leisure – Page 13 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Popular Burger Joint Luxford Pops Up at Edinburgh’s Fore Play Crazy Golf

Scotland’s Burger Restaurant of the Year – Luxford Burgers, has announced a new residency for their delicious buns at Edinburgh’s top alternative night out, Fore Play Crazy Golf.

Launched yesterday (Wednesday, 2nd February), Luxford means business and will be tantalising hungry crazy golf-goers with a menu bursting with their signature burgers and sides as they pop up at Picardy Place for the next few months.

With each gourmet burger named after cult movies, the bespoke new menu will offer a mouthwatering selection of burgers not for the faint hearted including ‘The Highlander’ (above) – a meaty showstopper with two stacked 4oz aged Scotch steak patties, layered with double American cheese, crispy smoked streaky bacon, LUX sauce and pickles.

Run don’t walk for ‘The Chicken Run’; crispy garlic chicken fillet topped with double American cheese, crispy smoked streaky bacon and LUX sauce.

Veggie fans will love ‘The Italian Job’ with fried halloumi wedges, sun-blushed tomatoes, club dressing, wild rocket and red pepper pesto.

Meanwhile 100% vegan ‘The Shining’ will light up your Instagram feed, with their blackened cajun-spiced jackfruit burger with smashed avocado, vegan cheese, sriracha sauce and homemade sweet potato crisps.

For those looking for a little side hustle, Luxford will be serving up finger-licking sides including skin-on and sweet potato fries sprinkled with fresh rosemary sea salt plus chicken katsu fries, fully loaded with diced crispy chicken and katsu mayo.

From sipping on playful cocktails to enjoying tasty gourmet burgers or tackling their signature crazy golf courses, you’re guaranteed to leave your troubles behind after your time on and off the green at Fore Play Crazy Golf.

Craig Neilson, Chief Greenkeeper at Fore Play Crazy Golf said: “Luxford is one of Edinburgh’s most talked about burger joints and they are the perfect fit for our crazy golf experience at Fore Play.

“We love collaborating with local businesses and we can’t wait for our guests to sink their teeth into their gourmet creations. With extended opening hours kicking off for February, you can now visit us Wednesday to Sunday for your competitive socialising fix!”

Alexander Galpin, owner of Luxford Burgers said: “We’re extremely passionate about serving up top-quality, freshly prepared burgers to the masses and we can’t wait to take it to the next level at Fore Play Crazy Golf.’

Love is also on the menu this Valentine’s Day with the shiny new Valentine’s Package at Fore Play.

Enjoy a hit from cupid with the brand new Match-maker’s Margarita, a frozen strawberry pink margarita complete with love heart gummies.

Available from 7 – 27 February, ‘Two Birdies Sitting in a Tree’ includes a glass of prosecco on arrival, one round of golf, one cocktail of the moment, one drink and a meal at just £29.95pp per couple.

Book now at https://foreplaycrazygolf.co.uk/

Christmas opening times at Fort Kinnaird

For those looking to fit in some last-minute festive shopping, Fort Kinnaird has confirmed its opening times for the run up to Christmas.

The centre will be open from 9am until 6pm on Saturday, 10am until 6pm on Sunday and from 9am until 9pm Monday to Thursday. On Christmas Eve, Fort Kinnaird will be open from 9am to 5pm.

Fort Kinnaird is home to a huge range of brands, including high street favourites Clark’s, Next and OFFICE, and restaurants such as Bread Meats Bread, Nando’s and Wagamama, as well as a 7 screen ODEON cinema.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “We know many people have started their Christmas shopping early this year, but there’s also many who still have plenty to do or those last few bits to buy.

“We’re open right up until Christmas Eve, and look forward to welcoming visitors doing their festive shopping or spending some quality time with friends and family – right up to the big day.

“With our late night opening hours, we’re giving people even longer to shop meaning they can choose to visit at a time that’s more convenient or perhaps a little quieter for them.”

The centre continues to have extra measures in place to help visitors feel safe. Face coverings are compulsory in all indoor areas and we’re encouraging everyone to maintain a safe distance from others.

We have enhanced cleaning regimes in place and our retailers are encouraging contactless payments where possible. Our stores and restaurants are also carefully managing visitor numbers to be confident that everyone can maintain social distancing.

Free parking is available as usual, and all visitors are encouraged to check the opening hours for individual retailers directly with them before setting off.

The centre’s opening times for the rest of the festive period are:

Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: 9am – 6pm
27th- 30th December: 9am – 9pm
New Year’s Eve: 9am – 5pm
New Year’s Day: Cinema and selected restaurants open only. Please check with individual retailers for opening hours
2nd January: 9am – 6pm

For more information to help plan your festive trip to Fort Kinnaird, head here.

Maison Sport reports 200% growth in customer base

Huge boost for UK travel tech business indicates increasing consumer confidence
Business announces plans to target Italian ski tourism market

Ski instructor marketplace, Maison Sport has reported a 200 per cent rise in customers compared to previous seasons, raising confidence that ski tourism is set for a strong recovery despite recent covid developments.

The Edinburgh-based company, founded by three ex-British ski team members which connects its customers directly with the best independent ski and snowboard instructors, has also announced plans to target the Italian market for the first time.

Maison Sport says it is currently averaging £100k a week of new bookings, up from its pre-pandemic level of £30k a week at the same time in 2019. The company has also doubled the number of instructors on its books compared to the 2019/2020 season to 1300 and has reported a 30 per cent rise in customer spending for this time of year, all pointing to growing post-Covid confidence in the recovery of the European ski tourism market.

This latest news follows Maison Sport’s successful fundraise in May where the company secured £1.25million in external investment from both individual investors and a crowdfunding campaign.

Founded in 2016 by former ski champion brothers Nick and Olly Robinson and fellow ex-British Ski Team member Aaron Tipping, the company now boasts the third largest selection of instructors in comparison to any ski school in the world.

Over the past year, Maison Sport grew its team to 20 people and also opened a new, larger head office in Edinburgh. With its innovative platform continuing to grow, overcoming the significant challenges facing the global travel industry, the company plans further expansion into Asia and South America over the course of 2022.

Maison Sport has proven to be a game changer for independent ski and snowboard instructors who can significantly increase their earnings using the platform. The marketplace has surpassed 34,000 hours of lessons taught in 364 ski resorts across Europe.

Founder and CEO, Nick Robinson said: “The significant growth in our customer numbers underline both the success in developing our business model and the rising consumer confidence in the resurgence of the ski tourism market.

“Even though the recent identification of the new Omicron variant may disrupt some travel plans people are obviously keen to get back on the slopes and our instructors are ready and waiting.

“Despite the difficulties posed by Covid-19, this latest development follows a pivotal year for the business where we secured significant investment, grew our base of instructors, and entered new markets.

“This progress continues with our expansion into Italy, where we’re already seeing impressive numbers of customers signing up to our platform. Italian customers, who’ve have typically had to book ski or snowboard lessons last minute, are now benefitting from our platform which allows them to source the best instructors and book them in advance of their ski holiday.”

City climbers to scale new heights

A new climbing slab wall, suitable for novices and intermediate climbers has been unveiled at Europe’s largest indoor climbing wall, the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena at Ratho.

Fifteen new lines, suitable for novices and intermediate climbers, will increase the offering to these groups by 50%. These new lines will allow up to 45 more colour coded, graded climbs to be set within the arena. A third of the lines, five in total, have the addition of auto belays, meaning a climber doesn’t require a partner to ‘belay’.

Nic Crawshaw, Climbing Operations Manager at EICA: Ratho explained: “Designed as a venue for national and international competitions and as a national centre for climbing, our fantastic facility at the EICA: Ratho caters particularly well for advanced and elite climbers.

“The installation of these new lines will enhance and make the climbing experience more accessible for new and the less experienced climber, and especially children and young people, disability climbing groups, and people involved in our Active Communities programme.

“With increased wall space suitable for these groups, we hope that it’ll increase the number of people getting involved in climbing for the first time. However, given the design of the new wall, it will also provide a few technical challenges for the more advanced climber too. It’s all about bringing climbing to more people.”

The project was funded by Edinburgh Leisure, who manage the facility at EICA: Ratho, and match funded by sportscotland, with an endorsement from Mountaineering Scotland. King Kong Climbing Walls from Cumbria built the walls after being successful in a tendering process.

Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said: “We work closely with partners across the country including Edinburgh Leisure to create the right facilities that will provide more opportunities for people to get active in their local communities.

“So, it’s great to see this new climbing wall at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, which will further enhance the already fantastic facilities that are available at Ratho and specifically create opportunities to help less experienced climbers develop their skills.

“Our investment in facilities such as this is made possible thanks to the National Lottery players who raise £30million each week for good causes. Without that level of support, developing community facilities like the new climbing wall would not be possible.”

Stuart Younie, CEO, Mountaineering Scotland said: “Following the debut of climbing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, Ratho provides a unique and important facility for the sport both at a national and international level.

“It provides both a gateway for new participants and also an important training venue for those who are working towards competing at the highest levels in the sport. The new slab wall will open opportunities for more people to enjoy the benefits of participating in climbing as part of a clear participation pathway giving them the opportunity to progress and develop their skills.

“By supporting this project Mountaineering Scotland and the ClimbScotland programme also hope it will underpin further investment and support for the development of climbing at all levels to ensure the EICA: Ratho is a truly world class facility.”

Edinburgh Leisure is a charity on a mission to help keep people active and well always. They run over 50 sport, leisure and school venues and are committed to creating opportunities for everyone to get active and stay active.

Their Active Communities Programme harnesses the power of physical activity and sport to tackle inequalities and combat the effects of inactivity. Each year they support around 10,000 people affected by health conditions, disabilities, inequalities, and poverty to get active – empowering them to improve and protect their health, wellbeing, and quality of life.

For more information:
https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/edinburgh-international-climbing-arena

Edinburgh Leisure: Turn your small change into big changes

Will you be in for a penny?

Turn your small change into big changes when you join Edinburgh Leisure with a reduced joining fee of just 1p!

The offer is available from today, Monday 25th October, until Sunday, 7 November 2021 on any of their swim, gym, fitness classes and climb memberships and is available to buy online only.

As everyone is different and needs to find their own way to a healthy and active life, Edinburgh Leisure offers a range of different membership options to suit everyone including swim, gym and fitness class only to full monthly memberships. By offering different types of membership, people can match their activity preferences to their pocket.

With 30+ venues including 1 climbing centre, 8 swimming pools, 13 gyms, and 800+ fitness classes per week, Edinburgh Leisure is the ‘biggest club in town’ providing the widest range of fitness classes, state of the art facilities and community-based programmes across the capital.

To join online, visit: https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/in-for-a-penny

Scotch Malt Whisky Society celebrates annual Gathering with full lineup of UK-wide events

The world’s most entertaining whisky club honours its members in style with events and tastings across the UK for their annual September Gathering

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) celebrates its annual September Gathering by showcasing a range of whisky tasting events across its signature UK venues.

Throughout the month the Society is hosting a series of events for members and non-members, with one exciting activation every weekend across each of their four UK locations; Glasgow, London, Edinburgh Queen Street, and The Vaults, Leith.

The Gathering 2021 launches at The Vaults on Friday, 4September and ends with a virtual tasting on Thursday, 30 September.

As part of the Gathering, the Society has partnered with Linn Products, creators of some of the world’s finest music systems.

Founded in Glasgow in 1973, Linn goes to extremes to pursue musical perfection and designs and manufactures premium music systems that bring consumers closer to the music that they love.

The partnership will feature Linn Lounges at Society’s London and Glasgow venues, offering both members and non-members the opportunity to taste whisky whilst enjoying music from some of the worlds most decorated bands.

Other key events in this year’s programme include The Gathering’s take over at Glasgow’s WEST Brewery, which includes a three-course dinner and a five-dram tasting event hosted by Master Ambassador, John McCheyne and, a spectacular festival of whisky in Edinburgh’s Queen Street Gardens, featuring dram bars, culinary delights from local producers and a live DJ performance from long-standing BBC radio presenter, Vic Galloway.

Helen Stewart, Head of Marketing and Membership at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, said: “For this year’s Gathering we have taken advantage of our four stunning Members’ Rooms to celebrate the love of whisky with our members.

“The 2021 Gathering line-up features a wealth of exciting events, which encourages our members to share their passion for whisky and offers the chance for new guests to explore the Society’s flavour profiles and what our Members’ Rooms have to offer.

“From a colourful festival of music and whisky to dram tastings and Society suppers, each occasion is incredibly unique and this year we look forward to welcoming our members and their guests to this annual celebration of our whisky community.”

For members ‘afar’ there will also be an immersive programme of home entertainment and virtual tastings, to bring ‘the spirit of The Vaults’ to members, no matter where they are.

Joe Rodger, Linn International Brand Manager, added: “The parallels between good whisky and good music run more than skin deep. Music is the soundtrack to the best times of our lives, and when it’s done right, we savour the difference.

“We are both proud and excited to be partnering with the SMWS. The meticulous focus on quality and provenance of Scotch whisky aligns beautifully with our own mission; we know our music systems are in good company, alongside whisky, as Scotland’s finest exports.”

For details on all the events and to buy tickets, visit: https://cutt.ly/SMWS-The-Gathering-2021

September Gathering Programme

Edinburgh, The Vaults – 4^th September:

4^th September – The Gathering in the Courtyard. Members will have the opportunity to purchase a ticket for a tasting session throughout the day. These include a rum tasting with Society ambassador Olaf Meier and an in-depth tasting session featuring this year’s Gathering exclusive releases hosted by The Vault’s own Dean M.

Edinburgh, Queen Street – 11^th September:

11^th September – Gathering in the Gardens. For an extra £20, members will be able to take part in a signature one hour Gathering tasting masterclass, taking place at 3.30 pm and 7.00 pm.

London, Greville Street – 17^th September – 18^th September

17^th September and 18^th September – Greville Street: Linn Lounge – Fleetwood Mac Whisky and Music Experience.

Glasgow, Bath Street – 24^th – 25^th September

22^nd September – Bath Street: Linn Lounge – Led Zeppelin Whisky and Music Experience.

25^th September – The Gathering goes West.

29th September – Bath Street: Linn Lounge – Pink Floyd Whisky and Music Experience.

For more information about The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Membership click here.

Find your Olympic spirit and up your fitness game

Edinburgh Leisure launches new membership campaign

If the recent Olympics and Paralympics happening in Tokyo have inspired you to up your fitness game, Edinburgh Leisure’s latest membership offer may be just what you need to spur you on.

For those of you who may have neglected your fitness routine during lockdown, or for those who may have cancelled their gym memberships in a bid to save a few pounds but want to get active again, the enticing ‘no joining fee’ offer is available on new memberships from Wednesday, 1 September to Thursday, 30 September 2021.

Applicable to all fitness, swim, gym, class and climb memberships, the offer can be bought online via the Edinburgh Leisure website.

And if you want to share your fitness journey with a friend, existing members who refer a friend who then joins, will receive £25 cash back. For the first time, the ‘Refer a Friend’ offer will be processed using an online form.

With 50+ venues across the city, including a world class climbing centre; 8 swimming pools, which include four modernised Victorian pools and the Royal Commonwealth Pool in their portfolio; 12 state-of-the-art gyms; and 800+ fitness classes per week including Les Mills programmes across the various centres, Edinburgh Leisure is the biggest club in town, with something for everyone to enjoy moving and getting fitter.

With adult memberships starting from as little as £33.50, there is a range of packages, including swim, fitness, gym and climbing.

www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

People in Edinburgh set to be more spontaneous!

Capital’s citizens plan to make up for lost time

Almost three quarters (72 per cent) of people in Edinburgh promise to be more spontaneous now that restrictions have eased, as they say they’re more likely to live life in the moment, and over two thirds (68 per cent) want to make lots of plans while they can.

New research by Fort Kinnaird reveals that people in Edinburgh are planning to make the most of the rest of the summer, having missed out on what is estimated to be almost a month of non-stop quality time with family and friends since the pandemic began last year.

While many admit they took the simple things for granted before lockdown, such as the freedom to go out when they wanted (44 per cent) and spending time with friends (34 per cent), people in Edinburgh are ready to start enjoying some of their favourite things again.

Over half (51 per cent) put spending time with friends at the top of the list of things they’re going to enjoy the most now that restrictions have eased and over a third (39 per cent) said enjoying more days out.

Meanwhile, for over a third (35 per cent) going to the beach or on a staycation is high on the list of priorities, along with going to the pub (28%), eating indoors with friends (24%), going on a shopping spree (19%) and going to the cinema (17%).

Surprisingly, throwing a party (12 per cent) and seeing an unlimited group of people (16 per cent) are lower on the priority list even after restrictions have eased, suggesting people are looking to spend more quality time with those closest to them.

The research also revealed what those in Edinburgh missed the most when non-essential shops and indoor dining were closed. The top three things most missed about shopping in real life were picking up what you need when you need it rather than waiting for an online order to arrive (34 per cent), the joy of window shopping (28 per cent) and having a big shopping day out with friends (27 per cent).

Meanwhile, when it came to indoor dining, having an evening meal out with friends and family (43 per cent), eating food that has been cooked by a professional (33 per cent) and having someone serve your meal to your table (26 per cent) were the things respondents missed the most.

Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Our research shows that people are gearing up to make up for lost time with loved ones.

“We’ve seen lots of families and groups of friends visiting the centre to enjoy a day or evening out since restrictions started to ease and we’re looking forward to welcoming more visitors.”

Fort Kinnaird continues to have extra measures in place to help visitors feel safe. It remains mandatory for visitors to wear a face covering in all indoor settings if they can, and hand sanitising stations remain throughout the centre along with enhanced cleaning regimes.

The square outside Granton Station will be called … (drum roll) … Granton Station Square!

The area outside the former Granton Station, being built for local people and visitors to enjoy community events and recreation, is to be named … ehm, Granton Station Square!

The square, together with the restoration of the building has agreed funding of up to £4.75m, with part of this being provided through the Scottish Government Regeneration Capital Grant Fund support and town centre funding.

This restoration forms part of the City of Edinburgh Council’s wider £1.3bn regeneration project for Granton Waterfront.

The name was chosen following consultation with local residents and groups as well as the Council asking people for suggestions online.

Cammy Day, Council Depute Leader, said: “Thanks to everyone who took part in the consultation for the new name. It’s really important to us that local people are involved in every step of the process as we progress our £1.3bn regeneration of the area creating homes, jobs and new communities.

“The name is important as the refurbished Granton Station and new Square will be a focal point in the area for the community and visitors to enjoy for generations to come.”

Krispy Kreme & Xbox go next level

Gaming champion Kem Cetinay at St James Quarter Meet & Eat surprise drop TONIGHT

Gaming and doughnut fans around the world have been going wild for the new Krispy Kreme x Xbox collab drop and they want more – and Krispy Kreme with Xbox are SO here for it!

New research by Krispy Kreme revealed that re-connecting since lockdown restrictions ended has been a balm to Brits, as 75% admitted they’ve made more of an effort to do so in recent weeks. To support this, Krispy Kreme and Xbox continue their collaborate with a series of incredible drops hitting Krispy Kreme stores across the nation.

Within the research, the doughnut retailer found:

For a third of Brits, the warm, sweet smell of doughnuts is the ultimate smile-generator
For 25% of us, simply the look of a doughnut can create a smile
Almost half of Brits (44%) love to share food with loved ones

Gamer and doughnut fan Kem Cetinay, nominated as the ‘gamifying doughnuts master’ will be popping up at the Krispy Kreme store in St James Quarter, Edinburgh tonight to serve up doughnuts and Xbox Series S consoles, and will be on hand to share his cheeky smile for some Covid-safe customer selfies (for over 18’s or those with an adult).

It’ll be game on in stores! Fans aged over 18 or accompanied by an adult will get the chance to get on an Xbox Series S console and challenge Kem to his favourite games on Xbox Games Pass (socially distanced)… if they win, an Xbox Series S immediate win is promised to one lucky winner, as well as the glory!

Catch Kem Cetinay for the Meet & Eat surprise drop in Edinburgh between 5.30pm – 7.00pm this evening at the Krispy Kreme store in St James Quarter.

The Nexus Level Doughnuts – created specially to celebrate Xbox’s 20^th anniversary will be on sale for a limited time only until 22^nd August.

The campaign will see each dozen purchase of The Nexus Level Doughnuts rewarded with a complimentary 1-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Membership, plus the chance to win an Xbox Series S Console. Once they’re gone, they’re really gone so get them while you can!

The campaign will see each dozen purchase of The Nexus Level Doughnuts rewarded with a complimentary 1-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Membership, plus the chance to win an Xbox Series S Console.

Once they’re gone, they’re really gone so get them while you can!

Stay tuned to the following channels to find out when and where you can get your hands on prizes and to meet Kem:

Krispy Kreme Channels @KrispyKremeUK

Kem Cetinay @kemcetinay

Xbox @xboxuk

#KrispyKremeXbox