Come Dine With Me comes to Edinburgh featuring Divino

Channel 4’s ‘Come Dine With Me: The Professionals’ ventures to Edinburgh this week to experience some of the Scottish capital’s finest establishments. Italian restaurant Divino, part of the family-owned Vittoria group joined foraged food eatery Bijou Bistro and modern fine dining establishment Aurora to represent the capital in the hit show.

The long-awaited episode airs as the 11th instalment of series two, showcasing the camaraderie between Edinburgh’s dining establishments and the level of quality characteristic of the city’s food scene.

The episode airs following a year of great successes for Divino with triple wins at the Scottish Italian Awards, and recognition from Italy’s Ospitalita Italiana tourism certification for quality as ambassadors of Italian cuisine.

These accolades follow a full refurbishment of the restaurant with an improved food and drink offering that has drawn in esteemed guests and celebrities like Gerard Butler and Prince Albert of Monaco in the past year. Vittoria Group has also recently opened their newest venue, Brunswick Book Club, on Leith Walk offering a lively venue for all-day dining and local entertainment.

Divino’s ethos of serving authentic, modern Italian cuisine was reflected within the menu curated for ‘Come Dine With Me’, developed by Head Chef Andrea Calistro. Calistro justified his recent win of ‘Scotland’s Best Pasta Chef’ at the Scottish Italian Awards with a flavourful starter of spaghetti with king prawns and courgette, followed by a stand-out main course featuring beer-braised beef cheek and oyster mushrooms, and a Piccola Caprese Cake with orange and strawberries for dessert.

The menu from Bijou featured a starter of pan-fried scallops with black pudding ‘soil’ and, in direct competition with Divino, a similar beef cheeks main with polenta and seasonal vegetables before a lemon meringue pie for dessert. Aurora showcased vegan cuisine through a salad of heritage tomato and broad beans to begin, a cashew ricotta stuffed courgette flower main, and cherry tasting plate with red wine ice cream for dessert.

After each team had presented their feast in a tight competition, Bijou Bistro took home the win with 30 points, with Aurora and Divino following closely behind with 29 and 26 points respectively. Filmed in September 2022, Edinburgh’s dining scene has transformed since the show’s recording, with a blow to the city as Aurora shut its doors in 2023, and Bijou changing hands in the time since.

Co-owner Alberto Crolla said of the experience: “After keeping the secret for 18 months, we’re over the moon to see Divino and our friends in Edinburgh hospitality on the screen. It was such a joy to film alongside local restaurants in the dining scene and learn the techniques and ethos that make them special.

“It’s been quite an exciting time for Divino and the Vittoria Group, with a few new award wins, new openings, and exciting milestones under our belt since the time of filming – we’re looking forward to welcoming in the guests that liked what they saw on the show to experience our unique brand of Scottish-Italian hospitality.” 

After airing live on 20th May at 5pm, the episode is now available to stream online at: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/come-dine-with-me-the-professionals/on-demand/

For more information on Divino, visit https://divinoedinburgh.com

Black Sheep Coffee open new site in Haymarket Square

Black Sheep Coffee, the Robusta rebel of the coffee world, is proud to announce the opening of its newest site in Haymarket Square. The latest Black Sheep Coffee is bringing its signature blend of passion and rebellion to Edinburgh.

The new site is set to become the go-to destination for locals and visitors seeking an unforgettable coffee experience from Edinburgh’s best baristas in a laid-back, welcoming space.

From carefully crafted coffees, to refreshing smoothies, to an indulgent selection of pastries and waffles, there is something for everyone to enjoy. With Edinburgh being a creative hub in the UK with a famously rich culture, the city is very special to the brand.

The new opening is a demonstration of the incredible recent growth for the Black Sheep Coffee family, as it spreads its wings further across the UK, with over 90 stores – and nearly 40 opened in the last year alone.

The pioneering coffee group is rapidly expanding, through combining a passion for coffee and a mission to take down the big corporate chains, along with harnessing support and funding from their loyal customers and those who believe in the values of the company.

Renowned for unapologetically bold flavours and an unrivalled commitment to quality, Black Sheep Coffee are innovators in the space – by sourcing the first specialty-grade 100% Robusta coffee, they went against the market trends and became the ‘Black Sheep’ of the coffee world.

With a commitment to sustainability and ethically sourced beans, every cup of Black Sheep Coffee is a statement of rebellion against the ordinary. The coffee shop group also achieved another world first with the launch of their Lion’s Mane Latte, which is made up of Lion’s Mane, ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea extract & B12. 

Black Sheep Coffee is not just a space to grab your morning coffee, it’s a community hub where rebels, misfits, and free spirits come together to celebrate individuality and embrace the extraordinary. 

Gabriel Shohet and Eirik Holth commented on the launch: “We’re so excited to be launching our newest Black Sheep Coffee site in Edinburgh and creating another coffee haven for those who dare to be different.

“With Edinburgh’s rich culture of creativity, we feel that this is a perfect new spot for us to open in.”

Leave the herd behind and brew some positive change at Black Sheep Coffee Haymarket Square.

The Botanist Unveils Summer Menu

Packed with Sharing Plates and Mega Upgrade to Fan-Favourite Dish

Award-winning bar & restaurant, The Botanist, has announced its offering for the summer season with brand-new food and cocktail menus launching on Tuesday 21st May. Guests can expect fresh seasonal flavours, sharing plates, lighter and brighter dishes and super-fresh botanical cocktails as they tuck in around the table with friends. 

Encouraging everyone to share the joy with loved ones this season, a new selection of small plates has been added to the menu, giving an instant al fresco summer dining feel. Diners can choose from eleven different dishes highlighting seasonal ingredients including roasted harissa cauliflower with houmous, pomegranate molasses, pickled red onion, crispy shallots and mint, Korean fried chicken with sriracha mayo and red chilli and patatas bravas made with baby hassleback potatoes on a bravas sauce with garlic aioli. 

Alongside the small plates are three sharing boards. Choose from baked camembert, the mezze platter or crispy aromatic duck served with pancakes, cucumber, spring onion and hoi sin sauce. 

Diners can also enjoy lighter seasonal salads including Asian noodle salad, with yakisoba noodles in a sweet chilli and sesame dressing with mangetout, coriander, mint and kimchi slaw topped with a choice of Korean chicken or plant-based schnitzel and goat’s cheese salad with melted goat’s cheese and red onion marmalade on a sourdough crouton with courgette ribbons and beetroot, chicory and rocket. 

The botany-inspired venue has become somewhat famous for its head-turning hanging kebabs, reporting that it sells three quarters of a million (780,000) per year with three kebabs being served to diners every minute. Fans of the iconic dish can get excited about the new giant piri-piri chicken kebab, which comes served with additional coleslaw and warm pitta bread, alongside seasoned fries or coconut rice. 

The Botanist grill is now also serving up bavette and sirloin steaks, along with house burgers including the new ‘Dirty Chicken Burger’, with crispy fried chicken, mac and cheese fritter, bacon, melted cheese, baby gem, pickles, garlic mayo and hot honey BBQ sauce.  

Expertly crafted by in-house chefs and created lovingly from scratch, this is feel-good food designed to celebrate the season of sunshine and good times. There is also now a dedicated vegan and gluten-free menu available. 

And those with a sweet tooth haven’t been forgotten. The restaurant’s signature cookie dough can now be topped with a choice of crunchie pieces and crushed honeycomb or S’mores toasted marshmallows, chocolate brownie chunks and a biscuit crumb. 

The Botanist’s talented bar team have also been busy, launching a completely new cocktail menu served up in stylish glassware.

Showstopping photo-worthy serves include the Disco Fizz, with prosecco, lychee liqueur, Fever-Tree raspberry and orange blossom soda served with a raspberry ‘fizz bomb’, the Lilypad Martini, with Portobello Road Bergamot Citrus Vodka, peach liqueur, peach puree, apple and lemon juice, and the eponymous ‘The Botanist’ served in a botany boiling flask.

Long-time fans of the brand can try the freshly updated signature plant pot cocktail, a complex blend of Maker’s Mark bourbon, Lazzaroni Amaretto, kiwi puree, lemon juice and honey. 

Development Chef at The Botanist, Guy Greaves said: As a chef, it’s amazing to work with the vibrant ingredients that spring provides, and we’ve really brought those lighter, brighter elements through on this new menu to celebrate the season of socialising with friends, whilst working hard to make our classic signature dishes even more impressive. 

Dishes start from £6.75 for small plates, £14.50 for mains and £5.95 for desserts.

To find your nearest venue and book your table visit https://thebotanist.uk.com/

Time for tea?

You can now buy tea flavoured like haggis, whisky and pease pudding

  • Tea range with flavours of haggis and pease pudding has now launched 
  • Inspired by famous places across the UK, the range has been created by staycation provider Verdant Leisure  

Often cited as a favourite hot drink for many Brits, a good cup of tea has become synonymous with the UK’s cultural identity.

whilst being a nation of tea drinkers means we’re accustomed to the comforting taste of an English Breakfast blend, or the zing of an Earl Grey, British brew lovers could now be in for a savoury surprise thanks to the launch of a brand-new tea range that takes inspiration from some of the nation’s favourite dishes.  

Verdant Valley Infusions, which has been imagined by staycation provider Verdant Leisure, has been created with popular staycation destinations in mind taking flavour notes from much-loved regional dishes and drinks from Scotland, North East England and Devon to give tea lovers a unique twist on their favourite brew.  

The Scottish range includes the classic Haggis, which boasts a perfect blend of spice and sweetness, oats and barley, and a finishing crack of black pepper. Whisky – a smooth black tea spiked with spices, vanilla and malt to recreate the flavour of the country’s most beloved tipple and there’s Tablet – blending creamy vanilla with toasted brown sugar to whip up a cosy and comforting hug in a mug.  

The famous, or infamous, Pease Pudding inspires the North East blend, which the staycation provider describes as a smoky, earthy chai with notes of bay leaf, thyme and citrus, it’s a rib-sticker that’s sure to warm your cockles.  

And, ending on a sweeter note, Devon’s iconic jam, cream and scones inspire the last blend, this tea claims to have fresh-baked flavours of clotted cream and vanilla perked up with vivid raspberry and bright bergamot to create a cuppa that’s a sweet treat of its own. 

The full range not only takes its taste from regional favourites but is also steeped in local history to celebrate the tales and heritage that Britain has to offer.  

Speaking on the launch, Francesca Houldsworth, travel expert at Verdant Leisure, said: “We are champions for exploring the best of what destinations closer to home have to offer we saw a perfect opportunity to celebrate our local cultures, stories and food through a medium that’s loved just as much – tea! 

“The ranges have been created with the histories of the dishes in mind and each flavour picked carefully to reflect the meals and drinks that have become a part of our regional identities, so we’re excited to now be sharing them!”  

You ‘Herd’ It Here First – £1 Coffees!

BLACK SHEEP COFFEE OPEN NEW SITE IN HAYMARKET SQUARE

Black Sheep Coffee,  the Robusta rebel of the coffee world, is proud to announce the opening of its newest site in Haymarket Square on 14th May 2024. To celebrate, Black Sheep Coffee will be offering £1 coffees throughout, for customers to enjoy a fantastic first day.*

Located in the middle of the bustling Haymarket Square, the latest Black Sheep Coffee is bringing its signature blend of passion and rebellion to Edinburgh.

The new site is set to become the go-to destination for locals and visitors seeking an unforgettable coffee experience from Edinburgh’s best baristas in a laid-back, welcoming space. From carefully crafted coffees, to refreshing smoothies, to an indulgent selection of pastries and waffles, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

With Edinburgh being a creative hub in the UK with a famously rich culture, the city is very special to the brand.

The new opening is a demonstration of the incredible recent growth for the Black Sheep Coffee family, as it spreads its wings further across the UK, with over 90 stores – and nearly 40 opened in the last year alone.

The pioneering coffee group is rapidly expanding, through combining a passion for coffee and a mission to take down the big corporate chains, along with harnessing support and funding from their loyal customers and those who believe in the values of the company.

Renowned for unapologetically bold flavours and an unrivalled commitment to quality, Black Sheep Coffee are innovators in the space – by sourcing the first specialty-grade 100% Robusta coffee, they went against the market trends and became the ‘Black Sheep’ of the coffee world.

With a commitment to sustainability and ethically sourced beans, every cup of Black Sheep Coffee is a statement of rebellion against the ordinary. The coffee shop group also achieved another world first with the launch of their Lion’s Mane Latte, which is made up of Lion’s Mane, ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea extract & B12. 

Black Sheep Coffee is not just a space to grab your morning coffee, it’s a community hub where rebels, misfits, and free spirits come together to celebrate individuality and embrace the extraordinary. 

Gabriel Shohet and Eirik Holth commented on the launch: “We’re so excited to be launching our newest Black Sheep Coffee site in Edinburgh and creating another coffee haven for those who dare to be different.

“With Edinburgh’s rich culture of creativity, we feel that this is a perfect new spot for us to open in.”

Leave the herd behind and brew some positive change at Black Sheep Coffee Haymarket Square.

Black Sheep Coffee Haymarket Square will be open from 14th May 2024 at Unit 1, 3 Haymarket Square, Edinburgh, EH3 8RY.

NQ64 Levels Up With Top-Tier Summer Drinks Menu

Including New Cocktails That Playfully Press All The Right Nostalgia-Loaded Buttons

Gear up, gamers! Retro arcade game & classic console venue NQ64, is levelling up this summer with a brand new cocktail menu and delicious drinks deals, that will have you pressing “start” round after round. 

Launching on May 9th, the neon splattered drinking den is shaking things up with a new and refreshed concoction of classic cocktails, twisted reboots, and game-themed creations, all created by its in-house drinks experts.

Highlighted among the lineup are brand new arcade cocktails including the Lemmingade, a zesty, summery delight (Limoncello, Absolut Citron, lemon, Pink Hooch, prosecco, rosemary); the Golden-Iced Latte, inspired by a vanilla iced latte and including NQ64’s Worther’s Original infused coco-milk (Havava Especial, Licor 43, butterscotch, espresso, and butterscotch foam) and the Royal Crumble, a light and sweet martini-style treat (Jack Daniel’s Apple, lime, rhubarb, custard). Every sip is a high score!

Brace yourself for some twisted reboots – timeless cocktails with game-themed twists, including the Disco Stu Daiquiri (Duppy White, bubblegum & lime), Kong Island Iced Tea (Absolut vodka, El Jimador tequila, Beefeater gin, Wray & Nephew rum, Caribbean pineapple, tea & sour peach), and the Mad Max Zombie (house rum blend, grapefruit, pineapple, guava, orange, cherry, & cinnamon fire).

For those looking for a sober adventure, fear not! The NQ64 team spent just as long on their non-alcoholic cocktails like the No Uka Uka (Caleno 0%, guava, pineapple & refresher syrup) and the Hits From The Pong (Raspberry, guava, kimi & lime – can be made with CBD) that are sure to keep your taste buds entertained, minus the hangover.

Cocktail Classix

For those who love the cocktail classics, six expertly made favourites have been added to the menu including Espresso Martini, Aperol Spritz, Margarita and Mai Tai. Crafted with top-tier ingredients, these cocktails put the class in classix. 

James Taylor, in-house drinks expert at NQ64, said: “When we dreamt up our new drinks menu, we wanted to match the fun and excitement of our games, whilst shouting about the top-notch quality of our cocktails.

“We whip up every drink concept right here in-house with our talented Head Bartenders, drawing from our extensive knowledge of cocktail history. We’ve got our fair share of arcade game fame, but our cocktails? They’re the real MVPs.”

Joel Grey, NQ64’s co-drinks expert, also commented: “We spare no effort in ensuring the highest quality ingredients, even creating some of our syrups and cordials in-house, such as our Cherry Blossom Old Fashioned syrup and the Worther’s Original-infused coco-milk, used in the Golden Latte.

“Our specially selected ingredients and unique methods are what sets our cocktails apart from those found in your average bar.”

Not content with just adding new drinks, the venue has also levelled up its game offering with new additions including a shiny new basketball machine, a second Guitar Hero booth to rock out on, and brand-spanking-new consoles. 

NQ64 is the neon graffiti-splattered drinking den, bringing drinks and button bashing to Edinburgh. Enjoy cocktails and craft beers while playing a range of retro arcade machines, pinball and classic consoles to the sounds of a DJ. Rediscover the iconic video games of yesteryears as you dive into beloved classics like Pac-Man, Mario Kart, Guitar Hero, Time Crisis, and Point Blank.

NQ64 is located at 25 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2DJ and is open seven days a week, from 4PM to 3AM on weekdays, from 12PM to 3AM on weekends.

This round’s on us – First Minister invited to local to discuss the future of Scottish pubs


Campaign for Real Ale invites John Swinney for a drink

The newly appointed Scottish First Minister, John Swinney, is invited to a pub of his choice to discuss the issues surrounding the Scottish pub and beer industry, such as pub business rates, alcohol advertising, planning laws and the Scottish Pubs Code.

The First Minister’s appointment arrives soon after Scottish Government’s decision to implement a new statutory Scottish Pubs Code and Adjudicator. CAMRA would hope to build on this long-awaited, but welcome, news in a meeting with Mr Swinney to make sure there is a robust Pubs Code to protect tied pub tenants and to secure pubs at the heart of Scottish communities.

CAMRA represents thousands of beer and cider consumers all across Scotland, who are worried about the future of their locals, unless action is taken in the near future.

CAMRA’s Scotland Director Stuart McMahon – representing Scotland’s CAMRA members – is inviting the First Minister for a chat at his local about the importance of fairer business rates on pubs in Scotland, in order help secure the future of community pubs and slow the rise of the price of a pint.

McMahon also wants the new First Minister to close a planning loophole that allows pubs to be demolished without planning permission.

Campaigners also want to see a commitment from the Scottish Government not to bring back draconian plans to ban all alcohol advertisement and sponsorship.

Commenting, CAMRA’s Scotland Director Stuart McMahon said: “We would like to congratulate John Swinney on becoming the First Minister of Scotland. While we are sure he has a lot on his plate, urgent discussions must be had to ensure a successful future for Scottish pubs.

“This is why we invite the First Minister to a pub of his choice to discuss the various ways in which pub, brewing and cider making industries can be improved to ameliorate the pub-going experience for beer and cider consumers.

“Our priorities for this meeting, and for the Scottish government, will be fairer business rates for pubs, confirmation of a decision to allow alcohol advertising in Scotland, a more secure planning law system and a muscular, robust Scottish Pubs Code.”

Letter to First Minister:

Dear John Swinney, 

Join CAMRA to discuss the future of Scottish pubs 

We are writing on behalf of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale. We are a consumer organisation with thousands of members across Scotland. We campaign for great quality cask beer, real cider, and perry and thriving community pubs in all of our communities. 

We would like to congratulate you on becoming the First Minister of Scotland. While we are sure you have a lot on your plate, urgent discussions must be had to ensure a successful future for Scottish pubs.  

This is why we invite you to a pub of your choice to discuss the various ways in which the pub, brewing and cider making industry can be improved to ameliorate the pub-going experience for beer and cider consumers.  

We know that you understand that beer and pubs are not only important to local economies, but also to our communities, culture and heritage. Our pubs are a vital part of our social fabric – playing a pivotal role in communities across the country, providing a space for local people to meet, helping to tackle loneliness, and having a positive impact on the personal wellbeing of pub-goers. 

The pub-going experience, however, is changing with the prices of pints continually on the rise, potentially pricing out consumers, and the widespread closures of pubs becoming commonplace.  

CAMRA members and pub-goers across Scotland are worried that this trend of pub closures will continue, and that their community local might be next.  

Pub-goers up and down the country want to see a fairer business rates system for pubs, a sensible re-think on alcohol advertising and sponsorship plans, more secure planning laws to save community locals and a robust Scottish Pubs Code to protect tied pub tenants and consumer choice at the bar. 

We would like to invite you to a pub of your choice to meet and have a drink (on us!) to discuss the issues facing consumers, licensees, pubs and breweries in Scotland, and how CAMRA members can work together with you to promote and protect great Scottish beer and pubs. 

Yours sincerely, 

Stuart McMahon  

CAMRA Scotland Director 

Tomorrow: Lidl launches new £70 Beauty Box for just £2

  • With beauty subscriptions more popular than ever, Lidl has announced its very own Lidl Beauty Box, worth over £70
  • Each glow-rious box is filled to the brim with over 20 coveted beauty products that rival well-known luxury brands
  • The Lidl Beauty Box, featuring Cien, will be available to purchase for £2 from 9th May 2024 via www.lidlbeautybox.co.uk – but be quick! 
Image

Lidl has just dropped the latest must-have in beauty; a brand-new beauty box set to rival the likes of Liberty and Glossybox, yet at a fraction of the price. For just £2*, beauty buffs can get their hands on the Lidl Beauty Box worth over £70 – that’s beauty without the beastly price tag! 

Launching on a trial basis, beauty aficionados can expect a carefully curated collection of on-trend wellness treasures from Lidl. The box includes a range of over 20 full size products across skincare, haircare and more, all wrapped in a beautifully designed floral-print gift package and delivered straight to beauty aficionado’s front doors. 

As part of the premium selection inside the box, skincare lovers can level up their routine with beauty must-haves Cien Myramaze Premium Face Day Cream (50ml), Cien Micellar Cleansing Milk (250ml) andCien Facial Scrub (150ml). For days that require some extra TLC, theCien Tissue Face Masks (17ml) and Livarno Quartz Facial Roller allow unboxers to lean into the latest craze to depuff the skin and improve blood flow to the face**. 

It doesn’t stop at skincare – the Lidl Beauty Box also includes a range of irresistible fragrances, recently recommended by the likes of Adele, Shakira and Chris Pratt***. From Suddenly Femelle Perfume (75ml), to Eau de Parfum for Men – Deep (75ml), shoppers will look and smell scent-sational.

Whether shoppers are seeking wellness treasures that rival high-end brands such as The Luxury Collection Black Diffuser in Leather & Cedar (100ml), or simply seek a great deal on beauty essentials, the Lidl Beauty Boxis the answer to premium products without the hefty price tag! 

Shoppers will need to be quick to get their very own Lidl Beauty Box featuring Cien for just £2*. Purchasing will go live via www.lidlbeautybox.co.uk from 10.00AM 9th May, launching as a one-off box as part of a trial service.

All of Lidl GB own brand cosmetic products listed in stores (and in Lidl’s Beauty Box) are approved under the Cruelty Free International Leaping Bunny programme.

PRODUCT NAMEPRODUCT PRICE
Cien Myramaze Premium Face Day Cream (50ml)£7.49
Cien Myramaze Premium Face Night Cream (50ml)£7.49
Cien Micellar Cleansing Milk (250ml)£1.55
Cien Facial Scrub (150ml)£1.09
Cien Tissue Face Mask (17ml) x2£0.99
Cien Premium Bath & Shower Gel (500ml)£1.49
Cien Premium Handwash (500ml)£1.35
Cien Luxury Hand Lotion (250ml)£1.99
Suddenly Perfumes (75ml) x2£5.65
G.Bellini Fragrances (75ml) x2£5.65
Cien Australian Style Shampoo (300ml)£1.49
Cien Australian Style Conditioner (300ml)£1.49
Cien Body Lotion (500ml)£1.19
Facial Cleansing Brush£9.99
Livarno Quartz Facial Roller or Massage Stone£3.99
The Luxury Collection Black Reed Diffuser (100ml)£3.39
The Luxury Collection White Reed Diffuser (100ml)£3.39
Vintage Florals Candle (200g)£3.49

One Square pays tribute to Edinburgh’s storytellers with launch of new afternoon tea menu

New menu is inspired by Edinburgh’s famous authors, their words and wisdom 

One Square, The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa’s award-winning bar and brasserie, has unveiled a unique Afternoon Tea menu inspired by Edinburgh’s best storytellers and their famous tales.

Each dish will take guests on a journey of escapism through different chapters of history inspired by Edinburgh’s greatest stories, poetry and prose. 

From Robert Burns to Irvine Welsh and many in between, the new afternoon tea menu draws inspiration from each storyteller’s depiction of our city and each dish represents a different chapter, fact or fiction, that will leave guests wanting to return time and time again.

One Square’s expert chefs have spent months researching both flavour and infamy to curate this one-of-a-kind menu.

The inventive menu consists of everything from Robert Burns’ Haggis Bon Bons with soured neeps chutney, to Irvine Welsh’s Lind & Lime Gin cured salmon, citrus brioche and smoked poppy seeds.

Edinburgh’s Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is represented on the new menu through a flavour-changing cucumber based sandwich with both hot and cooler taste profiles.

Other storytellers found on the sweet section of the menu are J.K Rowling and a wizard inspired Jelly Bean tart, Arthur Conan Doyle’s raspberry cranachan and an ode to Rob Roy with a dark chocolate sweet vermouth-laced sponge.

From £59 per person, guests can enjoy One Square’s afternoon tea from 12:30pm-5:00pm, Wednesday to Saturday. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request. 

Nick Durham, Director of Food and Beverage at The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, explains: “Edinburgh – the world’s first UNESCO city of literature – is home to some of the greatest storytellers in the world, past and present.

“At One Square, we’re proud to have Scotland, and its stories, at the heart of everything we do. We wanted to create a menu that reflects and celebrates our deep-rooted culture and creativity. We’ve had a lot of fun designing our Afternoon Tea and believe the end result is unmatched and like no other

“Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply fancy a relaxed afternoon with friends, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.”

The new menu is available from today. For more information and for bookings, please visit https://www.onesquareedinburgh.co.uk/

Le Petit Beefbar to launch ‘Taylor’s Version’ cocktail menu

Are you ready for it? In honour of global pop sensation Taylor Swift’s Eras tour hitting Edinburgh this summer, Le Petit Beefbar is launching ‘Taylor’s Version’ of its renowned cocktail menu.

The Taylor’s Version menu will be available from the 13th May, when fans and cocktail enthusiasts alike will be able to enjoy a carefully curated selection of drinks inspired by the chart-topper’s iconic discography.

From the nostalgia of Fearless and Speak Now, to the delicate storytelling of The Tortured Poets Department, the menu has something for everyone and every era.

Lovers of a sweet spritz can try Champagne Problems, made with Edinburgh Gin, fresh lemon and topped with Moët Rosé and a cloud of candy floss, and for a quick pick me up, the Bad Bloody Mary customised with your choice of spirit, is sure to hit the spot.

The Lavender Haze is the vision of summer with flower syrup, gin and homemade Lillet Rosé soda, and for those partial to a mocktail, the Anti-Hero combines delicious Amarena Juice and sparkling Nosecco.

To celebrate Taylor’s most recent album drop, the team have transformed their Beefbar Espresso Martini into a cocktail strong enough to spark the genius of any tortured poet.

While enjoying a pre-concert cocktail, Swiftie’s can also take advantage of the delicious bar snacks on offer, from the 45-day cured croque sando, to the baby quesadillas with Kobe karasumi and coveted tempura insane rock corn accompanied by sriracha mayo. All will be sure to set up concert goers for an evening of dancing until midnight.

To celebrate in style, bookings can be made at

https://beefbar.com/le-petit-beefbar-edinburgh/#reservations 

or by calling +44 131 240 7177.