food and drink – Page 5 – The NEN

The Botanist is Gifting Gig Tickets, Bar Tabs, Unlimited Kebabs, Champagne and even a Getaway

Move over Mariah, The Botanist has rewritten the soundtrack to Christmas with its own take on 12 Days of Christmas!

Think glasses clinking, ladies dancing, kebabs swinging, bands playing and cocktails shaking – it’s the ultimate Christmas packed with the gifts you actually want.

But the fun doesn’t stop at the music – to celebrate the season of giving, The Botanist is launching a huge social media giveaway in a countdown to Christmas, with prizes themed to each of the 12 days.

Guests can expect everything from gig tickets and champagne to big bar tabs, date nights, a year’s worth of hanging kebabs (yes, really) and even a mini break up for grabs. The giveaways will start from Wednesday 19^th November and happen every few days in the lead up to Christmas, with all 12 prizes being won by Christmas Eve.

Those feeling lucky should keep an eye on The Botanist’s Instagram page, where the remixed 12 Days of Christmas song and video will launch, each day to find out what’s up for grabs and how they can enter.

And of course, it wouldn’t be winter at The Botanist without their Famous Hanging Kebabs and there’s a new festive addition to the line-up, the Christmas Dinner Hanging Kebab, stacked with roast turkey, pork and sage stuffing and pigs in blankets in a cranberry glaze, served with all the trimmings including maple roasted carrots, braised red cabbage, garlic & herb roast potatoes and Brussels sprouts, and finished with a jug of rich gravy to pour over.

We all know Christmas is the time to treat ourselves, and The Botanist’s festive take on its signature sharing cookie dough is the ultimate indulgence. Those with a sweet tooth can savour a giant chocolate orange cookie dough served with honeycomb pieces, mini mince pies, ice cream coconut snowmen and Cointreau chocolate orange sauce (plus two spoons to dig in!)

Behind the bar, the team has been busy working on this year’s limited-edition Christmas cocktails. Let nostalgia take over with the “It’s Mine” Old Fashioned – Maker’s Mark Bourbon infused with orange and stirred down with indulgent chocolate – it’s a boozy tribute to a festive favourite.

The Partridge in a Pear Tree, a nod to The Botanist’s 12 Days of Christmas campaign, featuring Absolut Vanilia Vodka shaken with pear, cinnamon, and a splash of lemon juice and topped with prosecco, is set to be your new favourite festive tipple!

With imaginative and festive twists on The Botanist’s well-loved signature dishes, all created in house from scratch, this is the food and drink to celebrate over as party season gets underway!

And that’s not all, the halls are being decked with larger-than-life Christmas trees, giant Christmas presents and golden pears for a photo backdrop worthy of a Christmas card!

The Botanist’s homegrown live musicians are ready to keep the festive cheer wild, playing live throughout the November and December as guests drinks and dine.

The Botanist’s Christmas menu is available now. To find your nearest restaurant and book your table visit https://thebotanist.uk.com.

Edinburgh locals get 25% off at Hard Rock Cafe this November

With Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets returning, there’s no better time to spend a day in the city, and Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh is giving locals a reason to make the most of it.

Set on George Street, Hard Rock Cafe is known for its buzzing atmosphere, with walls adorned with authentic rock history items and serving classic American cuisine. This November, locals with an EH postcode can enjoy 25% off food and drinks until 5pm, Sunday to Friday, plus 25% off in retail.

It’s a great excuse to stop in for a burger or a refreshing drink before wandering through the markets or gliding across George Street ice rink.

Guests must ask for the offer and provide proof of EH residency when requested (driving license, utility bill etc) or book the offer via OpenTable Experiences (and provide proof of EH residency)
Food and non-alcoholic drinks only, not valid on alcohol
Select Retail only (no co-branded or charity)
Cannot be combined with any other discount, offer or event ticket
Valid from opening to 5pm
Valid now until end of November

How to book: https://cafe.hardrock.com/

Christmas Day | Festive Family Feast at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

This Christmas, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will host its Festive Family Feast at Greyfriars Hall, offering guests a relaxed, communal dining experience in one of the city’s most atmospheric venues.

The celebration will begin with a starter buffet featuring smoked salmon, scallops, charcuterie, cheeses, and artisan breads, followed by main course options such as roast turkey roulade, Mushroom Wellington, and Scottish salmon, served with traditional festive sides. Guests will finish with a chocolate crémeux dessert with raspberry gel, salted caramel, and pistachio crumb.

With doors open from 13:00 and final seating at 14:30, the event will provide a stress-free Christmas celebration for all the family with joiner tables of ten and drinks available to purchase on the day.

Tickets: Book HERE

Artist in Residence | Jennifer Court

We’re thrilled to announce the extension of our Artist in Residence programme – a celebration of Edinburgh’s vibrant art scene and creative community.

Due to popular demand, local artist Jennifer Court will continue her residency at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh through December.

Guests can meet Jennifer in-house, discover her latest works, and even book a studio tour for an inside look at her creative process. Be amazed by her awe inspiring 360 view of Edinburgh, capturing her view from the top turret of the unicorn room.

To arrange a visit, contact our Concierge team or reach out to Jenny directly on Instagram @jennifercourt_art

Venue: Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Price: £N/A

More info: here

New Scottish pie dinner at John’s Coffee House & Tavern

The historic Old Town venue has launched ‘John’s Pies’, a brand-new dinner menu dedicated entirely to one of the nation’s favourite comfort foods.

In partnership with Jarvis Pickle, based in the Scottish Borders and winners of 46 British Pie Awards and 21 Great Taste Awards, John’s Coffee House & Tavern now serves a menu of eight handcrafted pies, seven regulars and one rotating seasonal flavour, all made in Scotland using the finest ingredients.

Each pie is served with creamy mash, peas, and a rich gravy for £14.50, available daily from 5pm to 9pm. Diners can choose from a comforting and flavour-packed line-up, from rich venison to hearty beef, plus vegan and seasonal specials.

“Pies have always been part of Scottish heritage – simple, hearty and full of flavour,” says Corrina Croy, General Manager at John’s Coffee House & Tavern.

“Collaborating with Jarvis Pickle felt like the perfect fit for us. They share our values of quality, craftsmanship and celebrating the best of Scotland’s produce. John’s Pies brings a true taste of comfort to our dinner menu, just in time for the cold season.”

True to its ethos of supporting Scottish producers, John’s Coffee House & Tavern continues to champion local suppliers across its menu and bar. The bar serves only Bellfield Brewery beers and Edinburgh Cider Company ciders, both proudly brewed in Edinburgh, alongside a wide range of Scotch whiskies, offering the perfect pairing for a hearty pie supper.

Nestled behind St Giles’ Cathedral, John’s Coffee House & Tavern sits within CODE The Court, a boutique hotel and urban hostel housed in Edinburgh’s former police chambers and courthouse; a space steeped in character, stories, and tradition.

‘John’s Pies’ is now being served daily from 5pm to 9pm – walk-ins only.

Aldi deputy store manager celebrates 30 years of service

Aldi Livingston deputy store manager, Vikki Devlin, is marking an incredible milestone as she celebrates 30 years with the retailer.

Vikki, 53, from Livingston, first joined Aldi in 1995 at the original Bathgate store, before transferring to the Livingston store on Almondvale Road in 1998.

Since then, she has become a familiar face to generations of customers, working her way up from Store Assistant to Deputy Store Manager and helping to shape the store’s welcoming, community atmosphere.

Vikki joked: “I’ve spent my whole adult life at Aldi, my whole married life, my son’s whole life, I don’t really remember life before it!”

Reflecting on her early days, Vikki said: “When I started, there were only two Aldi stores in Scotland, and I’d barely heard of it until my auntie told me about the one in Wishaw.

“The recruitment process was tough – we had to memorise a full price list and sit a test at the end of the week. If you remembered correctly, you were offered a job. Thankfully, I passed!”

Over the years, Vikki has seen the Livingston store transform with two major extensions, new technology and countless memories made along the way.

“The changes have been incredible,” she said. “When I started, we were cash only and had to introduce a separate card area when they became the more common way to pay. Now we’ve got digital price cards, scanners and card tills, it’s a totally different world.”

Vikki’s three decades with Aldi have been marked by enduring friendships and a real sense of family.

“I’ve made some lifelong friends who started as colleagues,” she said. “I’ve worked with Debbie for 23 years and Kevin has been my manager for 22 years.

“We’ve watched all our kids grow up together – it’s more like a family than colleagues. Our store is unusual in that so many people here have celebrated years of long service, and that’s definitely down to Kevin.

“He’s completely transformed the shop and the atmosphere.”

Vikki’s warmth and care extend beyond her team to the customers she serves. “There’s one couple, Nan and Davie, who I’ve served my whole career, and now I serve their three daughters too. I always say they’re my adopted parents! I even get them Christmas presents,” she said.

“Some customers will queue just to come to my till, and I get birthday cards and pictures from their kids. It’s those moments that make the job so rewarding and special.”

Having been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis eight years ago, Vikki says the support from her colleagues has been “tremendous”. “They help me with day-to-day things like setting up the till and are always looking out for me. It’s that kind of support that makes Aldi such a special place to work.”

Over the years, Vikki has also played a big part in supporting and training younger team members. “I’ve helped to train lots of young apprentices who had 101 questions,” she laughed. “Now some of them are managing their own stores across the country.”

Kevin Regan, Store Manager, Aldi Livingston said: “Vikki is the heart of this store. Her warmth, humour and kindness shine through every day, whether she’s supporting a colleague or chatting with customers at the till.

“She’s been a fantastic role model to everyone who’s worked alongside her and has made a real difference to our store and our community. We’re so proud of her and delighted to celebrate this incredible 30-year milestone.”

WICKED INSPIRED: Halloween at The Ivy Edinburgh

This spooky season, take a stroll down the yellow brick road and into The Ivy On The Square, Edinburgh as it transforms into The Ivy Emerald City. With a magical dessert, perfectly pink and gloriously green cocktails, Halloween is not to be missed this year at The Ivy.

From 25th October, The Ivy in Edinburgh will be serving up a wickedly delicious dessert, perfect for rounding off a meal this spooky season. Crafted exclusively for the occasion, The Emerald City Apple sees a chilled apple parfait perched on a golden blondie bed with milk foam, accompanied by a raspberry coulis.

Complete with a green witch’s hand and a cloud of candy floss, the dessert is an indulgent and enchanting treat for guests with a sweet tooth.

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Sip like a “Good Witch” or a “Bad Witch” with The Ivy’s spellbinding cocktails

Carefully crafted by The Ivy Collection’s expert team of mixologists, this Halloween sees a duo of delicious cocktails launch to celebrate the season:

Bound to be a popular choice for those with a taste of something tart but sweet, the Rhubarb Bubble sees Ketel One vodka, Rhubarb Mead and Doppelgänger Aperitivo blended with a touch of vanilla and served with a magical sprinkling of raspberry sugar dust.

Meanwhile, the Emerald Magic Margarita is definitely a good deed, combining Casamigos tequila with Beesou Honey liqueur and matcha cold brew with a dash of lime and geranium syrup – a dusting of Tajin on the rim casting a spell of heat.

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Guests are invited to book their table [here] to avoid disappointment.

Dream job up for grabs as Prezzo Italian searches for first-ever Chief Tasting Officer

To celebrate the launch of its newly opened George Street restaurant, Prezzo Italian is offering food lovers the chance to land what might just be the city’s tastiest new role of ‘Chief Tasting Officer.’

Pizza enthusiasts and pasta fans are invited to apply for the honorary position, which will see one lucky recruit enjoy a free main dish every week of the year. The Chief Tasting Officer will spend their time sampling Prezzo Italian’s signature dishes, from handmade pizzas to indulgent pastas, and sharing their thoughts on flavours, combinations and menu favourites.

Ideal candidates will have a genuine love of Italian food, a passion for flavour, and the ability to spot the perfect pizza topping or pasta pairing. Whether you’re a self-confessed foodie or simply never say no to a slice, this could be the dream role for you.

Naddy Onions, Marketing Director of Prezzo Italian, said: “With the opening of our new Edinburgh restaurant, what better way to celebrate than by giving one lucky Scot the chance to step into a role created just for them.

“The Chief Tasting Officer role is our way of inviting a passionate foodie to join the Prezzo Italian family, enjoy a signature dish every week, and help us share our love of Italian cooking with the city.”

The new restaurant, located at135 George St, is open seven days a week from 12-10pm and seats up to 250 guests across two floors and an outdoor terrace. Guests can expect a wide-ranging menu of handmade pizzas and pastas, burgers, grill dishes, indulgent desserts and handcrafted cocktails.

Applications for the Chief Tasting Office are now open via this link until Sunday 16^th November

Prezzo Italian also operates in Glasgow’s Braehead shopping centre and Aberdeen’s Union Square, with further expansion planned across the UK, including Central London.

TODAY: Community Lunch at Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts

Menu for Friday 24th October

We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you today. We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and often a delicious pudding.

What’s on the menu today:

Leek and potato soup

Lamb casserole with potato and veg

Cauliflower curry with rice (V)

Banana cake with custard

Please check the board or ask our volunteers about allergens.

And just a heads-up, our food is served until it runs out!

Do come along and enjoy. Thank you!

Gilded Saloon announce new weekly Comedy Night & Autumn Programme

Edinburgh’s latest arts venue has announced a brand new programme of autumn events ranging from a weekly comedy night, theatre, sketch shows, music, magic and more.

The Gilded Saloon, which opened in August, will host a vibrant programme of live events in the heart of the city’s Old Town at Bristo Square. With upcoming shows featuring Scotland’s top comedians like Stephen Buchanan, Marjolein Robertson, Mark Nelson, Stuart McPherson and more, The Gilded Saloon is the capital’s latest addition to its arts scene.

As joint venue operators (with Kelburn Arts and Paradise Palms), Gilded Balloon presents a new weekly night of mixed bill stand-up comedy with the best comedians from across the UK, as well as local rising talent, performing every Friday night at ‘The Comedy Show’.

Resident comperes will kick off the 8pm Friday show, with upcoming line-ups featuring some of Scotland’s most successful comics including: Chris Forbes, Stephen Buchanan, Marjolein Robertson, Mark Nelson, Stuart McPherson, Krystal Evans, Sam Lake, Eleanor Morton, Billy Kirkwood, Kate Hammer, Kathleen Hughes and more.

Featuring a brand new line-up each week, comedy fans can kick their weekend off by adding a meal from The Gilded Saloon’s hearty pub kitchen on to their ticket.

The Comedy Show – 8pm every Friday night

£10 show only, £18 ‘meal and show’ ticket

24th October – Chris Forbes, Scott Agnew, Julia Sutherland, Amanda Hursy,Rosie Hess

7th Nov – Stephen Buchanan, Billy Kirkwood, Amelia Bayler, Kathleen Hughes, Michael Welch

14th Nov – Marjolein Robertson, Chris Thorburn, Eva Peroni, Sophie Rose McCabe, Scott Agnew

21st Nov – Mark Nelson, Eleanor Morton, Sam Lake, Kate Hammer, Alan Ritchie

5th Dec – Chris Thorburn, Giulia Galastro, Robin Grainger, Ifrah Qureshi, Oro Rose

12th Dec – Krystal Evans, Amy Matthews, Tamsyn Kelly, Amelia Bayler, Sabina

20th Dec – Stuart McPherson, Sam Lake, Kathleen Hughes, Alana Jackson, Sean Chalmers

Plus, comedy fans can round their weekend off at ‘Hot Comedy’ every other Sunday – a bold inclusive comedy compilation show hosted by Nicholas Elliot and Eva Peroni.

Welcoming a new line-up every fortnight, the show features queer, POC, disabled, female, non-binary performers, (and even straight white men!), for a comedy show that doesn’t target or exclude audiences or performers.

Expect the next generation of comedy talent combined with top headliners from across the Scottish scene.

Hot Comedy – 7pm, every other Sunday

£4, £3 concession

2nd Nov

16th Nov

30th Nov

Line-ups announced weekly via social media – @gildedballoon and @hotcomedyedinburgh

A new monthly event at Gilded Saloon with free tickets on offer, ‘Story Platform’ will welcome Scottish writers and performers to take on a night of stand-up, sketch comedy, music and more.

A changing group of writers and performers devise and workshop the show over the course of four days, combining a unique creative energy with unpredictable live shows. Previous stars include Kim Blythe, Amanda Dwyer, Amelia Bayler, Chris Weir and many more, creating brand new hilarious sketches at each show. First come, first serve for limited free tickets.

The Gilded Saloon will also host one-off shows spanning Fringe big hitters, new comedy sketch nights, music and more. Scotland’s favourite live Dungeons & Dragons show ‘Tartan Tabletop’ returns after a sold out Fringe run, with a charity Halloween special show with all proceeds donated to the charity Mermaids and starring drag queen Ruth Canal.

Plus, Fringe’s top magicians reunite for a show with a Halloween twist as stars of the show ‘1 Hour of Insane Magic’ present a night of fast-paced fearless magic for adults where fans can find out whether the night holds a trick, a treat or both.

And for those looking to relive their youth, ‘Brick & Sip’ is an afternoon of lego building and bonus drinks rounds that ends in the ultimate inner toddler tantrum – destroying your own creation!

Twilight fans can celebrate the cult movie’s 20th anniversary with a special edition of Australian cult comedy sensation ‘Lost in Translation : Twilight’ following a hugely successful August. The film’s script is run through an online language translator a dozen times, before guest stars read the results live on stage in character for a night of live, linguistic chaos.

Plus, ‘Sixties on a Sunday’ takes over The Gilded Saloon once a month, for an afternoon of dancing and drinks with local band Fayne & The Cruisers. Music fans can relive the heady days of iconic 60s tunes with the band playing hits from The Beatles to The Beach Boys, Elves, Ray Orbison and everything in between. A Sunday afternoon party like no other.

The Gilded Saloon is open 7 days a week, supporting the creative and performing arts community across Scotland with gigs, club nights, comedy shows, spoken word, music performance and more. The venue serves up a specially selected menu of local beers, wines and spirits, with a menu of favourite pub dishes created by local chef Tomás Gormley featuring burgers, pies and locally sourced fish.

View events at The Gilded Saloon via tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk

Book a table at The Gilded Saloon via thegildedsaloon.co.uk

For further information please contact press@gildedballoon.co.uk

12 new openings at one of Scotland’s largest shopping centres including Flying Tiger and Wingstop, creating over 100 jobs

The Centre, Livingston, one of Scotland largest shopping centres, adds Wingstop and Flying Tiger to its list of 12 new openings, creating over 100 jobs for the local area.

Since the start of the year the shopping centre has welcomed the arrival of a 90-seater Starbucks café, Aunty Anne’s, F.Hinds, XXXTRA and last month, ArrowHeadz first darts store in the country.

Plans for further openings before Christmas include Wingstop’s 4,780 sq.ft. restaurant, the Danish lifestyle brand, Flying Tiger, MINISO, Cake Box and Pizza Dawgz. Marble Buffet is expected to open its 380-seater restaurant next summer, which will be their first site in a Scottish mall.

In addition to new openings, various retailers are also expanding and relocating including JD Sports, which will move from a 9,500 sq ft to a 14,800 sq ft prime location and also Born in Scotland.

Clintons has just relocated and opened a new-look store, which is the first of its kind in Scotland, featuring new furniture, fittings and a refreshed layout, designed to enhance the overall shopping experience.

Retailers which have extended their lease include Lush, Las Iguanas, Foot Locker, Smiggle, Krispy Kreme, Deichmann, Menkind, The Celtic Shop and Subway.

The new arrivals will add to the extensive range of over 150 stores and restaurants at the shopping centre, which spans over 1 million sq. ft. and attracts 14.8 million visitors a year from around the country.

These include M&S, Flannels, River Island, H&M, Primark, wagamama and Nando’s.

Owners of The Centre, Livingston, LCP UK, part of M Core, one of Europe’s leading, privately owned commercial property development and management companies, have also recently announced major expansion plans into the leisure sector with the opening of Hollywood Bowl in 2026, featuring 22 lanes, an arcade and a bar and diner.

Simon Eatough, Director at LCP UK, part of M Core and Asset Manager of The Centre, Livingston, said: “This is a really exciting time for us at The Centre, Livingston as we welcome 12 new retailers to our existing, wide mix of great places to shop and dine out, and create over 100 new jobs for the local area.

“The new openings allow us to strengthen our commitment to revitalising our offering at the shopping centre and provide something for everyone who visits us.

“We will continue to add even more new global brands to our portfolio to ensure we remain firmly on the Scottish map as the number one shopping centre to visit, with further announcements coming soon.”