Christmas is just round the corner and to help visitors pick up any last-minute gifts they need for the big day, Fort Kinnaird has rounded up a selection of ideas to help make the search easier.
From fashion gifts to jewellery, there is something for everyone in this collection, with some retailers even offering gift wrapping services so any purchases can go straight under the tree.
And late-night shopping continues at Fort Kinnaird for the festive season, with visitors able to take advantage of shopping until 9pm at selected stores on Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd.
Here’s a roundup of the best gifts you can pick up at Fort Kinnaird:
Fashion
Fort Kinnaird is home to an abundance of clothing stores, from M&S to Next and H&M to Primark.
Timeless cashmere jumpers, scarves, hats and gloves from Marks & Spencer and Next are always a welcome surprise on Christmas morning, and Clarks remains the place to visit for men’s footwear. While Ugg’s Classic Ultra Mini Boots are topping the most-wanted lists at schuh along with Veja’s sustainable trainers.
Visitors can discover new looks at Fat Face, or head to Mountain Warehouse and Trespass for weatherproof jackets, walking boots and backpacks ideal taking with you on a long winter walk.
Jewellery
If you’re thinking of a more luxurious gift, Beaverbrooks and Swarovski are the places to look for gorgeous keepsakes and timeless classics, with their team being on hand to make sure you pick up the most perfect present.
For a tailored gift, visitors can head to the newly opened Pandora for a bracelet filled with carefully chosen charms plus rings, pendants and lab-created diamonds.
Beauty
With most wish lists this year including fragrances by Chanel and Dior and make-up sets from No 17, Maybelline and Benefit, Boots, Superdrug and The Perfume Shop are the places to go. While the Philips Series 9000 Prestige Beard Trimmer, leather wash bags, and skincare gift sets can also be found in Boots and Superdrug and are this year’s grooming essentials.
Holland & Barrett also have a range of special gift sets from CBD to self-care and sustainable heroes featuring calming tea bags, vegan snacks and naturally soothing beauty.
Gifts for children
With Smyths Toys, Hobbycraft and TK Maxx filled with great ideas for children’s presents, Christmas shopping for little ones is made easy at Fort Kinnaird.
This year’s most wanted gifts include V-Tech designs, Gabby’s Purrfect Dollhouse, Jurassic World Real FX Baby Blue, Little Live Pets Mama Surprise, Sylvanian Families, Squishmallows, Funko dolls and a big soft Bluey.
Or if you’re looking for gift ideas for new parent and babies, Mamas & Papas has everything you need from Jellycat toys to soft, comforting clothes, blankets and accessories.
Foodie gifts
This season’s must-buy recipe and food writing books, including Jamie Oliver’s One, Stanley Tucci’s Taste and Nadiya’s Everyday Baking are all available at Waterstones.
Fort Kinnaird is also a great place to find other special gifts for foodie lovers including chocolate boxes and panettone from Marks & Spencer, barista-grade hot chocolate and Velvetiser from Hotel Chocolat and the latest kitchen gadgets from ProCook.
Locally made gifts
Fort Kinnaird is home to independent stores including Born in Scotland which specialises in Scottish cards, gifts and crafts – perfect for Christmas. For sustainable and thoughtful gifts, The Leith Collective has beautiful clothes, homewares and gifts recycled, remade and repurposed by local crafts people.
Fort Kinnaird is open 9am – 9pm on weekdays and 9am – 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information about planning a trip to Fort Kinnaird, please visit www.fortkinnaird.com.
Alcohol duty freeze extended six months from 1 February to 1 August 2023
Part of government’s responsible management of UK economy, plan aims to reassure and provide certainty to pubs, breweries and distilleries facing tough challenges ahead
End date aligns with new simpler alcohol tax system taking effect, with Chancellor reserving decision on future duty rates for Spring Budget 2023
The freeze to UK alcohol duty rates has been extended six months to 1 August 2023, the government announced yesterday (19 December 2022).
In a statement to the House of Commons, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Cartlidge laid out a plan designed to provide certainty and reassure pubs, distilleries, and breweries as they face a challenging period ahead.
While new duty rates usually come in on the 1 February each year, Mr Cartlidge set out that this year the duty rates decision will be held until the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivers his Spring Budget on the 15 March 2023.
Further, the Minister made clear that if any changes to duty are announced then, they will not take effect until 1 August 2023. This is to align with the date historic reforms for the alcohol duty system come in, and amounts to an effective six month extension to the current duty freeze.
As part of the government’s commitment to responsible management of the UK economy, these changes will provide pubs, breweries, distilleries and other alcohol-related businesses with increased certainty to plan and make investment decisions more effectively.
Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Cartlidge said: “Today’s announcement reflects this government’s commitment to responsible management of the UK economy and supporting hospitality through a challenging winter.
“The alcohol sector is vital to our country’s social fabric and supports thousands of jobs – we have listened to pubs, breweries and industry reps concerned about their future as they get ready for the new, simpler, alcohol tax system taking effect from August.
“That’s why we have acted now to give maximum certainty to industry and confirmed there will be just one set of industry-wide changes next summer.”
The current alcohol duty freeze was announced at Autumn Budget 2021, saving consumers over £3 billion over five years. It was expected to come to an end on 1 February 2023, following the Chancellor’s reversal of most of September’s Growth Plan to restore trust in the economy and strengthen public finances.
At Autumn Budget 2021 the government announced the biggest reforms to alcohol duty in 140 years. The changes overhaul the UK’s outdates rules following exiting the EU by radically simplifying the entire system and slashing red-tape. To give industry more time to prepare, September’s Growth Plan set out that the reforms would take effect from 1 August 2023.
The new alcohol tax system will adopt a common-sense approach, where the higher a drink’s strength the higher the duty, whilst new reliefs will be made available to help pubs and small producers thrive.
New Draught Relief will be worth £100 million a year and will ensure smaller craft producers can benefit, the threshold for qualifying containers will be 20 litres.
Small Brewers Relief will be renamed Small Producer Relief, reformed and expanded. Until the revamp, a cliff-edge existed when relief is withdrawn for brewers who make more than 5,000 hectolitres a year.
This will be addressed, there will instead be a gradual taper to the removal of relief, which will empower small breweries to grow, after they had made clear through consultation that the current design was acting as a barrier. Further, the expansion of the relief means that all producers that make drinks below 8.5% – mostly craft brewers and cidermakers – will be able to get relief on their products.
The alcohol duty reforms will help create a simpler, fairer and healthier duty system. Higher rate for sparkling wines will come to an end, meaning they will pay the same rate as still wine. Liqueurs will be put on the same footing as fortified wine, meaning a sherry and Irish Cream will now pay the same duty, and super-strength ‘white cider’ will rise to address public health concerns.
The wine industry will also be supported as they adapt to the new system. All wine between 11.5-14.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) to calculate duty as if it were 12.5% ABV for 18 months from the implementation of the new system.
A UK Spirits Alliance spokesperson said:“Today’s decision by HM Treasury comes as extremely welcome news to distillers across the country. We know that previous duty freezes have enabled distillers across the UK to invest in supply chains, tourism centres and local communities.
“The announcement today is a major boost to the industry at such a crucial time. We look forward to working with the Chancellor over the coming months as he makes a decision on the future of alcohol duty at the Spring Budget.”
Miles Beale, Chief Executive, the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, said:“We are extremely pleased to hear that the Chancellor has listened to our calls not to deliver a double whammy tax hike next year.
“History has shown that freezing alcohol duty delivers increased revenue to the Exchequer. If duty rates went up by RPI on February 1st, this would have been a crippling blow to the UK alcohol industry and consumers who would have to pay the price for tax rises.
“Delaying any increase until 1 August means businesses will not have to manage two duty rises in the space of 6 months. We hope that any duty increases applied in August take into account the damage suffered by wine and spirit businesses and the hospitality sector during the pandemic as businesses continue to fightback.
“We are calling on Jeremy Hunt to cancel double digit tax rises to help cash-strapped consumers and to support the UK’s world-class drinks industry.”
Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive, the British Beer and Pub Association said:“The decision to extend the freeze on beer duty will be welcomed by pubs and brewers alike.
“In 2022 our industry has faced pressures and challenges like never before. This freeze will allow £180million to be reinvested into our sector at a critical moment and inject a much-needed flurry of festive cheer for pubs and breweries. It shows the Government understands just how much our pubs and brewers mean to communities across the UK.
“Investment in our sector now will pay dividends in villages, towns and cities across the country for generations to come. Pubs and brewers are a crucial thread in the social fabric of our society and contribute not only economically but socially, connecting people in communities up and down the country.
“We look forward to working with the Government to implement the promised duty reforms in 2023 ensuring a fair and modernised rates system in the UK that support lower-strength products and our country’s pubs.”
Richard Naisby, National Chairman, Society of Independent Brewers said:“Independent breweries play a vital role in the British hospitality industry and are embedded in their local communities, providing jobs and adding greatly to local economies across the UK.
“The extension of the beer duty freeze comes as welcome news to these vital independent businesses, providing some certainty until the summer.
“We look forward to working with Treasury on delivering further positive changes for the hospitality and independent brewing industry.”
Cash strapped Brits are being advised to freeze certain foods ahead of Christmas to help spread the cost of the festive holiday.
The penny-pinching pros at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk are advising Brits on eight of the lesser-known food items that can be safely stored in a freezer, to help households save money and prep ahead.
Storing food below zero degrees preserves the conditions of food by freezing potentially harmful molecules, so they die or enter a dormant state.
Most foods will last at least three to four months in the freezer, giving cooks a much wider timescale to add items to a meal.
Consumer expert Rebecca Bebbington from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “Christmas has always been an expensive time and this year a lot of families will be feeling the pinch more than usual due to the cost of living crisis.
“The Christmas dinner shop can be an expensive one which is why we’re encouraging people to spread the costs by buying certain foods now and freezing them until they’re needed.
“Meat and veggies are just some of the items you can freeze to help you save money and if you’re worried about storage space, take the items out of their original packaging and pop them into some freezable food bags.”
Many stores are already speaking up over concerns over Christmas stock levels. To guarantee a prize turkey or a joint of roast beef, buying and freezing these staples ahead of time might be the way to go. Before making any big purchases, make sure that the food will still be in date and good to defrost by December the 25th.
Brussel sprouts
Some people love them, others hate this festive member of the cabbage family. These can be easily grown at home to really save on money, or shop bought ahead of the Christmas price hike. To really capture them in full flavour, blanche or roast them before freezing.
Parsnips
This honey covered Christmas staple will stay good to eat for around nine months. You can freeze them in small cubes, or chunks. Blanching parsnips before freezing them will lock in their flavour and texture. They will be right at home in the same draw as frozen carrots, peas and all of the other festive vegetable staples.
Cheese
Wanting to get prepped for the perfect cheeseboard or stock up This can be frozen as a full block, or if you mainly use it grated, you can grate the block and freeze it, meaning you can grab handfuls of cheese as and when you need it. Anything from mozzarella to parmesan can cope with being put in the freezer, but be warned, cottage cheese may react badly.
Milk
With more people in the house or more time spent having a cuppa, milk is a must-have around the home over the festive period. Frozen milk must be fully thawed before use and give the carton a big shake before pouring, to ensure all the solids and liquids have been fully mixed. Milk expands when frozen, so don’t put it in a tight container.
Bread
This should be frozen when fresh otherwise it will be slightly stale once defrosted. You can freeze it as a full loaf, or in individual slices if this is easier. You can then leave your bread to thaw naturally or pop it straight into the toaster.
Eggs
The shell of eggs can’t be frozen, but everything else can. Crack the eggs into a muffin tray, then place these into the freezer. Once fully frozen they can be transferred into a plastic container, creating even more space.
Chocolate
Chocolate doesn’t contain much water, meaning it won’t change as much as other items when frozen or defrosted. Put the chocolate in the fridge for a few hours before placing it into the freezer, as this will help bring the temperature down slowly, reducing the risk of the flavour or appearance changing.
For more information on foods you can freeze visit NetVoucherCodes’ blog here:-
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, is inviting customers and their dogs in Edinburgh for a Pawsome Christmas Lunch on Wednesday 14 December, in the dedicated dog-friendly area of the restaurant, to allow the whole family to join in on some festive fun.
Customers in Edinburgh are in for a treat with Dobbies’ great-value two-course menu for £14.95 per adult. For the main course, there is a traditional Christmas turkey roast dinner with pigs in blankets, sage and onion stuffing, roast potatoes, creamy mash, seasonal vegetables and gravy.
The vegetarian option includes Quorn sausages, served with seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, creamy mash, sage and onion stuffing and gravy.
Building on the festivities, Dobbies’ dessert options are guaranteed to get you feeling festive. Customers can enjoy Christmas pudding drizzled with a decadent and creamy brandy sauce or a mince pie cheesecake with pouring cream or the choice of vanilla ice cream. Diners hoping to make a celebration of it can enjoy a 200ml bottle of Prosecco for an additional charge of £6.35 per person.
Our canine best friends will be in for some Christmas cheer at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store. Each customer will receive a Barking Bakery Woofin doggy cupcake treat to take home as well as a money off voucher for Dobbies’ pet department. A maximum of two dogs per person attending are permitted and customers in Edinburgh are encouraged to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager, Sarah Murray, said: “We are very excited to welcome our customers and their dogs to our Edinburgh store for a very special Christmas lunch, the dedicated dog-friendly area in our restaurant.
“We pride ourselves on being dog-friendly and know how important pets are to the family. Everyone deserves to enjoy the festivities and we can’t wait to meet the dogs in Edinburgh. We hope they enjoy this event as much as our customers do and have a barking good time.”
Local MSP joins guests in carol sing-a-long at award-winning Corstorphine restaurant
Corstorphine restaurant Prahna Indian Grill fully embraced the Christmas spirit today staging a lunchtime event for residents from the local community.
The eatery, which was named as Scotland’s leading establishment at last month’s Scottish Asian Restaurant Awards, welcomed more than 30 elderly residents from across the West of Edinburgh at a community event featuring great food, plenty of social interaction, and a Christmas sing-a-long.
The guests were treated to lunch before enjoying a festive concert from the Corstorphine Singers, where they were encouraged to take part in a group carol singing session.
The event was designed to bring Christmas cheer to people from the local community by getting them together for some festive fun and networking with others.
Prahna co-founder Arun Ramanan said: “Since opening our doors in 2020, just prior to the pandemic, we have been honoured to be part of this community.
“Today’s event is about bringing together residents across the West of Edinburgh and enabling them to get out and socialise and enjoy some festive cheer in the run-up to Christmas.”
Local MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton, who came along to meet the guests at today’s event, said: “Since they began trading, Prahna has been an active member of the Corstorphine community.
“I thank them for hosting today’s lively event and providing a hub to bring together some of our elderly residents and help get us all into the festive spirit.”
Aldi Scotland Takes on Greggs with New Range of Savoury Bakes
At just 84p, Aldi’s steak bake is almost half the price of the equivalent from theUK’s most popular high street bakery
Aldi is bringing a new range of tasty filled savoury bakes to Scotland at incredibly low prices.
Each of its ‘Frasers Bakes’ are just 84p, almost half the price of similar products in Greggs, which retail for around £1.40.
Available across all 104 stores, the golden pastries are full of delicious flavour and locally produced in Scotland.
Customers can choose from a range of enticing fillings, including Steak; Macaroni; Cheesy Bean; Cheese and Onion; and Chicken Curry. At just £1.69 for a pack of two, the UK’s Cheapest Supermarket* is once again bringing customers unbeatable deals on quality Scottish food and drink.
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland said:“Our mission at Aldi Scotland is to bring as many exciting Scottish-made products to the market for amazingly low prices. Our new range of savoury bakes is an excellent addition to our growing portfolio of locally produced items.
“With a delicate and light coating, and sumptuous selection of flavourful fillings, it’s no surprise that the savoury bake is a household favourite for many across the country.
“We expect these to be incredibly popular amongst our customers, who can now pick up a pack of two for just £1.69, nearly half the price of the popular high-street bakery.”
To find out more about your local Aldi Store, please visit www.aldi.co.uk
– St Andrew’s Day celebrated with launch of partnership between iconic Scottish brands Johnnie Walker Princes Street x Harris Tweed Hebrides
– First whisky finished in special casks in one of the world’s smallest warehouse in city centre cellar goes on exclusive sale at Johnnie Walker Princes Street
Johnnie Walker Princes Street is celebrating St Andrew’s Day with the launch of a highly desirable new whisky, complete with luxury packaging created in collaboration with legendary Scottish textile house,Harris Tweed Hebrides.
Marking the first ‘Johnnie Walker Princes Street Collective’ – a series that brings together the world’s leading Scotch whisky with Scotland’s best creative forces to create unique and collectable whiskies – the Johnnie Walker x Harris Tweed collaboration features a beautifully designed bottle of the Johnnie Walker Limited Edition Princes Street Blend, accompanied by a bespoke Harris Tweed carry bag.
The whisky represents a world first, having been matured over the past year in hand-selected American oak casks in the Whisky Makers Cellar at Johnnie Walker Princes Street. The cellar, holding just 26casks, is unique amongst bonded warehouse in Scotland, tucked beneath one of Edinburgh’s most famous streets.
30th November 2022, Edinburgh – Johnnie Walker Princes Street is celebrating St Andrew’s Day with the launch of a highly desirable new whisky, complete with luxury packaging created in collaboration with legendary Scottish textile house, Harris Tweed Hebrides.
Photograph: Mike Wilkinson…30/112022
Issued on behalf of Diageo.
Copyright: Mike Wilkinson.
Credit: Mike Wilkinson.
07768 393673
mike@mike-wilkinson.com
www.mike-wilkinson.com
Launching the new whisky, Barbara Smith, Managing Director of Scotland Brand Homes at Diageosaid: “Our collaboration with Harris Tweed has been an exciting way to celebrate the first experimental bottling finished here in our cellar at Johnnie Walker Princes Street.
“The partnership brings together two iconic Scottish brands, and the resulting collection embodies our shared heritage and passion for blending – whether that’s liquid, or thread. We’re sure it’ll provide festive gift inspiration for whisky and style lovers alike.”
George Harper, Johnnie Walker Whisky Specialist who created the Johnnie Walker Princes Street Collective bottling, added: “This particular blend was experimental in many ways, and it was exciting to use a completely different type of ‘warehouse’ for the final year of maturation.
“The unique finishing process has further enhanced the flavours of the liquid and we are really pleased with the end result, and I am sure consumers will love it too.”
Mark Hogarth, Creative Director, Harris Tweed Hebrides: “We have been hugely excited about this project with Johnnie Walker and feel a lot of synergy between our two brands.
“While Johnnie Walker carefully blends liquids to create flavour, so do we at Harris Tweed, expertly weaving different shades of wool to produce colour and pattern.
“This particular plaid brings Edinburgh and Harris together, all wrapped up in luxury, craftsmanship and time; elements that are also reflected in the exquisite liquid that George and his team have created.”
The unusual maturation conditions of the cellar, which is warmer than traditional warehouses, enhanced the impact of the wood, pulling in all the oaky flavours, leading to a rich and creamy oak nose, a palate of honeysuckle and red berry flavours and a long and fruity finish with warming wood smoke.
30th November 2022, Edinburgh – Johnnie Walker Princes Street is celebrating St Andrew’s Day with the launch of a highly desirable new whisky, complete with luxury packaging created in collaboration with legendary Scottish textile house, Harris Tweed Hebrides.
Photo shows George Harper, Johnnie Walker Whisky Specialist who created the Johnnie Walker Princes Street Collective bottling (L),
Mark Hogarth, Creative Director, Harris Tweed Hebrides (R) and Emma Walker, Johnnie Walker Master Blender (centre).
Photograph: Mike Wilkinson…30/112022
Issued on behalf of Diageo.
Copyright: Mike Wilkinson.
Credit: Mike Wilkinson.
07768 393673
mike@mike-wilkinson.com
www.mike-wilkinson.com
In designing the bespoke plaid for the collaboration, the Harris Tweed Hebrides team drew inspiration from their home in the Outer Hebrides, and the home of Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh to create a vibrant blend of the two Scottish locations.
The bag has been created in partnership with BeYonder, a charity specialising in ethical manufacturing. As part of the project, BeYonder engaged textile students from Glasgow City College to help manufacture the bags.
Those who’d like a chance to try the whisky before they buy should book themselves on Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s Whisky Makers Cellar experience or 1820 bar for a chance to enjoy it in a highball, cocktail, or dram.
The Johnnie Walker x Harris Tweed Hebrides collection will be available to purchase from 1st December exclusively at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh.
Johnnie Walker Limited Edition Princes Street Blend + Harris Tweed carry bag (£169)
Celebrate the festive season at The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh, where the brasserie will be serving an array of joyful treats, including a limited-edition festive cocktail menu created in collaboration with Monkey 47, delicious a la carte dishes, Afternoon Tea and lavish set menus designed for larger parties.
Featuring six celebratory cocktails, The on the Square Edinburgh’s drinks offering for the Christmas season includes the Popping Cracker Royale (£13.75), a concoction of Monkey 47 gin, passion fruit and spiced mango syrup, lime juice, cranberry juice, and Prosecco, garnished with candy floss and popping candy.
Nuts About Chocolate (£12.25) is an indulgent blend of Absolut Elyx Vodka, Baileys, Macadamia Liqueur, Monin Dark Chocolate Sauce, double cream and chocolate bitters with a marshmallow cream rim with chocolate flakes, while The Ivy’s Very Special Mulled Wine (£9.95) is the ultimate winter warmer, featuring Martell VS Cognac, winter spice syrup and red wine, infused with cinnamon and orange.
Diners can enjoy a seasonal twist on The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh’s iconic Shepherd’s Pie (£18.95) with confit goose and turkey, pigs in blankets and cranberry sauce, while starters include a Venison Tartare (£11.95) – seared and hand-cut venison loin with pickled beetroot, hazelnut mayonnaise and granary toast.
To finish, guests will be able to delight in a limited-edition Santa’s On His Way (£9.95) dessert, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Featuring a red velvet sponge, cream cheese frosting and dark chocolate, this exclusive, playful dish is sure to be a firm Instagram favourite this Christmas.
Agata Lubera, General Manager of The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh says “We are delighted to be adding these festive additions to our menu and look forward to welcoming guests into the brasserie at this most wonderful time of the year.”
For a gift with a difference, The Ivy Collection gift voucher is the perfect way to treat food-and-wine loving friends and family this Christmas.
From afternoon tea to an intimate dinner for two or simply a bottle of something delicious, The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh ’s inimitable service and vibrant surroundings create a touch of magic every time.
Aldi Scotland teams up with MasterChef: The Professionals finalist David Hetherington for budget friendly St Andrew’s Day feast
Aldi Scotland is sharing its tried and tested take on a St Andrew’s Day feast that families across the country can enjoy for just £3 per person.
The discount retailer has partnered with Chef David Hetherington – who previously appeared on BBC’s iconic MasterChef: The Professionals series – to create a delicious feast for four that includes Scotch Lamb and all the trimmings.
Chef Hetherington has delved into his culinary archives and developed this year’s take on a perfect St Andrew’s dish; Grilled Nature’s Glen Scotch Lamb chops, potato and black pudding terrine and carrot purée.
The whole dish costs just £12.27, which for a family of four works out at only £3.07 per person.
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland said: “Selecting the perfect menu for St Andrew’s Day can often stump even the best home cooks which is why we are bringing our tried and tested, delicious recipe to the table this year.
“We have worked with Chef Hetherington to profile quality Scottish produce as the natural accompaniment for any St Andrew’s Day celebrations. The Scotch Lamb, Scottish potatoes and carrots, and locally produced Macaulay black pudding slices create a truly Scottish base for this delicious meal.”
Grilled Nature’s Glen Scotch lamb chops, potato & black pudding terrine, carrot purée by Chef David Hetherington and Aldi Scotland
Serves 4
Ingredients – total £12.27/ £3.07 per person
· Nature’s Glen Scotch lamb chops £4.29
· Rosemary sprigs £0.52
· 10 x large Scottish tatties, washed & peeled £1.19
· 4 x carrots £0.24
· 500g Macaulay’s Black Pudding Slices £2.10
· 250g butter £1.99
· 4 cloves garlic £0.79
· 100ml Scottish double cream £1.15
Method:
· Rub your lamb with oil, salt and pepper.
· Place onto a plate with a sprig of rosemary and wrap with cling film. Set aside.
· Peel the carrots and dice into equal sized pieces. Pop in a pan of salted water to boil for around 15 minutes.
For the potato and black pudding terrine:
· Next, the tatties – we need these to be sliced very thinly, and for the best results we are looking for paper thin slices.
· Once your tatties are sliced, load them into a bowl, add salt and pepper next, then 200g of melted butter.
· Toss the tatties, making sure they are evenly coated in butter, salt and pepper.
· Next, you’ll need a loaf tin, lined with parchment paper.
· Start to evenly layer the potatoes into the loaf tin, getting right into the corners, keep layering until halfway up, always pushing down to compress each layer. Once you are at halfway, crumble in the black pudding, again right into the corners.
· Now continue with the tatties until the loaf tin is full to the brim, then keep going make sure it is heaving at the seams.
· Cover with tin foil and pop in the oven at 160°C for 1h15m or until a knife slides through the potatoes.
· This point is crucial, find something that fits on top of your loaf tin, maybe a chopping board, can of beans or another loaf tin. Weigh down the cooked terrine. Be careful as hot butter might squeeze out as you push in.
· Ideally leave the terrine in the fridge overnight allowing it to firm up.
· Tip out of the loaf tin and slice into 1.5 cm slices, it should be nice and compact, with a ribbon of black pudding through the middle.
For the carrots:
· Now, the carrots. After cooking for 15-20 minutes they should be nice and soft.
· Strain the water off and pop it in the food processor, blend until smooth and add in the cream, season to taste.
· Let this chill and pop it in the fridge.
For the Scotch Lamb:
· If you have a griddle pan now is the time to use it, if not a normal pan will do, heat the pan until it’s very hot!
· Place the lamb cutlets in the pan, always placing away from you to avoid any oil splashback.
· We want to go for about 1-2 mins each side, then throw in the garlic cloves and the rest of the rosemary.
· Now, turn down the heat.
· In goes the last remaining butter.
· Allow the butter to froth all up and baste the lamb in it.
Serving:
· Pan fry your potato terrine slices until golden brown on both sides.
· Warm the carrot purée.
· Remove the lamb chops from the foaming butter and straight on to a warm plate.
· Add a swoosh or blob or a splat of purée and the crispy terrine alongside succulent lamb.
Enjoy!
To find out more about your local Aldi Store, please visit www.aldi.co.uk
– Johnnie Walker Princes Street is a must-visit this season, featuring taste and tour experiences, festive cocktails and more –
As temperatures drop and the nights draw in, thoughts are turning to festive celebrations and getaways. Edinburgh has everything to offer for the season, renowned for its Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations, and for those celebrating in Scotland’s capital this year, there’s no better place to start than Johnnie Walker Princes Street.
Lighting up the heart of Edinburgh’s West End with a new festive projection, guests can find something for everyone across Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s eight floors. Including immersive tours, rooftop bars and a state-of-the-art retail store, the venue has welcomed over 345,000 guests since opening and recently achieved VisitScotland’s coveted ‘Five Star Attraction’ accreditation.
Here’s a look at what’s in store:
Tours & experiences: Enjoy the immersive 90-minute Journey of Flavour tour (£28), where personal flavour preferences are mapped with drinks tailored to each individual’s palate, with non-alcoholic options available. Or consider some of the wider whisky experiences such as the Whisky Maker’s Cellar or the Johnnie Walker History Adventure. A brand new ‘Drams & Brews’ whisky and coffee pairing experience will also be available throughout the season, featuring locally sourced cold brew coffee matched with exciting whiskies from across Scotland.
Festive Projection: All through December Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s building façade will be transformed via a stunning animated festive projection. Once the sun sets, guests and passersby can marvel at the scene featuring giant presents, an advent calendar, whisky highballs and plenty more besides.
Food & drink: Visit the 1820 Bar, offering everything from crafted cocktails with a festive twist to your favourite dram matched with locally-sourced dishes – best enjoyed with epic views of Edinburgh Castle and the city’s busiest street. Or, explore over 150 special bottles and one of a kind cask editions in the Explorers’ Bothy Bar – perfect for those looking to expand their palette and try new flavours.
Christmas shopping: As the largest Johnnie Walker retail store in the world, Johnnie Walker Princes Street stocks an unrivalled collection of both blended and single malt whiskies to suit all taste and budgets, as well as all the glassware and kit required to create the perfect serve at home. The ultimate destination to shop for dram lovers, the selection varies from personalised engraved bottles, to gift sets and exclusive blends.
Barbara Smith, Managing Director of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said: “Edinburgh’s reputation as a magical place during the festive season is well deserved, and we’re looking forward to celebrating with our guests new and returning.
“There’s so much to do across our eight floors. The Journey of Flavour Tour is perfect for everything from cosy winter dates to office parties, and the festive food and drink available in the 1820 Bar is not to be missed.
“The views from our roof terrace are stunning all year round, but if we get some snow this year it’ll be tough to beat as a festive picture backdrop with the views we enjoy of our neighbours at Edinburgh Castle!”
To book your Johnnie Walker experience, and for more information, visit
