Menu for Friday 14th of August 
We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you tomorrow. We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and a delicious pudding.
What’s on the menu today:
Root veg medley soup
Crispy chicken
BBQ-style beans
Halloumi pastries
Lemon cheesecake with blueberry compote
Please check the board or ask our volunteers about allergens. And just a heads-up, our food is served until it runs out! Do come along and enjoy. Thank you!
St Columba’s Iona Cafe is changing its opening hours at the weekends!
Starting from Satuday 15th August, the Iona Cafe will be open 10- 4 on both Saturday & Sunday.
As always, there will be a range of delicious food and beverages available, as well as the gift shop, which is always full of wonderful accessories and homewares just waiting to be discovered!
Get ready for a vibrant and delicious day at our centre! 
We have an abundance of fresh carrots, and we’re celebrating with a special carrot-themed menu for tomorrow.
We have a Carrot & Ginger Soup – a comforting blend of sweet and spicy, served with a side of creamy Potato Dauphinoise or a crumbly Cheese Scone – the perfect accompaniment to soak up all the goodness.
For dessert, indulge in our freshly baked Carrot Cake Loaf, with a tangy, zesty icing. Whether you’re in the mood to dine in or take away, we’ve got you covered. Join us from 11:30am – 12:30pm for a meal that’s sure to brighten up your day! 
As always,start your day with our hot filled rolls and hot drinks, served from 9am – 10:30am! 
Nairn’s, the award-winning snacking brand, has unveiled a striking special edition pack for its iconic Rough Oatcakes, designed by acclaimed illustrator Emily Hogarth to celebrate the brand’s 130th anniversary.
Launching in major retailers across the UK this summer, the limited-edition carton brings a fresh, contemporary interpretation to one of Nairn’s longest-standing products, honouring the quality and heritage that has shaped the brand since 1896.
For 130 years, Nairn’s has been quietly part of everyday life in Britain. A trusted cupboard staple passed from one generation to the next, it has continued to evolve alongside changing tastes while staying true to the values that made it a household favourite.
Tucked into lunchboxes, backpacks, desk drawers and handbags, Nairn’s oatcakes have become a versatile snack enjoyed everywhere from morning commutes and countryside walks to afternoon office pick-me-ups and family adventures.
To mark the milestone, the Edinburgh-based brand has chosen to commission local creative Emily Hogarth rather than turn to AI-generated artwork, a reflection of its enduring commitment to craftsmanship.
Known for her intricate handcrafted designs, Emily has drawn inspiration from the oat fields surrounding her studio to transform the wonderful oat at the heart of all Nairn’s products into a bold visual centrepiece.
Working in her signature papercut style, Emily has developed a layered design using a deliberately restrained colour palette to echo the simplicity of Nairn’s recipes, where quality ingredients have always spoken for themselves.
Rich in detail and storytelling, the illustration reflects both the natural landscapes and care that have shaped Nairn’s products for generations.
Artist Emily Hogarth said: “For me, this project was about finding magic in something wonderfully simple. The oat has always been at the heart of Nairn’s story, and I wanted to elevate this special ingredient, showcasing it as something worthy of celebration.
“Everything I create begins by hand, and that felt especially meaningful for a brand with such a long history of craftsmanship. I wanted the design to feel layered, warm and joyful, inspired by Scotland’s natural landscapes while retaining Nairn’s instantly recognisable branding. It’s a celebration of heritage, but one that also feels fresh, contemporary and collectible, giving a much-loved product a new story to tell.”
Nairn’s Rough Oatcakes were chosen for the special edition as one of the brand’s most enduring products that helped establish the family business more than a century ago. Today, they continue to be made using the same philosophy that has guided Nairn’s through the years: simple, quality ingredients, carefully crafted to create naturally delicious food.
Kevin Butterworth, Nairn’s Marketing Director, said: “Reaching 130 years is a remarkable milestone and one that belongs not only to our business but to the generations of people who have welcomed Nairn’s into their everyday lives.
“When considering how to mark this anniversary, we wanted to create something that honoured our past while looking confidently to the future and so working with an artist who shares our roots felt like a natural fit.
“Emily’s design brings a fresh perspective to one of our most iconic products while staying true to the quality, authenticity and care that has always defined Nairn’s. Designed to stand out on shelf, we hope it sparks curiosity among those discovering the brand for the first time, while giving loyal customers a new reason to pick up a product they already know and love.”
The special edition pack forms part of Nairn’s 130th anniversary campaign, celebrating the brand’s enduring place in British food culture, from a traditional Scottish bakery to an internationally recognised snacking brand.
While the business has grown over more than a century, it remains proudly rooted in Scotland while continuing to champion the versatility and goodness of oats across the UK and beyond.
The special edition Rough Oatcakes pack will be rolled out across major UK retailers this month and will feature throughout Nairn’s anniversary campaign across PR, social media and marketing throughout its milestone year.
For more information and a list of Nairn’s stockists, visit: www.nairns.com
Aldi Portobello set to welcome visitors from around the world after being recognised as an authentic food and drink destination, with hundreds of Scottish products on its shelves.
As millions of visitors descend on Edinburgh for this summer’s Fringe, Aldi is preparing to welcome festival-goers in search of an authentic Scottish food experience.
The Aldi Portobello store has become one of the only supermarkets in Scotland to feature among Edinburgh’s top Things To Do on Tripadvisor, putting it alongside many of the capital’s most iconic visitor attractions.
Recognised for its extensive range with hundreds of Scottish food and drink products, the store is becoming an unlikely foodie destination for international and UK visitors keen to taste the very best of Scotland.
In 2026, Aldi topped the National Farmers Union (NFU)’s largest-ever supermarket shelf study for Scottish own-label sourcing, with an average of 65% Scottish-origin products, significantly ahead of other major retailers.
Aldi’s extensive range offers festival-goers the chance to discover produce from some of the country’s best-loved suppliers, including ice cream from Equi’s made with Scottish milk and cream, locally grown berries from Angus Soft Fruits and baked favourites from Brownings, making the Portobello store an unexpected but distinctly Scottish addition to the Fringe itinerary.
To celebrate its new Things To Do status, visitors can also pick up one of Aldi’s limited-edition Edinburgh Fringe postcards for free giving festival-goers a fun way to share their favourite memories and foodie discoveries with friends and family, while inspiring others to experience Edinburgh and its vibrant food scene for themselves.
Alan Leslie, Buying Director at Aldi Scotland said: “The Edinburgh Fringe welcomes millions of visitors from around the world each year, and for many, trying Scotland’s fantastic food and drink is an essential part of the experience.
“We’re proud to work with so many Scottish suppliers to bring high-quality local produce to our shelves, so it’s fantastic that our Portobello store has been listed as somewhere visitors can enjoy an authentic taste of Scotland.
“Whether people are stopping by to sample some of Scotland’s finest produce, picking up essentials before a show or sending one of our limited-edition postcards home to share the excitement of the Fringe, we’re looking forward to welcoming festival visitors through our doors.”
Aldi Scotland has an ongoing commitment to championing Scottish producers, with the supermarket working with a range of local suppliers and investing millions in Scotland’s food and drink industry every year.
To explore Aldi’s Scottish produce, visit: Best of Scotland | ALDI UK
Visit Aldi’s Tripadvisor page at: ALDI (Edinburgh, Scotland): Address, Phone Number – Tripadvisor
Menu for Friday the 7th of August
We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you today. We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and a delicious pudding.
What’s on the menu today:
Courgette and mint soup
Roast pork and gravy
Seasonal veg
Roast potatoes
Summer fruit crumble – with option of vanilla and nutmeg sauce
Please check the board or ask our volunteers about allergens. And just a heads-up, our food is served until it runs out! Do come along and enjoy. Thank you!
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:
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.
The menu also features a selection of exclusive cocktails and mocktails featuring Coca-Cola products, including:
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 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.
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
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.
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
