Dobbies Garden Centres, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, has marked its partnership with Waitrose by opening its first foodhall in Edinburgh.
Featuring the supermarket’s wide range of high-quality food, grocery products, and everyday essentials, the Waitrose foodhall is one of more than 50 that are to be launched at Dobbies’ stores across the UK and which will bring Waitrose to 20 new towns and cities.
Shoppers at Dobbies’ Edinburgh can choose from an extensive selection of products including the essential Waitrose range, which is the biggest value tier of any supermarket, plus its premium range – Waitrose No. 1 – and Waitrose Duchy Organic. Ready meals, free-from and vegan ranges, prepared fruit and vegetables, snacks and cupboard staples will also be available.
Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said:“Through a shared commitment to great value, quality and sustainability, Waitrose was the natural grocery partner for us as we continue to build on the success of our foodhalls in recent years. I am sure our first Waitrose foodhall at our flagship store in Edinburgh will prove popular with our customers.
“Our foodhalls are integral to our garden centre ranges and the experience of our customers, and we look forward to introducing Waitrose’s offering across our network of UK stores.”
To find out more about the partnership, visit www.dobbies.com.
Cash strapped Britons planning a holiday barbecue are being offered advice on how to keep the cost down.
The frugal experts at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have put together their tips for hosting a BBQ on a budget.
They suggest shopping around the staples like meat and bread rolls, and to plan ahead and try and bag some yellow sticker bargains.
Other advice includes asking guests to bring a dish with them, opening and cooking only what you need and freezing anything that isn’t used.
John Stirzaker from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “Having a barbecue is a quintessential part of the UK summer but they’re not the cheapest events to host. Meat can be costly and it’s easy to get seduced and buy the best cuts and cook the lot.
“Instead shop around and see what offers you can find. Also think about asking your guests to bring a pudding, salad or even some of the meat with them. That way it’ll cut the cost burden on you and you can do the same when you’re invited to theirs.
“Remember too that whilst the food is a big part of a BBQ, it’s about getting together with family and friends and enjoying time together.”
Crisps, nachos and dips are a great, cheap starter for guests. Opt for supermarket own brand and decant into bowls.
Buy yellow sticker
Be smart when it comes to shopping for food for your BBQ. Check out the yellow sticker items in the supermarket and stock up on burgers, sausages and any other meaty treats. If they’re close to their sell by date, freeze. Make sure you thoroughly defrost before barbecuing.
Bring a dish
If you’re inviting friends or family around, encourage everyone to bring a dish. Someone could provide the meat, another salad and a third could top up with desserts. That way the cost isn’t all down to one person.
Make your own marinade
Rather than shelling out on expensive marinades, try making your own. Marinades are made with a main ingredient like yoghurt, lemon juice, wine or vinegar, mixed with oil and selected spices. Why not experiment with whatever you have in the cupboard?
Shop around for your meat
Check out your local butcher as well as supermarkets for meat. At this time of year, they may have some good value BBQ offers on.
Use a pack at a time
Don’t put everything on your BBQ at once or open every packet of rolls. Stagger it and only cook and open what you need.
Add some veggies
Vegetables cook well on the BBQ too and are a lot cheaper than meat. Try corn on the cob and jacket potatoes. They’re great fillers to counter all that meat!
Cheap bread
There’s no need to shell out on cheap bread rolls for your BBQ. Check what your supermarket has on offer. It often works out cheaper to buy in bulk so whatever’s left, freeze.
Avoid paper plates
Don’t be tempted to buy throw away plates to make clearing up easier. It’s bad for the environment and your pocket. Just save the clearing up until the next morning.
Tee-ing off Scottish summertime in style, Fore Play Crazy Golf Edinburgh has revealed a brand new cocktail garden, the Tee-Aff Terrace, set to offer complimentary cocktails to customers every time Edinburgh’s weather reaches 20 degrees.
When things heat up in the city, guests can cool down with a complimentary cocktail at the Tee-Aff Terrace, complete with garden games including giant Connect 4, live DJs and a special outdoor bar.
The Tee-Aff Terrace will offer the free cocktail to every customer, every single time it reaches 20 degrees in Edinburgh until Sunday 31st July … so let’s hope that summer sunshine makes an appearance!
Available to walk-ins and bookings, customers playing at least one round of crazy golf can redeem their free cocktail as soon as Edinburgh heats up by visiting Fore Play’s front desk. Venue staff will verify the temperature each morning via Google forecast, and if Edinburgh is scheduled to reach 20 degrees Celsius at ANY point in the day, fans are in for a treat. Full Ts&Cs below.
Fore Play Crazy Golf are ushering in Edinburgh’s long summer nights with their new cocktail garden, complete with deckchairs, an outdoor bar and summer decor galore, popping up at the venue until 28th August. Located in the heart of Edinburgh at Picardy Place, the Tee-Aff Terrace is sure to bring the summer vibes to the city, no matter the weather.
The crazy golf venue is the city’s ultimate night out, offering Edinburgh-inspired crazy golf on ‘The Wee Bobby Course’, delicious food and refreshing Pickering’s Gin cocktails at the Tee-Aff Terrace, with summer serves of the city’s best gin.
Serves will include Pickering’s Lime and Ginger Gin and Mexican Lime Soda, or a refreshing Pickering’s Raspberry and Mint Gin with Raspberry and Orange Blossom Soda. The Tee-Aff Terrace will also serve up Edinburgh Lager and Thistly Cross Cider as post-game refreshments.
The Tee-Aff Terrace will host garden games including Corn Hole and Giant Connect 4, in case guests are still feeling competitive after a game of crazy golf or take a break and chill out on comfortable deckchairs. Amping up your weekend plans, the cocktail garden will also welcome the very best Edinburgh DJs each Saturday night to soundtrack the ultimate night out.
Fans can tackle an Edinburgh themed crazy golf course, practising their swing at holes including Greyfriar’s Bobby or The Scott Monument. Fore Play Crazy Golf are also giving fans the chance to double the fun, with BOGOLF – two rounds of golf for the price of one each Wednesday – the perfect mid-week pick me up, with 50% off selected cocktails to match.
Offer valid from Friday 15th July – Sunday 31st July (inclusive) at Fore Play Crazy Golf Edinburgh. Fore Play Crazy Golf venue teams will verify the Google forecast prior to opening and if it is scheduled to reach 20 degrees Celsius at any point that day it will constitute a “Free Cocktail Day”.
Customers must play a round of golf to qualify for free cocktail. Free cocktail is not exchangeable and subject to change. Standard terms apply, please drink responsibly.
Native, the leading UK aparthotel brand with eleven sites across London, including Bankside, Hyde Park and Mayfair, Manchester and Scotland has announced Native Edinburgh, has re-opened following a 14-month refurbishment.
The half-a-million-pound revamp covers the public spaces and eighty-two apartments comprising of Studios, One Beds and Premium One Beds. Additionally, a new cultural programme and a speakeasy bar, Counter, is launching.
The design for Native Edinburgh’s refurbishment was inspired by ‘The Inventors’ who lived within the city.
The famed Scottish inventors include John Logie Baird, inventor of the television, Sir Alexander Fleming who discovered penicillin and won a Nobel Prize, and William Cullen, inventor of the refrigerator
. The history of the Scottish inventors surrounds the streets around the property, and the new design aims to highlight this unique history through the décor, artwork and quirky gadgets used decoratively.
The chic new interiors combine amber whisky tones with the midnight teal colours of the night sky above the Georgian facades of Edinburgh’s New Town, where the property resides.
Rich colours including the bright gold palette is reminiscent of the local area that was originally built to bring wealth back to the burgh of The Whisky Barone. The reimagined heritage-inspired Lobby space showcases opulent green hues and botanical themed prints, taking inspiration from the Royal Botanic Gardens – a natural treasure of Scotland.
The original Georgian windows allow natural light to flood in over the mid-century style furniture and lighting. The wallpaper in the lobby has been designed by Edinburgh Mairi Helena, known for her vibrant designs inspired by a love for Scotland’s colourful and textual landscapes.
Olivia Immesi, Managing Director says, “Each Native site celebrates the best of its surrounding area and Native Edinburgh’s refurbishment reflects the history of the city, and a focus on local culture to allow guests to plug into the city, whether they’re passing through or staying for longer.”
Coinciding with the re-opening, Native Edinburgh is launching a new speakeasy bar; Counter.
Counter will serve coffee by day and cocktails by night providing an undiscovered destination bar in the heart of city centre for guests and locals.
The Counter at Native Edinburgh will also be home to a new bespoke cultural programme: it will host a selection of carefully curated eclectic events, spotlighting local produce in the daytime and homegrown talent at night.
Late night summer programming will see the venue host a range of acts from neo-soul jazz nights and vinyl DJs to spoken word poetry. Counter will shine a light on up-and-coming creatives from around the city, including artists, writers, musicians and more.
Combining the freedom and authenticity of a local apartment with the comfort, convenience and premium service of a boutique hotel, Native breathes new life into historic city-centre buildings through thoughtful restoration and refurbishment.
Embracing local culture, Native collaborate with local, independent like-minded businesses, designers and artists meaning each site has its own unique personality, creating inspiring, ‘native’ experiences.
Perfectly situated 20 minutes by car from Edinburgh airport, rooms at Native Edinburgh are priced from £100 per night.
Sourdough pizza pioneers, Franco Manca, announce the arrival of their new Edinburgh pizzeria in Stockbridge
· To celebrate the opening, diners can enjoy 50% off all pizzas and salads at launch
· The new restaurant arrives in the Scottish capital today
Due to phenomenal demand, sourdough pizza pioneers, Franco Manca, have announced the opening of its second Edinburgh pizzeria on 1 Deanhaugh Street, Stockbridge, Edinburgh, EH4 1LU.
Opening to the public on Monday 11th June, Franco Manca is celebrating the launch by offering 50% off all pizzas and salads from the menu, available on Monday 11th – Tuesday 12th July.
The beautiful new restaurant follows the success of Franco Manca’s sister site on south St Andrew Street, which regularly welcomes up to 2,000 customers a week – the city’s top sellers include the classic margherita (No.2) and lightly smoked beechwood salami (No.7).
As well as offering its authentic Neapolitan cuisine, the new restaurant will serve up stunning views over the Water of Leith in the heart of Edinburgh’s Stockbridge community.
Simone Annette, Area Manager at Franco Manca, said:“Following the success of our Edinburgh debut on south St Andrew Street, we wanted to offer pizza lovers even more choice with the launch of an incredible new location.
“Our iconic sourdough, unique to Franca Manca, is sure to go down a hit with Deanhaugh Street diners looking to get a slice of authentic Italian pizza. So, if you live in the city, or are just passing through, feel free to drop in and enjoy 50% off our entire menu.”
Franco Manca pizzas are made with slow-rising sourdough, with a mother dough which dates back to the late 18th century, topped with fresh, properly sourced, seasonal ingredients. The dough is made fresh on site, with daily specials on offer, and menu prices starting at just £5.95.
First procured by the pizzeria’s founder, Giuseppe Mascoli, near the city of Naples, the recipe still honours the ingredients and methods that make the age-old style of Neapolitan pizza unique, delicious and world-renowned.
For more information on Franco Manca and other locations, please visit: www.francomanca.co.uk.
YOTEL Edinburgh has launched a limited-edition modern twist on a Tia Maria classic, with the Matchatini cocktail.
Combining the natural caffeine of Japanese green Matcha tea extract with Tia Maria’s indulgent creamy liqueur, YOTEL’s Matchatini is the perfect way to find some inner bliss in Edinburgh’s city centre.
YOTEL Edinburgh’s Matchatini cocktail is the perfect chance to carve out some ‘me-time’, blending Tia Maria Matcha Cream Liqueur with grape, vodka and Matcha sugar for a silky smooth finish. The cocktail launches alongside self-care packs celebrating YOTEL’s exclusive partnership with Australian-born beauty brand Urban Jungle, making YOTEL the first hotel brand in the world to stock the luxury, ethical hair and bodycare.
Guests can now add Urban Jungle’s ‘Do It On The Daily’ pamper bundles to their YOTEL Edinburgh room booking when they book a stay on yotel.com.
The bundle includes celebrated products such as the brand’s ‘Melt Me Softly Cleansing Balm’, which currently sells one tub every 12 minutes in Australia. Becoming one of the first places in the UK for fans to try out Urban Jungle’s innovative beauty products, guests at YOTEL Edinburgh can achieve that all important glow with Urban Jungle’s ‘Glow With The Flow Gel Serum’, delicately packaged up in a ‘Love Pouch Bubble Bag’.
Urban Jungle’s everyday essentials will gently wash the day away before locking in hydration, and now guests can sign off their ultimate self-care day in Edinburgh with a Matchatini, savour the iconic matcha tea flavour and refreshing floral notes and embrace a new mindful ritual.
Matchatinis are now available for £9 at YOTEL Edinburgh’s contemporary bar and restaurant Komyuniti for a limited time only. Guests can also add an Urban Jungle ‘Do It On The Daily’ bundle to their stay in Edinburgh for £44. For more information and to book: www.YOTEL.com/en/urban-jungle
Created using matcha tea extract to provide a natural source of caffeine, Tia Maria’s Matcha Cream Liqueur creates a refreshing sweetness, sure to delight fans of the iconic Japanese green tea.
Hailed for its energising and calming qualities, matcha has swept the nation in recent years and now with YOTEL Edinburgh’s latest Matchatini concoction, guests can feel good about their drink choices, toasting to taking a break and creating new rituals.
To create your own Matchatini at home, Tia Maria’s suggested recipe is:
Ingredients:
1 x grape
Matcha sugar
30ml of vodka
60ml of Tia Maria Matcha Cream Liqueur
Method:
Cut a grape in half and run the inside around the rim of a chilled glass
Dip glass in Matcha sugar
Combine 30ml of Vodka with 60ml of Tia Maria Matcha and give it a shake
Serve and enjoy
YOTEL Edinburgh’s new pamper packages and Matchatini cocktail celebrate the launch of Urban Jungle hair and bodycare in YOTELs around the world.
Urban Jungle’s ethically sourced products will be available in every YOTEL, YOTELAIR and YOTELPAD worldwide, meaning hotel guests can enjoy a new quality of hotel hair and bodycare, leaving bulky toiletries at home. Products including Urban Jungle’s Make Good Shampoo, Save the Day Conditioner, Magic Bullet Hand & Body Wash and Thirsty Work Hand & Body Creme will be available in every room, meaning YOTEL’s toiletries are cruelty-free, vegan and cute to boot!
Committing to a greener way of working, YOTEL crew can monitor in-room product levels and refill as necessary, removing the need for wasteful miniature plastic bottles. Urban Jungle bottles are also made with EcoPure, an additive that assists with the biological breakdown of plastic overtime.
YOTEL Edinburgh’s new wellness offering will encourage guests to slow down, taking time out of their busy days to enjoy a Matchatini in Komyuniti’s welcoming space, before dialling up their self care routine with Urban Jungle’s luxury packages.
It’s officially BBQ season and come rain or shine, Scots across the country will be firing up the grill for the ultimate summer feast.
To celebrate the return of BBQ Week (4-10 July) Aldi Scotland have unveiled a huge selection on locally produced BBQ products which shoppers are sure to flip out for.
If you are ‘rare-ly’ wanting to impress your guests the multi-award winning Specially Selected Ribeye Steak is a must for all BBQs, adding a top-quality feel at everyday affordable prices.
Grill-maestros cannot go wrong with the new Nature’s Glen Italian Style Burger, which is a perfect mix of rich tasty Scotch Beef and delicate Scottish Pork all beautifully seasoned and ready for cooking.
If the Scottish summer fails to make an appearance, the chilli flavoured Scotch Beef Kebabs are enough to bring some heat to any outdoor occasion and are the perfect addition to the BBQ.
However, if you are wanting to move away from the traditional BBQ meats, Aldi can help you ‘scale’ new heights, with their beautifully flavoured range of Scottish Salmon Fillets, from warming harissa infused fillets, to the salty and sweet Miso and Sweet Chilli Salmon, the only problem will be guests deciding what to enjoy first.
The leading value supermarket, which is currently named the UK’s Cheapest Supermarket 2021 by Which?, guarantees exceptional quality, provenance and taste at unbelievably low prices, making it the clear choice for stocking up on the BBQ essentials this summer.
From a selection of classic beef burgers to kebabs and pork sausages to salmon, each item has been produced right here in Scotland, giving shoppers the chance to pick up the best quality meat and fish products from the country’s world leading natural larder at everyday amazing Aldi prices.
Does your favourite bar go above and beyond for the community? Does it have a gin-credible drinks selection? Or has it shaken up an innovative cocktail? Well, you only have until the end of TODAY to share their successes and help crown them top of the Scots.
It is your last chance to enter Scotland’s longest running licensed trade awards – dubbed the ‘hospitality Oscars’ – the Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022.
Back bigger and better this year, the prestigious annual event is looking for establishments from John O’Groats to the Mull of Galloway who deserve to be recognised for their offerings.
Have you been wowed by the views from a special rooftop bar? Has a brand-new chic lounge caressed your tastebuds with a cocktail offering? Or have the charming surroundings of your local welcomed both you and your pooch through the door? Well now is your chance to shout about it!
At the 27th annual event, category sponsors are looking to hear from staff, customers and community members who would like to see their much-loved establishment take home a coveted accolade across one of the nineteen specialised categories.
Nominations are open until 30 June and establishments have the chance to be shortlisted for recognition as Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year, the Molinari Casual Dining Award or the Pernod Ricard Best Late Night Venue.
Stolichnaya are on the hunt for a bar, restaurant or hotel that operates with a sustainable business model – from recycled bottles to reducing plastic waste. If that is you, they want to hear from you.
Meanwhile, Hungrrr are looking for an establishment that is forward-thinking and has embraced technology to keep their business driving forward.
Antos are also looking to find the best Dog Friendly Pub of the Year, The Busker is seeking out the Innovative Cocktail Bar of the Year and Hi-Spirits want to find the Best Live Music Venue.
The prestigious awards also look to celebrate rising stars in the industry, community-minded establishments and overall give a much-needed boost to those championing the late-night economy.
New for 2022, The Molson Coors Scottish Bar of the year award will look to recognise operators that offer something special for their locals or are full of exceptional teams that make the industry so vibrant and fresh.
Organiser, Susan Youngsaid: “Scotland has the best people and our awards are here to commend those charismatic individuals and their incredible venues that make up Scotland’s unparalleled hospitality landscape. But they need your help to vote for them. Reward the efforts of your favourite pub or bar and vote now on The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards website.”
To enter your local bar into this year’s awards, simply vote online to cast your nomination. Every vote counts as the ten competitors with the most votes from each category will receive a visit from ‘mystery shoppers’ before the finalists are revealed.
Following a judging process, the winners will then be announced at a glittering award ceremony on 30th August 2022 at The Doubletree by Hilton Glasgow Central.
Nominations are now open across Scotland for The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022. Voting closes on the 30th June 2022.
Obviously a pub that welcomes dogs… with great facilities and perhaps even treats for their four-legged customers.
ARO Procurement Customer Service Award Judges will be looking for a pub, restaurant or hotel which fully embraces the customer service ethos.
Benromach Whisky Bar of the Year Gordon & MacPhail, one of Scotland’s premiere whisky companies, is looking for a whisky bar that excels and has a great range.
Buzzworks and Montpeliers Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Buzzworks and Montpeliers, two of Scotland’s premiere hospitality businesses, are seeking an up and coming entrepreneur. The prize is a year’s mentoring…
Deanston Whisky Guru of the Year This category is for people who not only have a great knowledge of whisky.
DRAM Community Pub of the Year Judges here will be looking for a special pub, which is not only part of the community but supports it too.
DRAM Independent Pub Group of the Year The DRAM is on the look-out for Scotland’s top Independent Pub Group.
Hi-Spirits Best Live Music Venue 2022 Live music is very much part of a vibrant night life, aand judes are looking for Scotland’s best.
Hungrrr Technology Adopter of The Year Hospitality operators that embrace technology to keep their business on track and driving them forward.
Inverarity Morton Restaurant of the Year A memorable meal in a memorable restaurant – where have you been that has impressed?
Kopparberg New Bar of the Year Is there a great new bar near you that deserves an award?
Molinari Casual Dining Award 2022 Recongised relaxed atmosphere venues that serve good value quality food.
Molson Coors Scottish Bar Of The Year This inaugural award is seeking out Scotland’s best bars that have been around for more than a year.
Old Tom Gin 1821 Hotel Bar of the Year Do you have a hotel that you love to go to relax and enjoy the great outdoors that also has a great bar?
Pernod Ricard Best Late Night Venue Pernod Ricard, the brand owners with Havana Club, Beefeater, and Chivas in its portfolio, is looking for a late night venue that exemplifies what is good and great about late night socialising.
Sunday Mail Pub of the Year This year the Sunday Mail Pub of the Year Award will go to the most voted for pub in Scotland at the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards.
Stolichnaya Award for Sustainability
This award is aimed at bars, restaurants or hotels that operate with an effective and sustainability agenda, from reducing plastic waste to conserving energy – it all matters.
The Busker Innovative Cocktail Bar of the Year The Busker is an innovative ‘new to the world’ Irish Whiskey which is seeking out Scotland’s most innovative Cocktail Bar. It is looking for a bar which marries traditions with a contemporary look and which empowers bartenders to go beyond their limitations and create flavour-curious (great) cocktails.
William Grant & Sons Bar Apprentice of the Year 2022 The Bar Apprentice is back for with a bespoke programme for this year’s apprentices – an experience you can’t buy!
Aldi is on the hunt for new store locations in Edinburgh as part of its rapid expansion drive.The priority areas where it is looking include Bonnyrigg and Drylaw.
Aldi, which already has more than 960 stores across the UK, is looking for freehold town-centre or edge-of-town sites that are around 1.5 acres.
Each site should be able to accommodate a 20,000 sq foot store with around 100 parking spaces. Ideally the location will be near a main road with good visibility and access.
The UK’s fifth-largest supermarket even offers a finder’s fee for people who recommend a site, including members of the public – which is either 1.5% of a freehold price or 10% of the first year’s rent for leasehold sites.
George Brown, National Property Director at Aldi UK, said: “By opening more Aldi stores, we can provide affordable, high-quality food to even more people.
“But despite our growth in recent years, some people still don’t have access to a local store, which is why it is our mission to continue on with our ambitious plans and change that.
“Our finder’s fee is available to anyone who can find Aldi an appropriate site so we’d encourage people to share any suitable suggestions and get it touch.”
Morrisons Introduces Evening Meals for Under a Fiver in its Cafés
– Customers can get an evening meal and a drink for just £4.99 –
– Menu rotates each day and includes roast chicken, a British beef burger and the ultimate fish & chips –
– Kids eat free so a family of four can enjoy a meal for under £10 –
Morrisons is introducing a ‘meal of the day’ for under a fiver to its cafés nationwide. Every weekday from 3pm, a ‘Daily Special’ will be discounted, offering a saving of up to £3.89 on the individual product price.
The meal on offer will rotate each day and customers can choose from British roast chicken served with chips and coleslaw, a hearty chicken tikka masala, a 9-piece breakfast brunch, a succulent British cheeseburger served with chips and coleslaw and the ultimate beer-battered fish and chips. The offer includes a drink and vegetarian alternatives are also available.
Each of these Morrisons classics will be priced at just £4.99, making them cheaper than the same evening meals at Wetherspoons, Harvester and Beefeater.
What’s more, kids can now eat free all day with the purchase of any adult meal meaning a family of four can enjoy a meal out together for just £9.98.
Ali Lyons, Head of Morrisons Cafés, says: “We know how hard it is for our customers at the moment and we want to make sure they are still able to enjoy a meal out, even on a budget.
“We’ve handpicked these favourites so that no matter what day it is, our customers can enjoy a saving.”
Morrisons £4.99 offer will be available in its 406 cafés nationwide after 3pm every weekday.
The ‘Daily Specials’ on offer are:
Monday
· Roast Chicken served with Chips & Coleslaw or· Cheese & Onion Quiche served with Chips & Coleslaw
Tuesday
· Chicken Tikka Masala or· Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Wednesday
· Breakfast Brunch or· Full Vegetarian Breakfast
Thursday
· Cheeseburger served with Chips & Coleslaw or· Vegetarian burger served with Chips & Coleslaw
