We’re back this Monday!
Join us at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre for our weekly Monday Café – the perfect way to start the week with good food, hot drinks, and friendly chat.
Breakfast rolls (sausage, fried egg, tattie scones) and some delicious home baking!
Tea & coffee
A warm welcome for everyone
Monday
9–11am
Black Gold (4.4%), a session stout by Cairngorm in Aviemore, has won silver in CAMRA’s Champion Winter Beer of Britain award, announced at Liverpool Beer Festival. Proving its credentials as a truly great winter beer after also being crowned the winner in 2025.
After a year of local and regional blind judging heats, the Campaign’s top three beers have been crowned. Black Gold will now go forward to the final judging in May at CAMRA’s Cambridge Beer Festival where it’ll battle it out to take the crown of Supreme Champion 2026.
Judges were blown away, with judging panel coordinator Christine Cryne describing Black Gold (4.4%) as: “A black session stout with red hues and oyster head. Aromas of black treacle and faint hits of dark fruits. Caramelised fruits on a sweetish chocolate base with some plums create a moreish stout. The dry finish is slightly sweet with some spicy notes.
The judging and announcement took place at Liverpool Beer Festival, in the Lutyens Crypt at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, just ten minutes’ walk from Liverpool Lime Street station. Competition beers are available at the festival while stocks last.
CAMRA’s Awards Director, Shelly Bentley, said: “Our Champion Beer of Britain competition is the only truly independent beer contest in the UK. Brewers can’t simply enter their beers into it; they have to be nominated by beer lovers or expert tasting panels.
“Everyone taking home a category win or top three placement should be proud that their beers have been declared the cream of the crop by expert judges.”
Overall winner was London Brewing‘s Beer Street, 4.0%
Bronze went to Green Jack‘s, Baltic Trader Export Stout, 10.5%
A month of exceptional dining awaits as Eat Out Edinburgh returns to the city this March, inviting locals and visitors alike to enjoy a month of exclusive deals, special menus and curated experiences from some of the capital’s best bars and restaurants.
Following a standout 2025 campaign, Eat Out Edinburgh 2026 will once again run for the entire month, bringing family, friends and colleagues together to support the city centre’s hospitality scene. More than 50 venues are expected to take part this year, building on last year’s momentum.
Founded in 2022 by Essential Edinburgh, the city’s Business Improvement District (BID), the campaign encourages people to explore new cuisines while taking advantage of discounts and limited-time offers.
In 2025, the initiative delivered tangible results for participating businesses, with bookings up by 31% for the month of March, a 33% increase in sales, and 75% of diners going on to shop elsewhere in the BID after their meal.
Once again, Eat Out Edinburgh will showcase a diverse mix of restaurants, cafés and bars across Princes Street to George Street, St Andrew Square and St James Quarter. Popular city favourites like Dishoom, Hawksmoor, Contini, SUSHISAMBA and more will return alongside a strong line-up of new additions for 2026.
Restaurants joining for the first time include Brasserie Prince at The Balmoral, ASSAGGINI, The Garden at The Kimpton, The Caley Bar, Miele, and Wahaca, adding even more variety to this year’s campaign.
A full list of participating venues and offers will be available soon on the Eat Out Edinburgh website, featuring exclusive menus, events and deals.
Diners are encouraged to sign up for updates and browse the latest offers at www.eatoutedinburgh.com.
Emily Campbell Johnston, Senior Manager of Marketing & Communications, Essential Edinburgh, said: “Last year’s campaign really demonstrated the power of Eat Out Edinburgh, not just in driving bookings but in encouraging people to spend more time in the city centre.
“Seeing a 31% increase in bookings shows the real impact this initiative has on our hospitality businesses at a time when restaurants need the most support.
“With an exciting mix of returning favourites and new openings joining the campaign this year, we’re confident 2026 will offer something for everyone – from impromptu lunches to celebratory dinners – giving locals, workers and visitors even more reasons to explore all the experiences our city centre offers, and support our hospitality sector.”
For more information, and to keep up to date with the campaign, visit:
Edinburgh’s booming cocktail scene takes centre stage this March as Drinkmonger Spirits Fair returns to Mansfield Traquair on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th March 2026, with award-winning local bartenders hosting sessions and sharing practical serves visitors can recreate at home – highlighting growing interest in a broader mix of spirits alongside traditional whisky.
Now in its third year, the event brings together more than 30 producers and over 150+ spirits and mixed drinks, positioning it as Scotland’s largest multi-category spirits tasting. Visitors can explore gin, agave spirits (tequila & mezcal), whisky and rum, alongside vermouths and liqueurs, with Japanese sake and shochu introduced as a discovery highlight for 2026.
The event arrives at a time when drinking habits are evolving, with bars reporting rising interest in cocktails, agave spirits and aperitif-style serves alongside established favourites. Organisers say the show has grown to reflect how people now discover drinks – socially, through bartenders and shared experiences rather than traditional structured tastings.
Organised by the team behind Royal Mile Whiskies – winner of Specialist Spirits Retailer of the Year at the Spirits Business Awards 2025 – and the long-running Whisky Fringe (which sold out in under an hour in 2025), the drinks show combines specialist credibility with a relaxed, accessible format.
Guests can move freely around the venue, chatting with producers and bartenders and trying drinks neat, mixed or in simple cocktails at their own pace.
New for 2026, partner brands have been paired with award-winning Edinburgh bartenders across three sessions each day, including Robert Meek (Bar Manager, Port of Leith Distillery) and Sian Buchan (Co-Owner, Uno Mas). The sessions focus on approachable serves and practical techniques visitors can recreate at home, highlighting the role of local bartenders in shaping drinking trends.
Scottish producers including Pickering’s Gin and North Uist Distillery will appear alongside international brands such as Don Julio, Casamigos, Redbreast and Nikka, with rum producers including Black Tot and Doorly’s also featured, allowing visitors to compare styles across multiple categories in one place.
An on-site festival shop will allow visitors to purchase favourites discovered during the event, with a £10 voucher included with each ticket redeemable against a £40+ purchase at the Drinkmonger Festival Shop on the day, or later at Drinkmonger Bruntsfield, Pitlochry or online (valid until the end of April 2026).
Sam Brabbs, Purchasing Manager at The Dormant Distillery Company, said: “We’ve worked hard over the last few years to make Drinkmonger Spirits Fair feel like the city’s fantastic bar scene under one roof.
“You can wander around, chat to the people behind the drinks, try some cocktails and explore an intriguing range of spirits you might never normally order, and leave with ideas you can actually recreate at home.
“It’s exciting to see it grow into Scotland’s largest multi-category spirits tasting, and we’d love anyone with an interest in spirits to pick up a ticket and come down.”
Held throughout the ornate halls of Mansfield Traquair, the fair is designed as a social day out as much as a tasting experience, showcasing Edinburgh’s bartending talent and giving visitors the chance to explore a wide range of spirit categories in one place.
Tickets are £35 and include tasting access, cocktail sessions, a branded tasting glass and the £10 voucher.
EDINBURGH’S rugby fans can enjoy a fresh take on a classic Scottish serve this Six Nations, as two of the city’s leading independent drinks producers expand their collaborative ‘hauf and hauf’ offering.
Following a successful festive launch, Wemyss Family Spirits and Stewart Brewing are rolling out their innovative whisky and beer pairings to an expanded list of pubs across the capital – timed to coincide with the 2026 Six Nations Rugby Championship.
The partnership, which has revived the time-honoured half-and-half tradition, now introduces an exclusive ‘hauf and hauf’ serve to mark the Six Nations, offering fans a great way to back Scotland with a traditional Scottish pairing.
The initiative celebrates not only Scotland’s sporting passion, but also its rich drinks heritage, with the two family-run businesses showcasing their shared commitment to quality, flavour and community.
William Wemyss, Co-Founder of Wemyss Family Spirits, said: “The Six Nations is the perfect moment to bring people together over great food, drink and sport.
“Building on our hauf and hauf collaboration with Stewart Brewing, this partnership is about celebrating Scotland through carefully paired flavours, giving fans an enjoyable and responsible way to mark match days during the Six Nations
“It’s about putting a fun, flavour-led spin on a beloved Scottish ritual, one that encourages people to slow down and savour the experience.”
Fans are encouraged to enjoy a classic Scottish hauf and hauf – pairing a Stewart Brewing beer with a Wemyss Family Spirits whisky – as a simple and sociable way to back Scotland on matchdays.
To get Scottish supporters started, we’ve pulled together our favourite pairings which we think best reflects the character of our national side.
Stewart’s 80/- with Wemyss Spice King
A modern take on a classic Scottish serve. Stewart’s 80/- is one of Scotland’s most recognisable beers, making it a natural choice for fans backing the home side, while Spice King adds warmth and depth for those choosing to enjoy a dram alongside the match.
Edinburgh Black with Wemyss Peat Chimney
A richer, more full-bodied pairing inspired by the capital, home of Scottish Rugby. The smooth roast character of Edinburgh Black complements the gentle smoke of Peat Chimney, offering a robust but balanced option for match days at participating pubs across the city.
The hauf and hauf collaboration is now available at a growing list of pubs, including:
Jo Stewart, Co-founder of Stewart Brewing, said: “We’re passionate about bringing people together in pubs, and there’s no better excuse than the Six Nations.
“By matching some of our most-loved brews with Wemyss Family Spirits’ distinctive malts, we’re creating a uniquely Scottish way to toast each nation, with a dash of humour and a whole lot of flavour.”
The initiative marks a continued commitment by both businesses to support Scotland’s vibrant pub trade, boost independent hospitality and bring heritage drinks traditions to a new generation.
Both Wemyss Family Spirits and Stewart Brewing remain proudly family-run, fiercely independent and dedicated to producing characterful drinks that celebrate craft and community.
With the Calcutta Cup clash against England fast approaching, now is the perfect time to get behind Scotland and show your support. Join fellow fans in Edinburgh pubs, soak up the Murrayfield atmosphere, and enjoy a hauf and hauf ahead of the big match.
The Six Nations ‘hauf and hauf’ serve will be available in participating venues from February 2nd, 2026.
Forever Edinburgh is teaming up with Edinburgh favourite Civerinos to fire up National Pizza Day tomorrow (Monday 9 February) with the launch of two bold limited-edition pizzas, created with standout local ingredients and available only across the capital for a short time.
Created to celebrate Edinburgh’s dynamic food scene and the makers behind it, the ‘Local Legends: The Scotch Capital’ pizzas bring together punchy local flavours and Civerinos’ New Haven style craft, with both a meat and a vegetarian option designed to stand out on the menu and on the plate.
As part of Forever Edinburgh’s Resident Rewards programme, residents with an EH postcode can enjoy 50 percent off the special ‘Local Legends’ pizzas when dining in on National Pizza Day meaning residents can enjoy this exclusive £15 pizza for just £7.50. The pizzas will be available until they sell out across Civerinos’ Edinburgh locations in Leith, Stockbridge, Forrest Road, Hunter Square and Lost Shore.
Alongside the National Pizza Day offer, Civerinos will also offer 20 percent off all full-sized pizzas for residents dining in from Monday to Thursday for the remainder of February, helping locals enjoy great food for less beyond the celebration.
Cllr Jane Meagher, leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Forever Edinburgh’s Resident Rewards programme has been a real success in reminding residents what’s great about their city, while delivering real benefits for communities and local businesses.
“It supports year-round footfall, celebrates Edinburgh’s independent sector and gives residents reasons to explore and enjoy what’s right here on their doorstep.
“This partnership with Civerinos is a great example of that in action, bringing together local producers and a well-known Edinburgh brand to create something distinctive for National Pizza Day, while rewarding local people and promoting the very best of Edinburgh’s food scene.”
The meat pizza features a marinara base topped with mozzarella from Yester Farm, scotch bonnet chillies, rosemary roasted potato, seasoned sausage meat from Campbells Prime Meat, parmesan and a finishing drizzle of whisky-infused Scottish heather honey made using Woven Whisky.
The vegetarian option showcases a sweet potato base topped with crispy kale, sea salt and truffle whipped ricotta, celebrating ingredients long associated with Scottish cooking.
Mark De’Mar, Commerical Director at Civerinos, said: “Civerinos has always been about community, from the people we work with to the ingredients we use and the neighbourhoods our restaurants sit in.
“Partnering with Forever Edinburgh for National Pizza Day allows us to shine a light on local suppliers while giving something back to Edinburgh residents through the Resident Rewards programme. It also ties in perfectly with the rollout of our new menu this month, which continues to celebrate bold flavours and quality produce.”
The collaboration forms part of Forever Edinburgh’s Resident Rewards programme, which offers exclusive discounts and experiences to people living in the capital, thanking them for their role in supporting the city’s visitor economy and local businesses year-round. Launched to reconnect residents with Edinburgh’s leisure, hospitality and culture, the programme is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
For full details on how to get your Local Legends pizza or claim your Resident Rewards discount at participating Civerinos restaurants, please visit:
www.edinburgh.org/locallegendpizza.
Terms and conditions apply.
Tanny Gill, one of Scotland’s World Cheese Awards judges, has announced the launch of The Scottish Cheese Academy.
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, the Scottish Cheese Academy has been created to fill a gap in professional education, help cheese lovers learn more about Scottish cheese, and help give Scottish cheese the cultural status and global reverence of Scottish Whisky.
The Scottish Cheese Academy is the first of its kind in Scotland, and will deliver certified cheese education, bespoke hospitality training, and cultural tourism experiences, acting as the official voice for Scottish cheese expertise. Whether looking to boost a career or simply refine a palate, The Scottish Cheese Academy brings sommelier level expertise.
Recognising the need for a definitive educational body, The Scottish Cheese Academy is the only Academy of Cheese partner to cover Scottish cheese history, provenance, and product evolution alongside globally recognised certification content.
The Scottish Cheese Academy will deliver a number of services designed for luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, retailers, international visitors and cheese lovers. With delivery of the globally recognised Academy of Cheese certified programs, beginning with Level 1, The Scottish Cheese Academy will help hospitality businesses ensure staff are qualified to industry standards.
The Hospitality Partnership Programme offers staff training to help improve employee expertise and career development. Specialist Masterclasses will offer high value workshops focusing on cultural pairing, including advanced cheese and Scotch Whisky matching, Gin pairing, and seasonal wild food integration.
There are also sessions for cheese lovers and tourists with sessions designed to focus on storytelling, provenance, and the rich history of Scottish artisan food with high end sensory experiences.
Tanny Gill, Founder of The Scottish Cheese Academy, said: “The Scottish Cheese Academy was born from a desire to transform passionate industry individuals into experts, having worked from the production floor at Isle of Mull to the premium retail environment of La Fromagerie, I realised there was a missing link in how we educate our professionals.
“My goal is to raise the standard of service across the hospitality sector and champion our heritage with the same rigor applied to the world’s finest wines and whiskies.
“Hospitality teams need the confidence to sell and describe artisan cheese with the same fluency they use for wine.
“But equally, the Academy delivers the high-end sensory experiences food lovers need to truly understand the history and flavor profiles of our amazing cheeses.”
The launch is bolstered by a Strategic Advisory Board with experts from the global luxury and dairy sectors. Board members include international experts like Patricia Michelson of La Fromagerie, Andrew Baker the Chair of Highland Fine Cheeses, and Susan Sturman the Head of Makers & Mongers, establishing immediate credibility for The Scottish Cheese Academy.
Tanny Gill’s career encompasses hands-on production at Isle of Mull Cheese, specialised retail mastery at London’s iconic La Fromagerie, and over two decades in commercial leadership at Clarks Speciality Foods. One of Scotland’s only World Cheese Awards judges, Tanny Gill is also actively involved with the Royal Highland show Cheese and dairy awards, launching The Scottish Cheese Academy with international tasting credibility.
The courses at The Scottish Cheese Academy are designed to be interactive and transformative, creating confident ambassadors for Scottish cheese. The Scottish Cheese Academy is now open for inquiries regarding training partnerships, course bookings, and media collaborations.
For more information, visit: https://scottishcheeseacademy.com/
Six Scottish food and drink suppliers are celebrating after being named winners of Scotmid’s Scottish Favourites competition, securing the opportunity to have their products listed in Scotmid stores in 2026.
Launched as part of Scottish Food & Drink September 2025, the competition is designed to support local producers by raising their profile, opening routes into retail, and bringing innovative Scottish food and drink products to convenience shoppers in Edinburgh.
The recent competition, once again run in partnership with Scotland Food & Drink, attracted a strong field of entries from producers based across Scotland, reflecting the continued strength, diversity and quality of the nation’s food and drink sector.
With “Innovation” set as the theme, producers were challenged to submit products that offered something new, imaginative and distinctive. From retro-inspired favourites and globally influenced flavours to on-trend dairy and healthier snacking options, this year’s winning line-up highlights the breadth of ideas currently shaping the market.
Following a rigorous judging process, six suppliers were selected as winners. The successful suppliers, their locations and winning products are:
Each winning supplier will receive a Scotmid listing, with products expected to launch across selected stores during 2026, subject to final ranging and rollout plans.
Steven Addison, Local Sourcing Manager at Scotmid, said: “Our Scottish Favourites competition has grown year on year and is now a recognised route to market for Scottish producers. As ever, selecting the winners was a real challenge, with a high standard of creativity and quality across the entries.
“We’re proud to support local suppliers and help innovative brands take the next step in their retail journey. This year’s winners demonstrate just how dynamic and forward-thinking the sector is, and we’re looking forward to working with them as their products launch in our stores in 2026.”
Angus Bell at Scotland Food & Drink, added: “Scottish Favourites continues to provide an important opportunity for ambitious producers to engage with retail and showcase their products to a wider audience.
“Scotmid’s commitment to local sourcing and to championing innovation plays a valuable role in supporting the growth of Scotland’s food and drink sector and Scotland Food and Drink are delighted to have partnered with Scotmid again.
“The winners combine creativity with commercial appeal. Whether reinventing familiar favourites or responding to emerging consumer demands, these businesses are helping to grow our brilliant food and drink sector in Scotland”
Scotmid and Scotland Food & Drink would like to thank all producers who entered the competition and congratulate the winning suppliers on their success.
RETURN OF MAMIA NEW PARENT FUND
Aldi commits to supporting families with the return of its Mamia New Parent Fund for 2026, following the success of the programme last year, which saw thousands of parents apply.
Now in its second year, the Mamia New Parent Fund will continue supporting new parents with the cost of everyday essentials after welcoming a new baby, with nearly a fifth (17%) of new parents saying recurring nappy purchases are among the biggest, unexpected costs.
The supermarket is giving away £100 Aldi vouchers every week in Edinburgh throughout 2026, totalling £5,200 to be used on everything from nappies and wipes to baby food and toiletries.
The news comes as Aldi unveils new data showing the significant savings available to parents who choose Mamia nappies. Parents using Mamia nappies could save up to £380 over the first year compared with leading branded equivalents*.
The return of the fund reinforces the UK’s fourth largest supermarket’s ongoing commitment to helping families make their money go further through the Mamia range, which offers award-winning quality at unbeatable prices.
Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: “We know that welcoming a baby brings immense joy, but it can also bring unexpected financial challenges at a time when every penny counts.
“The response to last year’s Fund showed us just how much parents value this support, with thousands applying. That’s why we’re bringing the Mamia New Parent Fund back for 2026 to continue giving families a helping hand with those everyday essentials.”
Aldi’s Mamia range includes nappies, wipes, baby food and toiletries, all rigorously tested to meet the same high standards as branded equivalents but at a fraction of the cost.
Aldi was named Supermarket of the Year by Mother&Baby, confirming that families can trust Aldi to deliver unbeatable value across their entire shop.
New parents who want to apply for Aldi’s Mamia New Parent Fund should email mamiaparentfund@aldi.co.ukwith a receipt showing their latest Mamia purchase. One family will be chosen each week throughout 2026 to receive a £100 voucher to spend in any UK Aldi store.
For full terms and conditions, visit:
Edinburgh restaurant, Bombay Bistro, is spotlighting the naturally nourishing power of Indian cuisine with dishes designed to support modern wellness goals without sacrificing flavour.
Led by Chef Mandeep Saini, former head chef at Gleneagles, the restaurant is showcasing a range of dishes built around Indian ‘superfoods’, ingredients long valued for their health benefits from fibre-rich pulses and antioxidant-packed vegetables to warming spices known to support digestion and immunity.
Drawing on his experience in some of Scotland’s most prestigious kitchens, Chef Mandeep has created a selection of dishes that reframe healthy eating as vibrant and comforting, while still deeply satisfying, offering a welcome alternative to restrictive ‘clean eating’.
A stand-out dish is the masala broccoli & pumpkin superfood salad, combining roasted pumpkin, tender broccoli florets and a fragrant masala dressing. Naturally high in fibre and antioxidants, the dish supports gut health and immunity, while delivering the bold comforting flavours Bombay Bistro is well-known for.
Chef Mandeep Saini, said: “Indian cuisine has always been rooted in balance, using spices and ingredients that nourish the body as well as excite the palate. At Bombay Bistro, I want to highlight how naturally healthy Indian food can be, without it ever feeling restrictive. These are dishes designed to support wellbeing and still feel indulgent.”
Other superfood-led dishes include:
Spices used across the menu, including turmeric, cumin, ginger and coriander, are celebrated for their anti-inflammatory properties and role in supporting digestion, heart health and overall vitality.
Chef Mandeep Saini has set out to not only deliver a range of thoughtfully prepared dishes, but with incredible, vibrant flavours, proving that food designed with wellness in mind can be just as delicious.
Bombay Bistro’s superfood focused dishes are now available, offering diners a flavour led way to eat well, feel good and enjoy food that is nourishing as it is delicious.
Bombay Bistro is located at 14-17 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4HN. To book, please click here.
