New Art Exhibition at Gleneagles Townhouse

Graeme Mortimer Evelyn brings ‘Relics from an Oasis of Good Luck’ to Lobby 37 at Gleneagles Townhouse.

The London artist’s first solo exhibition in Scotland will include pieces made over a 25-year period selected directly from the artist’s London home.

An exhibition featuring Graeme Mortimer Evelyn will run until the 27th February at Gleneagles Townhouse. Made of up of pieces created over Graeme’s long and successful career, the exhibit is titled ‘Relics from an Oasis of Good Luck’.

Many of the works are completely realised studies created during many major commissions and artist-in-residence projects during Graeme’s expansive career, and range from collages, prints, paintings, graffiti stencils, drawings, and painted relief sculpture. Evelyn has exhibited his work across the world, but this will be his first solo exhibition in Scotland.

Graeme Mortimer Evelyn is a musician and curator as well as a multimedia artist. The art he creates comments on cultural social identity, politics, belief, and language. He has created work for major municipal buildings, sites of national memory, and places of worship – subverting the settings and their philosophies to attract new audiences and democratise public spaces by opening them up to more people.

His works have also been exhibited, collected, and displayed internationally by Princeton University Centre for African American Studies, Cornell University, Kensington Palace, The Royal Commonwealth Society, Museum in Docklands, Gloucester Cathedral, Bristol Museums, The Royal Collection Trust, The Church of England, and UNESCO.

One of Evelyn’s most notable works is The Eternal Engine for St Francis Church in Tottenham Hale. Completed in November 2017, it is the largest permanent hand-sculpted contemporary altarpiece in Europe.

St Francis Church sits adjacent to where Mark Duggan, a young black man, was fatally shot by armed police in 2011, triggering London-wide riots. The church was then built to aid to the community’s healing process. The Eternal Engine represents the unifying wonder of our vast Universe and the mystery of its Creator.

Evelyn currently works in his garden studio in South London, continuing to develop his varied and innovative body of works exploring automatic experimental drawing and sculpture informed by his synaesthesia reaction to music and sound, and how these responses then relate to contemporary religious and secular belief structures.

He has recently completed vinyl album cover commissions through this lens for world renowned Jazz Artists. In late March 2023, he will begin his six-week invited Artist Residency for the Foundation for Spirituality and the Arts in Charleston, South Carolina.

Graeme Mortimer Evelyn’s works will be available to view until February 27th in Lobby 37 at Gleneagles Townhouse St Andrew Square to hotel guests, diners at The Spence and Townhouse members.

gleneaglestownhouse.com

How to feed your kids on a budget this half term

With food prices going through the roof, parents and carers are being provided helpful ways to feed their children on a budget during half term.

The frugal experts at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have looked at affordable ways to plan family meals throughout the week-long break.

Many supermarkets, pubs and restaurants are once again offering free or discounted meals for children but there are also ways to help reduce the cost at home.

Going meat free, doing a family meal plan and having a fun picky tea are among the tips for savvy parents.

Ellie Macsymons, online consumer expert from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “We wanted to give parents a helping hand during this half term.  Many will feel the pinch of rising food costs in their weekly expenses.

“There are numerous schemes available during the week holiday with a wide range of pubs and supermarket restaurants offering special discounts for kids to eat out.

“But we also wanted to provide simple ways for parents to save money on making meals at home for their children during the holidays.”

Here are NetVoucherCodes.co.uk’s budget-friendly ways to feed your kid on a budget this half term:

Picky tea

This is all about taking what you find in the fridge, freezer and cupboard and turning it into a help yourself meal. There could be some leftover chicken, oven chips, a few fish fingers – anything goes. Also means avoiding a last minute dash to the supermarket to pick up something for dinner.

Shop around for half term deals

If the local supermarkets are near one another, visit each store to work out which has the best offers. There could be some decent half term deals on.

Discounted pub meals

Local pubs are providing a variety of discounts for kids to eat cheaper this half term. Head down and find out which are available.

Cheap meals at supermarket restaurants

Just like during the summer holidays, many supermarket chains are offering further discounts on kid’s meals to help with the rising food costs. Have a look at who’s offering what.

‘Once a week’ rule

Set some time aside for a family meal out by using the ‘once a week’ rule where you either dine out weekly or you get a takeaway of your choice as a family treat. This way you can plan around your food shops so less food will be wasted.

Social media budget recipes

Everyone has a favourite social media recipe which has become a weekly make. But if you’re unsure of any meals which can be added to your cookbook, explore social media apps for simple recipes which will cost less than a fiver to make.

Family pizza making

Instead of the Saturday night takeaway, try making your own homemade pizzas. It’s a great way to get kids in the kitchen too and experiment with making their own food.

Family meal plan

It’s best to be organised when planning meals to save the extra pennies. To make this more creative, mark each day with a different colour pen and decorate with stickers when it’s time for a special dish or a day when you’re dining out.

Try veggie days

Meats typically cost the most on weekly meals. If you decide to swap the meat for veggie choices it can save around a third on select meals during the week. Have a look at meals which don’t involve meat or try out some delicious veggie options for half the price.

For budget-friendly ways to feed the kids during half term, head over to NetVoucherCodes.co.uk.

RAISING THE STEAKS: Morrisons unveils Valentine’s Day Surf n Turf deals for £5 per person

–  Shoppers can choose from Oysters and Beef Brisket, Langoustines and Beef Sirloin or Scallops and Flat Iron at purse pleasing prices

–  All offers are available until Valentine’s Day 

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Seafood and steak lovers rejoice! Morrisons has revealed its best deals on surf n turf yet – just in time for Valentine’s Day. 

For £5 per person, couples can recreate a fine dining experience from the comfort of their own home – combining mouth-watering flavours of land and sea on one delicious plate. 

For a truly pearl-fect match, couples can select the Counter Oysters (£1 each or 6 for £5 from 9th Feb) and Morrisons Flat Iron (£4.00) for a perfect premium main, especially for the day of love. Add a touch of luxury with a bottle of Charles de Villers Champagne Brut (down to £12 from £24 for My Morrisons members).

Not a time to be shell-fish, couples can treat their loved one to delicious Langoustines (£1.25) combined with tender Beef Sirloin (£15/kg My Morrisons, £17.50/kg) for a decadent meal to impress. Top off the meal with a glass of the delicately fruity Morrisons Pinot Noir (£4.79)*,which was commended at the 2022 International Wine Challenge.

If that wasn’t all, Morrisons fans will adore juicy King Scallops (£1 each or 6 for £5.00) served with Morrisons 100% Beef Brisket (£7.49) for a deliciously meaty treat. The Best Chilean Chardonnay (down to £6.99 from £8.25), with notes of citrus and richness on the palate, is the ideal accompaniment. 

Shoppers can mix and match across fish and meat deals to create their ideal pairing and get something they can both enjoy. All deals will be available in-store until Valentine’s Day, giving lovers plenty of time to get their hands on these great deals. 

Aldi Scotland launches dating service for love-hungry Scots

Popular discount supermarket Aldi Scotland has launched Al-date, an exclusive dating service that helps lovebirds find romance this Valentine’s Day.

Testing the theory that the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, Al-Date is designed to encourage users to understand their love-type and help them bag a date on the most romantic day of the year.

Inspired by Aldi’s exceptional range of Valentine’s Day products, which includes everything shoppers need for a romance packed day, from its popular Love Heart Shaped Lorne Sausage (£1.29, 150g) to Specially Selected Sirloin Steak (£4.75, 227g), Scottish Vintage Cheddar Cheese (£1.69, 200g) and Specially Selected Chocolate Mini Cupcakes (£2.19, 9 pack), users will be asked a series of questions which gets to the crux of their dating habits.

They will then be served personalised advice and chat up lines, especially curated for use in the real world or on dating apps.

Launching on Friday 10 February, the online service will have hearts melting across the country. The service can be accessed at https://al-date.com/

Olive Yew, a spokesperson for Aldi Scotland, said: “Dating can be as tough as an overcooked steak, but on the most romantic day of the year, everyone deserves a wingman to help them in love.

“Whether you are looking to spice things up with a long-term partner, turn up the heat on a new relationship or simply make that initial approach, our Aldi-inspired chat up lines are an easy way to break the ice.

“Food plays such an important role in modern dating, and once again we have an exceptional range of special Valentine’s Day products on sale at everyday amazing Aldi prices.

“Our ever popular Love Heart Lorne Sausage – the perfect addition to breakfast in bed – will be back on sale from 9 February, and our Scotch Sirloin Steak is sure to get things sizzling over a candle-lit dinner. For your sweetheart with a sweet tooth, we have our beautiful Mini Cupcakes, while those looking for something a little more cheesy can finish off the meal with Scottish Vintage Cheddar Cheese and biscuits.

“What’s more, most of our Valentine’s Day products are created right here in Scotland from our fantastically talented local producers. Aldi Scotland works with over 90 Scottish suppliers who use the highest quality ingredients and produce from the country’s rich larder, and we bring them to shoppers’ plates at unbeatable prices.”

You can find you nearest Aldi here

The Ivy on the Square celebrates the Six Nations Championship with new cocktail line up

As Edinburgh prepares to welcome back the Six Nations Championship at BT Murrayfield, The Ivy on the Square has launched the ultimate cocktail menu inspired by the participating teams to honour the occasion and support the fans this rugby season.

With the first Scotland match in Edinburgh just around the corner, guests are invited to tackle the tension and try the latest creations made by the experienced bar team in the heart of the capital. 

The six delicious cocktails include  Scotts on the Rocks, (£10.50) featuring Plymouth gin, Chivas 12 year, ginger juice, lemon juice and clear honey, The Emerald Isle, (£12.00) consisting of Jameson, Lillet Rouge, Cointreau, lime juice, and a dash of whiskey barrel bitters, The G.O.A.T, (£10.50) a mix of Plymouth gin, Plymouth sloe gin, lemon juice and lavender syrup, garnished with a lavender sprig, Le Coqs, (£12.75) which includes, Beefeater gin, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, sugar syrup and topped with The Ivy Champagne, English Rose, (£10.50) featuring Beefeater gin, Pimm’s and Elderflower cordial, topped with Fever Tree lemonade and garnished with a mint sprig, and finally the Zesty Italian, (£10.95) a tantalising mix of Malfy Arancia gin, Barolo Chinato, Campari and a dash of whisky barrel bitters.

To complete the game day offering, The Ivy has introduced a new limited-edition dessert Over The Line, a chocolate ganache with mint mousse, vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce – perfect for those rugby fans with a sweet tooth.

Guests are invited to try the limited-edition menu at The Ivy on the Square from today until 18 March (weekends only). To book a table, visit TheIvyEdinburgh.com.

Divino Wine Bar & Restaurant launches dedicated Wine Tasting Nights for 2023

Edinburgh’s gourmet Italian destination begins monthly events by serving up an array of must try Italian wines

Edinburgh’s award-winning restaurant and wine bar Divino Enoteca will play host to dedicated regional wine tasting nights two Sundays of each month, giving guests unique access to some of the best Italian bottles.

With a new region featured every month, guests can enjoy a welcoming aperitivo, 5 fabulous wines to taste, and some matching nibbles for just £25.

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

The wine tasting series will begin starting in the heart of fine Italian wine, Piedmont, on the 19th and 26th of February at 5pm.

In-house wine experts James and Davide will guide guests through this historic region, exploring what makes its wines so special, including the king and queen of Italian reds; Barolo and Barbaresco.

Welcoming you to the wonderful world of wine, Divino will showcase the regions most loved wines moving from Piedmont in February to Sardinia in April, and even encompassing a garden party on the restaurant’s newly renovated patio in June, showcasing some summer favourites.

These nights will pose an unmissable opportunity to compare and discover new favourites this year that will see you all the way into the winter months. 

Divino’s wine tasting schedule includes:

  • February 19th and 26th at  5pm – Piedmont Wines, £25
  • March 12th and 26th, 5pm – Dessert Wines, £25
  • April 16th and 30th, 5pm – Sardinian Wines, £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/

Asda announces £15 Valentine’s Day Meal Deal including wine

  • Asda announces its Valentine’s Day Meal Deal, which includes a starter, main, two sides, dessert, and either a bottle of wine or box of chocolates for only £15
  • Asda Rewards app users will also earn £1.50 in their cash pot when picking up the deal, making it even better value
  • Notable new items include the Vegan Mushroom Arancini Hearts, 30-Day Dry Aged Sirloin, Chantaney Carrots with Citrus Yuzu, and Dark Belgian Chocolate Hearts
  • The deal will run online and in-store from 9th until 14th February

This year Asda is pulling out all the stops for those looking to celebrate love with its Valentine’s Day Meal Deal, which includes a starter, main, two sides, dessert, and wine or chocolates for only £15. The deal features 17 all-new options, plus returning favourites and vegan offerings across all courses of the meal – including wine.

For starters, there are five options to choose from. Cheese fans will love the new Truffle Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Slow Cooked British Beef, which are baked into small bite-sized cups. For those who fancy something extra indulgent, there’s the Chicken Liver Parfait with Raspberry Jelly, perfect to enjoy with freshly-toasted, thick-cut baguette slices. For plant-based lovers, Asda’s new Vegan Mushroom Arancini Hearts with Truffle Dip delights are sure to set the scene for a romantic evening.

Now, onto the main event with eight options on offer. Standout selections include:

· The 30-Day Dry Aged Sirloin with Smoked Garlic Butter, which has been aged for 30 days for a deeply rich and succulent flavour.
· The Wild & Roast Garlic Stuffed Yorkshire Bred Pork Kiev Cutlets. Topped with a Sicilian lemon, garlic, and herb crumb, this dish is the epitome of excellence.
· The British Duck Breasts with Morello Cherry Sauce, sure to impress any date!

Shoppers can also choose from the Aberdeen Angus Beef Burger with Smokey Bacon & Cheese Heart, Braised British Beef Cheek Parcel with a Creamy Porcini Mushroom & Peppercorn Sauce, Cod Fillet with Samphire & Sicilian Lemon & Marjoram Butter, Plant Based Wellington with Mushroom Duxelle, or Nduja Stuffed Chicken Parcel. Each of the main options come with two servings and contain all relevant sauces and garnishes, so it’s all ready to go.

When it comes to a little something on the side, Asda’s got it covered. For the Valentine’s deal, there are some seasonal offerings on the table, such as the new Chantaney Carrots with Citrus Yuzu – a yummy flavour sure to compliment any main. Another standout option is the all-new Truffle Mac & Cheese, for those looking for something indulgent. Of course, no selection would be complete without sides available from all year round, such as the Triple Cooked Chips and the Dauphinoise Potatoes.

Saving the best until last, the dessert. Take a romantic trip to Italy without leaving the house with the Italian Espresso Tiramisu Cups – intense layers of coffee sauce, mascarpone mousse and coffee-soaked sponge cake, Marsala wine, and a cocoa powder dusting make for the ultimate treat.

As it is Valentine’s Day, shoppers can’t go wrong with heart-shaped chocolate treats: enter the Dark Belgian Chocolate Heart with Raspberry. Dusted in pink shimmer, these chocolates are deluxe delights sure to end the night off on the right note.

It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without a box of chocolates – or for some, maybe a bottle of wine feels more appropriate this year. Whatever the case, shoppers can round out the meal deal with their choice of either a bottle of wine, such as the Extra Special Malbec Merlot or Extra Special Sauvignon Blanc, or a box of the new Extra Special Chocolates.

Not only has Asda kept the price of its stunning meal deal at £15 this year, but the supermarket has gone one step further: couples get the ultimate date night deal with a free Sky Movies voucher when shopping the meal deal*.

What’s more, shoppers using the Asda Rewards app will earn £1.50 in their cash pot when purchasing the deal, making the dine-in offer even better value for money.

For just £15, Asda’s meal deal means you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a delicious Valentine’s Day dinner. The deal will run online at www.asda.com and in-store from 9th until 14th February.

Eat Out Edinburgh returns: businesses urged to register now!

Businesses in Edinburgh city centre are being encouraged to note their interest for Eat Out Edinburgh 2023; a tasty restaurant campaign returning to the capital for a second year.

Following the success of the inaugural Eat Out Edinburgh in 2022, Essential Edinburgh – the capital’s dedicated Business Improvement District (BID) – has announced that its two-week celebration of all things food, drink and hospitality will be back to help support the wider sector as it slowly recovers from the challenges from the past few years.

The BID comprises those businesses located from St James Quarter to St Andrew Square, to George Street and Princes Street and as far as the Johnnie Walker Whisky Experience. Essential Edinburgh is urging those interested businesses within the BID area to sign up soon, whether they participated in 2022 or would like to be a part of the 2023 campaign for the first time.

Celebrating the best of food, drink and hospitality, and with over 20 participating venues already confirmed, the Eat Out Edinburgh 2023 campaign will run for two weeks from 13th to 26th March.

A bumper list of participating Edinburgh venues will be announced in the coming weeks, promoting special tasting menus, set menus, events and exclusive offers to attract bookings and increased footfall throughout the campaign period.

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 whilst helping to support the city’s vibrant hospitality sector.

Roddy Smith, Chief Executive & Director, Essential Edinburgh, said: “Following the success of last year’s campaign, we are bringing back Eat Out Edinburgh for 2023 – with the help of our partner businesses in the hospitality industry, we want it to be bigger and better than 2022.

“This unique celebration of food and drink enables our residents, visitors and office workers to enjoy what’s on offer with special menus, events and offers for city centre workers.

“After the challenges of the past few years, there is a real appetite for people to come and enjoy all that our city centre has to offer. So 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.”

Business can register interest before Friday 10th February by contacting: 

markfarvis@essentialedinburgh.co.uk

For more information and to keep up to date with the campaign, visit: 

www.EatOutEdinburgh.com and www.EdinburghCityCentre.co.uk

Aldi stores in Edinburgh and Lothians launch Too Good To Go service

Aldi is rolling out its partnership with the world’s largest surplus food platform, Too Good To Go, to all of its stores in Edinburgh and Lothians. 

Following a successful trial last year, the UK’s fastest-growing supermarket is making the surplus food bags available nationwide, in a bid to tackle food waste while also offering even lower prices to customers. 

The ‘Magic Bags’ will contain a range of grocery products that are approaching their sell-by or use-by dates at less than a third of the price, costing just £3.30 each to purchase for at least £10 worth of food.  

To get a Magic Bag, shoppers can download the free Too Good To Go app and search for their nearby Aldi store, before reserving a bag to collect from the store at an allotted time.  

The nationwide roll out is expected to save a further 4,000 tonnes of food from going to waste annually and will form a key part of Aldi’s ongoing commitment to cut food waste.   

In addition, all of Aldi’s UK stores in Edinburgh and Lothians will continue to donate surplus food to local causes 365 days of the year. Since 2019, the supermarket has donated more than 30 million meals via its successful partnership with Neighbourly.  

Liz Fox, Corporate Responsibility Director at Aldi UK, said: “Rolling out our partnership with Too Good To Go is another way of allowing us to cut down on food waste, while also offering customers in Edinburgh and Lothians the opportunity to pick up our food at even lower prices. 

“With the rising cost of living impacting so many, Too Good To Go offers a simple and accessible way for consumers to save money and reduce waste.” 

Sophie Trueman, Managing Director UK & Ireland at Too Good To Go, added: “We’re thrilled to be officially launching our partnership with Aldi nationally.

“Having already had fantastic feedback during a successful trial period, I know our​ Too Good To Go​ community in Edinburgh and Lothians is going to jump at the chance to save Aldi Magic Bags​ and prevent even more good food from going to waste​. 

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Ivy on the Square Brasserie

Enjoy a romantic set menu and love-inspired cocktails

The Ivy on the Square Brasserie is celebrating the season of love with a romantic set menu and bespoke cocktails available from Friday 10th February to Sunday 19thFebruary, making it the perfect place to spoil a loved one.

After receiving a glass of Veuve Clicquot Rose Champagne on arrival, guests can choose from a selection of dishes from The Ivy on the Square’s delicious three-course set menu full of culinary delights. 

Priced at £75 per person, to start, diners are invited to enjoy a delicious starter, with options including a Duck Liver Parfait, served with caramelised hazelnuts, truffle, pear, and ginger compote with a toasted brioche, or Laverstoke Park Farm Buffalo Mozzarella served with red chicory, clementine, grapes, candy beetroot, and a spiced vinaigrette. 

Main course options include Lobster Linguine in a tomato and chilli sauce, with vine cherry tomatoes, parsley, and spring onion, and Chargrilled Halloumi with Farro grains, crushed artichoke, hazelnuts, mushrooms, black truffle, and a plant-based sauce. If diners are looking for something even more special, a succulent, grass-fed Fillet of Beef is the perfect choice. 

To finish, those with a sweet tooth can enjoy a sharing dessert perfect for couples or friends. The Raspberry Heart Mille Feuille features decadently layered white chocolate and puff pastry with a warm raspberry sauce, the perfect way to finish a romantic meal. 

Alongside the sumptuous set menu, a duo of cocktails inspired by love will be available, designed to make even the cold-hearted blush. Guests can choose from a Heartbreaker on the Rocks (£12); a blend of Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Antica Formula, Cherry Heering, Chocolate wine and a dash of Campari, or a sweet Passion Berry Martini (£11), with Citric Blend, Crème de Fraise, and passion fruit syrup topped with prosecco.

Agata Lubera, General Manager at The Ivy on the Square says: “Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to treat those you love. Whether celebrating with friends, family or loved ones, we hope our guests enjoy our special set-menu and bespoke cocktails this Valentine’s Day.”

The Valentine’s Day Set Menu is available from 10th – 19th February and is priced at £75 per person for three courses and a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne. To book a table, please visit TheIvyEdinburgh.com.