CATCH IT WHILE YOU CAN!

ST JAMES QUARTER ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF EDINBURGH SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Ahoy seafood lovers! The Edinburgh Seafood Festival, in association with The Scotsman, is set to make a splash as it returns to St James Quarter, bringing delicious culinary delights from the Quarter and beyond from Friday 31st March – Sunday 2nd April. 

The festival will showcase a selection of the highest quality, locally sourced seafood as well as the impressive talents of the gastronomic geniuses behind some of St James Quarter’s most exciting dining destinations. 

Guests looking to brush up on their culinary skills can enjoy a range of workshops and demonstrations, hosted by the experts on the Seafood Stage, located on Level 1, on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd April.   

Scotland’s National Chef, Chef Gary Maclean will take centre stage on Saturday, from 11am sharing his top tips for cooking fish at home and showcasing his skills in the live demonstration space.

Maki & Ramen’s Founder and Managing Director, Teddy Lee, will also share his culinary secrets and bring a taste of traditional Japanese cuisine to Edinburgh with sushi making masterclasses.

Also part the Seafood Stage line-up, guests can enjoy a fun-filled cooking demo from Jimmy Lee of Bonnie & Wild favourite, Salt and Chilli Oriental. Expert duo Chef Brian Grigor and Sommelier Glen Montgomery, the team behind restaurant eòrna, opening in Stockbridge this Spring, will also host an interactive workshop.  

The ever-popular Oysterman will return to this year’s festival, joined by Miss Caviar, offering guests the chance to indulge in seafood delicacies while they explore the Festival.  

For serious foodies and seafood lovers, Miele, on Level 2, will play host to two unique and unmissable events. On Saturday, 1st April, Chef Gary Maclean will host an intimate cooking demonstration and book signing, with all guests enjoying fizz on arrival, the chance to learn from the expert up close, and take home a signed copy of his book, Gary Maclean’s Scottish Kitchen.

On Sunday, 2nd April, Chef Paul Wedgwood will host an exclusive nine course seafood dinner and tasting menu, in Miele’s state-of-the-art, stylish kitchen. Twelve guests will have the exciting opportunity to see Paul, who was just named Chef of the Year at the Scottish Excellence Awards, at work and enjoy his creative and exquisite dishes that will highlight the very best of Scottish produce. 

New to this year’s line-up, The Seafood and Street Food Market will make its debut on Register Square from Friday, 31 March – Sunday, 2 April, giving foodies the chance to dive into a world of flavour and try some tasty street food. Whether you’re looking for a poke bowl, seafood pizza or fish and chips, there will be a vast selection on offer from vendors across Scotland including Spanish Moskito Bites, Mana Poke and Lemon Squeezy. 

Those who are inspired to cook with fish at home can pick up fresh Scottish fish and seafood from the Quarter’s very own fishmonger. Guests can also experience a taste of the Outer Hebrides by visiting the Isle of Harris Gin pop up shop to sample or buy the brand’s award-winning gin, made with locally harvested Sugar Kelp seaweed. There will be a pop-up Prosecco and Sangria bar too – the perfect accompaniment to the seafood delights on offer.  

There are also opportunities to sample delicious dishes and seafood specials throughout the Quarter. If you’re looking for a reel treat, then enjoy the luxury experience of Bonnie & Wild’s Champagne and Oyster Bar – open from 12pm on April 1st only.

From 4-6pm, Duck and Waffle will host a Shucking Awesome Oyster Happy Hour, with £1.50 oysters and perfectly paired drinks. Ka Pao is ready to make waves with its seafood specials menu, inspired by the team’s recent trip to Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Guests can also enjoy a Greek take on the classic fish and chips at The Real Greek, and a limited-edition fish and chips bagel from the team at Bross Bagels. 

As if that wasn’t enough, there will be an educational RNLI pop-up, live entertainment from local talent on Level 4, a fin-tastic play area in LEGO and under the sea glitter face painting for the kids (and adults too!).

If you’re in the market for a little retail therapy, then look no further. As consumers become increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their purchases, many retailers are recognising the importance of sustainability.

From recycling stations in H&M, John Lewis and The Perfume Shop to refillable cosmetics in newly opened Space NK and The Body Shop, brands across the Quarter will be spotlighting their sustainable collections and product ranges or initiatives throughout the Seafood Festival.  

Nick Peel, Managing Director St James Quarter, said: “It’s great to be bringing back Edinburgh Seafood Festival to St James Quarter. This year’s festival is set to be bigger and better than ever and will offer an amazing range of seafood options from dining destinations around the Quarter and beyond. 

“From a jam-packed schedule of events including live cooking demonstrations and workshops with some of the country’s top chefs, as well as the new addition of the Seafood Market in Register Square, there’s lots of exciting activities and entertainment planned to keep the whole family entertained.  

“Guest experience is front and centre of everything we do, so we’re really excited to be bringing another unique and memorable experience to the city. We look forward to welcoming as many people as possible to St James Quarter to enjoy this year’s Edinburgh Seafood Festival – be sure to catch it while you can!”  

For more information on this year’s Edinburgh Seafood Festival, please visit https://stjamesquarter.com/event/edinburgh-seafood-festival-2023.  

To keep up to date with the latest news, offers and events, download the St James Quarter app here

April wine tasting nights at Divino showcase Sardinian favourites

Edinburgh’s award-winning Italian restaurant and wine bar Divino Enoteca is transporting guests to the island of Sardinia this spring, continuing with its series of regional wine tasting nights on the 16th and 30th of April at 5pm.

In-house wine experts James and Davide will guide guests through this historic region, exploring what makes Sardinian wine is one of Italy’s best kept secrets.

Conquered by various empires over the centuries, many cultures have brought their history, food, and grapes to the island, meaning a prevalence of international varieties and styles not found anywhere else in Italy.

A warm maritime climate and rich soils create the perfect conditions for complex, elegant wines – including those on the tasting menu, like a 2021 Vermentino Di Sardegna from Antonella Corda, and a 2019 Cannonau Di Sardegna from Santadi.

Guests will enjoy a welcoming aperitivo, 5 fabulous wines to taste, and matching canapes from head chef Andrea Calistro for just £25. 

Divino boasts an impressive assortment of world wines, and voted ‘best wine list,’ the restaurant is the perfect spot for get togethers allowing you to sample, appreciate and indulge in some of the finest Italian wines.

The wine tasting series began in the heart of fine Italian wine with Piedmont in February, before moving onto Dessert Wines in March, and will now showcase Sardinian Wines for the month of April.

Divino’s full wine tasting schedule includes:

  • April 16th and 30th, 5pm – Sardinian Aines, £25 
  • May 14th and 28th, 5pm -Biodynamic / Natural Wines, £25
  • June 11th and 25th, 5pm -Divino Garden Party! Summer Wines in the Courtyard, £25 
  • July 9th and 23rd, 5pm- Producer Showcase, £25 
  • September 10th and 24th, 5pm – Super Tuscans, £50 
  • October 8th and 22nd, 5pm – Producer Showcase, £25 
  • November 19th and 26th, 5pm – Amazing Abruzzo, £25

For each event, the wine tasting will take place from 5pm. Guests will also be able to book to dine a la carte throughout the evenings. 

Guests can book the events directly by choosing a 5pm reservation on the desired date at: https://divinoedinburgh.com/bookings/

Family butcher secures £2 million from HSBC UK to grow business

An award-winning family-owned and run Scottish online butcher will soon be home to the UK’s largest dry aging station, after securing a £2 million funding package from HSBC UK.

John Gilmour Butchers is building a £10 million new butchery and retail facility in Wallyford, East Lothian, to meet growing demand.

The company, which supplies dry aged beef and lamb to well-known luxury restaurants, will use the funding to purchase land in Wallyford for its new 45,000 sq. ft. site.

The additional space will hold an office, retail shop and deli, as well as three Himalayan salt dry-aging chambers capable of maturing over 6,000 pieces of bone-in sirloin and ribeye. The dry-aging chambers are dehumidifying units which draw the moisture out of the meat to increase tenderness and flavour.

The expansion will see John Gilmour Butchers take on 40 new staff members, including new butchers and mechanical technicians. In addition, the company will set up a new apprenticeship scheme to encourage young butchers to join the industry.

Daniel Gilmour, Managing Director at John Gilmour Butchers, said: “Growth is always exciting, and thanks to this funding, we’ll be able to fully embrace it by increasing our facilities and workforce.

“This will enable us to not only take on new clients, but service our existing clients to an exceptionally high level. We’re also excited to explore our ambition to export our ‘Gilmour Black Gold range’ to international clients in the near future.

“HSBC UK has been with us every step of the way and the bank’s new online customer support service has played a huge part in this. The team is always on call to assist and they share our vision.”

Coenraad Horn, Relationship Director at HSBC UK, said: “With this funding package, we look forward to seeing the new factory and new business ventures come to fruition. It’s brilliant to see this third-generation family business continuing to flourish.”

John Gilmour Butchers’ deli style retail unit will sell a range of East Lothian products and produce.

The business was founded in 1946 by brothers William and John, and has grown from a small high street store into an online business to business institution, with a burgeoning trade in London. John Gilmour is a popular staple of Scottish industry and has been the winner of awards such as Scotch Product of the Year for their Black Gold range.

The Ivy on the Square, Edinburgh – where dreams come true

Dine every day at The Ivy with a delicious, new selection of tantalising set menus and dishes for all occasions

The Ivy on the Square, Edinburgh is here to make all your dreams come true this spring.

Whether guests wish to enjoy a delightful mid-week lunch, or a meal with family, friends and loved ones, whatever the occasion, dine every day at The Ivy with something for everyone.

All Day Dreamers, launching Tuesday, 21 March

Indulge in a luxurious lunchtime experience with the All Day Dreamers set menu, brimming with dishes that dreams are made of. Diners can choose two courses for £17.95 or three courses for £22.95, plus a Champagne Dream Cocktail (£9.95), featuring a tantalising blend of Scapegrace Black gin poured over cotton candy and topped with Ivy Champagne.

Starters include a warming Creamed Cauliflower Soup, a fresh Pan-fried Scottish smoked haddock or Emilia Romagna cured coppa ham.

For mains, guests can choose from a selection of seasonal dishes including Spicy Jackfruit and Toasted Peanut Bang Bang Salad served with Mexican chayote, seasame, coriander, white mooli and shredded Chinese leaf, or chargrilled, grass-fed Rump Steak, served with thick cut chips.

The new Dream Dessert features a crispy vanilla cloud with warm chocolate brownie, vanilla ice cream, and hot yuzu caramel sauce, perfect for those guests with a sweet tooth.

Available Monday to Friday from 11:30am to 6.30pm.

Little Dreamers, launching Tuesday 21, March

For those looking for a family treat, the Little Dreamers menu is perfect for younger guests to enjoy, with all main dishes priced at £9.95.

Children can choose from Linguine Pasta with Tomato SauceGrilled Chicken Escalope with sprouting broccoli, a delicious Hamburger and Chips, and much more.

For dessert, children can create their Dream Sundae (£6.95), with vanilla ice cream, and a range of toppings to choose from including strawberries, marshmallows, honeycomb, and chocolate flakes.

Pitch Perfect Pairing: Six by Nico makes it’s festival debut with Otherlands this summer

  • Scotland’s newest camping festival, Otherlands, adds Six by Nico to its line-up for 2023
  • Partnership marks new direction for Six by Nico with first-ever ‘al-fresco’ experience

Otherlands Music & Arts Festival has announced that it’s adding flavour to its line-up this summer by teaming up with leading restaurant brand Six by Nico. Festival goers can look forward to a one-of-a-kind woodland sensory dining experience, bringing a bespoke gastronomic story to life.

The festival lands at Scone Palace in Perth, Scotland, this summer (11th-13th August 2023) for its second edition, bringing some of the most influential global and home-grown musical talent to its stages.

With 11 locations across the UK, including Edinburgh – the restaurant – will be dishing up its classic six-course menu across August 12th and 13th. Six by Nico will reveal the brand-new menu, exclusive to Otherlands in coming months. It will also be the group’s first-ever al-fresco dining experience.

Otherlands Arts and Music Festival was founded by Tom Ketley, owner of FLY – an event promotion company which has been hosting music events across Scotland now for over a decade. The festival boasts everything from live and electronic music, to punk, rock and rap.

Acts already announced for 2023 include the likes of Hudson Mohawke, Skin On Skin, Nia Archives & Overmono. Headline acts in 2022 included DJs BICEP, Jamie XX and Honey Dijon, while there were daytime live performances from singers Joesef, Maverick Sabre and Biig Piig.

As well as a carefully curated line-up of forward-thinking artists spanning multiple stages, the festival will also boast immersive art installations from leading Scottish artists, and will even host comedy direct from Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival, DJ Workshops, and inspiring industry talks and panel discussions with industry leaders.

Sam Joss, Otherlands Festival Director said: “We’re so excited about this partnership! 

“With food at festivals being more important than ever,  this collaboration really aligns with our ethos and pairs well with boutique camping, a stunning location and of course, a globally recognised musical line-up.

“We can’t wait to see how our guests react to the creativity of the Six by Nico menu and enjoy this multi-sensory dining experience in the unbeatable setting that is Scone Palace”.

Andy Temple, Chef and Chief Creative Officer at Six by Nico, said: “We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Otherlands on this unique event.

“It’s something completely new for us, and I believe it represents a new creative turning point for our company. A multi-sensory dining idea pushes us outside of our comfort zone and is an exciting move in a new direction for Six by Nico, as part of our mission to innovate and challenge ourselves in designing a new menu every six weeks.

“Otherlands takes a multifaceted approach to their festival, celebrating music, wellness, and arts, and Six by Nico is excited to add to that with our new on-site dining experience. The festival itself brings people together to celebrate, and our team is delighted to be a part of it”.

Early-bird Festival tickets are now sold out, but limited first release tickets are still available – ranging from £180-£189 for camping and non-camping options with Day Tickets becoming available at the end of March. Six by Nico ticket add-ons will go on sale following the launch of the menu in May.

As part of the collaboration, a competition will also be launching soon, where three lucky winners will bag two weekend camping tickets, a pair of tickets to the multi-sensory dining experience and a table for two people at Six by Nico. Another six runners-up prizes of £20 Six by Nico vouchers will be up for grabs.

For more information visit otherlandsfestival.com or sixbynico.co.uk

Mother’s Day Celebrations at Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Treat your mother figure to an afternoon of whisky and chocolate tasting

On Sunday, March 19, Johnnie Walker Princes Street, Edinburgh’s five-star whisky attraction, will celebrate Mother’s Day by offering guests a chance to treat the mother figures in their lives to a guided tasting of three delicious whiskies, each perfectly paired with a chocolate truffle from The Highland Chocolatier lain Burnett.

Set to take place in the ground floor retail area at Johnnie Walker Princes Street, this 45-minute experience will give lucky mother figures a taste of some of Scotland’s best whiskies, as well as some Johnnie Walker hospitality at Scotland’s visitor attraction of the year, as awarded by Whisky magazine.

The tasting will start with the velvety smooth and aromatic Dalwhinnie 15-year-old, then the delicate fruity Cardhu 15-year-old with bitter chocolate notes that pair perfectly with The Highland Chocolatier. This will be followed by a classic Johnnie Walker old fashioned with a raspberry twist. Guests will also learn about these unique drams, their distinct flavours, their history and the delicious chocolate they are paired with.

As a parting gift, all the lovely mothers on show will be presented with a mini dried bouquet to take home. 

Rob Maxwell, head of Johnnie Walker Princes Street said: “Our mother figures play such important roles in our lives, and they always deserve to be celebrated. We are really looking forward to hosting a great tasting experience that’ll live long in the memories of all the whisky-loving mums in attendance.”

A 20% discount will be offered for the bottle of each whisky from the tasting, as well as 10% off other retail purchases of up to £500 and for drinks in the bar on the day of the experience, and for up to 7 days afterwards (T&Cs apply). 

To redeem, guests must show their confirmation ticket to a member of staff at the till. 

For more information and to book an experience, please visit: 

www.johnniewalkerprincesstreet.com

Tasty Return for Eat Out Edinburgh

Eat Out Edinburgh returns for 2023, bringing exclusive restaurant offers to the city centre

Eat Out Edinburgh 2023 is set to make a tasty return to the capital for a second year for locals and visitors alike to enjoy amazing offers from Edinburgh city centre’s best eateries for two weeks – from 13th to 26th of March.

Restaurants, cafés, and bars from St James Quarter to Charlotte Square, George Street to Princes Street will be participating, with many returning after a fantastic turn out in 2022.  

The capital’s dedicated Business Improvement District (BID) will be the setting for this foodie fortnight run by Essential Edinburgh. Celebrating the best of food, drink, and hospitality, over 30 participating venues are already confirmed for the campaign, including Edinburgh favourites Badger & Co, Lady Libertine, Hawksmoor, and Le Monde, and new favourites like Ka Pao, 63rd + 1st,  and Duck & Waffle.

Confirmed venues to date include offers like: 

  • Grazing by Mark Greenaway: Enjoy a delicious 5-course Tasting Menu for Two & a Bottle of Wine for £99 
  • Baba: £25 per person for a 4-course set menu lunch
  • Bread Street Kitchen & Bar: For £29 per person, enjoy a welcome cocktail and a three-course set menu
  • Tigerlilly: 20% off food for city centre workers by quoting ‘EAT OUT’ when booking
  • Ka Pao: Set lunch menu for £17.50 per person featuring a small plate, curry, jasmine rice and a side 

A full list of participating Edinburgh venues and offers is now live on Eat Out Edinburgh’s website, with special tasting menus, set menus, events and exclusive offers for city centre workers to attract bookings and increased footfall throughout the campaign period. 

 Eat Out Edinburgh 2023 

From business breakfasts to leisurely lunches and evening gatherings over dinner and cocktails, the Eat Out Edinburgh campaign has been designed to bring friends, family, and colleagues together and whilst supporting the city’s vibrant hospitality sector.

This year, the campaign is partnering with KidsOR – the Edinburgh-based charity provide lifesaving operations to children in need across the globe, allowing diners to support the charity through donation options at select participating venues. 

Lothian Busses also returns as a partner for 2023 with city centre offers open to Lothian bus employees, and promotion for the event being shown on bus screens across the city throughout the campaign. 

Roddy Smith, Chief Executive & Director, Essential Edinburgh, said: “This years’ celebration of Edinburgh’s iconic food & drink scene stands to bring together an even greater array of venues with set menus, events, and special offers exclusively for city centre workers. 

“Our hope is to bring people out to socialise, find new favourites and experience exciting meals created by some of the city’s best-known spots. Whether you’re a local, from the wider Lothians region or visiting from further afield, we know there will be something on offer to suit all tastes.”

For more information, a full list of offers, and to keep up to date with the campaign, visit: http://www.eatoutedinburgh.co.uk/

Morrisons offers Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea for just £10

  • Afternoon tea includes a tower of sandwiches, cakes, fruit scones and a pot of tea for £10 –
  • Offer available in Morrisons cafés nationwide from 13th – 19th March –

Morrisons has cut the price of its popular afternoon tea for two to just £10 in its cafés ahead of Mother’s Day. 

Customers will receive a selection of sandwiches, cakes, fruit scones – complete with jam and clotted cream, and a pot of Yorkshire Tea for mums to enjoy as a tasty treat at an affordable price. 

The afternoon tea is presented on a three-tier stand just as it is in hotels and upmarket restaurants to give customers a touch of luxury and make the momentous day extra special.

For those that want to dine from the comfort of their own home, the afternoon tea can also be ordered for collection from the store at a date and time that is convenient for them.

At £5 per person, the Morrisons afternoon tea is a fraction of the price of alternatives including Fortnum & Mason’s which will set diners back £75 each.*

For younger customers looking to treat mum with their pocket money, there are alternative options available including:

  • toasted fruit tea cakes for £1.29
  • crumpets for just £0.99
  • hot drinks from £1.29.

Morrisons is committed to providing good quality food at affordable prices in its cafés and this deal follows the recent launch of a two-course set menu for just £8.99 . Morrisons is also continuing to reduce prices across its stores and has cut costs of 1,000s of products this year alone.  

Chris Strong, Morrisons Café buyer, says: “Treating mum shouldn’t cost the earth, that’s why we’re helping our customers by cutting the price of our popular afternoon tea for two just in time for Mother’s Day. 

“Customers can spoil mum with a selection of tasty sandwiches, cakes and fruit scones for just £10 – we look forward to welcoming families into our cafés to celebrate.”

The afternoon tea for two is available in all Morrisons cafés nationwide and can also be ordered for collection.

To find your local café, visit: https://my.morrisons.com/storefinder/

Innis & Gunn takes home Gold at European Sponsorship Awards

Scottish Brewer awarded the top prize in the arts & culture category for partnership with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Scottish brewer Innis & Gunn was awarded one of the top prizes at the prestigious European Sponsorship Awards held last night (9 March) at the Brewery in London, for its iconic sponsorship work with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. 

Innis & Gunn was awarded first place within the Arts & Culture sponsorship category in recognition of two iconic brands coming together in a first-class sponsorship of an internationally renowned spectacle rooted in Scottish tradition. This award win is the latest accolade in a string of coveted awards for the brand. 

Hundreds of sponsorship industry professionals from dozens of countries joined the ESA Awards last night (9 March) to see winners awarded across 25 categories. With sponsorships from nine different countries, as well as a range of multinational campaigns.

The objective of Innis & Gunn’s sponsorship of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 2022 was to bring together two brands which at their heart are all about originality and creativity and to create a phenomenal customer experience.

The opportunity enabled Innis & Gunn to take its flagship beer, The Original, and award-winning Lager to a quarter of a million ticket holders over the month of August. The partnership even made history as this was the first time The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo had been licensed in its 72 years of running. 

The results of the sponsorship speak for themselves. In the first year of the partnership, Innis & Gunn created an exceptional bar experience in a historic location – combined with outstanding customer service achieved industry-beating satisfaction scores from guests. 

Commenting on the win, Innis & Gunn’s founder, Dougal Gunn Sharp, said: “The huge success of this inaugural year of our partnership is a testament to the shared vision and incredible talent both at Innis & Gunn and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. 

Our beers are known across the world for their originality and creativity. Working with the Tattoo has enabled us to bring our creative vision and award-winning beers to new drinkers who, for the first time, are able to enjoy Scotland’s most iconic beer, at Scotland’s most iconic event, in Scotland’s most iconic location.

“We are passionate about our commitment to our local community and are already planning how we can elevate the experience even further at this year’s show.”

For more information, visit https://www.innisandgunn.com

A Winner Two Course Dinner: Morrisons introduces £8.99 two-course set menu in all it’s Cafes

  • Customers can grab a main, hot dessert and drink for just £8.99
  • Kids Eat Free offer can be claimed alongside new deal
  • Available in all cafes now until April 2nd

Morrisons has launched a new two-course set menu in all its cafés allowing customers to get a main, hot dessert and drink for just £8.99.

Favourite dishes such as fish & chips, lasagne and a roast dinner with all the trimmings can be enjoyed alongside a drink and topped off with a Bramley apple crumble or a sticky toffee pudding – all for under a tenner.

The £8.99 two-course deal is available in every Morrisons café nationwide from today until April 2.  It comes after customers praised the value of the set menu at Christmas and asked if a similar deal could be introduced outside the festive season.

What’s more, the popular Kids Eat Free offer which allows customers to get a free kids meal with every adult meal costing £4.49 or more, can be claimed alongside the new £8.99 deal. Making Morrisons café the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal as a family at great value.

Kids can choose from the all-day breakfast menu as well as the main menu which includes favourites such as fish fingers & chips or chicken nuggets, chips & peas.  All items from the children’s menu are served with a piece of fruit and a drink.

Morrisons is committed to providing good quality food at affordable prices in its cafés and this deal follows last week’s two for £10 breakfast offer as well as the permanent price cuts that were made to the café menu at the end of last year. 

Morrisons is also continuing to reduce prices across its stores and has cut 1,000s of products this year alone.  

Chris Strong, Morrisons Café buyer, says: “Our customers told us how much they appreciated the great value of our set menu at Christmas and asked us if we could bring it back at other times of the year. 

“We’re pleased to be doing just that and offering a great value two course meal for just £8.99 – plus a drink!  As it can be used alongside our Kids Eat Free offer it means the whole family can benefit.”

The £8.99 meal is now available in all Morrisons cafés nationwide and to find your local café, visit: https://my.morrisons.com/storefinder/.