Tag: food and drink

Ice Cream Sunday: Equi’s reveal Scotland’s favourite ice cream flavours on National Ice Cream Day

One flavour proves to be the cream of the crop and Scotland’s undisputed favourite, but regional tastes reveal some tasty surprises

THE BIG SCOOP: Alex Equi, Deputy Managing Director of Equi’s Ice Cream reveals Scotland’s favourite flavours on National Ice Cream Day, Sunday July 19

Scotland’s premier ice cream maker, Equi’s Ice Cream, has revealed the nation’s favourite ice cream flavours.

Released under embargo ahead of National Ice Cream Day, Sunday 19 July 2026, the results come from over 500 Equi’s stockists across Scotland, including supermarkets, independent retailers and ice cream parlours, providing the most comprehensive survey of the nation’s favourite flavours to date.

Taking Equi’s classic and best-selling Double Cream Madagascan Vanilla out of the equation, the research found Raspberry Ripple was the most popular flavour across the majority of Scottish regions, including Greater Glasgow and the Clyde Valley.

Meanwhile, Scottish Tablet topped the rankings in four regions, Pistachio Swirl claimed first place in Edinburgh and Orkney and Shetland bucked the national trend with Oreo Cookies ‘n’ Cream emerging as its favourite flavour.

Scotland’s favourite ice cream flavours by region:

Region123
Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire                                Raspberry Ripple      Scottish Tablet    Pistachio Swirl
Argyll & The IslesRaspberry Ripple      Scottish Tablet    Belgian Chocolate
Ayrshire & ArranScottish TabletRaspberry Ripple   Belgian Chocolate
Dumfries & GallowayScottish TabletRaspberry RipplePistachio Swirl
Dundee & AngusRaspberry RippleScottish TabletPistachio Swirl
Edinburgh & The LothiansPistachio SwirlRaspberry RippleScottish Tablet
The Kingdom of FifeRaspberry RippleScottish TabletBelgian Chocolate
Greater Glasgow & Clyde ValleyRaspberry RippleMint Choc ChipBelgian Chocolate
The HighlandsRaspberry RippleScottish TabletPistachio Swirl  
Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & The Forth ValleyScottish TabletRaspberry RippleBelgian Chocolate
OrkneyBelgian ChocolateSea Salt & CaramelRaspberry Ripple  
Shetland   Oreo Cookies ‘n’ CreamScottish TabletCookie Monster
Outer Hebrides                                         Sea Salt & Caramel    Scottish Tablet    Belgian Chocolate
Perthshire   Raspberry Ripple      Scottish Tablet    Mint Choc Chip    
Scottish Borders                                        Scottish Tablet       Raspberry Ripple   Pistachio Swirl
    

Founded in Hamilton in 1922 by Pietro Equi after he moved here from Italy, Equi’s has grown from a family-run café into one of Scotland’s best-loved ice cream makers.

Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, the business continues to produce its award-winning ice cream in Lanarkshire using locally sourced milk and cream, combining ‘Scottish craft with an Italian accent’.

Today, Equi’s produces more than 60 flavours, ranging from timeless favourites including ‘Chip Off the Old Mint Choc’ and Raspberry Ripple to Scottish provenance flavours like Isle of Skye Sea Salt & Caramel and Scottish Tablet.

Alex Equi, Deputy Managing Director of Equi’s Ice Cream, said: “There’s something really special about seeing what Scotland’s favourite flavours are, particularly when the data comes from hundreds of our customers right across the country, from independent parlours and our Equi’s stores to major supermarket chains.

“It’s great to see classic flavours like Raspberry Ripple and Scottish Tablet remaining firm favourites while people are also embracing new creations like our Pistachio Swirl. Every part of Scotland has its own accent and personality and their own favourite ice cream flavour.

“With Scotland enjoying some glorious weather just in time for National Ice Cream Day, there’s no better excuse to enjoy an ice cream and we’re incredibly proud that generations of Scots continue to choose Equi’s.”

For more information, visit equisicecream.com

Monday: Summer treats at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

We have a super summery menu planned for the Cafe’s lunch on Monday, 20th July – only right with the weather we’re having! 🌞

Roast vegetable frittata with lemon-y potato wedges and salad for main, with a fruit peach bread and butter pudding for dessert. 🍰

As always, our lunch is free for everyone to attend, and you can sit in or take away. Come along from 11:30am-12:30pm, or grab it to-go if you’re a busy bee.

👋 If you’re an early riser, swing by for brekkie from 9am and treat yourself to our special of the week – avocado toast (add a fried egg if you’re feeling extra fancy!)

And hey, why not fuel up for our walking group at 10am? We’re headed to Lauriston Farm to help out at the potato and bean plots! 🌱

Kids eat free this summer at Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard

As families across Edinburgh search for ways to keep children entertained during the school summer holidays, Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard is launching a “Kids Eat Free” offer from 6 July to 6 August, creating the perfect family friendly day out at the Edinburgh Meadows.

Perched on the edge of one of the city’s most loved green spaces, within the historic Old Royal Infirmary, now The Edinburgh Futures Institute, Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard is perfectly placed for a family day out. Enjoy an afternoon in the park, a visit to the nearby playground, or simply some time outdoors before sitting down for a relaxed meal together. 

More than just a restaurant, Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard has become a creative community hub, where guests are greeted by a bright family friendly atmosphere, and fresh menu of locally sourced classics. While the menu changes to make the most of fresh seasonal ingredients, children can expect familiar favourites such as cream of tomato soup, fluffy pancakes served with fresh strawberries or grilled pork sausages with mashed potatoes, peas and gravy.

Open to both locals and visitors, the month-long offer is designed to make family dining a little more affordable during the school holidays, while giving families another reason to enjoy time together outdoors this summer. 

Available 6 July – 6 August. One complimentary children’s meal available with every adult main course purchased. Offer valid for children aged 12 and under. Subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

To find out more or book a table, please visit: https://www.canopyedi.com/ 

Come to Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre for Monday meals

Come along on Monday to our breakfast café, 9 – 10:30am for some tasty hot filled rolls and hot drinks.

We also have lunch on from 11:30am – 12:30pm. A firm favourite – baked potatoes on the menu!

The Monday Café is open to everyone, and all meals are free; a small donation is appreciated if you are able.

Vittoria Group donates £8k to its local community

Family-run restaurant group has donated £8,000 to local charities and initiatives over an eight month period

A charitable initiative launched by the family-run Vittoria Hospitality Group has donated over £8,000 in its first six months, supporting a range of Edinburgh-based charities and community organisations.

Established in November 2025 as part of the Vittoria Group’s 55th anniversary celebrations, the Giving Back programme supports grassroots organisations making a difference across the capital, helping people living with disabilities, those facing homelessness, and local young people.

Unlike traditional grant programmes, Giving Back focuses on funding specific items requested by organisations, ensuring donations have a direct and lasting impact.

In its first eight months, the initiative has provided vital, targeted support across the city, including specialist technology and sensory equipment provided to young people with complex or additional support needs at Teens+, Prospect Bank School, and Braidburn Special School.

The fund has also delivered essential supplies for women experiencing homelessness via Sparkle Sisters, supported youth development and literacy resources for the Pilmeny Development Trust and Craigmillar Literacy Trust, as well as sponsoring new sports kits for Redpath Albion FC and vital funding for Muirfield Riding Therapy.

In addition to the £8,000 donated by Vittoria Hospitality Group, one of its suppliers, JB Foods Scotland, contributed a further £1,000 in December.

Leandro Crolla, Director of Vittoria Hospitality Group, said: “When we launched Giving Back, we wanted to create something that would make a real difference to local organisations doing incredible work in our communities.

“Seeing the reaction from the charities, schools and groups we’ve supported has shown us how even relatively small donations can have a significant impact when they reach the right people.

“Edinburgh has supported our family and our business for more than 55 years. This programme is our way of saying thank you and helping strengthen the communities that have been part of our story for generations.”

Talking about the donation of a new football kit for the entire team, Bryan Maughan, coach at Redpath Albion FC, said: “The boys and parents loved them. We wore the matchday kits for the first time at Currie, and they certainly brought us luck as we secured a great 6–2 win in monsoon-like conditions.

“The boys haven’t forgotten the offer of a breakfast roll either, and we’re all looking forward to the visit.”

The initiative is led by the Vittoria Hospitality Group, one of Edinburgh’s longest-established family-run hospitality businesses, now in its fourth generation of family ownership. 

Recipients of the donation are chosen through a monthly staff vote, giving employees across the group’s venues the opportunity to nominate and support causes close to their hearts. Schools, charities, youth groups and community organisations across Edinburgh are encouraged to apply for future rounds of support. 

For more information or to nominate a local cause, contact:

givingback@vittoriagroup.co.uk.

Free pints up for grabs at iconic Newhaven pub this weekend

The Old Chain Pier, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic pubs, is celebrating a historic milestone following the implementation of the new Scottish Pubs Code.

The landmark legislation, which gives pub owners the right to request a rent-only agreement without being tied to a pub-owning business for stock supply, has empowered the venue to break free from restrictive purchasing obligations.

This newfound independence means the historic pub can stock a wider, more exciting range of beers and permanently slash the price of its house lager to just £5 a pint, as well as reduce the price of all its beers.

To mark the occasion, The Old Chain Pier is hosting a massive, week-long celebration from Monday, 29th June to Sunday, 5th July. Throughout the entire week, all pints poured at the pub will be reduced to just £5.

As part of the celebration The Old Chain Pier will also hand over its beer garden to three of Edinburgh’s finest local breweries, with free pints up for grabs.

The victory arrives at a critical time for the local hospitality sector. Edinburgh’s pubs and restaurants are currently navigating unprecedented financial pressures including high VAT, soaring business rates, road closures, rising Employer National Insurance Contributions (NIC), and the highest local authority charges in Europe for outdoor tables and chairs. 

Against this challenging backdrop, the Scottish Pubs Code provides a much-needed lifeline, finally allowing venues like The Old Chain Pier to operate fairly and pass those savings directly to customers and sell pints at true market prices.

January Watson, Area Manager for Malt Group, said: “The Scottish Pubs Code has been a massive relief for us. Operating in Edinburgh’s hospitality sector is incredibly tough right now with mounting taxes, rates, and the highest table and chair charges in Europe.

“Being able to step away from tied stock means we finally have the freedom to curate our own beer selection, support brilliant local breweries, and pass those savings directly on to our loyal customers with £5 pints.”

The week-long party promises fun for the whole family, two-legged and four-legged alike. Guests who book a table to dine from Monday, 29th June through Thursday, 2nd July will receive 20% off their food bill.

All week long, the pub’s famous beer garden will be transformed into a playground featuring giant Jenga, hopscotch, quoits, and cornhole. Additional festivities running throughout the week include live music performances, free face painting for all ages, and a pet fancy dress competition.

As the week progresses, Stewart Brewing Beer (Friday 3rd July), Newbarns Brewery (Saturday 4th July) and Campervan Brewery (Sunday 5th July) will take over the beer garden with free pints for the first 20 customers, complete with a garden BBQ serving up hot dogs, chicken kebabs, and more from 6:00 pm each evening.

More events and surprises for the week are still to be confirmed. Customers are encouraged to keep an eye on the pub’s website and social media channels for the latest updates.

For reservations and more information, please visit: https://www.oldchainpier.com/

Monday food at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

Come along on Monday to our breakfast cafe, 9 – 10:30am – a great way to get the kids out and start off the summer holidays, with plenty of breakfast options for everyone!

We have beautiful gardens here that the young ones can play in afterwards, including the football/basketball dome, and there’s plenty of space for you to relax and take in all the beautiful flowers blooming.

We also have a lovely summery lunch planned, from 11:30am – 12:30pm. Italian Sausage Stew with Garlicky Mash, followed by Apple Pie for dessert!

The Monday Cafe is open to everyone, and all meals are free; a small donation is appreciated if you are able.

Please share to spread the word and help keep the centre busy this summer!

 Iconic Edinburgh pub permanently slashes pint prices

The Old Chain Pier, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic pubs, is celebrating a historic milestone following the implementation of the new Scottish Pubs Code. The landmark legislation, which gives pub owners the right to request a rent-only agreement without being tied to a pub-owning business for stock supply, has empowered the venue to break free from restrictive purchasing obligations.

This newfound independence means the historic pub can stock a wider, more exciting range of  beers and permanently slash the price of its house lager to just £5 a pint, as well as reduce the price of all its beers.

To mark the occasion, The Old Chain Pier is hosting a massive, week-long celebration from Monday, 29th June to Sunday, 5th July. Throughout the entire week, all pints poured at the pub will be reduced to just £5. As part of the celebration The Old Chain Pier will also hand over its beer garden to three of Edinburgh’s finest local breweries, with free pints up for grabs.

The victory arrives at a critical time for the local hospitality sector. Edinburgh’s pubs and restaurants are currently navigating unprecedented financial pressures including high VAT, soaring business rates, road closures, rising Employer National Insurance Contributions (NIC), and the highest local authority charges in Europe for outdoor tables and chairs. 

Against this challenging backdrop, the Scottish Pubs Code provides a much-needed lifeline, finally allowing venues like The Old Chain Pier to operate fairly and pass those savings directly to customers and sell pints at true market prices.

January Watson, Area Manager for Malt Group, said: “The Scottish Pubs Code has been a massive relief for us. Operating in Edinburgh’s hospitality sector is incredibly tough right now with mounting taxes, rates, and the highest table and chair charges in Europe.

“Being able to step away from tied stock means we finally have the freedom to curate our own beer selection, support brilliant local breweries, and pass those savings directly on to our loyal customers with £5 pints.”

The week-long party promises fun for the whole family, two-legged and four-legged alike. Guests who book a table to dine from Monday, 29th June through Thursday, 2nd July will receive 20% off their food bill.

All week long, the pub’s famous beer garden will be transformed into a playground featuring giant Jenga, hopscotch, quoits, and cornhole. Additional festivities running throughout the week include live music performances, free face painting for all ages, and a pet fancy dress competition.

As the week progresses, Stewart Brewing Beer (Friday 3rd July), Newbarns Brewery (Saturday 4th July) and Campervan Brewery (Sunday 5th July) will take over the beer garden with free pints for the first 20 customers, complete with a garden BBQ serving up hot dogs, chicken kebabs, and more from 6:00 pm each evening.

More events and surprises for the week are still to be confirmed. Customers are encouraged to keep an eye on the pub’s website and social media channels for the latest updates.

For reservations and more information, please visit: https://www.oldchainpier.com/

TODAY: Community Meal at Empty Kitchens Full Hearts

Menu for Friday 26th June 🥣

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:

Broccoli soup

Mexican beef stew with rice

Veggie haggis curry with rice

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!

Tonight’s Morocco clash set to deliver £2.6m boost to Scottish Pubs

Scotland’s next World Cup clash is set to deliver a major boost to pubs across the country, with an estimated 520,000 extra pints expected to be sold for Friday night’s match against Morocco – worth around £2.6 million to the trade, analysis by the Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA). 

The forecast follows a strong showing for Scotland’s opening match against Haiti, which is estimated by the SBPA and Oxford Partnership to have driven sales of at least 380,000 extra pints, worth around £1.9 million to pubs and bars across Scotland.

While Scotland’s opening game against Haiti kicked off at 2am BST on Sunday morning, Friday’s match against Morocco starts at a far more pub-friendly 11pm BST, giving licensees a significantly better opportunity to benefit from the occasion.

Paul Togneri, from the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, said: “Scotland’s return to the World Cup has given pubs a much-needed welcome boost, with early indications suggesting at least 380,000 extra pints were sold for the Haiti game despite the 2am kick-off.

“It’s an incredible result following an incredible match.

“With Friday night’s clash against Morocco starting at a much more pub-friendly 11pm we expect an even bigger boost, with over half a million extra pints to be poured in pubs and bars across the country.

“That would be worth upwards of £2.6 million to the trade, which is hugely welcome for venues still battling high costs.

“If you can’t be in Boston, there’s no better place than the pub. We’d urge supporters to get down to their local, back the team and cheer Scotland on together.”