows Mister Singhs India and PK Foods’ success in Scotmid’s Scottish Favourites competition, which helps local producers secure listings across Scotland.
Working in collaboration with Mark Singh – third generation of the Singh family – and the restaurant’s executive chef Manesh Joshi, PK Foods has scaled up the recipes while keeping the bold flavours and authentic cooking style that built their iconic reputation.
Jason Stevenson, Sales Director at PK Foods, said:“We’ve built a strong relationship with Scotmid over many years, and we understand what their customers are looking for.
“These are dishes people already know and love, so the focus was on retaining that restaurant level flavour and quality and converting it into a format that was accessible to everyone, all whilst working hard to stay true to what makes Mister Singh’s so popular.”
Satty Singh, on behalf of Mister Singh’s, added:“We’ve been feeding Glasgow for decades and have welcomed some very familiar faces through our doors, with people travelling from all over to visit us.
“Bringing our curries to Scotmid shelves across the country is a proud moment for our family and a chance to share our heritage with even more communities.”
Scotmid’s Scottish Favourites initiative, delivered in partnership with Scotland Food & Drink, champions local producers and helps bring new products to customers.
Steve Addison, Local Sourcing Manager at Scotmid, said:“Scottish Favourites is about championing the best of local producers, and this is a great example of that.
“Mister Singh’s has built a fantastic reputation in Glasgow, and we’re proud to help bring those much-loved flavours to customers across Scotland through our stores.”
Mister Singh’s Chicken Bhoona and South Indian Garlic Chilli (350g) will be available in 120 Scotmid stores from 6 May 2026, priced at £4.95 and will feature on an Any 2 For £8 launch promotion until 26th May.
A new seasonal line-up, led by a haggis burger rooted in the city’s everyday food culture
Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh is putting one of Scotland’s most recognisable ingredients at the forefront of its menu this spring, with the launch of Fresh Beats, a new seasonal line-up led by its haggis burger designed to celebrate Edinburgh’s unique food culture amongst both locals and visitors.
While part of a global rollout across Hard Rock Cafe locations, the Edinburgh menu takes a distinctly local approach. At its centre is The Haggis Burger, built around a staple of the city’s foodie scene. Layered with smashed beef patties, locally sourced haggis, whisky-infused caramelised onions and a rich cheese sauce, it delivers a bold, flavour-led dish with a strong sense of place.
Hearty, savoury and rooted in tradition, it’s finished with crispy shoestring onions, lettuce and tomato in a toasted artisan bun, a format that sits naturally within the flavours and expectations of Edinburgh’s dining landscape.
The introduction of the haggis burger reflects a broader shift within Fresh Beats, a concept that allows each Hard Rock Cafe location to shape its menu around what resonates most locally. In Edinburgh, that means placing a well-established favourite celebrating Scottish heritage at the centre of the offering.
Alongside this, the wider menu includes seasonal additions such as Crispy Chicken Sliders with spicy mayo, pickles and jalapeño slaw, and a Mediterranean Salmon Salad with quinoa, feta, roasted chickpeas and olive tzatziki.
Desserts and drinks complete the line-up, including a Bourbon Bread Pudding served warm with vanilla ice cream and bourbon caramel, alongside new cocktails such as the Sweet Heat Mango Mojito and the Hibiscus Yuzu Lime.
With menus set to evolve throughout the year, the focus remains on keeping each location relevant to its audience – but in Edinburgh, that starts with a dish that’s already firmly part of the city’s food culture.
