Brazilian entertainment, spin-to-win prizes, and a year’s worth of premium steak up for grabs
Edinburgh residents and visitors alike can get ready to experience the flavours of Brazil right in the heart of the capital as Rio Brazilian Steakhouse launches an exciting pop-up in partnership with Edinburgh Trams.
On Friday 4 October, the St Andrews Square tram stop will transform into the ultimate party destination, as Rio takes over the platform.
The team will be offering spin-to-win prizes including free dinners for two, complimentary cocktails, and 50% off for diners who visit on the same day, ensuring the party doesn’t stop on the platform.
Commuters and tram goers can also enjoy live performances from samba dancers and vibrant Brazilian music, transporting them straight to the streets of Rio de Janeiro.
The fun continues as the restaurant is running an exciting city-wide competition for a chance to win the ultimate prize – the Rio Black Card. This exclusive card offers one lucky winner free dining at Rio Brazilian Steakhouse for a year.
To enter, participants are asked to snap a photo of the Rio-branded tram making its way through the city, share the image on social media using the hashtag #TramToRio and tag both @rioedinburgh and @edinburghtrams to be entered into the prize draw. The winner will be announced on 31st October.
The popular steak restaurant located in the city’s iconic Assembly Rooms opened in the capital earlier this year, serving unlimited cuts of exquisite meats and a salad bar of authentic Brazilian food in a traditional Rodizio style.
Rodrigo Grassi Duarte, Co-founder and Managing Director of Rio Brazilian Steakhouse said:“Since opening our doors in February, the city of Edinburgh has given us such a warm and enthusiastic welcome, and we wanted to find a way to give back to this incredible community.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Edinburgh Trams for this special pop-up event to bring the vibrant spirit of Brazil to the heart of the city with entertainment and the chance to win amazing prizes.
“This event is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to Edinburgh for embracing us and making Rio Brazilian Steakhouse a part of their dining experience.”
Make waves this Christmas with Lost Shore’s Festive Dining Experience, an indoor winter wonderland with fire pit drinks, sharing menu, festive cocktail offering and option for surf lessons.
Lost Shore, Scotland’s first inland surf resort, is launching The Lost Feast, its inaugural festive dining experience. Running from December 4th to December 20th, 2024, this exciting concept offers one of the most unique Christmas party options in the country. It promises an unforgettable blend of winter wonderland vibes, exquisite food, and adventurous fun, all against the stunning backdrop of Europe’s largest inland wave pool.
Created by the renowned Edinburgh-based events agency, Rogue Village, The Lost Feast will be an immersive indoor winter woodland experience filled with festive spirit, delightful food, and magical memories. Guests will enter through a Narnia-inspired wardrobe and discover a beautiful immersive wonderland – perfect for corporate celebrations, get-togethers with friends and family, or any holiday event.
The Ultimate Festive Party Experience
The festivities start with a welcome cocktail around Lost Shore’s outdoor fire pits, offering stunning views of the surf in action. From there, guests will enter a beautifully decorated immersive dining space with twinkling lights, lush greenery, and communal tables, setting the perfect festive scene.
A major highlight is the woodland-inspired sharing menu, prepared by Glasgow’s critically acclaimed Five March restaurant, making its Edinburgh debut. The meal features local Scottish ingredients, served sharing-style among friends, family, or colleagues. Award-winning mixologists will also serve a bespoke festive cocktail menu, complemented with non-alcoholic options.
Enhance Your Experience with Unique Add-Ons
Event guests looking to maximise their festive experience can upgrade with special offers on surf sessions at the inland wave pool and overnight stays in luxury lodges and pods.
Step Into the Magic of The Lost Cinema
As part of its 2024 festive offering, Lost Shore is also proud to introduce The Lost Cinema—a captivating indoor winter woodland cinema experience. Guests will step through a Narnia-inspired wardrobe into an enchanting world, where classic festive films will be screened in a beautifully immersive forest setting.
Family festive favourites including The Snowman, Elf, Home Alone and The Polar Express will be screened along with Love Actually, Gremlins and Die Hard – offering something for everyone.
The Lost Cinema experience is made even sweeter with indulgent treats like hot chocolate, mulled wine, festive cocktails and delicious food available from Lost Shore’s restaurant offering, Canteen. Guests can also toast marshmallows on the terrace, the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.
For an even more magical night, pre-show drinks or dinner at Lost Shore’s waterfront bar & restaurant, Canteen, will make the experience unforgettable.
Lauren Hyder, Head of Events and Sales at Lost Shore, said:“There has been a trend in recent years of people wanting more from their festive night out, looking for unique and unforgettable experiences.
“We are excited to offer what might just be one of the most unique party packages in our first year of operation. From surf sessions to our winter wonderland dining experience, we’ve crafted a celebration that truly stands out for anyone looking to do something special this Christmas.
“We have an exciting calendar of events planned for the coming year, kicking off with an opening festival this August. Keep your eyes peeled for more information to come on that!”
For exclusive hire for up to 90 guests, or to secure a seat for two or more guests at the Lost Feast, or to receive more information about the event, please visit Lost Shore’s What’s on Page: www.lostshore.com/events/whats-on
The Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide – the UK’s best-selling beer and pub guide – is celebrating its 52nd edition with not one but two covers featuring two of the UK’s favourite locals: Coronation Street’s Rovers Return Inn, and Emmerdale’s Woolpack.
The Guide, which lists 4,500 of the best pubs across the UK, is the definitive beer drinker’s guide for those seeking the best pints in the nations’ pubs – and is on sale now.
Despite the tough trading environment facing a lot of licensees, they continue to battle against the odds, and the 2025 Guide boasts over 900 pubs that are new to this edition.
Information in the Guide is collated by thousands of CAMRA volunteers who give up their time every year to select the best of the best across the UK. As well as covering 314 of the very best pubs across Aberdeen & Grampian, Argyll & The Isles, Ayrshire & Arran, Borders, Dumfries & Galloway, Edinburgh & The Lothians, Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley, Highlands & The Western Isles, Kingdom of Fife, Loch Lomond, Stirling & The Trossachs, Northern Isles and Tayside, it includes 52 new pub entries across the counties.
The foreword of The Good Beer Guide 2025 has been written by multi award-winning Iain Macleod, ITV’s Executive Producer for Continuing Drama.
In his foreword, Iain MacLeod says: “… the story which threatened one of our pubs the most was also the one which most resonated with our times. In 2023, the Rovers Return closed its doors. A combination of the lingering legacy of the Covid lockdowns and the cost-of-living crisis meant that landlady Jenny Bradley couldn’t afford to keep it open. The characters – and the viewers – lamented the news like the loss of a loved one. If it were needed, it was a timely reminder of the central place the nation’s pubs have in our lives and in our affections.”
CAMRA Chairman Ash Corbett-Collins said: “The Rovers Return Inn and the Woolpack represent the UK’s love of their local, and to have them featured on the covers for this year’s Guide is very exciting.
“CAMRA’s mission is to ensure support from both the UK and Scottish Governments as well as tangible legislation to protect pubs in this country. By next year’s edition of the Guide, we want to be talking about the beer and pub trade growing with the support of communities and parliaments alike.”
Coronation Street and Emmerdale are available to watch on ITV and ITVX. This year’s Guide is sponsored by Midland Snacks Traditional Pork Scratchings and endorsed by Cask Marque.
Inspired by the versatility of Edinburgh’s historic charm, natural surroundings and unique festival spirit, Talonmore is a unique blend of complex and fiery flavours
Talonmore Drinks Company; the Scottish based, family run business established itself in Edinburgh in 2020. Using a mix of rooted and plant-based ingredients, Talonmore can be used to replicate spirit strength drinks in a multitude of non-alcoholic cocktails and beverages.
Talonmore has been among the headlines recently with a £80,000 funding win at Scottish Edge, wholesale deals with the likes of major Scottish wholesaler Inverarity Morton and listings secured across the Montpelier Group – including Edinburgh’s city-centre bars Tigerlily, Indigo Yard and Rabble – as well as a brand-new listing with UK-wide Harvey Nicols and a slot booked at Edinburgh’s Foodies Festival.
Named as 2024 Men’s Health and Good Housekeeping’s best non-alcoholic spirit, the liquid’s versatility is what makes it shine in cocktails. The spirit is 0% ABV and brewed with Scottish water; fired by the spice of ginger and Assam tea it contains key superfoods including prickly pear and hawthorn berry, both with recognised health benefits.
With over 8 million adults in the UK looking to reduce their alcohol intake, Talonmore is designed to shake up the non-alcoholic drinks market by championing the adventurous lifestyle that would normally be sacrificed with traditional alcohol.
Talonmore’s distinctive taste is fired by the spice of ginger and cinnamon whilst complemented with malty notes and fruit sweetness. Inspired by Edinburgh’s festival spirit and history of innovation, Talonmore was created to provide an exceptional alcohol-free drink that can be enjoyed without compromising health, control and taste.
Using brewing methods of manufacture, rather than distilling, Talonmore have developed a unique beverage that ensures flavour is at the forefront, replicating the experience of drinking a dark spirit. Talonmore can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, with a mixer or in a multitude of non-alcoholic cocktails.
In 2022, Talonmore was awarded Silver at the International Wine and Spirits Competition scoring an impressive 92 points out of 100.
Lewis Kennedy, Managing Director at Talonmore Drinks Company said: “Talonmore is all about offering choice. The popularity around alcohol-free serves is seeing a meteoric rise right now.
“We are so proud of our liquid and the versatility it brings to the table. Our new red foiling is designed to catch the eye of consumers looking at the back bar, or equally online, for a satisfying alternative to an alcoholic drink.
“The historic charm of Edinburgh gives our team endless inspiration. You will see key landmarks of the city on our recently updated branding, all which play a part in the story of Talonmore.
“We want to create foundations for sophisticated adventurers who want to celebrate climbing to the peak of a mountain in style, drivers who want to make the most of their road trip or professionals having the perfect serve for a midweek social gathering.”
MORRISONS TOURS TO TAKE CUSTOMERS TO MEET THE FOODMAKERS
New Farm Tours will bring to life Morrisons close relationship with British Farmers
First stop: Barrack End Farm in Cumbria at the start of British Food Fortnight
Morrisons is trialling a ‘British farm bus tour’ with the first tour taking place this week, hosted by Cumbrian farmer Paul Coates who has been supplying beef to Morrisons for over ten years.
The trips will offer customers a unique behind-the-scenes perspective of working farms and the chance to meet the makers of their food. Passengers on the Morrisons Farm Bus Tours will have the chance to see the day-to-day operations of farms and learn more about sustainable agricultural practices.
Morrisons is British farming’s biggest customer – supporting, growing and championing more farmers than any other supermarket, working directly with 2,500 farmers and growers all year round.
The first trip is touring the 420-acre Barrock End mixed cattle, sheep and crops farm which is on top of Barrack Fell in the North Pennines. Paul and his father Peter run the farm at Armathwaite, near Carlisle, where Morrisons has helped the family build their herd of 250 Beef Shorthorn cattle – a foraging, hardy and feed-efficient pedigree known for exceptional eating quality.
The Coates family farm also produces lamb from over 1,000 grazing sheep and arable crops which complement each other to aid self-sufficiency.
Sophie Throup, Technical and Sustainability Director at Myton Food Group for Morrisons, said: “The Morrisons Farm Bus Tours will set off from stores to take the mystery out of where and how Morrisons food is produced.
“We’re proud of our amazing farmers and want to show our customers the care that goes into producing the high-quality, fresh produce, dairy, and meat products that stock the shelves of Morrisons stores across the country. We are looking forward to hearing the feedback from our first bus trippers.”
Rosie Fielder, Customer that attended the first Bus Farm Trip in Penrith, added: “Getting to see where Morrisons produce comes from as well as the different animals and how they are kept was a great learning experience.
“It was clear to see that the cattle have a good, happy life, and I would recommend more customers to visit their local farms to get a better understanding of the journey of food from farm to plate. It’s a great family day out!”
The first Morrisons Farm Bus Tour coincides with British Food Fortnight which takes place between 20th September and 6th October.
Morrisons is the exclusive retail partner and is supporting the event in all its supermarkets and online with a celebration of the best of autumn’s British produce, meat and fish on its Market Street with great value prices and in store marketing displays.
Morrisons has pledged to become the first supermarket to be completely supplied by ‘zero emission’ British farms by 2030 – five years ahead of the industry and is working directly with its farmers to create affordable zero emission produce.
It was the first supermarket to introduce its own carbon neutral egg and has partnered the NFU, Harper Adams University, and McDonald’s UK to launch the first UK School of Sustainable Food and Farming aiming to embed new sustainable farming methods.
Its partnership with The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH) and DEFRA also supports its farmers on the journey to net zero and helps address the skills gaps in agriculture.
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with one of the city’s most beloved attractions, Edinburgh Zoo.
Together, they are set to launch a roarsome Afternoon Tea experience, taking inspiration from the cherished children’s book, The Tiger Who Came to Tea. This family-friendly event will debut on Friday, 18th of October, perfectly timed to coincide with the October school break.
The collaboration aims to provide a truly unique and unmissable experience for both locals and visitors to the capital. The event will take place in the hotel’s stunning Oculus Lounge, combining the opulence of the hotel’s popular Afternoon Tea service with a playfully wild twist for its younger guests.
Those who attend can expect a fun and immersive experience, hosted by one of Edinburgh Zoo’s talented Discovery Rangers.
The Ranger will kick off the event with an exciting storytelling experience, which allows guests to learn about the resident tigers at Edinburgh Zoo.
But that’s not all: the specially themed Afternoon Tea menu will also include a carefully curated selection of treats for children, ensuring that the whole family has a roaring good time.
Guests can enjoy a stylish Afternoon Tea menu of exquisite pastries paired with savoury treats and finely brewed teas, while the younger ones enjoy special treats like tiger cookies, milk chocolate pandas, scones and more! Pricing begins at £35 for adults and £15 for children, with two sittings available at 1pm and 3pm.
Adding to the excitement, guests will also get a glimpse straight into the ‘Tiger Den’ at Edinburgh Zoo on the day through a live stream.
Following the event, guests will be invited to the Scarlett Lounge for an exclusive screening of The Tiger Keeper Who Came to Tea animated film, giving adults the opportunity to relax with refreshments at Eve or Commons Club Bar.
Mafalda Albuquerque, General Manager at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh said: “We’re thrilled to offer our guests this unique family Afternoon Tea experience.
“Our collaboration with Edinburgh Zoo for this themed Afternoon Tea allows us to craft a memorable and educational day out, perfectly aligning with our mission to deliver family experiences that can be enjoyed by all.”
You can find out more information about this partnership here. Reservations can also be made by emailing afternoontea@virginhotels.com
Scotland’s Largest Fireworks Event Will Welcome 15,000 Visitors And Offer a Safer Way to Experience the Fun
New professionally managed festival set to welcome over 15,000 visitors, creating a safer Fawkes alternative to individual family shows
One night extravaganza will take place on Sunday 3rd November
The Royal Highland Centre and Showground located at Ingliston on the western outskirts of Edinburgh, is set to host Scotland’s largest fireworks event this year. The new professionally managed festival – Fawkes Festival – is set to welcome over 15,000 visitors, creating a safer Guy Fawkes alternative to individual family shows and will take place on Sunday 3rd November.
Designed and produced by the team at GC Live and delivered by technical partners, 21CC Group, Fawkes Festival promises a feel-good evening for the whole family to enjoy. The spectacular fireworks event will be a unique and immersive safer way to experience the fun of Guy Fawkes Night.
With breathtaking fireworks accompanied by entertainment including the world-famous Scottish bagpipe band, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and the sensational street theatre and LED drummers’ troupe, Spark! who magically transform the landscape with mysterious characters, there’s something for everyone.
Sponsored by Taylor Wimpey, Fawkes Festival’s feel-good programme of entertainment will boast everything from fairground rides to food and drink, a roaring bonfire, sky trackers, lasers and more.
Geoff Crow, Director of GC Live said:“We are thrilled to bring Scotland’s Red Hot Fawkes Festival to the Royal Highland Centre this year and look forward to welcoming over 15,000 visitors for an evening filled with delicious food and drinks, breathtaking performances and a spectacular fireworks display.
“At GC Live we are committed to creating events which are both enjoyable and safe for all attendees. An organised and large-scale fireworks events such as Fawkes Festival, held under strict safety regulations, offers a very secure and enjoyable experience for all visitors at the fireworks event.
“With professional oversight, designated viewing areas, clear signs throughout the site, crowd management strategies and compliance with established guidelines, Fawkes Festival will ensure that the excitement of fireworks can be enjoyed responsibly and safely.”
Bori Sallaiova, Event Manager at the Royal Highland Centre said: “It has been a privilege to plan and bring this exciting fireworks event to life in collaboration with the team at GC Live. We are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Royal Highland Centre this November for Fawkes Festival.
“At the Royal Highland Centre we are committed to the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, we are excited to host Fawkes Festival which will be conducted under strict safety protocols and expert supervision, reducing the risks associated with private fireworks use.
“GC Live will ensure that guests can experience the excitement of a fireworks display in a secure setting.”
For more information on the Fawkes Festival and to book tickets, go to:
Deliveroo today reveals the ultimate Fresher’s Week grub – The Boost Burger – to help fuel students through their first week of university.
Burger launches as data shows half (50%)of uni students worry about not having enough energy to tackle their first week, and almost half(49%) say a burger is their go-to dish when feeling run-down.
Inspired by a student staple, dissolvable vitamin C tablets, the tasty innovation has been created in partnership with registered nutritionist Jenna Hope (RNutr)* and features nutrient-packedingredients
Students in London, Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh can get their hands on the burger from 17th-23rd September for just 99p when they sign up to Deliveroo Students.
Love Island star and University of Liverpool grad Chloe Burrows delivered the first batch to hungry uni students.
Deliveroo Students has created a new food innovation to fuel hungry freshers like never before. Introducing the Boost Burger**,a lean beef burger loaded with kimchi, cheddar cheese, gochujang cabbage and carrot slaw, and curly spring onions packed in a bright orange sweet potato bun, specially designed to help uni students get through their first week.
Gearing up to burn the candle at both ends, with late nights spent socialising followed by early-morning lectures, freshers are prone to feeling run down as they start the new year. The Boost Burger aims to fuel the half (50%) of uni students who are worried about not having enough energy for Freshers Week.
It also comes at the perfect time with two in five (41%) uni students admitting that a takeaway is their go-to way to cheer themselves up when feeling run down, with half (49%) usually craving a burger.
When it comes to picking a takeaway, four in five (80%) uni students consider the price when picking what to order, and around half (48%) think about the quality, making the Boost Burger the affordable comfort food for freshers concerned about starting the year on the right foot.
The burger’s ingredients will excite the three-quarters (75%) of uni students who say they enjoy trying out the latest food trends they’ve discovered on social media channels.
The eye-catching nutrient-packed burger, available to students for just 99p, is inspired by the ultimate student-saviour – dissolvable vitamin C tablets – something almost two-thirds (65%) of uni students plan to take to help them get through the start of uni – and has been created in collaboration with registered nutritionist Jenna Hope (RNutr).
Jenna Hope helped develop the recipe, which incorporates healthy and nutritional ingredients, selected with busy uni students in mind.
A protein and iron-richbeef patty is sandwiched between a homemade ‘effervescent orange’ coloured bun, infused with whole food-based ingredients such as sweet potato, turmeric, and pumpkin. The creation is packed with nutritional ingredients including protein to support energy requirements.
It also contains vegetables and spices like chia seeds picked for texture and nutty flavour, red and white cabbage, spring onion, and pumpkin powder for an added crunch, earthy and sweet taste, whilst fermented ingredients such as kimchi and Korean gochujang give this Freshers Week must-have a satisfying ‘swicy’ flavour.
Love Island legend and ex-University of Liverpool grad Chloe Burrows kicked off festivities this week by hand-delivering the first batch of Boost Burgers to hungry uni students in London during their Freshers Week, who got a takeaway fix and fuel boost in one.
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Arabella Jenkins from Deliveroo said:“What better way to kick off Freshers than to announce that our university student club, Deliveroo Students, is back with a bang, bringing bigger and better member deals to students than ever. To celebrate, we’re dropping a 99p ‘Boost Burger’ packed full of nutrients to help fuel student members across the UK – the ultimate saver meal for uni students in more ways than one!
“We hope this is great news for freshers as our research reveals around a third (31%)of uni students don’t have time to cook meals during Freshers Week, with over a quarter (28%) admitting they don’t eat enough fruit and veg in the first week of uni, while a further quarter (29%) say they tend to feel tired after week one.”
Chloe Burrows said: “I WISH I had the Boost Burger when I was at university. It’ll come as no surprise that I was the queen of burning the candle at both ends, so it would’ve really come in handy during my time at the University of Liverpool.
“I had so much fun delivering the first batch of burgers to Freshers with Deliveroo – there’s nothing like a juicy burger to please tired uni students, so I personally think I really saved the day!”
Dropping in London (17th September), Bristol (19th September), Manchester (21st September), and Edinburgh (23rd September), uni students can get their hands on the Boost Burger for just 99p (vs the non-student price of £9.90), saving them an incredible 90% when they sign up to become members of Deliveroo Students.
Members of Deliveroo Students can also get free delivery on orders over £15* and access to exclusive Freshers Week restaurant offers, alongside 10% off Wingstop, 20% off Co-op select student favourites, and 15% off National Express all year long.
The limited-edition ‘Boost Burger’ is available via Deliveroo in London (17th September), Bristol (19th September), Manchester (21st September), and Edinburgh (23rd September)—for just 99p for Deliveroo Student Members—while limited stocks last. Subject to geographical location and availability.
Search ‘Boost Burger’ to order now in the app here or online.
Scotland’s beer and pub sector contributed more than £2.3 billion in GVA and generated more than £1.4 billion in tax, new British Beer and Pub Association research reveals
Despite huge contribution to country’s finances and communities, taxes and rising business costs mean pubs make just 12p a pint
Industry may have to bear yet more punishing burdens and restrictions
BBPA calls on the Government to be “business friendly” and support Great British beer and pubs to boost economic growth
Scotland’s beer and pub sector poured more than £2.3 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) into the economy and contributed more than £1.4 billion in tax in just one year, according to new research by the trade body.
As a whole, Britain’s beer and pub sector poured more than £34.3 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) into the economy and contributed more than £17.4 billion in tax in just one year, according to new research by the trade body.
Latest figures from 2024 Oxford Economics research show GVA contributions were up from the previous contribution of £1.7 billion.
These figures demonstrate the sector’s important economic contribution to both their region and the wider national economy, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said.
But despite this, pubs make an average of just 12p on every pint of beer once taxes and costs have been deducted.
Not only that, but the industry is also facing multiple burdens and restrictions in the form of proposed eyewatering packaging costs and a potential beer garden smoking ban.
Now the BBPA is calling for a reduction in soaring costs of doing business. It warns the industry needs government support from the Budget to make sure the sector can continue to contribute to the economy and boost the country’s finances.
The BBPA wants to see a cut in beer duty, business rates reform, and a pledge to keep the 75% business rates relief to ensure that pubs can survive.
Emma McClarkin, CEO of the BBPA, said: “The Scotland’s sector’s growth will underpin economic growth, which is why if the Government truly is business-friendly, it must recognise that pubs and brewers are shouldering multiple taxes and costs that are squashing growth and could lead to businesses failing.
“There is no more meat on the bone to cut, which is why it we are calling on the Government reduces the cost of doing business so we can continue to make a massive contribution to the public purse.
“It is imperative there is a reform in the business rates system which currently penalises bricks and mortar businesses like pubs which pay five times more than their share of turnover.
“Until then, the vital 75% business rates relief due must be maintained for pubs so that one of the core cost components of doing business can be controlled. In addition, we urgently need to see a cut in beer duty.
“Our industry is an economic bellwether and when pubs and brewers suffer, the economy suffers. If the Government wants to succeed in its growth mission, it needs to support our beer and pubs which play such a vital role in our communities.”
The sector is also facing potential eyewatering EPR recycling costs next year – set to be among the highest in Europe – plus increases in energy prices. The trade body has warned that this could lead some brewers to make heartbreaking decisions about whether they can keep making their beer.
Not only that, but a proposed smoking ban in beer gardens would have a devastating impact on many pubs and affect their viability as businesses. The BBPA is urging Government to reconsider this misguided restriction.
The industry is one for the most heavily taxed business sectors per pound of turnover in the UK with tax making up 40% of UK brewing turnover and £1 in every £3 spent in pubs.
Bongou Cafe, Edinburgh’s cherished Nigerian eatery, will commemorate its fifth anniversary this weekend with a celebration and a series of exciting culinary developments.
The event, set for Saturday, 7th and Sunday, 8th September, will be a vibrant tribute to the authentic flavours and warm hospitality that have made Bongou a standout destination in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic city centre.
All proceeds from sales will be donated to local charity Soul Food, which provide hot, delicious and freshly prepared meals while also offering respite and support to anyone dealing with the challenges of homelessness, poverty or loneliness in Edinburgh.
Originally starting as a barbecue catering business in Nigeria in 2014, Bongou was brought to Edinburgh by founder Tosin Moemeke in 2018. Tosin aimed to infuse Edinburgh’s food scene with the vibrant flavours of Lagos, Nigeria. This vision laid the foundation for the cafe, which has since become a community favourite known for its bold, Lagos-inspired street food.
Since opening its doors in 2019, Bongou Cafe has become synonymous with “Lagos in a Flatbread Sandwich,” offering unique flatbread sandwiches with house-made bread, fillings, and sauces made from “Tatashe” (red bell peppers) and “Rodo” (scotch bonnet chillies). Bongou’s mission has always been to introduce the rich, diverse flavours of Lagos to the local community, a vision they continue to pursue five years on.
Tosin, Bongou Cafe’s founder, says, “It’s been an incredible five years. We started with a simple idea to bring the bold, exciting flavours of Lagos to Edinburgh, and the reception has been overwhelming.
“Our customers have become like family. As much as we cherish our journey so far, we’re eagerly looking forward to the future and the many culinary adventures ahead. That’s why we’re kicking off our sixth year with an unforgettable party.”
The anniversary weekend will debut a new pastry and dessert counter, featuring favourites like the spicy beef pie and pineapple crumble cake. Bongou continues to offer a warm, friendly, and homely setting while serving consistently delicious food to delight its patrons.
Starting in September, Bongou Cafe will collaborate with local chefs to blend Nigerian cuisine with other African culinary traditions. Details of these collaborations, which will unfold throughout the year, will be announced soon.
The weekend festivities will also mark Bongou Cafe’s new opening hours, now extending to both Saturdays and Sundays.
This change responds to popular demand, allowing more food enthusiasts to experience its unique dishes and fall in love with Nigerian food and hospitality.
