Tag: food and drink

F1 stars, comedy icons and whisky masters head to Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy

If you’re looking for something different to do in the centre of Edinburgh this summer, then look no further than Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy (EFDA).

Whether you’re visiting Scotland’s capital on holiday, or live nearby and need some new ideas for a date night or day out with friends, EFDA offers something for everyone.

From whisky and food pairing, to behind-the-scenes conversations with Formula 1 experts and comedy cook-alongs, EFDA has you covered this summer season:  

A taste of Scotland – whisky and food pairing event

Interested in learning more about Scottish whisky, or discovering how to pair it beautifully with food? Master of the Quaich, Annabel Meikle, is hosting dedicated whisky and food pairing events at Edinburgh Food and Drink Academy throughout the summer – perfect for those new to Scotch or looking to deepen their appreciation. 

Over the course of the event, Annabel will lead guests through a nosing and tasting of three whiskies from Wemyss Malts. Further elevating the sensory experience, each whisky will be paired with premium charcuterie and cheese from I.J. Mellis, and artisan chocolate from Edinburgh-based Quirky Chocolate. 

Attendees will learn how to nose and taste whisky, identify key flavour notes, and gain the confidence to create the perfect pairings at home. Tickets cost just £45 p/p with events taking place on Friday 24 July, Friday 14 August and Thursday 27 August.

Insights from the Formula 1 Pit Lane

Get your pit-lane pass with Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy this August during an exclusive conversation with Bernie Collins, former Head of Race Strategy at Aston Martin F1 and current Sky Sports F1 analyst, and Ryan McGarva, former Mercedes-AMG Petronas pit crew member and mechanic to seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton. 

During the hour-long conversation, Bernie and Ryan will share behind-the-scenes insights from life in the pit lane, reflect on their careers working alongside some of the biggest names in motorsport, and discuss the split-second strategy and teamwork that shapes every race weekend – from the nutritional prep to the winners podium. 

An exclusive cook and dine session with Bernie and Ryan will follow, allowing just 14 guests to make fresh ricotta-filled tortellini (inspired by the forthcoming Italian Grand Prix) alongside EFDA’s professional chefs. 

Taking place on Saturday 15 August, tickets cost £95.00 for the Insights from the F1 Pit Lane conversation session or £180 for both the conversation and the cook and dine session. 

Laughter on the menu: Comedy Cook Offs with The Stand Comedy Club

Combine your love of comedy with delicious food by attending a Comedy Cook Off at Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy this August.

Throughout the month, comedians will challenge each other to cook dishes live in the EFDA Demonstration Kitchen while trading their best jokes. Audience members will then get to sample the finished dishes and vote on who they think deserves to be crowned the culinary champion.

In partnership with The Stand Comedy Club, the events, hosted by Bruce Devlin, take place throughout the month of August with tickets costing just £20 per person. 

For more information or to book your summer experience, visit www.efda.co.uk. 

From plot to plate with EFDA & Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 

This summer, Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) are partnering for a series of Gardener and Chef events, showing attendees how to make the most of home-grown garden produce. 

With a shared passion for showcasing Scotland’s natural larder, the programme brings together the best of the culinary and botanical worlds. Equipping attendees with practical kitchen skills alongside a deeper understanding of seasonal planting, the events will run from 10am and combine hands-on time in the RBGE kitchen garden with live cookery demonstrations. 

With dedicated sessions on both fermenting and pickling and seasonal summer cooking, attendees will leave with the skills and knowledge to create nutritious, vibrant meals and snacks at home. 

Running until the end of September the events will take place at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, with tickets ranging from £126 p/p to £137 p/p. More information can be found at www.rbge.org.uk. 

Master the art of Scottish shortbread 

Whether you’re a local resident or simply visiting Edinburgh, why not take the time this summer to master the art of Scottish shortbread?

Throughout the summer, Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy will be hosting The Wee Walk-in Shortbread Workshops, a 90-minute session offering a concise and authentic introduction to Scotland’s most iconic bake.

Create your very own Shortbread Petticoat Tails on select Thursdays during the summer period for just £50 per person. 

Last but certainly not least, looking to use your summer to kick-start a new career?

Whether you’re interested in becoming a professional chef, a food and drink entrepreneur, want to learn more about the different career opportunities in the food and drink industry, or use your summer to upskill and embark on paid holidays working in ski chalets and on board private yachts, EFDA offers something for everyone.

Edinburgh Food and Drink Academy launch event

From the five-day Seasonal Chef Host Course to the 12-week Diploma in Professional Cookery, including a new evening-only class, use this summer to sign up to transform your life and embark on a culinary adventure.

For more information, visit www.efda.co.uk. 

Today: Community Meals at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

Rise and shine! 🌞 Our lunch menu for Monday, 27th July, is a celebration of local, organic goodness! We’re thrilled to be serving a broad bean and goat’s cheese tart, made with broad beans harvested by the fabulous Walking Group at Edinburgh Agroecology Coop last week, paired with a fresh side salad.

For dessert, indulge in our Gooseberry Crumble Cake, made with gooseberries plucked from our very own garden, served with a divine fruit coulis created by the talented volunteer chef, Artemis!

This menu is a testament to the power of community and the beauty of summer – don’t miss out on this opportunity to treat yourself to a delicious, healthy, and uplifting meal.

As always, our doors open at 9am for a free breakfast and a warm welcome, so spread the word and invite your friends and family to join in on the feast!

First Minister welcomes start of zero US tariffs on Scotch whisky

SWINNEY: “A win for Scotland and a win for the United States”

First Minister John Swinney has welcomed the lifting of US tariffs on Scotch whisky and the creation of a ‘zero-for-zero’ tariff regime from today.

The exemption announced by President Trump following the King’s State Visit in April, was confirmed by US Authorities today and come into force today (Friday).

Scotland exports more whisky to the United States than to any other country.

The First Minister said: “The end of US tariffs on Scotch whisky has now been confirmed by the US Authorities and from, tomorrow, will be whisky will be tariff free.

“This follows the remarkable contribution of the King and a ‘Team Scotland’ approach that saw the Scotch Whisky Association and the Scottish Government work hand in hand.

“We were able to partner with the bourbon industry in the United States, raise the issue with President Trump in the Oval Office, and get this issue on his agenda.

“The result is a ‘zero-for-zero’ tariff regime that is a win for Scotland and a win for the United States. It benefits businesses and workers on both sides of the Atlantic and not just among whisky producers but also the businesses and communities that support the sector across Scotland.

“This is a good day for Scotland.”

International Director at the Scotch Whisky Association Ian Duddy said: “The return of tariff-free trade for Scotch Whisky in the US is welcome news for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.

“As Scotch Whisky’s most valuable global market, worth £933 million in 2025, the removal of tariffs provides greater confidence to invest, grow exports, and support jobs and communities across Scotland and the US.

“From Kentucky to Speyside, this will not only benefit the Scotch and US whisky sectors, but our wider supply chains of cooperages, farmers, hospitality and retail.

“This outcome is testament to the strength of the enduring relationship between the UK and the US. On behalf of the Scotch Whisky industry, we are grateful to everyone who worked to make this happen, including His Majesty The King during his recent State Visit.

“We look forward to building on this positive momentum and working with partners on both sides of the Atlantic to ensure Scotch Whisky continues to thrive.”

To mark the long-awaited milestone, Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander visited Pernod Ricard’s Strathclyde Distillery in the heart of Glasgow.

https://twitter.com/UKGovScotland/status/2080571196970557645/video/1

Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander said: “This is a day of celebration for Scotland’s whisky industry. The removal of tariffs by the US is a significant measure that will open up opportunities for growth and prominence for this already beloved Scottish product in US towns and cities.

The action taken by President Trump demonstrates the partnership our two countries have and the close working in trade that supports economic growth both here in the UK and in the United States.

This is the second action this month which has opened up the world even more to our whisky exports, with the India Free Trade Agreement, which came into force earlier in July, seeing tariffs reduced from 150% to 40% over the next ten years.

Businesses have also benefitted from recent deals with China, the Gulf Co-operation Council, the EU, and the US, as the UK Government delivers for Scotland and continues to use the strength and reach of the UK to support economic growth in Scotland.

“I join all those raising a dram today for the efforts to reach this point and look forward to seeing our whisky industry flourish.”

The whisky industry supports 41,000 jobs in Scotland and a further 25,000 jobs across the UK, according to the Scotch Whisky Association. 

The removal of tariffs by the US is the latest big win for the industry this month, with the India FTA coming into force and reducing whisky tariffs from 150% to 75% immediately, then to 40% over ten years.

CAMRA: First Minister must match Burnham’s pro-pub stance in Scotland

Pubgoers group CAMRA calls for business rates cut to be matched

Responding to the announcement that Prime Minister Andy Burnham is cutting business rates bills in England by 20%, CAMRA Chief Executive Tom Stainer said: “Pubgoers are crying out for a First Minister and Scottish Government that matches the new Prime Minister’s pro-pub stance, and which wants to protect and promote our pubs as vital community hubs.

“The First Minister should commit today to matching the announcement made for pubs in England and give our locals an extra 20% discount on their business rates bills too.

“Our business rates system is grossly unfair to pubs and social clubs, bricks and mortar businesses that are also vital social institutions for their communities.

“We desperately need proper reform of the system, so pubs aren’t forced to pay eye-watering business rates bills.

“A truly fair business rates system would permanently lower bills for pubs and end the need for these temporary reliefs once and for all.”

Aldi to fund the weekly shop for the grandparents bringing Edinburgh families together around the table

As family meals make a comeback, Scotland’s Cheapest Supermarket invites families to nominate grandparents who never gave up on gathering around the table

As more families choose to cook and eat at home, Aldi is celebrating the generation that has always understood the power of sharing a meal together.

Research from Barclays’ UK Consumer Spending Report for May 2026 found that 42% of consumers are changing their spending habits due to rising costs, and are cutting back on takeaways and meals out.

Over the same four-week period, separate transaction data also recorded a 2.7% fall in spending at restaurants, cafés and bakeries.*

With more meals being enjoyed at home, Aldi believes there’s a renewed opportunity for families to reconnect around the dinner table, and nobody knows the value of that better than Scotland’s grandparents.

Influencer Granny Griggly visits Aldi in Peterhead. Picture Simon Price /Firstpix Photography

Today (22 July), Aldi launches a nationwide campaign celebrating the grandparents and grandparent figures whose home cooking has brought generations of families together.

Long before recipe apps, air fryers and social media food trends, grandparents were passing down family recipes, cooking from scratch and creating the meals that became the backdrop to family life.

From bowls of homemade broth and freshly baked scones to Sunday roasts that still draw everyone home, they’ve spent decades proving that the best memories are often made around the table.

Now Aldi wants to recognise those everyday family heroes.

Families across Scotland are invited to nominate a grandparent or grandparent figure whose cooking, generosity and love of bringing people together have made a lasting impact on their family. Whether it’s the gran whose soup is famous across three generations or the grandad still teaching grandchildren how to bake, Aldi wants to hear the stories behind Scotland’s favourite family cooks.

As a thank you, Aldi will fund a month’s grocery shop for up to three Scottish grandparent figures.

To nominate, families should email scottishcompetition@aldi.co.uk with a short explanation (200 words) of why their grandparent deserves to be recognised.

Tom Brearey, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland said: “Some of life’s best moments happen around the dinner table.

“As more people choose to cook and eat at home, this is a great opportunity to spend quality time with family, share stories and reconnect with the people around us.

“Grandparents have understood that for generations. They’ve always known that a home-cooked meal is about much more than what’s on the plate – it’s about bringing people together.

“This is our way of celebrating the people who’ve quietly kept those traditions alive for years, and thanking them for everything they do for their families.”

Ronaq Restaurant closes

LAST ORDERS AT POPULAR COMELY BANK INDIAN RESTAURANT

After so many wonderful years serving you at Ronaq Restaurant Comely Bank, we are writing with heartfelt gratitude, and a touch of nostalgia, to let you know we’ll be closing our doors.

Your support has meant the world to us. Though we’ll miss hosting you, we’re excited for the future.

A new restaurant will soon open in this location, and we encourage you to welcome them warmly.

You can find them at: www.yaduvanshiindianrestaurant.co.uk

Thank you for every shared meal and every memory.

With gratitude,

The Ronaq Restaurant Team

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.