Tag: food and drink

NQ64 Levels Up With Top-Tier Summer Drinks Menu

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cocktail Classix

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Campaign for Real Ale invites John Swinney for a drink

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Letter to First Minister:

Dear John Swinney, 

Join CAMRA to discuss the future of Scottish pubs 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yours sincerely, 

Stuart McMahon  

CAMRA Scotland Director 

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

  • With beauty subscriptions more popular than ever, Lidl has announced its very own Lidl Beauty Box, worth over £70
  • Each glow-rious box is filled to the brim with over 20 coveted beauty products that rival well-known luxury brands
  • The Lidl Beauty Box, featuring Cien, will be available to purchase for £2 from 9th May 2024 via www.lidlbeautybox.co.uk – but be quick! 
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Lidl has just dropped the latest must-have in beauty; a brand-new beauty box set to rival the likes of Liberty and Glossybox, yet at a fraction of the price. For just £2*, beauty buffs can get their hands on the Lidl Beauty Box worth over £70 – that’s beauty without the beastly price tag! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To celebrate in style, bookings can be made at: 

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

or by calling +44 131 240 7177.

Does Edinburgh need a new Aldi?

SUPERMARKET SEEKS INPUT ON WHERE TO OPEN NEXT

Aldi has launched a new nationwide initiative to pinpoint prime locations for new store openings. 

Recognising the invaluable input of its customers, the UK’s fourth-biggest supermarket is calling on the nation to help it identify where in Britain needs new Aldi stores most. 

The areas which have the most suggestions will then be considered as part of Aldi’s commitment to build hundreds of new stores across Britain. 

Aldi has been on a rapid expansion drive in recent years and has seen its popularity soar as shoppers switch to the supermarket for its lower prices and great quality amid the cost-of-living crisis.  

The retailer currently has more than 1,000 stores – including 19 across Edinburgh & the Lothians – and is committed to continuing towards its long-term target of over 1,500 stores across the UK.   

Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi UK, said: “We want to make high-quality food accessible to all, but there are still some areas that either don’t have an Aldi or have potential for more stores.  

 “We’ve identified some key places where there is demand for more stores already, but now we are calling on the public to share their views. This will be used to help inform our property search over the coming years.”   

Those wanting to put their town forward to be considered should contact the supermarket by emailing NextNewStore@Aldi.co.uk, clearly stating their postcode and why they believe their area needs a new Aldi store. 

Aldi is asking for suggestions to be submitted by 31 May 2024, with the supermarket planning to update customers on the results and its latest priority ‘wish list’ later this year.  

For more information on Aldi’s nationwide site requirements, visit:

www.aldi.co.uk/about-aldi/property/required-towns

Food and drink entrepreneurs can THRIVE with programme insight

Workshops and webinars are being offered to help anyone who wants to kickstart their journey in the food and drink sector.

THRIVE 2024 offers participants the chance to gain crucial entrepreneurial skills and meet industry experts who can help turn their ideas into reality.

Delivered by experts from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and Queen Margaret University (QMU) the programme is now in its fourth year.

Aimed at students, graduates, and early-stage entrepreneurs, THRIVE offers the skills vital for concept development and business growth, as well as providing insight focused on legislation, marketing, and manufacturing. 

Ceri Ritchie, Principal Consultant at SAC Consulting (part of SRUC), said: “THRIVE is about helping to create resilient start-up food & drink businesses – entrepreneurs with awareness of the need for pace and perseverance in their approach.

“It can help build a business where there is a real demand for its products, and that has adaptable strategies, equipped to scale over time.

“From the start we want to encourage entrepreneurs to be aware of the value they bring to customers and have a long-term view. 

“This is our fourth year delivering THRIVE and it is a privilege to share our commercial experience and industry knowledge with Scotland’s embryonic food, drink, and rural entrepreneurs.

“I look forward to meeting the 2024 participants, the fantastic discussions we will have and to another successful programme.”

As well as being designed for students and graduates, THRIVE is also open to people in food & drink manufacturing, hospitality, diversified agriculture or food and farm shops who have ambitions to develop as entrepreneurs or even who just have an idea in the making.

Applications for the programme that will run from August to November are now open and can be made via Eventbrite. 

Last year’s edition of THRIVE was a tremendous success attracting 53 participants from Shetland to Whithorn and Tighnabruaich to Crail.

One of those who participated, Katy Matsetse of The Wee Ginger Company was able to capitalise on her experience and kick start her business.

She said: “I absolutely loved THRIVE. The whole programme was exceptionally well organised, educative and very useful material.

“Networking with other food and drinks business owners/entrepreneurs was incredible too. Some of which have continued since THRIVE 2023 to date and will hopefully lead to collaborations.

“THRIVE is a definite “to go to” programme for all businesses regardless of the stage the business is. I highly recommend THRIVE to anyone thinking of starting a business, already started or those with well-established food and drink businesses.”

The programme is made up of two interactive sessions, supported by six industry-focused webinars.

On 21 September, an online session covering business skills will take place, followed by an in-person event at QMU on 2 November which will look at food product development.

Six optional evening webinars will take place between 28 August and 9 October. They will examine:

  • Investment and funding opportunities for Scottish food and drink businesses
  • Crafting your perfect pitch
  • Co-packing versus self-manufacturing
  • Sustainable marketing strategies
  • Practical packaging solutions
  • Legislation for food manufacturing and foodservice in Scotland

Catriona Liddle, Head of Scottish Centre for Food Development & Innovation at QMU, said: “THRIVE offers a terrific opportunity for businesses to get “real world” help from experts, help which is specifically focused on food and drink startup requirements.

“Whether you are a student with a food business idea, a graduate who is in the process of starting up a business, or someone who has already been actively running a food and drink enterprise for a couple of years but could benefit from specialist input, then THRIVE can help you confidently take things to the next level.

 “The programme also offers delegates the chance to meet up with like-minded individuals, so you can build a supportive community and learn from each other as you progress your journeys.

“Every year THRIVE gets a little bigger and is broadened in scope which allows us to help more enterprising start-ups on the road to success in the food and drink industry.”

Strachan House quizzers beat the Auld Enemy in Earth Day battle!

Residents and guests at Strachan House care home in Blackhall enjoyed a morning of quizzing and a classic English High tea as they hosted a virtual quiz with Goodson Lodge care centre in Trowbridge.

Residents in the Goodson Lodge Care centre were treated to irn bru, whisky and shortbread as both teams battled it out to see who would be crowned quiz master champion. 

Teams from both the English and Scottish homes provided quiz questions about their country whilst the other side aimed to guess the answers with mouthfuls of their countries’ finest fare.

General Manager, Fran Fisher said, “Our residents had a wonderful morning and were really excited to meet new people and learn lots of amazing new things.

“It’s always great to connect with others in the care industry and we hope we can continue for many years to come”. 

The quiz held on Earth Day was a true celebration of community and coming together. The Scottish team took the win this year but, with this now being an annual event, we will see if the English team can make it a draw next year! 

Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. 

Strachan House provides Nursing and Dementia care  for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.

Brits’ rate TEA BAGS as a top ‘Must-Pack’ item for their holidays

  • New research from Ambassador Cruise Line finds that over half (60%) of Brits take tea bags with them on holiday
  • For more than a third (41%), a good cup of tea is what holidaymakers miss most while away, beaten only by their ‘own bed’ (54%)
  • On National Tea Day on 21 April, Master Tea Blender for Tetley Tea, Sebastian Michaelis, reveals why we have an unmatched love affair with the nation’s favourite brew – and his thoughts on the perfect recipe for a great cup of tea

OUR love affair with tea goes beyond borders, it seems – new research from Ambassador Cruise Line has found tea to be an absolutely essential packing item for British holidaymakers, with over half (60%) admitting to having packed tea bags alongside their swimming costumes and sun cream when preparing for a holiday.

The survey of 2,000 respondents commissioned ahead of National Tea Day on 21 April by the UK’s leading premium-value, no-fly cruise line in partnership with its onboard tea supplier, Tetley, reveals the unshakable bond between Brits and their beloved brew.

As a nation that drinks 100 million cups of tea a day*, the fact  we struggle to part with our favourite blends while away is understandable. It seems there is no substitute for a quality cuppa, even when abroad; our love of tea even trumps family bonds it seems! 

The research found that, two in five (41%) of Brits miss English Breakfast tea most  whilst on holiday, topped only by missing their ‘own bed’ (54%). Just 21% put ‘missing family’  on the home-sickness trigger list.

Despite the many variations of tea available today, Brits remain unwavering in their loyalty to a classic cup of English Breakfast tea, with over half (56%) stating that it is their preferred choice , followed by Earl Grey and Green tea (both at 8%).

The survey found that one in 10 (10%) drink more than five cups a day, with the average being two (23%) to three (18%) cups a day.  For more than a third (36%), it is the first thing to be done in the morning,  with 21% postponing breakfast until they have enjoyed their first cuppa. Just 5% seem to enjoy a tea after their evening meal or before bed.

So, how do we as a nation make our tea? Just 8% of us use a teapot these days, with the vast majority of Brits putting the tea bag directly into a mug (84%). 82% opt for water before milk, with only 14% championing milk first .

Most commonly, more than half (59%) brew their tea for less than two minutes; one in ten (10%) leave the bag in for five minutes; and 3% brew for over eight minutes.

The survey showed that people love a good cup or tea not only for its taste: it’s also about the familiarity and friendliness a good cuppa provides. 

More than half of those surveyed (63%) say tea is the first thing they would offer when welcoming tradespeople to their home. Similarly, tea is the ‘go-to’ pick-me-up for friends or family that are feeling stressed (49%) or sad (43%), with females (50%) more inclined than males (36%) to offer comfort with a cuppa.

Commenting on the findings, Seb Michaelis, a Master Blender from Tetley, Ambassador Cruise Line’s onboard tea partner, says: “It’s no surprise that tea is right up there on the ‘must-have’ packing list – tea lovers know their teas and love their brands.

“Tea is a natural, comforting beverage, a social glue that delivers a perfect ‘me moment’ when needed. However, just as a holidaymaker seeks out new experiences, I would urge tea lovers to explore the wider world of tea also.  

“Tea has come a long way since it first reached our shores, with different varieties and strengths available. From everyday black teas to flavoursome speciality teas, fruit and herbal infusions and decaf, there’s a tea to suit every mood and moment, from the first waking hour to the final wind-down time in the evening.”

Gordon Nardini, Ambassador Cruise Line spokesperson, adds: “Away from the business of our day-to-day lives, a holiday is a great chance to take time for a proper cuppa, brewed to perfection.

“Food and beverage plays an important part of the overall guest experience at Ambassador and we pay as much attention to the tea we serve as we do the outstanding cuisine our guests enjoy while onboard.

“With 2.7 million cups of tea expertly served onboard Ambassador’s two ships, Ambience and Ambition, last year, it looks like our guests’ own tea bags will stay firmly in their suitcases for many years to come!”

Making the Perfect Cup of Tea according to Tetley’s Master Blender, Seb Michaelis:

“I’m always asked how to make the perfect cup of tea! We in the tea buying and blending team are quite particular with how we make our tea, so much so that we’ve developed a formula for it! 

“But in all honesty the right way to make tea is the way you like it and enjoy it best. However you like it, my top tip for getting the richest brew at home is to use freshly drawn water from the tap and to pour it as soon as it’s boiled; don’t let it cool down.”

Once Upon A Time afternoon tea at The Caledonian

Peacock Alley, located at the heart of The Caledonian in Edinburgh, is now serving Once Upon a Time afternoon tea, available until 2nd June.

Embark on a magical journey with Once Upon a Time afternoon tea at Peacock Alley.

A selection of sandwiches created by head chef Ryan MacFarlane feature selections such as Chilli Arran Cheddar and Scottish Smoked Salmon with Dill Crème Fraiche, followed by an enchanting array of pastries created by head pastry chef Tamara Curcic.

Selections such as the Happily Ever After (Cracked Pepper, Salted Caramel, and Burnt White Chocolate Cream Puff) and Frog Prince (Flourless Chocolate Sponge, Mint and Chocolate Chip Pepitè) are straight out of a fairy tale.

Standing proudly at the West End of Princes Street, this former Victorian railway building hotel nestles in the shadow of the enchanting Edinburgh Castle. Formerly the station concourse and ticket office, Peacock Alley represents the historic heart of the Caley.

It is imbued with the peerless style and sophistication of this famous former railway hotel, offering the perfect backdrop for your fairy tale afternoon tea.

Once Upon a Time is available in Peacock Alley, The Caledonian daily from 12:30 – 4pm, until 2nd June. Gluten free, vegan, and children’s menus are also available. Priced at £60 per adult and £30 per child. The menu can be viewed here.

Bookings can be made by emailing caledonian.dining@waldorfastoria.com or calling the reservations team directly at 0131 222 8832.