Tag: food and drink

The Best Whisky Bar in the World!

Edinburgh’s Kaleidoscope Bar scoops top prize at Whisky Magazine Awards

OPEN TO ALL: The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s Kaleidoscope Bar at 28 Queen Street Edinburgh has been announced as Global Whisky Bar of the Year at the prestigious Whisky Magazine 2022 awards. A visit is a must for all whisky adventurers in the city

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s (SMWS) Kaleidoscope Bar in Edinburgh has been named the Icons of Whisky, ‘Global Whisky Bar of the Year,’ in Whisky Magazine’s World Whisky Awards 2022 in London. A huge achievement for the SMWS and superb timing as we head into a restriction-free summer.

The journey of discovery when tasting whisky can be overwhelming but Kaleidoscope Bar offers something quite magical for both SMWS members and non-members compared to rival whisky experiences. From the bar’s remarkable and captivating building to offering guests can’t-buy-anywhere-else whiskies and experiences, a visit to the bar is a must for all whisky adventurers in the city.

Kaleidoscope Bar is a warm, welcoming whisky bar located on the ground floor of 28 Queen Street, an elegant four-story Georgian town house in the heart of Scotland’s capital city. The award-winning bar is open to all, offering fantastic welcome deals to not-yet-members including ‘Membership and a bottle for £99’.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s focus is always on flavour and Kaleidoscope Bar love to experiment with sensory elements to enhance the enjoyment of drinking whisky. Every visit brings something different with a new selection of rare whiskies to explore almost every week alongside creative food pairings, music matches, one-of-a-kind cask cocktails to playing with aroma.

A recent collaboration with Kingdom Scotland, Scotland’s first fragrance house, incorporated guests’ olfactory systems to show how your sense of smell is key to discovery when enjoying whisky.

Kaleidoscope Bar’s expertly trained staff guide visitors through the colourful world of SMWS whiskies and recommend the best dram for them based on their flavour preferences. It’s the perfect way to discover and learn about SMWS whisky, but also the benefits of being an SMWS member.

The bar is home to an ever-changing collection of more than 500 exclusive single malts from Scotland and beyond – the SMWS recently celebrated its 150th distillery release, from Ireland. The bar also offers the finest craft beers, artisanal spirits, cocktails and wines.

The 28 Queen Street venue hosts a busy programme of colourful whisky tasting experiences, previews of new SMWS bottlings, one-off whisky events and masterclasses as well as private bookings – there’s something for everyone.

Commenting on the prestigious award, Sarah Prior, Venue Manager at 28 Queen Street, said: “To win ‘Global Whisky Bar of the Year’ is an outstanding achievement and to gain that highest level of recognition is amazing.

“We pride ourselves on being a warm and welcoming bar with expertise in whisky, but Kaleidoscope is a fantastic bar for anyone to visit, whatever their level of whisky knowledge. If you’re a whisky lover already, it’s a must-visit location.

“The passion our staff have for the Society is embodied in our friendly and first-class service. Being open to non-members gives us the chance to show this love for the world’s most colourful whisky club.

“From ever-changing unique single malt and one-of-a-kind single cask drams to a range of summer cocktails and delicious bar snacks, there’s something to please every guest. As we welcome more visitors to our beautiful city over the summer months, Kaleidoscope Bar will be the place to visit in Edinburgh for locals and tourists alike.”

Begin a discovery of flavour with the Society now and find out more about visiting Kaleidoscope Bar here: smws.com/venues/28-queen-street



CONTACT DETAILS

28 Queen Street Edinburgh EH2 1JX

0131 220 2044

E: queenstreet@smws.com

F: @SMWSQueenStreet

T: @SMWSQueenStreet

I: @SMWS_queenstreet

Over The Bridge: Local residents to launch music festival in Stockbridge

A new three-day music event, Over the Bridge, is set to take place in Edinburgh this summer. The event will see some of Scotland and the UK’s biggest music acts take to the stage including James Arthur, Ella Eyre, Feeder and Razorlight, over one weekend from Friday 29th – 31st July at Raeburn Place sports ground in Stockbridge. 

Day and weekend tickets go on sale this Friday 8th April via Ticketmaster. Each day, live music will start at 1pm, ending at 9pm. 

On Friday 29th July, Over the Bridge will be headlined by Say You Won’t Let Go singer James Arthur (above), with Ella Eyre, Cassia, RATS, Alex Amor, Stina Marie Claire, and Aaron Smith completing the days line up. 

Saturday will see Glasgow rock band Twin Atlantic headline (below), with Feeder, Declan Welsh and the Decadent West, Liz Lawrence, Zuzu, Beren Olivia and Swiss Portrait also on the bill. 

Following the recent announcement of a reunion of the original lineup, the final day will see Razorlight (below) take to the stage, made famous for hits including America, Golden Touch, andIn the Morning to see out Over the Bridge after a day of music from Sports Team, Sam Ryder, Daytime TV, Luke La Volpe, Charlotte Jane and False Friends. 

Over the Bridge will also support Edinburgh’s favourite food and drink traders for guests to enjoy over the three days. The event will be using a reusable cup scheme to remove single use plastic waste. This will help improve sustainability, as well as reducing litter generally on and off the site.

Taking place at Raeburn Place in Stockbridge, Over the Bridge has been developed by Stockbridge residents Edward Wilson and Preston Mommsen.

Two years ago, the duo brought The Neighbourgood Market to the same location with the popular, vibrant food and drinks market returning last year over a twelve-week period.

The market showcased some of Scotland’s best food and drink offering from the likes of Stockbridge favourite Good Brothers Wine Bar, Innis & Gunn, The Peruvian, Pizza Geeks, Stag Bites, Edinburgh Gin and many more whilst visitors were also able to enjoy live music from local artists.

As residents who live and run businesses in Stockbridge, the pair recognised the potential impact that the event could have on local residents. They went through a thorough public consultation process with locals and the wider community to ensure Over the Bridge is a positive event that everyone can enjoy. This included liaising with the major community groups, letters to residents, door knocking and face to face Q&A sessions in the area.

Over the Bridge co-founder, Edward Wilson, said: “We’re extremely proud to be Edinburgh locals, and two years ago we wanted to bring something special to the city, which is when The Neighbourgood Market was born.

” After two tough years for Edinburgh, including a scaled back version of Fringe Festival, live music and arts have been on hold. This year, we wanted to bring live entertainment back to the city, so we are excited to announce the launch of the three-day music event, Over the Bridge.

“With a line up of amazing local and national acts, and with day and weekend tickets available, we hope it will be one of the highlights of this Summer in Edinburgh.”

Tickets for Over the Bridge go on sale at 10am on Friday 8th April, with day tickets starting at £50.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit: 

https://overthebridgeedinburgh.com/ 

Innovative Bon Accord drinks arrive in Morrisons’ Edinburgh stores

 

Edinburgh shoppers with a thirst for unique Scots drinks can now get a taste of the innovative Bon Accord brand in Morrisons after the company signed a new deal to supply their unique, naturally sweetened range to Morrisons supermarkets. 

100% naturally sweetened with real fruit juice and organic coconut nectar, Bon Accord contains no refined sugar or artificial sweeteners, making them the only soft drinks company to use this innovative, natural way of sweetening their drinks.  

Perfect for the health-conscious and environmentally-aware consumer, they’re sold in recyclable glass bottles, enhancing the company’s natural green credentials. 

Bon Accord co-founder Karen Knowles said: “We’re delighted that now even more customers will have the opportunity to buy our fizzy drinks.

“Our whole ethos is to inject a bit more joy into juice and that’s why we are committed to creating products that are not only tasty and good value but also a healthier option for our customers.

“With our 100% sweet by nature range, we’re aiming to help health-focused consumers take small steps to reduce refined sugar in their diet and feel good about fizz.” 

Bosses at the family-owned firm have also had a bit of fun compiling their own tasting notes, suggesting how the sparkling drinks can best accompany food. Forget a robust red – anyone for blue cheese with Rhubarb Soda? 

Five delicious varieties from the Bon Accord family will be available to buy in Morrisons across Edinburgh: 

  • Rhubarb Soda – 750ml bottle: Crisp and refreshing, with real rhubarb flavour, it’s a bestseller for a reason.  
  • Cloudy Lemonade – 750ml bottle: Tangy and tart with a zesty zin, exactly how lemonade should taste. This Cloudy Lemonade has all the hallmarks of a classic drink.  
  • Ginger Beer – 750ml bottle: Made with real ginger for a flavour that gently tingles and builds without overwhelming. 

    Rhubarb Soda and Ginger Beer will also be available to purchase in a handy 4 x 275ml pack. 

    Angus Bell, Senior Local Buying Manager, Scotland comments, “We are excited to introduce Bon Accord into 10 Morrisons stores in the East of Scotland as part of our Local Foodmakers programme.  

    “Many will remember the iconic Bon Accord delivery lorries and I’m sure that the reinvented, healthier and naturally sweetened range will be a big hit with our local customers. Morrisons’ Local Foodmakers programme searches for local food and drink makers of known and locally loved products and we have started working with over 100 new local suppliers through the programme, supporting local communities and economies.”

    Originally established in 1903 by the current founder’s great-great-grandfather in Arbroath Bon Accord delivered soft drinks to communities all over Scotland for over 100 years on their iconic lorries. Reimagined – and refreshed – in 2016, Bon Accord Soft Drinks is still a family-owned and run business, but times have changed and with a new generation at the helm, they are championing a new and exciting approach to pop.  

    For further information please visit www.bonaccordsoftdrinks.com 

Funding for local food initiatives

Projects that celebrate locally sourced and produced food and drink are being encouraged to apply for funding.

The Regional Food Fund aims to support the food and drink sector’s recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with £110,000 of Scottish Government funding.

The fund, managed by Scotland Food & Drink, provides grants of up to £5,000 to applicants across the country.

Last year the fund was allocated across 42 projects, which varied from helping regional food group producers in Argyll & Bute grow their sales, to supporting the expansion of the Bowhouse market in Fife to allow more local producers to showcase their food and drink offerings.

Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands said: “This government is committed to supporting and promoting Scotland’s local produce, which is some of the finest in the world.

“I would encourage eligible groups and businesses to apply for this year’s Regional Food Fund.

“Since its launch in 2018, the Regional Food Fund has provided over £550,000 to 121 projects, and this additional funding will support many more projects and initiatives.”

Fiona Richmond, Head of Regional Food at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “The Regional Food Fund has already played an important role in promoting food and drink in local communities and delivering benefits to Scotland’s local food and drink sector over the long-term.

“It’s great to see the fund reopen and continuing to promote and encourage great local food initiatives by supporting regional activities, networks and collaborative initiatives across the country.”

Regional Food Fund information and application

Who can apply?

  • individual businesses in the food and drink sector, including primary producers, on behalf of a collaborative group or project
  • regional and community groups (both rural and urban)
  • individuals on behalf of a collaborative group or project

The deadline for applications is 5pm, 9 May 2022.

Sizzling Pubs team up with Make-A-Wish UK to make dreams come true

Sizzling pubs, including The Robin’s Nest in Edinburgh, are teaming up with Make-A-Wish UK to help make dreams come true for seriously ill children across the UK. 

As part of the ‘Sizzling Community Change’ campaign, the pub chain has set themselves the goal of collectively raising one million pennies for their charity partner Make-A-Wish UK, and other local community good causes, through a series of fundraising activities.

With over 243 pubs across the UK, Sizzling prides themselves on their sense of community spirit – and this partnership with Make-A-Wish UK will help make a real difference to the lives of children in the local communities that their pubs are at the heart of.

Currently, around 63,000 children across the UK are eligible for a wish because they have a life-limiting or life-threatening condition. And Make-A-Wish UK aims to create hope, happiness and memories for the whole family to cherish by empowering children with the chance to choose a wish that’s unique to them.

The pub chain’s fundraising activity is set to kick off with the introduction of Sizzling’s ‘Light Nights’ menu, which will feature a charity dessert. The special Eton Mess Sundae will help raise money for Make-A-Wish UK, with 25p from each pudding being donated to the charity.

Tom Redwood, Operations Director at Sizzling Pubs, said: “Supporting local charities is part of what gives us our Sizzling spirit, and we hope this new partnership will help make a big difference to the lives of children and their families across the UK.

“We’re so proud to be supporting Make-A-Wish UK as part of our Sizzling Community Change campaign, and our charity dessert is just the beginning when it comes to the exciting fundraising activities we have planned for this year.”

Jason Suckley, Chief Executive at Make-A-Wish UK, said: “The power of a wish can revive a childhood stolen by critical illness. We are very grateful for the generous support of Sizzling Pubs, which will help Make-A-Wish UK be a light in the darkness for more children and their loves ones, granting wishes that leave a profound and lasting impact on all their lives.”

Discover which seriously ill children need help in your area and help make a wish come true using the Make-A-Wish UK ‘Wish Map’:

https://www.make-a-wish.org.uk/wishes/wish-map/

Celebrate the spring season at The Ivy on the Square

The Ivy on the Square has launched a delectable new menu embracing the flavours of spring.

With a sense of freshness and renewal, guests will be taken on a journey of rediscovery with a selection of delights featuring ingredients that the new season brings to our tables.

Launched on the official first day of spring, diners can enjoy a series of seasonal favourites that spotlight the best of British ingredients.

The new menu will feature a number of artisanal British suppliers, with dishes including Garden Pea & Nettle Soup (£6.95), Grilled Asparagus with Szechuan mayonnaise, capers, flaked almonds, quail’s egg and watercress (£8.50), The Ivy Shepherd’s Pie with slow-braised lamb and beef, red wine sauce, and Isle of Mull Cheddar potato mash (£14.50), and a renewed selection of steaks, all truly capturing the essence of the changing seasons.

A spokesperson for Isle of Mull Cheese, said: ‘We are delighted that The Ivy on the Square has chosen to include our farmhouse cheese on their menu, showcasing our island produce. 

‘The sharp and deep flavours of our cheese will make this dish extra special.  Our cheese has long running heritage, so it is great to see it being used by contemporary restaurants who appreciate the work that has gone into making it.’ 

Those with a sweet tooth will be able to enjoy a new Black Bee Honey and White Chocolate Cheesecake (£9.25), featuring UK-based Black Bee Honey and accompanied by mango sorbet, honeycomb and edible flowers.

Alongside new dishes, guests will be able to enjoy a delicious and refreshing selection of spring cocktails, including a Raspberry Mojito (£9.75), incorporating Havana Club Rum, lime, sugar, fresh mint and Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur, and a Smoked Islay Rob Roy (£9.75), featuring a sumptuous blend of Chivas 12yr old Blended Scotch, Noilly Prat, Belsazar, Red Vermouth, Angostura Bitters and a Laphroaig mist.

The Ivy on the Square will also be offering a limited-edition dessert this Easter. The Easter Nest (£9.95) is a sumptuous dark and white chocolate mousse, accompanied by Kataifi pastry, chocolate sponge and lemon balm, available on Easter weekend only from Friday, 15 to Monday, 18 April.  

Agata Lubera, General Manager at The Ivy on the Square, comments: “With reimagined favourites alongside a selection of new dishes, our new menu celebrates the best ingredients the spring season has to offer.

“A visit to The Ivy is the perfect reawakening of the senses after a long winter.”

To book a table, please visit www.theivyedinburgh.com    

Celebrate Mother’s Day with Fort Kinnaird

Mother’s Day is just a few days away, but there’s still time to pick up the perfect gift for the mother figure in your life.

Whether it’s dinner with family, her favourite perfume or a classic bouquet of flowers, there’s plenty to choose from at Fort Kinnaird.

  1. A family meal

Sometimes the most special gifts are those that you can enjoy together.

Brunch is a great way to spend the day, especially if you’re looking for Mother’s Day ideas for what to do. Browse the menu at Frankie & Benny’s for a delicious pancake stack – or celebrate in style with a cocktail at Fridays.

There’s also lots of restaurants to choose from for a Mother’s Day meal with options including wagamama, Bread Meats Bread and Pizza Express.

  1. A classic gesture

It doesn’t take big gestures to show someone how much they mean to you, a small token to say ‘thanks’ is sometimes all that it takes.

You can’t go wrong with a bunch of Mother’s Day flowers or a new houseplant from M&S to brighten up their day. Don’t forget to visit Card Factory for a Mother’s Day card too.

  1. A pampering present

Take the opportunity to restock their signature scent or treat them to a new fresh or floral fragrance for the spring/summer season at The Perfume Shop.

Boots also has a range of Mother’s Day gift sets to choose from, whether you’re after skincare, bath or beauty buys. Add a candle from Homesense to help them unwind with that at-home spa feeling.

For the ultimate cosy night in, treat them to a fresh set of pyjamas and a new pair of slippers from Next.

  1. A mindful moment

Whether their happy place is in the gym, garden, or curled up on the sofa, there’s got something for everyone.

Check out the fitness range at JD Sports for everything from apparel to yoga mats. Shop seeds, bird houses, gloves and more for keen gardeners at Wilko. Or browse the bestselling books at Waterstones to help them have the perfect day doing what they love.

  1. A special surprise

Surprising the mother figure in your life with an extra-special gift is sure to make them feel good on Mother’s Day and beyond.

Gift a little luxury with designer trainers or a coat from Tessuti. Or, treat them to a gorgeous set of earrings, or a Mother’s Day necklace from Goldsmiths or Beaverbrooks.

  1. An everyday essential

Handbags, purses and wallets are a great Mother’s Day gift idea, and whatever their style, you’ll have no trouble finding ‘the one’ at River Island.

If you’re hoping to wow with an extra big ‘thank you’ this year, visit Tessuti for a range of designer options.

  1. A sweet treat

If they have a serious sweet tooth, you can’t go wrong with a box of chocolates from Hotel Chocolat – the Velvetiser is also a must-have for chocoholics! 

For keen bakers or chefs, shop aprons, spatulas and pans galore at ProCook or treat them to a new cookbook from Nadiya Hussain or Jane’s Patisserie, packed with tasty cakes, bakes and treats.

  1. A homemade treasure

Take the time to make a handmade gift and show just how much they mean to you.

Make a thoughtful Mother’s Day hamper by adding a keepsake to treasure – find a range of personalised Mother’s Day gifts from homeware to accessories at Next. Or print out a family photo at Boots with a pretty frame from Homesense.

For more information about planning a trip to Fort Kinnaird, please visit www.fortkinnaird.com.

QUIDS IN: Morrisons customers can pick up Sunday lunch for less than a fiver ahead of Mother’s Day

– Morrisons offers a whole chicken, potatoes and two packs of veg for just £4.76 – Offer available in-store and online until Sunday 27th March to celebrate Mother’s Day

Morrisons is helping customers celebrate Mother’s Day by offering all the ingredients for a Sunday roast dinner for under a fiver. 

From today, customers will be able to pick up a whole chicken for £2.99, a pack of The Best Potatoes for 99p and two packs of vegetables for 39p each – bringing the total cost of the meal to just £4.76. 

Available across Morrisons Market Street, the products are all from British farms and usually retail up to a combined price of £6.98, saving customers over a third on their shopping bill.

Rebecca Halliday, Senior Seasonal Event Manager at Morrisons, says, “We know this is an important day to celebrate mums and everything they do. At under a fiver, we hope this offer means more people can afford to treat mum to a special roast this Mother’s Day.”

Morrisons Feed the Family for a Fiver Roast Dinner Deal is available in all 497 stores and online now. 

Morrisons will also be offering a ‘Pocket Money Menu’ in its cafes this week – a menu created by kids to include mums’ favourites such as tea, coffee, toasted teacakes and crumpets for just 99p, offering some of the best value on the high-street. 

Morrisons launch Pocket Money Menu for kids to treat Mum on Mother’s Day

Morrisons has revealed a new ‘Pocket Money Menu’ in all of our cafés to allow kids to treat their mums on their special day this year.

No need to worry about burnt toast in bed, every item on our ‘Pocket Money Menu’ is 99p or less meaning kids can treat their mum to a meal out without breaking the piggy bank. 

The menu has been inspired by our youngest shoppers and includes mums’ favourites including tea, coffee, toasted teacakes and crumpets for just 99p. Plus, Morrisons famous doughnuts are also on the menu for just 35p, so kids will be able to enjoy one too. 

According to RoosterMoney, the average pocket money for 4-10 year olds is £4.12 per week*, making the new pocket friendly café menu affordable for little shoppers to spoil their mum. 

Ali Lyons, Head of Café at Morrisons, says, “Mums are always finding ways to brighten our day. We hope that our 99p Pocket Money Menu will help sons and daughters to show mum their appreciation and spend some quality time together.”

We’ve also brought back our ‘Feed the Family’ offer for just £10 in our cafés nationwide this week – just in time for Mother’s Day.

Adults can choose from a range of café favourites including hand-battered fish and chips, lasagne, jacket potatoes and burgers as well as drinks such as soft drinks or coffee. For the kids, the offer includes smaller portions of chicken nuggets or macaroni cheese along with drinks such as Tropicana or milk. Children will also receive a piece of fruit alongside their main meals. 

Tea and coffee will remain at just 99p, making them one of the cheapest places to pick up a hot drink on the high street.

For more information and to find a local Morrisons café, please visit: https://my.morrisons.com/storefinder/

Hop To It: Morrisons Easter Egg range launches in stores

– Range includes four new luxury Easter eggs including a free-from choccy orange, cute Leo the Lion Cub and ‘Egg’ on Toast –

– Chocolate donuts are already causing a storm on social media –

– New hot cross bun flavours this year include Blondie, Apple & Cinnamon and Chocolate Orange –

Morrisons customers can get extra egg-cited this week as its new Easter range has now landed in stores. 

New products in the range include four luxury easter eggs: 

·         The Best Chocolate Collection Dark Egg – an indulgent rich Belgian dark, chocolate, with a creamy milk and white chocolate marbling

·         The Best Chocolate Collection Raspberry and Belgian White Egg – a creamy Belgian white chocolate, studded with tangy freeze-dried raspberry pieces

·         The Best Chocolate Collection Milk Egg – luxurious and smooth Belgian milk chocolate decorated with blue, red and white speckles

·         The Best Chocolate Collection Free From Seville Orange Choccy Egg – a chocolate orange egg, hand dipped in crunchy cocoa nibs with rich Belgian dark chocolate and Seville orange truffles, deliciously vegan and free-from gluten, wheat, egg and milk.

Morrisons has also been working to reduce plastic across its own-brand range and all of The Best Eggs this year will be completely plastic free. 

Morrisons will also be offering a chocolate ‘Egg on Toast’ and adorable Leo the Lion Cub, a toffee flavoured white and milk chocolate with dark chocolate decorations, which will be a ROAR-ing hit with families with kids. 

In addition, Morrisons has launched the UK’s first hollow Donut. It is toffee-flavoured and comes in with two toppings, white chocolate & pink drizzle or white chocolate & crispy pearls.

The new donuts are already causing a stir on social media with a post by @helenjtea amassing over 4,500 likes and comments from fans including “insane”, “Wow they look incredible” and “omg I actually thought this was a donut”. 

From this week, Morrisons customers will be able to pick up hot cross buns in four new flavours – Blondie, Apple & Cinnamon, Chocolate Orange and a fun savoury option Cheese & Jalapeño.

Customer favourites Extra Fruity and Lemon Drizzle will also be back on shelves for a second year.

Sarah Newton, Senior Product Developer at Morrisons, said: “We’re proud of this year’s Easter range, it features delicious treats our customers know and love plus some fun new flavours for the whole family to enjoy – all without breaking the bank.”

Morrisons Easter range is available in stores nationwide now with selected products available online. 

For more information visit: 

https://groceries.morrisons.com/browse/easter-confectionery-186013