Maker’s Mark, the handmade bourbon from Kentucky, has teamed up with Edinburgh’s finest bars and artisan producer Scottish Bee Company, to celebrate Maker’s Remarkable Neighbourhood Initiative for the first time in Scotland.
You can enjoy limited edition drinks on a new bourbon cocktail trail across Leith until May 31st.
Three Edinburgh bars, Nauticus, Mother Superior and Innis and Gunn, have created their twist on a Maker’s Mark’s ‘Gold Rush’ cocktail made with honey syrup, lemon, and Maker’s Mark bourbon.
The brand’s signature serve has been chosen for cocktail lovers to enjoy and, as a delicious option for those who might not have tried bourbon before, for its smooth and well–balanced flavours.
Imaginative drinks from Edinburgh’s top bartenders are available exclusively on curated menus in each bar until the end of the month and feature homegrown honey by Scottish Bee Company to enhance the bold flavours of Maker’s Mark bourbon.
Menu highlights in venues include a refreshing Fools Gold at Nauticus with Maker’s Mark, Edinburgh Honey Co, ginger, rooibos tea, fresh grapefruit and lime. Or try a smoky Maker Break cocktail at Mother Superior, expertly mixed with Maker’s Mark, Laphroaig 10yr Old, lemon and honey syrup.
The Remarkable Neighbourhood Initiative takes place in May throughout the UK across Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh, with 18 of the UK’s best bars and restaurants part of the exciting programme of craft cocktails and events.
All are designed to explore iconic bourbon cocktails whilst celebrating local communities and neighbourhoods. Bars have been selected for their superior quality and sustainable practice, and partnerships with local, artisan honey producers will occur in each city, paying homage to Maker’s Mark recent B – Corp certification.
Handcrafted in small batches, Maker’s Mark bourbon is crafted with precision and care to create a smooth yet full flavoured bourbon whiskey. Their production process includes rotating each barrel by hand and hand dipping each bottle at their distillery in Loretto, Kentucky in order to create the best-tasting Bourbon whiskey.
Edinburgh: Remarkable Neighbourhood – Edinburgh: Leith
Mother Superior Book your table by calling 0131 554 5280
Celebrate your local neighbourhood in style this May. MAKER’S MARK Remarkable Neighbourhood runs until May 31st across Leith in Edinburgh. For more information, visit https://www.makersmark.com/uk
Eve, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s all day dining venue, is excited to announce the grand launch of its Courtyard in partnership with Patrón Tequila – one of the world’s leading tequila brands.
The launch will coincide with the beloved Cinco de Mayo celebration, taking place tomorrow (Friday, 5th May) between 5pm-10pm followed by an entire weekend of thrilling festivities on the Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th May between 3pm – 10pm.
The Eve Courtyard is set to be a haven of blissful entertainment and delight, offering guests the opportunity to relax in the warm glow of the sun while sipping on tantalizing tequila creations and indulging in traditional Mexican small plates, known as ‘Botanas’, curated exclusively for the Courtyard launch.
Patrón Tequila has transformed the Courtyard into a homage to its Mexican roots and tequila-making tradition, providing an exclusive food menu that includes Lamb Shoulder Barbacoa Taco and Smoked Mushroom Taco. We will also provide a selection of Margarita and Paloma cocktails crafted with Patrón Silver, offering guests the perfect way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style.
As the sun sets and the stars come out, the Courtyard will come alive with the sounds of live music from Los Chichanos and Pilgrims Society, two vibrant and energetic bands that bring the party to Edinburgh’s late-night fiestas. With performances all weekend long, they will elevate guests’ experience with an unforgettable soundtrack to their weekend.
There will also be pinatas bursting with prizes and Mexican bingo for some friendly competition, to name but a few. Plus, Patrón popcorn and frozen cocktails will be on offer to keep guests cool and refreshed.
David Moth, Virgin Hotels Vice President of Operations and Interim General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh said: “We are thrilled to bring the vibrant spirit of Mexico to life at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh with our Eve Courtyard launch event in partnership with Patrón for Cinco de Mayo.
“It’s an exciting celebration with delicious cocktails and food that will transport guests to the flavours of Mexico. But that’s not all – we have surprises and delights planned all weekend, including the chance to win an overnight luxury stay in Sir Richard Branson’s flat. It’s going to be a weekend filled with fun, festivities, and unforgettable experiences.”
Cinco de Mayo is just one of many events hosted Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is hosting. Eve will be host of many seasonal activations and brand takeovers throughout the year with Patron taking over the Eve Courtyard for the next 3 months of summer. To stay up to date with the latest news and events, follow Virgin Hotels Edinburgh’s Eve channels on social media here:
Kimpton Charlotte Square is honouring the annual World Earth Day (22 April) with a new ‘Plant Pals’ initiative.
The five-star hotel will offer locally sourced plants for guests to enjoy in-room upon request. The complimentary offering is available for all guests and can be arranged at any point prior or during the stay, simply book via the website or request from the front of house team at the hotel.
With the plants named after Scottish philanthropist, Mary Erskpine (Erskine) and one of the first women to graduate from the University of Edinburgh, Flora Philip, guests are invited to immerse in nature and bask in the atmosphere of female empowerment.
What’s more, for every Plant Pal request at the hotel, Kimpton Charlotte Square will in return plant a tree on behalf of the guest through its rewilding charity partner, Trees for Life – as part of its commitment to protect nature against climate change.
Studies have shown that plants have the ability to boost your mood and increase productivity, so this is the perfect in-room addition for those celebrating a special occasion, visiting for work, or touring the city.
Kimpton Charlotte Square also invites non-hotel guests to try remote working in The Garden, an indoor courtyard space, where they can feel a sense of calm among the greenery and natural light as they utilise the space for a ‘WFH’ day.
Plant Pals joins a host of other thoughtful programs and wellness perks at Kimpton Charlotte Square, including yoga mats available in every room and complimentary Kimpton bikes to explore the city. Guests can also relax and recharge in the hotel’s luxurious spa.
Guests looking for the ultimate relaxing spring escape can enjoy the hotel’s All You Can Suite package, which includes an eclectic dining experience at the hotel’s destination restaurant, BABA, and a night stay in a signature suites, alongside complimentary bath salts & invigorating body oil from Scottish skincare brand, Ishga.
To book Plant Pals or add it to the All You Can Suite package, visit kimptoncharlottesquare.com. Standard Double rooms start from £220.
Edinburgh Restaurant Named Venue in AA Restaurant Guide 2023
Award-winning Italian restaurant Divino has just been named a top destination in the prestigious AA Restaurant Guide 2023.
There are some great events happening at Divino this month, all offer a unique night out and a fun way to get together with friends or family and enjoy great food and wine without the need for a special occasion to celebrate!
Veneto Regional Menu Nights – April 20th and 27th – Chef Andrea has developed a three-course menu with canapés, mains and petit fours for £39 celebrating the northern region known for its fresh seafood and famous cicchetti. Guests can add paired wines for an additional £26.
Sardinia Wine Night – April 30th – Featuring 5 fabulous wines from the island of Sardinia paired with matching canapes, guests at Divino will experience the rich & complex flavours of the region for just £25 beginning at 5pm.
Wednesday Jazz Nights – Every single Wednesday, enjoy live jazz from 7:30pm onwards, the perfect accompaniment to a glass of wine and good company.
Guests invest in good causes with every stay at Ten Hill Place
GUESTS at a forward-thinking Scottish hotel will have the chance to make a meaningful contribution towards improving the environment, simply by forgoing housekeeping visits mid-stay.
Ten Hill Place Hotel in Edinburgh will contribute towards ecological initiatives every time a guest opts out of room cleaning during a two-or-more night stay.
Contributions made by the hotel, which is owned by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, when guests abstain from housekeeping will offset half a tonne of CO₂e a night.
The new collaboration with Ecologi has already resulted in 100 tonnes of CO₂e offset through a verified carbon avoidance project in Thailand, generating electricity from wind. 100 tonnes of CO₂e is roughly equivalent to 55 round-trip flights from London to New York.
The next project set to receive support will be a small-scale onshore wind power project in Sri Lanka – with projects set to change every four months.
The new initiative follows a major carbon audit on every aspect of the hotel’s operations by Carbon Futures Ltd and Business Energy Scotland which has already resulted in rolling out daylight sensors and set the plans for plant equipment upgrades that would help the Old Town hotel introduce its own energy sources.
Mark McKenzie, General Manager at Surgeons Quarter which operates the 129-bedroom hotel, said: “It’s very important to us that we make decisions which positively impact the environment and ensure this is at the heart of all of our operations – while also actively encouraging guests to minimise their effects on the environment.
“Ten Hill Place Hotel is a good choice for conscious consumers as we are committed to doing our bit for the planet. With more and more people looking to live a greener life at home –it makes sense to stay at a hotel with similar ambitions.
“However, we’re still mindful of the effects that travel and the tourism industry have on our planet which has been reflected into how we fulfil all our green commitments and continue the highest standards possible.”
A doorhanger has been designed for all guest rooms explaining the initiative with a QR code linking to the venue’s Ecologi profile so guests can learn about the various projects supported to date.
Linda Adams, Head of Partnerships at Ecologi, said: “When businesses put sustainability in their plans, the list of wins really does go on and on. It is great to be working with Surgeons Quarter and see organisations stepping up and taking climate action to make a positive difference.”
The venue’s commitment to sustainability has been ongoing for many years. In 2019 the hotel joined a Scottish Water campaign and removed single use bottles of water in the 129 bedrooms to reduce plastic waste. This has already saved around 80,000 plastic bottles and £22k per year.
Six electric EV points are available for use by guests staying at Ten Hill Place, with more than £20,000 invested into the Garo charging ports with an ambition that the Hill Place hotel car park will, in the near future, only be accessible to electric vehicles.
Surgeons Quarter Brand ambassador, Sandra Carruthers, added: “Working in partnership with Ecologi has enabled us to identify creative ways to be more sustainable while positively influencing and adhering to legislation at local and national levels.”
The 129-bedroom hotel is operated by Surgeons Quarter– the commercial arm of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) – with profits put back into advancing surgical standards and improving patient outcomes worldwide.
Surgeons Quarter has also retained Gold Green Tourism Award since 2008 for the efforts to minimise its impact on the planet.
New partnership launched with Alpha Art in Edinburgh
EDINBURGH’s award-winning five-star Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel has welcomed the new season through an new exhibition, ‘Gilded Attestation’, presented in partnership with local gallery Alpha Art.
With many looking out for the first signs of spring, including the arrival of the spectacular cherry blossom trees in the meadows, the hotel has collaborated with artists that beautifully encapsulate nature coming to life after a cold winter.
The new exhibition showcase works by Jack Frame, who is particularly renowned for his oil painted cherry blossom trees suspended in the centre of the canvas, isolated from all other natural elements on gold and silver leaf backgrounds.
Due to his growing popularity, he is on track to become one of the UK’s most collectable artists.
The display also features works by artist Russell Hatton, who uses gold leaf and deep colours to create reflective polished surfaces onto aluminium.
His technique of using high-tech industrial paints allows him to create striking pieces that test the boundaries of art by using non-traditional materials. Russell’s finish creates a space illusion which reflects the wonders of the universe.
Established in 2006, Alpha Art is an independent contemporary gallery located in Stockbridge. The gallery represents a wide variety of emerging and established international artists. The gallery presents a selection of events throughout the year, taking part in several festivals and contemporary art fairs. The ‘Gilded Attestation’ exhibition showcasing at the hotel is a first for the gallery.
Guests and members of the public are invited to see Jack and Russell’s work on display at Kimpton Charlotte Square from Monday 27 March and will continue until mid-May.
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!”
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh was officially opened yesterday by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson. The event marks a significant milestone for the hotel which opened its doors in June 2022 and has since been enjoying tremendous success.
Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the final phase of the launch will see the opening of the hotel’s 222 Chambers and Grand Chamber Suites as well as all dining outlets including, the hotel’s flagship restaurant, Commons Club, which features a lively bar and a locally-inspired menu, Eve, an all-day dining space as well as Greyfriars Hall, a 19th century church that has been beautifully restored and repurposed as a special event venue and an exclusive rooftop terrace with unobstructed Edinburgh Castle views.
Since opening its doors, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh has quickly become one of the city’s most sought-after destinations for both locals and visitors alike.
The hotel’s prime location, combined with its exceptional service and unique design, has earned it numerous accolades, including being named one of the “Best New Hotels in the World” by Travel + Leisure and voted one of the “Best Hotels to Stay in Edinburgh for 2023” by Conde Nast Traveller.
Virgin Group Founder, Sir Richard Branson, said:“I am thrilled to mark the grand opening of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh – the first Virgin Hotels property to launch in Europe – in this most wonderful city.
“This is an incredible hotel that truly embodies the spirit of both the Virgin brand and the quirks and traits of Edinburgh’s beautiful Old Town – a place where people can come together to have fun, relax and enjoy all that this wonderful city has to offer.”
To mark the occasion an exclusive musical performance from Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo piper, Louise Marshall, played a selection of traditional Scottish songs on the hotel’s roof terrace against the impressive backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Virgin Hotels CEO, James Bermingham, said:“We are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved with Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.
“From the beginning, we set out to create a hotel that would be unlike anything else in the city – a place where locals and guests could come and feel welcome and inspired, and where they could experience the best of Edinburgh.
“We’re thrilled to see the hotel officially open and thriving, and we look forward to welcoming even more guests in the years to come.”
SPRINGBOARD RUNS DESTINATION HOSPITALITY PROGRAMME TO SUPPORT EMPLOYMENT
Refugees from the Ukraine have successfully found work in Edinburgh hotels after completing the Destination Hospitality Programme to advance employment skills and help people into jobs in the UK hospitality industry.
Nine individuals fled the war and were enrolled onto the programme, run in Edinburgh by Springboard, a charity set up to support people – and particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds – find employment in hospitality.
The employability course was funded by Solidarity Accor, Accor’s long-established endowment fund created to fight economic and social exclusion, and was run in partnership with Accor.
Olga, who left the Ukraine with her children, has secured a role as a receptionist at ibis South Bridge, shares: “I was amazed by the willingness to help, involvement and flexibility of all Springboard team members.
“They were ready to find additional placement after learning that the biggest part of our group didn’t have normal access to the internet in our accommodation. They were ready to rebuild and customize some days of the program to respond to the group’s needs. Moreover, they helped me not to forget who I am.
“The Springboard charity course gave me an opportunity to understand the standards of the UK customer service and hospitality working approaches which are a little different from Ukrainian ones.
“Being a stranger in a new country, it’s necessary to understand local rules, and business habits and build professional connections. Springboard’s mentors helped me a lot not only with studying modules but with advice and psychological support.”
Maryna, a single mother who fled the war in the Ukraine to find shelter for herself and daughter in Scotland, is now successfully working as an F&B Assistant at the ibis Edinburgh Centre, South Bridge.
Commenting on the programme, she expalined: “I learned to work in a team and I have become more confident. I learned many differences in working with clients in my country, Ukraine and Scotland.
“Given that I am a refugee from Ukraine, I would like to be useful for the country which provided us with shelter. Eventually, I would like to return to Ukraine and bring the knowledge I received here to my home country.”
The Destination Hospitality programme was a three-week programme consisting of in-person and online training and engagement to help to develop soft skills and industry-specific knowledge/qualifications, culminating in a one-week work placement.
The programme offered work placements in several Accor hotels in Edinburgh including Novotel Edinburgh Centre, Lauriston Place; ibis Edinburgh Centre, South Bridge; and ibis Edinburgh, Royal Mile.
Fran Carr, Talent & Culture Director, Accor UKI, commented: “Accor, our hotel teams and Solidarity Accor are proud to work with partners like Springboard to create a brighter future for those who deserve it.
“It is our duty to support those impacted by economic and social exclusion, and why programmes like this are so important. I’m excited to hear of the ongoing success these new recruits achieve.”
Chris Gamm, CEO, Springboard, commented: “It was a huge honour to work with this highly capable and enthusiastic cohort of candidates.
“The hospitality industry desperately needs great people and each individual brought a unique skill set to the table, along with a desire to learn and a real drive to get back to work.
Having experienced a huge upheaval in their lives and been forced to leave everything, including their careers, behind, it is admirable to see this resilience in action.”
