Ozen returns to the city’s street food scene with all the full-on fresh flavours Edinburgh foodies have been waiting for
Edinburgh foodies rejoice, your favourite full-on fresh fusion flavours are back on the menu as Ozen makes its long-awaited return to the capital.
After a two-year hiatus, the Asian street food kings are back in a brand new location at the city’s St James Quarter.Expect all the classic combos that helped build their cult following, plus a bunch of brand new bao buns that will see food fans coming back for more.
All the signature bao buns you’ve come to love are making a welcome return, including the Karaageee Chicken bao bun stuffed with tender crispy fried chicken, and the Pig Deal crammed with red pork belly in a peanut crumb.
These are joined on the menu by some tasty new vegan additions such as the Eggplant featuring panko-fried aubergine – and not forgetting the quirky McOzen mash-up featuring a double beef patty, American cheese, pickles and special McOzen sauce.
Those with a sweet tooth will be hard pressed to say no to a dessert bun bursting with Biscoff cream and syrup, Nutella, or strawberry cheesecake paired with orange blossom syrup.
The Edinburgh eatery is the vision of the self-confessed food-obsessed Chris Thomas, Alex Galpin and Jacob Rodriguez, who have more than two decades of hospitality experience between them. Their ultimate aim is to add a new dynamic to the capital’s food scene and offer a contemporary take on pan-Asian flavours.
Speaking about the return of Ozen, Chris said: “We took some time out, travelled the world, and picked up ideas and inspiration for new flavour combinations along the way.
“We were really excited to get experimenting in the kitchen again, and when a space became available at St James Quarter we just knew we had to bring Ozen back.
“The reaction has been incredible! So much so, that we’re already gearing up to open another Ozen very soon.
“We’ve got big ambitions to become Scotland’s first national bao bun brand and from the reaction to our relaunch, there’s definitely an appetite for it!”
Ozen Street Food is now open at the Little King Street Entrance to St James Quarter, Edinburgh. The full menu is available for collection or for delivery via Deliveroo.
Located in the heart of the Scottish capital, Eden Mill has opened the doors of its first-ever city centre Edinburgh venue in time for the most romantic day of the year; the city’s brand-new drinks venue offers a delicious journey through Eden Mill’s best-selling fruity & floral Love Gin
Edinburgh’s drinks lovers will enjoy the perfect Valentine’s Day date as independent distiller Eden Mill announces The Eden Mill Experience is now open in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End.
The capital’s latest drinks experience, and Eden Mill’s first venue in central Edinburgh, is located in the Heads & Tales Gin Bar at 1A, Rutland Place, EH1 2AD, inviting gin lovers to share their love for the spirit through an interactive & immersive mixology experience.
Eden Mill’s delectably fruity and subtly floral pink Love Gin, originally created as a limited-edition for Valentine’s Day in 2015, is available in the ‘Share The Love Gin’ session. Gin fans are whisked through a dreamy experience with three uniquely delicious cocktails, one of which guests will learn to mix themselves.
SHARE THE LOVE GIN | (From £30)
Love Gin (40% ABV) is Eden Mill’s floral pink gin joined the Eden Mill portfolio in 2015 as a limited-edition, but the taste of fresh rhubarb spice, sweet strawberries & vanilla combined with green apple, citrus and a hint of rose water, was adored and earned Love Gin a permanent position in the Eden Mill portfolio.
During the Share The Love Gin session, gin enthusiasts will hear the story of how Love Gin was born and the flavoursome botanicals used to make it so delicious. With three uniquely delicious cocktails and some sweet treats, this immersive session will tell the story of Eden Mill’s best-selling Love Gin.
The Eden Mill Experience joins a flourishing area of the capital’s drinks scene; bursting with culture, innovative bars and restaurants. Positioned as an experience and journey into the Eden Mill brand, the location is the ideal venue for drinks fans to begin their perfect day or night out in the beautiful Scottish capital.
Hannah Ingram, Head of Marketing at Eden Mill, said: “We are thrilled to bring a taste of St Andrews to the Scottish capital. Valentine’s Day is a fabulous opportunity for Edinburgh’s gin fans to experience the versatility of our Love Gin through a range of inventive & delicious cocktails.
“The Eden Mill Experience is the perfect opportunity to showcase our wonderful expressions in an interactive and immersive way, and it’s a privilege to launch in a city with such a vibrant drinks scene.”
‘The Guard Bridge Masterclass’ is also available for whisky fans; Eden Mill’s blended malt Scotch whisky is designed to be enjoyed in cocktails, and guests will enjoy three – all expressing the whisky’s deliciously sweet tasting notes of sherried fruit and light warm gingerbread.
THE GUARD BRIDGE MASTERCLASS | (From £35) The Guard Bridge Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (46% ABV) is a new addition to Eden Mill’s range, crafted using an eclectic mix of single malts sourced from the Highland and Lowland regions of Scotland; the blend also contains Eden Mill Single Malt whisky which is highly scarce in quantity.
The expression soothes the palate with the taste of creamy vanilla and barley sugar, finished with sherried fruit and light warm gingerbread.
During The Guard Bridge Masterclass, whisky fans will learn the journey and discover the story behind this new blended malt Scotch whisky while delving into its deliciously sweet tasting notes. Designed to be enjoyed in cocktails, attendees will try three as part of the experience to demonstrate the whisky’s versatility, with one cocktail “guaranteed to feature an ingredient guests have never tasted before!”.
LAYING FOUNDATIONS
Eden Mill is currently building a contemporary Scotch Whisky and gin distillery which is due to become operational in 2024. Set to be one of Scotland’s iconic distilleries, it will also be a major St Andrews landmark and a key Scottish tourism attraction. The brand has been recording progress with work on the exterior of the distillery now complete; a time-lapse video capturing the first stage of the journey is available on the Eden Mill website.
The Eden Mill Experience opened on Saturday 3rd February 2024 and is located in the Heads & Tales Gin Bar at 1A, Rutland Place, EH1 2AD in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End. Offering immersive whisky & gin experiences, bookings are available now via the Eden Mill website.
Proposal to continue policy and increase level to 65p
Plans to continue setting a minimum price per unit of alcohol and to increase it by 15p will go before the Scottish Parliament for approval.
As part of a ‘sunset clause’ when Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) legislation was introduced in 2018, it will end on 30 April this year unless Parliament votes to keep it.
A price increase is required to counteract the effects of inflation and 65p has been selected as the Scottish Government seeks to increase the positive effects of the policy.
If Parliament agrees, it will take effect on 30 September 2024.
Deputy First Minister Shona Robison said: “Research commended by internationally-renowned public health experts estimated that our world-leading Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) policy has saved hundreds of lives, likely averted hundreds of alcohol-attributable hospital admissions and contributed to reducing health inequalities.
“Despite this progress, deaths caused specifically by alcohol rose last year – and my sympathy goes out to all those who have lost a loved one.
“We believe the proposals, which are supported by Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, strike a reasonable balance between public health benefits and any effects on the alcoholic drinks market and impact on consumers.
“Evidence suggests there has not been a significant impact on business and industry as a whole.
“Alongside MUP, we will continue to invest in treatment and a wide range of other measures, including funding for Alcohol and Drug Partnerships which rose to £112 million in 2023-24.”
CAMRA: Action plan needed to save Scottish pubs from permanent closure after MUP announcement
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) says ministers need to value the role of local pubs as part of Scotland’s social fabric and protect them from closure.
CAMRA is calling on the Scottish Government to come up with an action plan to save the nation’s pubs following today’s announcement on increasing the minimum unit price for alcohol to 65p from 30 September.
Representing pubgoers, the consumer group believes that policies like Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) – and a cut in tax specifically on pints served in pubs, which it is calling for ahead of the UK Government’s Budget in March – can encourage people to drink in the regulated setting of the pub instead of drinking cheaper supermarket alcohol at home.
But the Campaign fears that uprating MUP won’t have an impact on its own to encourage pub-going and to safeguard the future of hundreds of community locals at risk of permanent closure due to crippling business rates and a possible return of Scottish Government plans to ban alcohol advertising.
Commenting on the MUP increase, CAMRA’s Scotland Director Stuart McMahon said:“Our pubs and social clubs are a vital part of our social fabric, bringing people together and helping to tackle loneliness and social isolation. But too many are being forced to close due to crippling costs, with pubs in Scotland shutting up shop at a higher rate than elsewhere in the UK.
“Sadly, the Scottish Government doesn’t seem to understand the importance of protecting our local pubs as community meeting places and as a safe, regulated place to enjoy a pint with friends and family, with all the wellbeing benefits that go with it. Once our pubs have closed down, or have been converted into flats or shops, or demolished altogether, it is too late to get them back for the communities they once served.
“That’s why we are calling on the Scottish Government to bring forward an action plan to protect and promote pubs as a force for good in our society and to recognise the mental health and wellbeing benefits of drinking responsibly in your local.
“CAMRA urgently wants to see a rethink on help for pubs with business rates, the closing of loopholes in the planning system that allow pubs to be demolished by developers without the need for planning permission and a commitment not to cripple valued local pubs and independent breweries by bringing back draconian measures to ban alcohol advertising and sponsorship.”
GMB Scotland responds to ministerial announcement on Minimum Unit Pricing
GMB Scotland has urged the Scottish Government to urgently reconsider plans to increase minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol by 30%.
The union, with members across the drinks industry, warned the policy is already risking jobs and investment while its health benefits remain unproven.
Deputy first minister Shona Robison today revealed the government’s intention to continue the policy beyond its initial five years while increasing the MUP from 50p to 65p.
David Hume, GMB Scotland organiser in the drinks industry, said: “The case for continuing with MUP never mind increasing it gets weaker with every piece of research published.
“Ministers must be guided by reliable research and data not wishful thinking and good intentions.
“The potential consequences of this policy are too damaging for it to be justified with anecdote, hunches and hope.
“Five years ago, we were told this policy would help save lives of problem drinkers. Now we are told it is about curbing the intake of moderate drinkers but there is no substantive evidence to suggest it does either.”
“The health benefits of this policy remain theoretical at best but the risk of undermining one of Scotland’s most successful industries threatening investment and jobs could not be more real.
“It is reckless to consider extending this policy and increasing MUP when there is no substantive evidence that it does any good.”
The union polled workers across the brewing, whisky and spirits last year when 64% said MUP should be scrapped because it needlessly risked jobs and investment while doing nothing to discourage problem drinking while a third said it should remain at 50p or be reduced.
Commons Club, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s flagship restaurant, will bring a new and exclusive culinary experience to its dining offering, The Chef’s Table
Guests will be given a taste of the finest cuisine from around the world through an internationally themed menu each month throughout 2024
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s flagship restaurant, Commons Club, is set to offer a new and unique dining experience, immersing guests in a global culinary journey through collaborations with globally renowned chefs.
Beginning in February, the month-long takeovers will give guests a taste of the finest cuisine from around the world through internationally themed menus as part of Commons Club’s exclusive dining offering, The Chef’s Table, which gives guests a front row seat to experience the creativity behind the culinary craft.
With prices starting at £75 per person, the exclusive menus will draw on inspiration from the finest international flavours. From Peru to Japan, Chef de Cuisine Emma Hanley will collaborate with chefs from around the world to carefully curate bespoke six course tasting menus featuring global culinary delights from their own kitchens.
To begin the series, The Chef’s Table will go to Japan with a menu that allows guests to experience authentic oriental flavours with a twist and paired perfectly with locally sourced ingredients such as the Pan Seared Halibut, caught inScottishwater.
As the Pièce de résistance, this menu features Japanese Black Wagyu Ribeye from Kagoshima Prefecture – of A3 to A5 grade, the highest rating of this delicacy. Praised for its marbling, Wagyu is widely renowned as the best beef in the world and boasts a buttery flavour, tenderness, and juiciness unmatched by other steaks.
Showcasing an array of delicious Japanese inspired treats, guests can also expect an Amuse Bouche of Miso soup, followed by Seven Spiced Seared Tuna, rounded off with the Cherry Blossom and Petit Fours, yuzu pâte de fruits, sesame ice cream cones, which promise a sweet conclusion to an extraordinary dining experience.
Tying in with the flavours of Japan, Commons Club has also partnered with House of Suntory – a House of Japanese artisans, crafting world-class spirits, inspired by Japanese nature and mastered with Japanese craft – to curate a cocktail menu that pairs perfectly with The Chef’s Table dishes.
Expertly chosen by Commons Club’s Head Mixologist, Leon Back, each drink has been skilfully mixed to complement the flavour profile of every dish, from the Japanese Inspired White Negroni, Roku gin, Luxardo Bitter Bianco, Martini Ambrato, Lucky Orange liqueur, to the Umami Flavoured Manhattan, featuring Toki Whiskey, Martini Rhubino, Aelder and soy sauce.
Emma Hanley, Chef de Cuisine at Commons Club, said: “Offering a completely unique experience for guests, we want to create an exclusive evening of dining to remember, with the highest quality ingredients and collaborations with world renowned chefs along the way.
“Scotland is home to some of the highest quality produce and we want to showcase that in our Chef’s Table offering, incorporating the best local ingredients with different tastes from around the world. We’re working on a series of menus for the rest of 2024 that aim to excite, inspire, and let our guests try something new.”
With world renowned chef partners still to be announced, takeover highlights for 2024 also include:
February: A trip to the country of the Rising Sun for Japan with Emma Hanley, Chef de Cuisine at Commons Club
March: The Chef’s Table goes to Greece with Kostas Papathansiou, Head Chef at Harrods
April: The Chef’s Table goes to Portugal and Spain
May: The Chef’s Table goes to Peru
June: The Chef’s Table goes to Italy with Stefano Battani, Head Chef at Cucine Nervi
July & August: The Chef’s Table goes to Scotland
September: The Chef’s Table goes to France
October: The Chef’s Table goes to the Middle East
November & December: The Chef’s Table goes to Great Britain
Running throughout the month from Thursday to Saturday weekly from 7pm, The Chef’s Table can be booked exclusively as a private event or for individual diners, where guests can expect an intimate three-hour sociable dining experience on a long-shared table.
With more exciting collaborations still to be announced, you can find out more information about Commons Club and The Chef’s Table experience here:
Bigger than ever before with a full month of incredible offers from the city centre’s best bars and restaurants throughout the month of March, Eat Out Edinburgh has announced its return for 2024.
From weekend brunch, to business lunch, to dinner and drinks, Eat Out Edinburgh is designed to bring friends, family, and colleagues together from across the Lothians for the chance to explore new cuisines and try special occasion restaurants for an accessible price while supporting the city’s vibrant hospitality sector.
With an incredible response from both diners and restaurants in 2023, this year’s campaign will be doubled to four weeks, allowing diners twice the time to take advantage of set menu deals and curated offers from venues throughout the capital’s dedicated Business Improvement District (BID).
Run by Essential Edinburgh, the campaign highlights both established city favourites and exciting newcomers on the food scene with a host of restaurants, cafés, and bars from Princes Street to George Street, to Charlotte Square and St James Quarter to take part. Over 40 venues are expected to take part this year, with many restaurants returning for another year after a successful 2023
Interested businesses within the BID are encouraged to sign up for the 2024 campaign as soon as possible, whether they participated in 2023 or would like to be a part of the 2024 campaign for the first time.
A full list of participating Edinburgh venues and offers will soon be available to browse on Eat Out Edinburgh’s website, with special tasting menus, events and exclusive offers for city centre workers to increase footfall throughout the campaign period.
Lothian Buses returns as a partner for 2024 with city centre offers open to Lothian Bus employees, and promotion for the event to be shown on bus screens across the city throughout the campaign.
Emily Campbell Johnston, Senior Manager of Marketing & Communications, Essential Edinburgh, said: “2023’s Eat Out Edinburgh event was a huge success, with a fantastic turn out filling tables throughout the city centre so well that we saw a great opportunity to make this year even bigger, and create a month-long celebration of the city’s growing food & drink scene.
“With some of Edinburgh’s most exciting new restaurants opening in the BID, we anticipate an even wider range of venues taking part this year, with menus and offers to suit any occasion – giving locals, city centre workers and visitors from further afield a reason to get out, have fun and support the industry.”
For more information, and to keep up to date with the campaign, visit:
More than 38,000 pubs are set to benefit from six-month freeze to alcohol duty from today
The great British pub receives further boost from today as a six-month alcohol duty freeze to 1 August 2024 takes effect.
This tax saving will help support around 38,175 pubs to face rising costs.
Duty freeze comes in addition to £4.3 billion in business rates cuts and duty protection for pints sold in pubs.
Pubs and hospitality venues have received a tax saving today, 1 February 2024, as a six-month alcohol duty freeze takes effect.
British pubs are a significant part of the fabric of communities across the UK and a further freeze on alcohol duty will help to support the sector while the government continues to bring down inflation while driving growth and investment.
This will impact around 38,175 pubs across the country and was announced as part of a multi-billion support package by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in his Autumn Statement which also included £4.3 billion business rates relief.
Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Gareth Davies, said: “The great British pub remains a critical part of communities across the country, that’s why we’re helping to keep costs low by freezing alcohol duty, reducing business rates, and supporting on energy costs.
“Our decisive action has also helped to more than halve inflation last year, protecting pubs and other businesses from the higher costs they would have otherwise faced.
“And we need to stick to our plan, so we can deliver the long-term change our country needs to deliver a brighter future for Britain, and improve economic security and opportunity for everyone.”
The six-month duty freeze, from 1 February to 1 August 2024, follows the biggest reform of alcohol duties taking effect last August, where, for the first time in over 140 years the UK’s alcohol duty system simplified so the duty paid reflects the amount of alcohol in it.
These reforms cut duty on pints in pubs by up to 11p when sold in supermarkets. Not increasing alcohol duty in line with inflation has now saved a further 3p to the duty on a typical pint of beer, 2p to a pint of cider, 4p to a glass of whisky, or 18p to a bottle of wine.
Welcoming the decision by the Chancellor to freeze alcohol duty, Nuno Teles, Managing Director, Diageo Great Britain, said: “By freezing duty until August, HM Treasury has listened to the industry’s plea for support and decided to back our homegrown sector, that employs so many people across the UK, and we urge the Chancellor to continue to back pub-goers, hospitality owners and producers.
Andy Slee, Chief Executive of the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) said: “While trading has been tough for pubs and independent breweries, the government’s continued support is very welcome. The beer duty freeze for six months provides some certainty for brewers as the new alcohol duty system is embedded.
“As part of this, the government introduced Draught Relief allowing beer destined for the pub to have a lower rate – and already there are signs that this is working to support pubs.”
The duty freeze formed part of a multi-billion pound support package for the alcohol duty industry announced at the Autumn Statement.
Retail, Hospitality and Leisure business rates relief was extended for a fifth year to 2024-25. This means around 230,000 retail, hospitality and leisure properties will receive 75% relief, up to a cap of £110,000 per business, on their business rates bills from the 2024-25 tax year.
This is a tax cut worth nearly £2.4 billion and comes on top of one third of business properties being taken out of paying business rates completely thanks to other government reliefs.
The small business multiplier for business rates was also frozen for a fourth consecutive year, protecting over a million ratepayers from an inflation increase in their bills.
August 2023’s ‘historical’ alcohol duty reforms saved on taxes in three ways:
Firstly, on draught drinks in the pub for all draught products below 8.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) through increasing Draught Relief. This is part of this government’s Brexit Pubs Guarantee commitment for every pint in every pub to pay less duty than their supermarket equivalent.
Secondly, tax was cut on lots of popular drinks in shops like sparkling wines and ready-made drinks.
Finally, the new Small Producer Relief was announced to help small businesses and start-ups create new drinks, innovate and grow.
Eden Mill’s first-ever city centre Edinburgh venue opens next Saturday 3rd February 2024 as ‘The Eden Mill Experience’; located in the heart of the Scottish capital, the city’s newest drinks venue offers two unique journeys through the spirits & flavours of Eden Mill
Independent distiller Eden Mill announces a date for the grand opening of The Eden Mill Experience, the capital’s latest drinks experience and Eden Mill’s first brand-owned venue in central Edinburgh.
Opening Saturday 3rd February 2024, drinks lovers will have the chance to explore the stories behind Eden Mill’s whisky and gin expressions through a range of delicious cocktails, one of which guests will learn to mix themselves.
The Eden Mill Experience joins a flourishing area of the capital’s drinks scene; bursting with culture, innovative bars and restaurants. Positioned as an experience and journey into the Eden Mill brand, the location is the ideal venue for drinks fans to begin their perfect day or night out in the beautiful Scottish capital.
SHARE THE LOVE GIN | (From £30)
Love Gin (40% ABV) is Eden Mill’s delectably fruity, lightly sweet and subtly floral pink gin. Joining the Eden Mill portfolio in 2015, the spirit was originally created as a limited-edition for Valentine’s Day, but the taste of fresh rhubarb spice, sweet strawberries & vanilla combined with green apple, citrus and a hint of rose water, was adored and earned Love Gin a permanent position in the Eden Mill portfolio.
During the Share The Love Gin session, gin enthusiasts will hear the story of how Love Gin was born and the flavoursome botanicals used to make it so delicious. With three uniquely delicious cocktails and some sweet treats, this immersive session will tell the story of Eden Mill’s best-selling Love Gin.
THE GUARD BRIDGE MASTERCLASS | (From £35)
The Guard Bridge Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (46% ABV) is a new addition to Eden Mill’s range, crafted using an eclectic mix of single malts sourced from the Highland and Lowland regions of Scotland; the blend also contains Eden Mill Single Malt whisky which is highly scarce in quantity. The expression soothes the palate with the taste of creamy vanilla and barley sugar, finished with sherried fruit and light warm gingerbread.
During The Guard Bridge Masterclass, whisky fans will learn the journey and discover the story behind this new blended malt Scotch whisky while delving into its deliciously sweet tasting notes. Designed to be enjoyed in cocktails, attendees will try three as part of the experience to demonstrate the whisky’s versatility, with one cocktail “guaranteed to feature an ingredient guests have never tasted before!”.
Hannah Ingram, Head of Marketing at Eden Mill, said: “We are thrilled to bring a taste of St Andrews to the Scottish capital. It’s a really proud moment for us to launch a venue in a city with such a vibrant drinks scene. To have our very own Eden Mill experience in Edinburgh is an honour and an exciting milestone for the brand.
“While our new distillery is being built, this is the perfect opportunity to showcase the versatility our expressions have, through inventive and delicious cocktails. The experiences are really special, interactive and immersive and we can’t wait to see the reaction from Scotland’s wonderful capital.”
LAYING FOUNDATIONS
Eden Mill is currently building a contemporary Scotch Whisky and gin distillery which is due to become operational in 2024. Set to be one of Scotland’s iconic distilleries, it will also be a major St Andrews landmark and a key Scottish tourism attraction.
The brand has been recording progress with work on the exterior of the distillery now complete; a time-lapse video capturing the first stage of the journey is available on the Eden Mill website.
The Eden Mill Experience will open on Saturday 3rd February 2024 and is located in the Heads & Tales Gin Bar at 1A, Rutland Place, EH1 2AD in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End. Offering immersive whisky & gin experiences, bookings are available now via the Eden Mill website.
RIO Brazilian Steakhouse announces opening date of Edinburgh restaurant
The first Scottish venue opens Friday 9th February 2024
Edinburgh food lovers can now mark their calendars as RIO Brazilian Steakhouse announces its arrival to the capital for Friday 9th February.
The popular Brazilian Steakhouse offering an authentic Brazilian Churrasco dining experience will open its doors on George Street, within the historic Assembly Rooms building in a 150-cover space formerly home to Jamie’s Italian.
From early February, RIO will welcome guests to enjoy exquisite cuts of meat carved tableside in a traditional Rodizio style, while watching skilled chefs prepare authentic dishes from a stunning central sushi bar, with an unlimited gourmet salad bar lining the walls with an array of imported cheeses, meats and Brazilian flavours for diners to choose from.
The opening will be the restaurant’s first venue north of the border, bringing its non-stop meats concept to Scotland with a set price boasting a competitive alternative to other steakhouses in the city.
The expansion follows RIO’s success in England, marking the 8th location since the brand was established. Founded in Jesmond in November 2019, the Edinburgh site adds to its current locations in Jesmond, Newcastle’s Quayside, Middlesbrough, Durham City Centre, Warrington, Chester and York.
Rodrigo Grassi, Co-owner of RIO Brazilian Steakhouse, said: “It’s an exciting moment for us to announce RIO’s arrival into Edinburgh on the 9th of February, bringing our unique concept to Scotland for the first time.
“We look forward to welcoming our first guests through the doors in a month’s time in true Brazilian fashion, with plenty of good food, drink, and celebration!”
RIO Brazilian Steakhouse’s expansion into Edinburgh will also bring a range of employment opportunities, with recruitment underway for roles throughout the restaurant.
• Lloyds Bank data unearths how different generations and regions spend on making memories
• Non-essential spending on holidays, restaurants and recreation rising
• Non-essential spending increase is slowest in London
• Gen Z holiday spending growing quicker than Millennials and Generation X
Non-essential spending in the UK is on the rise despite the cost-of-living crisis, according to data from Lloyds Bank.
Every region in the UK, including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, is spending more on non-essentials like holidays, restaurants and recreational activities but London is the slowest-growing region for this type of spending.
Lloyds Bank has revealed the data following the launch of its new credit card, the World Elite Mastercard®, which enables customers to earn cashback on every card purchase made, alongside enjoying a range of travel benefits.
With millions of customers across the UK, Lloyds Bank touches nearly every community and household in the country. The analysis, based on card spending of the bank’s customers, provides live insight into the state of the nation.
Non-essential purchases – like holidays and restaurant spending – have been in positive growth, year-on-year, since May 2021. In 2023 alone, year-on-year non-essential spending has grown more than 3% every single month, peaking at a 10% increase in January.
The data indicates the trend is largely being driven by wanderlust – particularly amongst the over 65s, who have increased spending in this category by 21% in October. Millennials (people aged 25 to 34) meanwhile, are displaying the slowest growth among generational holiday spenders year-on-year, up 11.8%, while Gen Z consumers (aged 18 to 24) have seen holiday spend grow 16.9% over the last year.
Taking a regional view, consumers in Wales are leading the charge in holiday spending – up by more than a fifth compared to last year (21.6%), while Scottish holidaymakers and those in the South West have increased travel card spending by 19.5% and 19.1% respectively.
Spending from people living in London shows the slowest growth at 12.5%, with those in the North West spending 16.5% more year-on-year.
Overall, year-on-year holiday spending is up 17.1%, restaurant spending is up 6.2% and recreational spending is up 3.3%.
Looking at regional growth around non-essential spending more broadly, you see London showing the slowest growth – up just 1.8% compared to the previous year.
Meanwhile, consumers in Yorkshire and the Humber, which is the fastest-growing region, spent more than 6% on non-essentials when compared with the previous year and Scottish consumers also spent over 5% more.
The data also shows that spending on restaurants and going out to socialise account for the biggest non essential spending growth across all generations and all regions across the UK in October.
Marc Lien, Credit Cards Managing Director at Lloyds Bank, said: “Despite understandable concerns around the cost-of-living crisis, people still want to socialise and have a holiday to look forward to.
“We’ve come through a challenging few years, and it’s positive to see that consumer spending is on the rise.
“After listening to our customers it’s clear that spenders up and down the country want more from their credit and debit card providers, and this is more important than ever at times like these – that’s exactly why we launched the Lloyds Bank World Elite Mastercard®, to provide better, more easily accessible rewards.
“The new Lloyds Bank World Elite Mastercard® offers cashback on every card purchase – no matter how big or small – and great benefits for travellers, including the luxury of skipping airport security queues and access to over one thousand airport lounges worldwide.”
Customers using the World Elite Mastercard® will earn 0.5% cashback on each card purchase up to and including £15,000. When total card spending reaches over £15,000, each card purchase will earn 1% cashback, paid into the account each month.
World Elite Mastercard® customers will also receive benefits which add a touch of luxury when travelling:
o Access to over 1,300 airport lounges, including lounges at London Heathrow, Edinburgh International, Orlando International, Dubai International and many more, through Priority Pass. (Owned and operated by Collinson.)
o Cardholders will be able to skip airport security queues and upgrade their airport security experience at participating airports, powered by DragonPass.
o Direct access to Mastercard’s priceless.com experiences and content in the UK and around the world.
World Elite Mastercard® also provides one additional cardholder with all the card benefits at no extra cost to the initial £15 per month.
Cashback earned by the additional cardholder will be added to the main cardholder’s running total, and will be included in the monthly cashback payment made to the account.
The main cardholder will be able to view or manage their World Elite Mastercard® and travel benefits through online banking and the mobile app.
