Tag: food and drink

Rise and Dine!

VIRGIN HOTELS EDINBURGH SENDS TASTEBUDS TINGLING WITH A BRAND-NEW BRUNCH MENU

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s premium cocktail bar and restaurant, Eve, is adding an exciting new flavour to Cowgate, as it officially launches its exquisite new brunch offering.

A specially curated experience for guests, presenting mouth-watering dishes to awaken tastebuds, carefully crafted cocktails perfect for day drinking and weekly live entertainment. Taking place every weekend between 12pm and 4pm, this new offering introduces a fresh take on brunch.

Eve opened its doors in late 2022 and boasts a luxurious interior with unique floor-to-ceiling murals and a vibrant, lively atmosphere, making it the perfect brunch spot in Edinburgh’s Cowgate.

At Eve, brunch is just the beginning. Guests can experience the excitement of weekly live entertainment with DJs and saxophonists bringing the party atmosphere to Edinburgh’s Old Town.

And that’s not all, Eve will keep things fresh offering drag brunches and musical themed afternoons, making brunch at Eve the place to spend your weekends. To kick off each month in style, there will be special payday events to add an extra sprinkle of joy to this brunch offering.

Just in time for the iconic Beyoncé concert, Eve has launched their brunch service, providing the perfect opportunity to fuel up before the show. As guests indulge in the delicious brunch offering, the sound of Beyoncé’s hit songs will fill the air, setting the tone for an electrifying pre-concert celebration.

In addition, Eve will offer even more entertainment options throughout the weekend to elevate the brunch experience. On Saturday, guests can groove to the sound of ‘The Katet’, a funky brass band that will keep the energy high with their soulful tunes. On Sunday, Amber Lights will take the stage, bringing a unique twist to beloved classics from the 70s, 80s, and 90s by infusing them with a funky flair.

This new brunch menu offers a range of culinary creations, meaning that there is something to satisfy every craving. From creamy sweet potato hummus to wholesome granola bowls, each bite is a delightful journey. Guests can explore tropical flavours with mango and pineapple brûlé or try the vibrant shakshuka and fresh salmon poke bowls. To cure a sweet craving, there is also waffles, delectable French toast, and the irresistible Brunch Board to indulge in, delivering the ultimate selection of sweet delights.

No brunch is complete without an accompanying tipple. Eve’s brunch offers an exquisite selection of beverages, including refreshing classics like the Bloody Mary or spicy cousin, Bloody Maria. Guests can also savour the refreshing Red Snapper or French Martini and of course, the ultimate brunch pairing, everyone’s timeless favourite, Mimosa, adding a touch of celebration to every occasion.

Launching this weekend, the 20th and 21st of May, booking is encouraged to guarantee a table. All reservations can be made through Open Table by visiting: https://www.opentable.co.uk/r/eve-1-victoria-street

David Moth, Virgin Hotels Vice President of Operations, and Interim General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, said: “We are delighted to introduce brunch to Eve which offers an exciting new addition at the weekend for locals and visitors alike.

“Our team gas carefully curated a menu that we believe is going to get foodie’s taste buds tingling, of course, washed down with classic Eve cocktails and a couple special new additions.

“From amazing entertainment to stunning surroundings, we look forward to welcoming guests to enjoy all that brunch at Eve has to offer!”

For more information, please visit: https://virginhotels.com/edinburgh/dine-and-drink/eve/brunch-with-eve/ 

You can also follow along on social media here: Instagram @eveedinburgh, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

World Baking Day: Five high protein healthy bakes from the fitness experts

World baking day is just around the corner (17th May), and no doubt many indulgent recipes will be taking over the internet. 

But bakes that are nice on the lips don’t always go straight down to the hips. 

If you are craving something sweet and chocolatey, but also want it to be macro friendly and high in protein, the fitness experts at bulk.com have got you covered. 

Below, the experts at bulk.com share five of their favourite bake recipes, that can be incorporated into an everyday healthy lifestyle, helping you get those all-important post gym gains.  

1. 5-Ingredient High Protein Brownie Recipe 

Created with just five ingredients, Nadia’s Protein Brownies are set to satisfy your chocolate cravings, serving as many as eight people! 

Pure Whey Protein™ is combined with Smooth Peanut Butter, Organic Cacao Powder, dark chocolate chips and ripe bananas, giving you a brownie that packs a protein punch while retaining a soft, velvety core.  

Who says upping your protein intake is difficult? 

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 8) 

METHOD 

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan. 
  1. Mash the bananas and mix in the peanut butter. 
  1. Mix in the protein powder and the cacao powder. 
  1. Transfer into a lined baking and scatter chocolate chips. 
  1. Bake for 20 minutes and leave to cool before slicing. 

2. Lucy Watson’s Vegan Banana Bread Recipe 

 We may not have Paul Hollywood, but we’ve got a nice bake that’s not too much of a technical challenge and leaves no risk of a soggy bottom! 

This banana bread is vegan friendly and super easy to make. 

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 6): 

  • 3 Large Ripe Bananas 
  • 70ml Vegetable Oil 
  • 100g Brown Sugar 
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon 
  • 200ml Almond Milk 
  • 300g Plain Flour 
  • 3 tbsp Cocoa Powder 
  • 1/2 tsp Salt 
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract 

For topping: 

  • 1 Banana 

METHOD 

  1. Preheat oven to 200c (180c fan, gas 6), and grease a 900g loaf tin with a little oil. 
  1. Peel the bananas and put them in a large mixing bowl. Mash them well until they are creamy. Add the oil, sugar, cinnamon and milk. Combine well. 
  1. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt, then add the nuts and chocolate. Stir with the wooden spoon until all the ingredients have been incorporated. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin loaf. 
  1. Peel the banana and slice it lengthways. Lay both pieces on the loaf with the inside facing up. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake in the centre of the oven for 50-60 minutes until cooked through and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. If there is cake mix on the skewer, return the loaf to the oven for 5-10 minutes more. 
  1. Leave it to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool a little more. 
  1. Slice and serve warm. We love it with peanut butter smothered on top! 

3. Chocolate Almond Protein Doughnuts 

 These Chocolate Almond Protein Doughnuts will be your new favourite way to meet your protein goal. They’re baked instead of fried, keeping your cravings in check and your nutrition on track. 

You dough-not want to miss out on these! 

Courtesy of Bulk ambassador Nadia’s Healthy Kitchen. 

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 6): 

  • 1 flax egg or 1 regular egg* 

You can create a vegan egg alternative by mixing 1 tbsp milled flaxseed with 3 tbsp warm water and leaving it to set for 10-15 minutes. 

TO MAKE THE FROSTING: 

METHOD: 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180C/160C fan. 
  1. Mix all the doughnut ingredients in a bowl, then divide between 6 lightly oiled silicon doughnut moulds. 
  1. Bake for 15 minutes, then leave to cool completely. 
  1. To make the frosting, add the almond butter and coconut oil in a heat-proof bowl, then microwave for a few seconds to soften, then pour in the zero-calorie maple syrup. Mix to create a smooth frosting. 
  1. Dip each doughnut in the frosting mixture, then decorate with some cacao nibs. Enjoy! 

4. Bulk Baked Oats 

 Oats are one of the most versatile breakfast ingredients. A healthy source of fibre and carbohydrates, they are a great addition to smoothies, soaked overnight with fruit toppings and now, our favourite – baked.  

Therefore, step up your breakfast with a baked oats recipe that gives the texture of a fresh baked cookie – crisp on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside.  

Perfect for those cool mornings, here is the Bulk Baked Oats recipe. Even better – it’s super simple, 100% vegan and 100% delicious. 

Courtesy of Bulk’s ambassador, Maëlys. 
 

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 2):⁣⁣ 

METHOD:⁣⁣ 

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees 
  1. Blend all ingredients together (minus the Vegan Protein Chocolate Buttons)⁣⁣ 
  1. Bake in the oven for 30-35 mins at 180 degrees⁣⁣ 
  1. Top with Vegan Protein Chocolate Buttons, Peanut Butter, fresh berries or any other toppings of your choice and dig in! 

5. High-protein Brownie Cupcakes 

 Who can resist a cupcake? Or, more accurately, who can resist a decadent, chocolatey, spongy cup-cake that’s both high in protein and low in carbs?  

This high-protein cupcake recipe is made to curb chocolate cravings and add a bit of joy to your diet. Replace those lifting gloves with some oven mitts – it’s baking time.  

WHAT ARE THE MACROS AND CALORIES? 

  • 269 Kcals 
  • 12g Protein 
  • 17g Fat 
  • 17g Carbs 

 INGREDIENTS (SERVES 6): 

  • 85g Fat Free Greek Yoghurt 
  • Duo Milk & White Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Spread  
  • 1 Medium egg 
     

METHOD: 

  • Chop up the Protein Chocolate 
  • Mix the egg, powders, flour, almonds, oil and greek yoghurt. 
  • Place the mixture into a baking tray. 
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes at 160C/180C fan 
  • Top them with Protein Spread and one square of Protein Chocolate

Capital bars team up for Maker’s Mark ‘Remarkable Neighbourhood’ Initiative 

Maker’s Mark, the handmade bourbon from Kentucky, has teamed up with Edinburgh’s finest bars and artisan producer Scottish Bee Company, to celebrate Maker’s Remarkable Neighbourhood Initiative for the first time in Scotland.

You can enjoy limited edition drinks on a new bourbon cocktail trail across Leith until May 31st. 

Three Edinburgh bars, Nauticus, Mother Superior and Innis and Gunn, have created their twist on a Maker’s Mark’s ‘Gold Rush’ cocktail made with honey syrup, lemon, and Maker’s Mark bourbon.

The brand’s signature serve has been chosen for cocktail lovers to enjoy and, as a delicious option for those who might not have tried bourbon before, for its smooth and well–balanced flavours.

Imaginative drinks from Edinburgh’s top bartenders are available exclusively on curated menus in each bar until the end of the month and feature homegrown honey by Scottish Bee Company to enhance the bold flavours of Maker’s Mark bourbon.

Menu highlights in venues include a refreshing Fools Gold at Nauticus with Maker’s Mark, Edinburgh Honey Co, ginger, rooibos tea, fresh grapefruit and lime. Or try a smoky Maker Break cocktail at Mother Superior, expertly mixed with Maker’s Mark, Laphroaig 10yr Old, lemon and honey syrup. 

The Remarkable Neighbourhood Initiative takes place in May throughout the UK across Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh, with 18 of the UK’s best bars and restaurants part of the exciting programme of craft cocktails and events. 

All are designed to explore iconic bourbon cocktails whilst celebrating local communities and neighbourhoods. Bars have been selected for their superior quality and sustainable practice, and partnerships with local, artisan honey producers will occur in each city, paying homage to Maker’s Mark recent B – Corp certification. 

Handcrafted in small batches, Maker’s Mark bourbon is crafted with precision and care to create a smooth yet full flavoured bourbon whiskey. Their production process includes rotating each barrel by hand and hand dipping each bottle at their distillery in Loretto, Kentucky in order to create the best-tasting Bourbon whiskey. 

Edinburgh: Remarkable Neighbourhood – Edinburgh: Leith

  • Mother Superior Book your table by calling 0131 554 5280
  • Nauticus Book your table here
  • Innis & Gunn Taproom Book your table here

Celebrate your local neighbourhood in style this May. MAKER’S MARK Remarkable Neighbourhood runs until May 31st across Leith in Edinburgh. For more information, visit https://www.makersmark.com/uk 

Follow MAKER’S MARK on social here

Hosting a Eurovision party? Make THESE 10 cocktails for your guests

The Eurovision final is nearly here, and we’ll soon find out which country will be crowned as the 2023 winner – in the meantime, many Brits will be celebrating the competition and even throwing parties in the hopes that Mae Muller will win the title. 

However, a Eurovision party is not complete without some international cocktails to represent the qualifying countries.  

Event Management Company MGN events have gathered together 10 cocktails originating in the countries that have qualified for the Eurovision final to ensure your party is one to remember. 

Passion Star Martini  

An essential cocktail for your Eurovision party is the passion star martini – otherwise known by something slightly more explicit – which originated here in the UK, London to be precise. Create this yourself by filling a cocktail shaker with 45ml vodka, 30ml passionfruit puree, and 15ml vanilla sugar syrup and shaking and straining into a glass. Don’t forget to add half of a passionfruit on the top, as well as a shot glass of champagne on the side.  

Skhug Margarita  

Taking a twist on the classic margarita from Mexico is the Israeli skhug margarita. First, prepare some cardamom simple syrup by boiling ½ cup of sugar and ½ cup of water, then adding 5 cardamom pods. Once boiled, let it cool and place in a jar. Next, add 45ml tequila, 22ml lime juice, cardamom syrup, a sliced jalapeno pepper, and some cilantro into a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass – you can also add a hint of pomegranate juice for an extra touch of flavour.     

 Aperol Spritz  

Another classic to serve up is the Aperol spritz from Northern Italy. In a wine glass, add a couple of ice cubes and pour in 50ml Aperol, 75ml prosecco, and just 25ml soda – finish it off by adding an orange slice for a decorative touch.  

Tinto de Verano 

Translating to “summer red wine”, Tinto de Verano is a classic Spanish concoction. In a large pitcher, pour in 750ml fruity red wine along with 750ml lemon-flavoured soda. Add slices of a lemon and an orange, 200ml sweet vermouth, and stir to allow all of the flavours to mix well. Instead of adding ice to the pitcher, which will cause the drink to water down and lose flavour, simply serve over a glass with ice. 

Finnish Long Drink 

To make the Finnish long drink, otherwise known as Lonkero, start by adding 60ml gin, 15ml lemon juice, and 15ml cranberry juice to a highball glass filled with ice. Stir the liquids together, add 120ml grapefruit soda, and finish off by adding a grapefruit wedge to your glass. 

Swedish Glogg 

The Swedish glogg cocktail is typically served in winter, but it’s a must have for your Eurovision party to truly get into the spirit. Peel the zest of an orange, making sure to remove pith, and place into a large pan with a bottle of red wine and 200g of caster sugar. Add in 10 cardomom pods, five cloves, a cinnamon stick, three slices of peeled ginger, 40g raisins and finally 50g flaked almonds. Let the mixture warm for around 10-15 minutes but avoid letting it boil; finally, add in 150ml vodka and serve up. 

Kir Royale 

The kir royale is arguable France’s most famous cocktail, and it’s very simple to make. Pour a tablespoon of crème de cassis into a champagne flute, top with champagne, and add a frozen raspberry on top to complete the drink. 

Bourbon Radler 

Hailing from Germany, the Bourbon randler is possibly the closest beverage to a British shandy. Add 180ml of your favourite beer to a glass along with 180ml lemonade. Stir in 30ml Bourbon whisky and add some ice and lemon wedges to complete your German cocktail. 

Nikita 

The cocktail nikita originates from the Portugese island Madeira, and it will go down a treat for those who enjoy a sweet cocktail. Add 300ml fresh cubed pineapple to a blender, along with 180ml vanilla ice cream, 120ml lager and 120ml white wine. Once smooth, pour the mixture into a glass with ice – for an even sweeter taste, add a shot of white rum. 

Karsk 

Dating way back to the 1800s, karsk is a classic Norwegian cocktail. The traditional way to make this drink is by placing a clean penny at the bottom of a mug or glass and pouring hot coffee over it until you can no longer see the penny. Afterwards, you’ll need to pour either vodka or moonshine into the glass or mug until the penny is visible again; measurements may vary, but you can always add some sugar to sweeten it up. 

Creative Director, Matthew Strange from MGN events has commented: “Whatever the occasion, cocktails are a sophisticated touch when entertaining guests – but in the case of Eurovision, it’s much more exciting for the host to go the extra mile and add in a twist.

“By serving these 10 cocktails, you can please guests with a classic drink like a Pornstar martini that everybody knows and loves while adding some fun with an exciting cocktail like Portugal’s nikita. Not to mention, with the cocktails hailing from many different countries, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Eurovision.” 

This information was provided by mgnevents.co.uk, one of the UK’s leading luxury private party and corporate events management companies. 

Tomorrow at the Community Festival: Children’s stories with Citizen writers

ELEVEN members of Edinburgh International Book Festival’s Citizen writer’s group will be sharing their work with North Edinburgh’s children at tomorrow’s Community Festival.

The selection box of stories and poems have a food theme and will appeal to grown-ups and well as primary school children.

You’ll find us in West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre from 2 – 3pm.

Come and join Olivia, Dave F, Julia, Jeff, Marjory, Evelyn, Jane, Maureen, Nandini, Carmen and me … There may even be sweeties … !

New school meals menu online now

Our new school menu is ready to book on ParentPay!

We’ve kept all your favourites and added some new dishes like broccoli and pea pasta in a creamy sauce with garlic bread and butcher’s Scotch Beef mince homemade cottage pie with roast potatoes and cabbage 😋

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/…/primary-school-lunch…

¡SALUD! Virgin Hotels Edinburgh and Patron raise a glass to Cinco de Mayo and it’s Courtyard launch

Eve, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s all day dining venue, is excited to announce the grand launch of its Courtyard in partnership with Patrón Tequila – one of the world’s leading tequila brands.   

The launch will coincide with the beloved Cinco de Mayo celebration, taking place tomorrow (Friday, 5th May) between 5pm-10pm followed by an entire weekend of thrilling festivities on the Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th May between 3pm – 10pm.  

The Eve Courtyard is set to be a haven of blissful entertainment and delight, offering guests the opportunity to relax in the warm glow of the sun while sipping on tantalizing tequila creations and indulging in traditional Mexican small plates, known as ‘Botanas’, curated exclusively for the Courtyard launch.  

Patrón Tequila has transformed the Courtyard into a homage to its Mexican roots and tequila-making tradition, providing an exclusive food menu that includes Lamb Shoulder Barbacoa Taco and Smoked Mushroom Taco. We will also provide a selection of Margarita and Paloma cocktails crafted with Patrón Silver, offering guests the perfect way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style.  

As the sun sets and the stars come out, the Courtyard will come alive with the sounds of live music from Los Chichanos and Pilgrims Society, two vibrant and energetic bands that bring the party to Edinburgh’s late-night fiestas. With performances all weekend long, they will elevate guests’ experience with an unforgettable soundtrack to their weekend.   

There will also be pinatas bursting with prizes and Mexican bingo for some friendly competition, to name but a few. Plus, Patrón popcorn and frozen cocktails will be on offer to keep guests cool and refreshed.   

David Moth, Virgin Hotels Vice President of Operations and Interim General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh said: “We are thrilled to bring the vibrant spirit of Mexico to life at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh with our Eve Courtyard launch event in partnership with Patrón for Cinco de Mayo. 

“It’s an exciting celebration with delicious cocktails and food that will transport guests to the flavours of Mexico. But that’s not all – we have surprises and delights planned all weekend, including the chance to win an overnight luxury stay in Sir Richard Branson’s flat. It’s going to be a weekend filled with fun, festivities, and unforgettable experiences.”  

For more information about Eve’s Courtyard, please visit:
https://virginhotels.com/edinburgh/event/cinco-de-mayo/all/ 

Cinco de Mayo is just one of many events hosted Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is hosting. Eve will be host of many seasonal activations and brand takeovers throughout the year with Patron taking over the Eve Courtyard for the next 3 months of summer. To stay up to date with the latest news and events, follow Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s Eve channels on social media here:  

  • Instagram @eveedinburgh 
    @virginhotelsedi 
  • Twitter@virginhotelsedi 

Coronation celebrations fit for a King at Strachan House

The excitement was is in the air at Strachan House Care Home in Edinburgh this week as residents and staff notch it up a gear to celebrate the coronation of our king in a right royal way.

Throughout the week on the lead up to the big day, Strachan House has a week full of royal themed activities from baking up red, white and blue cakes to intergenerational fun within their local community with Cargilfield Nursery and Blackhall Primary.

“The week will certainly be one we remember” said Mandy, Head of Activities.

Paul Dow chef at Strachan House said: “Baking up an array of cuisine will be great fun and certainly ensure it will be fit for a king! It has been a whole team effort ensuring we are ready for the King’s Coronation on May 6”.

Staff and residents at the home put their heads together and came up with a week-long plan of royal activities for their residents. Over the bank holiday weekend the home will hold afternoon tea whilst screening the Coronation live.

On Sunday 7th May at 2pm they are hosting The Big Picnic in their wonderful gardens and will play host to the entire Blackhall community as they open their home to friend’s family and staff.

With live music from Diane Fields a BGT contestant as well as the local councillor, Christine Jardine, it is set to be an outstanding day for everyone who plans to attend.

Armed with picnic baskets and rugs resident, families, staff and local visitors are invited to join us for an afternoon sharing in the wonderful atmosphere.

All you need to do is bring your picnic and a rug and enjoy a afternoon amongst friends.

Gordon Philp, General Manager at Strachan House said: “We are looking forward to a brilliant time celebrating the Coronation, it is such a momentous occasion.  Our staff and residents love the Royals and so they are all so excited about the upcoming week. 

“It has been a real collaborative process – thinking about how we want to celebrate, from planning our activities, decorating the home and creating an event for our whole community to join in”. 

David Lesueur, resident at Strachan House said: “I can just about remember the Queen’s Coronation, I was very small but I remember the street party we had then and this will be just as much fun. 

“We all want to pay our respects to the new King and create new memories, it is such an important occasion to mark.”

Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities tailored to residents’ interests and abilities.

Strachan House is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides nursing care, residential care, respite care.

Gorgie shopper scoops over £1000 for local foodbank in Aldi Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland’s popular Supermarket Sweep challenge recently returned to Gorgie, and lucky local winner has raised £1,210.98 for a foodbank of their choosing, while picking up £605 in Aldi favourites for herself. 

Aldi’s popular gameshow inspired Supermarket Sweep arrived in Gorgie and lucky shopper Maryanne who was chosen as the winner of an in-store competition, took part in the five-minute trolley dash for charity on Sunday 9th of April.  

As well as taking home a trolley full of goodies, Maryanne successfully found the hidden inflatable in store, meaning Aldi Scotland doubled the total value of her haul and donated the lump sum to her nominated charity, The Salvation Army. 

Aldi Supermarket Sweep winner, Maryanne Fitzpatrick, said: “The Aldi supermarket sweep was an amazing experience, and I am glad the Salvation Army have received an amazing amount of money from it.” 

Elizabeth Young, Community Project Coordinator at The Salvation Army, said: “Over the past few months we have seen the need for our foodbank continuing to grow at an alarming rate.

“So much so, that on top of the very generous donations received from church members, members of the general public, schools, corporate groups and supermarket permanent collection points, we find ourselves having to spend hundreds of pounds nearly every week buying food to top up our food parcels.  

“So, you can imagine how pleased we were to hear that we had been selected to benefit from the supermarket sweep at the Gorgie branch of Aldi close to our foodbank. Then to our great surprise, we were informed that Aldi were going to double the amount of the trolley dash, resulting in a donation to us of £1,210! 

“I would like to thank Aldi for this very generous donation and to your customer who chose our foodbank to benefit from the donation. This will help us to continue giving out food parcels to those who are finding life difficult now and enable us to show a love and kindness to them.” 

Richard Holloway, Regional Managing Director for Scotland, said: “We are proud that the Aldi Supermarket Sweep is a firm favourite across the country, and we are so pleased to bring it back this year.

“Congratulations to Maryanne who managed to raise an incredible £1,210.98 for The Salvation Army and snap up a whole load of Aldi treats for herself.”

Divino unveils new summer menus overflowing with seasonal Italian favourites

Award-winning restaurant and wine bar transports guests to an Italian summer holiday from the heart of Edinburgh

The award-winning Italian restaurant hidden in Edinburgh’s Old Town, Divino, is welcoming the changing seasons with an array of new summer menus filled with vibrant dishes perfect to see in the longer days and warmer nights.

Divino has revamped their lunch, dinner, and drinks menus to introduce new showstoppers and elevated favourites inspired by the celebrated ingredients of the season. The menus boast authentic Italian cuisine, where undying tradition and modern flair runs through each fresh, vibrant dish for a unique experience to see guests through the summer months.

To fuel summer nights with bountiful fresh and colourful ingredients, Divino’s new dinner menu offers a variety of dishes including soft gnocchi served with fresh clams and beef cheek braised in Barolo wine. A range of vegetarian and vegan options are available including a southern Italian delicacy of deep-fried aubergines slow cooked in tomato and basil sauce.

For sociable souls this summer, Divino have introduced an array of new sharing dishes including crispy roman-style focaccia and platters of Italian cheese and charcuterie to be paired with a selection of drinks from its new drinks menu featuring cocktails of ‘Sicilian sun’ and fruity, fresh wines, all best enjoyed on the newly renovated outdoor patio, perfect for soaking up the sun.

Available every Saturday, Divino’s new lunch menu features indulgent starters like an Apulian burrata with pickled wild mushrooms and mains like roasted chicken with pancetta wrapped asparagus and desserts. Guests can enjoy two courses for £22 or three courses at £30, offering great value in a beautifully refurbished and relaxed dining experience.  

Alongside a la carte options, Divino has curated three set menus all available for groups over 8, each offering an array of antipasti, mains and desserts to suit any pallet and budget. The Montepulciano menu a compact selection at £29 per person, while the Chianti menu priced at £45 per person elevates this offering to include options like Beef cheek braised in barolo wine. For those who prefer to sample from a wider range of dishes, the Barolo menu priced at £60 per head provides the widest variety.

Divino pride themselves on a truly immersive Italian experience, which is why guests can also enjoy monthly dedicated regional and wine nights, showcasing the very best produce and wines from different regions of Italy’s diverse culture and cuisine. For non-stop entertainment, Wednesday nights present Jazz Night at Divino, where guests can enjoy the finest Italian cuisine and an evening of jazz sessions from some of the best musicians in the city.