food and drink – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Contini George Street partners with Maggie’s Edinburgh for month-long fundraising campaign

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.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Eventbrite booking page.

Great British Bake Off winner, Peter Sawkins, to host intimate masterclass event in Edinburgh

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.”

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.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh refreshes Garden View Deck & Bar for summer season

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:

https://www.rbge.org.uk/deck-bar/

Scots celeb hotspot hits Scotmid shelves in Edinburgh

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.

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh puts a local favourite front and centre with new ‘Fresh Beats’ menu

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.

To book a table visit https://cafe.hardrock.com/edinburgh/

The Ivy On The Square launches new Heritage Menu

CELEBRATING LEGACY DISHES AND CLASSIC FLAVOURS

This Spring, The Ivy On The Square, Edinburgh introduces new dishes on its Heritage Menu, a set menu that celebrates the legacy of The Ivy and its classic dishes, launching across its restaurants nationwide.

Designed to offer exceptional value without compromising on quality, the menu is available everyday (except Saturday), featuring two courses from £21.95**.

Showcasing a carefully curated selection of seasonal dishes, the Heritage Menu begins with a choice of bright, seasonal starters including Crab and Chive Cream, served on watermelon with crushed avocado and radish; Gochujang Chicken and Asian Slaw, accompanied by shredded crispy wonton, sesame seeds, wasabi mayonnaise and micro coriander; and Whipped Feta and Filo Salad, paired with baby spinach, marinated apricots, chicory and a delicate truffle vinaigrette.

Ivy Classic Shepherd’s Pie remains a firm favourite, featuring slow-braised lamb and beef topped with cheddar mash, rosemary and a rich red wine sauce. Additional options include Pan-fried Sea Bass with Keralan Curry Sauce, infused with coconut, cumin and turmeric and served with shaved fennel and spinach, as well as a Spicy Jackfruit and Roasted Peanut Bang Bang Salad with chayote, sesame, mooli and shredded Chinese leaf.

Guests can enhance their dining experience by upgrading to three courses for a supplement of £5.95. The dessert selection offers a further choice of indulgent options, including the theatrical Flambéed Crème Brûlée, finished tableside with a caramelised sugar crust; Strawberries and Cream with freeze-dried raspberries, meringue and lemon balm; the Classic Frozen Berries with a yoghurt and white chocolate sauce, and a savoury option of Fourme d’Ambert, a classic French blue cheese served with crackers, apple and celery.

Mark Askew, Group Executive Chef at The Ivy Collection, said: “The Heritage Menu reflects everything our guests love about The Ivy – timeless dishes, seasonal ingredients and a sense of occasion, every day.

“We wanted to create a menu that feels both familiar and exciting, offering exceptional quality and variety at an accessible price point, while celebrating the flavours and dishes that define our collection.”

The Heritage Menu reflects The Ivy Collection’s commitment to delivering accessible luxury dining in elegant surroundings, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy its most-loved dishes at an exceptional price point.

To make a reservation at The Ivy, visit https://ivycollection.com/

Year of the Cabbage?

Aldi supplier reveals cabbage demand soars

Aldi supplier reveals cabbage demand soars as 2026 declared ‘Year of the Cabbage’
East Lothian producer, and long-term Aldi supplier, says Scotland’s mild summers make it the greatest place in the UK for growing brassica

With 2026 being named as “The Year of the Cabbage”, what might once have sounded tongue-n-cheek is now a reflection of reality in Scottish fields and supermarkets.

While the declaration may have brought a smile, Scotland’s longest cabbage season is no fashion statement. In East Lothian’s fertile soils, it is the result of climate, careful selection and long-term investment. If 2026 is indeed the Year of the Cabbage, Scotland is already well ahead of the trend.

Scottish cabbage producer, East Lothian Produce – a third generation farm run by the Logan family – have their sights set on harvesting Savoy cabbage from June right through to the end of April to meet demand. Thanks to the region’s relatively frost-free climate, it gives Scotland the longest Savoy season anywhere in the UK.

“Our location is one of our biggest strengths,” says Chris Logan at East Lothian Produce. “East Lothian has a kind climate and is one of the most frost free areas in Scotland, which is ideal for winter brassicas.

“We are able to harvest Savoy fresh from the field every day through the winter months, which is quite unique.”

The cooler Scottish summer also plays a defining role in quality. “Our cabbages grow more slowly and steadily compared to warmer parts of the UK”, Chris explains. “That slower growth means less stress on the plant and produces a strong, resilient cabbage with excellent texture and shelf life.”

East Lothian Produce and its partnership with Kettle Produce Ltd supplies Aldi Scotland with locally-grown cabbages and grows an extensive range of varieties to meet demand across the seasons. Across the Savoy crop alone, 18 varieties are selected for qualities such as early maturity, frost tolerance, flavour and visual appeal.

Red cabbage has become a particular growth area. Early varieties such as Alfaro and Redma are followed by Kilmaro and Redema for long-term storage, with new varieties currently under trial to enhance storage ability and reduce waste.

White cabbage varieties range from early cropping types suited to rig packing to later, more compact heads bred for strong keeping quality.

“We are constantly trialing new varieties,” says Chris. “Red cabbage especially is seeing genuine growth. A lot of that is driven by interest in raw recipes, fermentation and pickling, which taps into the wider focus on gut health and fibre.”

Cabbage’s resurgence aligns with broader consumer trends. It is low in calories, high in fibre and rich in vitamins C and K, while red cabbage contains anthocyanins linked to heart health. As shoppers look for whole, minimally processed foods that offer value and versatility, the brassica is being reappraised.

“It used to be seen as quite old fashioned,” Chris says. “But when you roast it, char it or ferment it, it becomes something completely different. We are seeing it move from being a side dish to being the centre of the plate.”

For Aldi Scotland, the story is also about backing local producers. New research from Scotland Food & Drink has found a growing appetite for Scottish produce, both at home and across the UK.*

Alan Leslie, Buying Director at Aldi Scotland, says supporting Scottish growers remains central to the retailer’s approach. “We are incredibly proud to work with over 90 dedicated Scottish suppliers who collectively stack our shelves with more than 450 Scottish products.

“Our commitment to sourcing locally grown food means our customers can enjoy fresh, high-quality produce while supporting Scottish agriculture.

“As interest in fibre rich foods continues to grow and cabbage enjoys its moment in the spotlight, it is fantastic to see products grown right here in Scotland being appreciated and given their hero-moment on shelves.”

A head of Scottish cabbage can be picked up at Aldi for £0.75 for savoy and sweetheart, and £0.89 for red and white cabbage

Aldi was recently named Which?’s Cheapest Supermarket of 2025.

You can find your nearest Aldi here. 

Vintage Vibes Cake Grab

SUNDAY 10th MAY at 1pm LEONARDO MURRAYFIELD HOTEL

Enjoying payday weekend? Put a few of those pounds to the best use by getting one of the last tickets to the Edinburgh Cake Grab next Sunday!

Enjoy an afternoon eating as much cake as you can, meeting amazing new people and even winning prizes. All proceeds go towards our work tackling local loneliness in Edinburgh’s isolated older people – and members of our community are even coming along as our special guest judges!

Tickets available on our website and use the code grab-a-friend to get 20% off you and any friends

Davidsons Mains’ Bangla Kitchen wins Takeaway of the Year at the 2026 Scottish Curry Awards

Local favourite, Bangla Kitchen, has scooped the award for Best Indian Takeaway in this year’s Scottish Curry Awards (SCA) held in Glasgow this week.

Run by Abdul Mohit Khan and his wife Naz with support from their families, they’ve been serving up deliciously authentic Bangladeshi food in Davidsons Mains for over 16 years.

No strangers to awards, Bangla Kitchen won the SCA previously in 2014 and 2015, as well as being finalists in 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. They also won the Spice Awards in 2023 for Best Indian Takeaway – East.

Speaking about their recent win, Abdul says: “We could not be more proud to win this prestigious award. It’s huge recognition for us and our hard working staff who continue to do their very best to provide the finest quality meals and best service possible.

“We’ve been in business for over 16 years now and are so grateful for the support of so many loyal customers over the years – many who come from all over the city to get food from us – and it’s really thanks to all of them that we’ve won another award.

We are immensely grateful for the support and the opportunities the community gives us to grow more”.

Bangla Kitchen can be found at 67 – 69 Main Street in Davidsons Mains EH4 5AD and are open 7 days a week from 5pm – 11pm.

Order by phone 0131 312 6260 or online at Banglakitchen online.co.uk

RICHLY DESERVED – CONGRATULATIONS, BANGLA KITCHEN! – Ed.

Almost half of Scottish voters blame Government policy for pub closures

Over one-in-four Scottish voters said the single most impactful decision Government could do to help the sector is to make business rates fair 
One-in-ten say that their MP has spoken up for the sector and just 7% say that their MP is doing enough to protect pubs 
Ahead of the local elections, the Long Live the Local campaign calls on MPs to make pubs a priority

Scottish voters blame Government when their local closes, new research conducted by the Long Live the Local campaign and More in Common research reveals. 

Campaigners say that the survey, which found that 48% of the Scottish public blames either national or local government when a pub closes, should act as a warning to politicians ahead of the local elections that they must prioritise the sector.   

When asked what would save the sector, the plurality of voters (26%) said that making business rates fair for pubs would be the best decision. 

Despite the strong feelings voters in Scotland have for their local pub, few felt that their local MP was sufficiently engaged on the issue.  

These results follow additional support for Scottish pubs, showing that many voters clearly believe that there is still more to be done to truly protect Britain’s pubs.   

Only 10% of voters said that their MP had spoken up for the sector, whilst just 7% said that their MP had done enough to support pubs in their constituency. 

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, said: “Despite recent important support from the Government and the many MPs across all political parties that champion pubs and brewers, voters clearly believe that there is still more to be done.  

“Pubs are the soul of the community, create jobs, and, with a quarter of a million people joining our Long Live the Local campaign that supports the people behind the pint, including thousands in Scotland, it’s no wonder people care about them so much.  

“What the public want is a fair tax system for pubs, one that keeps business competitive and recognises their unique role as valuable spaces for communities across the country. 

“With the local elections right around the corner, it’s key for candidates to recognise just how important pubs are for so many and to back their local. 

“We’re calling on the Government to continue to work with us and deliver permanent business rates reform, lower employment costs, cut beer duty and VAT to save countless locals who are burdened with huge regulatory costs.” 

Luke Tryl, Executive Director at More in Common, said: “One thing comes through really strongly in this polling, the British public really care about pubs, they think they are a central part of their community and they don’t think the Government is doing enough to protect them. 

“In fact, over half of British voters blame national or local government for pub closures and want to see politicians at all levels doing more to stand up for them. At a time when the Government already finds itself struggling with a restless electorate a wave of further pub closures will only reinforce the frustration that those in charge are unable or unwilling to deliver for local communities across Britain. 

“On the flipside taking action on issues like rates is one way the Government can show that it gets it, recognises the value of pubs and gets the public back onside.” 

The Scottish Beer and Pub Association’s Long Live the Local campaign launched in 2018 to raise awareness of the UK’s alarming rate of pub closures.

Currently standing at over 250,000 supporters from all over the country, the campaign encourages people to support the people behind the pint.  