Award-winning Chef Mandeep Saini swaps tradition for deep-fried naan and masala mash in a Sunday roast unlike anything Scotland has seen before
This Easter, one Edinburgh restaurant is turning the nation’s most beloved meal into a taste sensation. Bombay Bistro, the boldly spiced Indian-fusion restaurant on Bruntsfield Place is serving what may be Scotland’s most talked-about Easter roast – and it comes with a unique Bombay twist.
Diners can choose between tender slow-roasted lamb or succulent chicken, served with buttered cabbage, sweet carrots and peas, and rich gravy. But it’s the details that set this roast apart – silky masala mash in place of buttered potatoes and a deep-fried naan, rather than a Yorkshire pudding.
Behind the menu is Chef Mandeep Saini, formerly head chef at Gleneagles and The Berkeley in London, and one of Scotland’s most celebrated culinary talents.
“The Sunday roast is one of the nation’s favourite food traditions – and that’s exactly why I wanted to reimagine it,” says Chef Mandeep.
“We haven’t replaced it – we’ve elevated it. Every element in Bombay Bistro’s Sunday Roast has a depth of flavour and spice that makes it completely unforgettable..”
At a time when diners are seeking bold, experience-led eating, Bombay Bistro’s Sunday Roast offers something genuinely rare – a dish rooted in tradition, elevated by world-class technique.
Bombay Bistro is located at 14-17 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4HN. Sunday Roasts are available every Sunday. To book, please visit the website here.
Over 300 people turned up in their droves to The Centre, Livingston at the weekend, (29th November), for the opening of the pop culture retailer, MINISO, over four hours before the store opened, including the first customers, mum Helen Cornwell from Linlithgow and her daughters, Bonnie, (10) and Andie, (8) who are big fans of the brand.
The opening was marked with a celebratory ribbon cutting at 12noon, live music and a visit from MINISO’S mascot PenPen. The first 200 shoppers who spent £5 also received a goody bag worth £25.
The brand is known for its colourful and trendy design-led lifestyle products, including unique collectables, fun stationary, plush toys and figurines from brands like Hello Kitty, Harry Potter and Friends, and its beauty and homeware range.
Mum Helen who was in the queue before 8am, said: “My daughters love everything about MINISO, including the soft toys and keyrings, so I thought I’d make their day and start queuing up early with them to get a first peek and the wait was well worth it!
“They both loved browsing the store and getting a goody bag too. I have a feeling we’ll be regular visitors!”
The opening of MINISO follows on from three other launches at the shopping centre over the past three weeks, including the Danish global brand, Flying Tiger on Friday 28th November, where over 200 people queued for over an hour and The Works the day before.
The opening of Wingstop on the 10th November also attracted huge crowds, with over 200 fans queuing for over two hours to be first in line to get their hands on the famous wings.
The new arrivals follow on from additional recent openings, including the jewellers, F.Hinds at The Centre, Livingston,
The shopping centre, which is one of the largest in Scotland, is owned by LCP UK, part of M Core, one of Europe’s leading privately owned commercial property development and management companies and welcomes over 14.8m visitors a year.
It has over 150 shops and restaurants, all under one roof, including River Island, Flannels, H&M, Pandora, Hotel Chocolat, wagamama and Nando’s, and 7,000 parking spaces.
Simon Eatough, Director at LCP UK, part of M Core and Asset Manager of The Centre, Livingston, said: “This has been a really exciting time for us and our shoppers at The Centre, Livingston as we welcome four new brands to the shopping centre, including MINISO, Flying Tiger, The Works and Wingstop.
“There was such a fantastic buzz in the air at the weekend, not only with shoppers turning up to get a first glimpse of the new stores but also to enjoy some of the Black Friday sales.
“Our new openings continue to further enhance our offering for visitors to enjoy a great day out shopping and dining out at their favourite stores and restaurants in the run-up to Christmas.”
The Vittoria Group has revealed the first two beneficiaries of its new Vittoria Giving Back programme, launched last month in honour of the group’s 55th anniversary, to support local organisations making a difference across Edinburgh.
The inaugural recipients Teens+ and Prospect Bank School were selected from the first round of applications, with each receiving donations worth up to £1,000. Rather than providing cash, the Vittoria Group chose to fund specific items requested by each organisation, ensuring the support would deliver long-term, practical impact.
Teens+, a transitional education service, based beside Vittoria on the Walk on McDonald Road, supports young adults with complex learning difficulties across its four centres in Edinburgh and East Lothian, helping learners gain confidence and prepare for life beyond school.
As technology becomes central to everyday independence, whether communicating online, completing coursework, making bookings or working toward qualifications, Teens+ highlighted the growing need for accessible IT equipment. The group will receive a specialist laptop to help students build essential digital skills and engage safely in an increasingly online world.
The second recipient is Prospect Bank School in Leith, which supports primary-aged children with complex, long-term additional support needs, including intellectual disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The school focuses on helping pupils communicate, manage sensory input, and participate in meaningful learning experiences. Funding from Vittoria Giving Back will enable the purchase of a SENSIS Cube – a piece of sensory play equipment designed for spinning, swinging and climbing, offering pupils calming or stimulating activities tailored to their needs.
The Vittoria Group is encouraging local schools, charities, youth groups and community organisations to apply for the next round of support.
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 16th 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.
Wonky fruit, farm-to-glass gin and border-crossing spirits; guilt-free cocktails are set to shake up Edinburgh Cocktail Week this October, with 100% electric train operator Lumo helping festival-goers raise a glass to sustainability and arrive smoothly not shaken.
Running from 3rd to the 12th October 2025, the UK’s biggest cocktail festival is set to welcome more than 25,000 visitors across the city.
This year, sustainability is firmly on the menu thanks to Lumo, the official travel partner of the festival, which offers relaxed, 100% electric train services between Edinburgh, Newcastle, London and, from December, Glasgow Queen Street. Thousands of revellers can swap motorways and short-haul flights for a greener journey direct into the heart of the celebration.
Lumo will also host a special sustainable cocktail reception during the week, showcasing innovative suppliers including:
Flawsome! Drinks, the B Corp brand transforming surplus and “wonky” fruit into refreshing juices which are already served on Lumo trains
Blowin’ Free Gin, an Ayrshire farm-to-glass start-up distiller
Ad Gefrin, the award-winning Northumberland whisky and gin distillery reviving a centuries-old tradition in Northumberland in the North East of England
To mark the partnership, passengers on a recent Lumo journey between Newcastle and Edinburgh were surprised with cocktails and mocktails mixed onboard by an expert mixologist, bringing a taste of the festival to the 125mph train service.
Stuart Jones, Managing Director of First Rail Open Access (Lumo), said: “We’re proud to be back supporting Edinburgh Cocktail Week for 2025, not just as the official travel partner but as a champion of sustainability and collaboration.
“Festivals like this showcase the very best of Scotland’s hospitality, tourism and creativity, and we want to make sure people can enjoy them in the greenest way possible.
“From our 100 percent electric trains to our partnerships with socially conscious suppliers, Lumo is committed to making sustainable choices more accessible, enjoyable and inspiring.”
Gary Anderson, Managing Director of Edinburgh Cocktail Week,added: “This year’s festival promises to be bigger, greener and more inclusive than ever, with more than 120 bars, masterclasses and pop-ups across the city.
“Having Lumo onboard as our official travel partner makes it easier than ever for cocktail lovers across the UK to be part of it without racking up an environmental hangover. I’m particularly excited about Lumo’s sustainable drinks reception, which brings together some brilliant suppliers from Scotland and beyond.”
Karina Sudenyte, Co-Founder and CMO of Flawsome! Drinks, said:“We’re very proud that our sustainable drinks are available for Lumo customers and particularly delighted to be supporting this fabulous event in Edinburgh.
“We’ll make sure that the cocktails on offer will not only be delicious, but also crafted from wonky and surplus fruit to prevent food waste.”
Elaine Borland, Owner of Blowin’ Free Gin,said: “This is an unmissable opportunity for a small business like mine.
“The Lumo team have been hugely supportive, and I can’t wait to see our gin showcased at one of Scotland’s biggest celebrations.”
Jordan Rutherford, Spirit Sales Manager at Ad Gefrin,commented: “To be part of Edinburgh Cocktail Week is unbelievable for us.
“We’re Northumberland’s first legal whisky distillery in over 200 years, and working with Lumo gives us a fantastic platform to share our story.”
With guilt-free cocktails and guilt-free travel, Edinburgh Cocktail Week 2025 proves that the best journeys and the best experiences can go hand in hand with protecting the planet.
Lumo is also proud to announce that it’s the prestigious sponsor of the Net Zero Champion Award at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, which take place in February 2026.
Prepare for lift-off as Six by Nico, the pioneering restaurant brand known for its ever-evolving tasting menus, unveils its most creative concept yet: SPACE.
Launching on August 25th across Edinburgh and all Six by Nico locations, this cosmic culinary experience invites diners to journey through the galaxies with a six-course menu inspired by the mystery, wonder, and adventure of outer space.
From cosmic textures to planetary plating, each dish on this interstellar culinary voyage is a step on a journey through time, space, and taste.
Following a series of beloved themed menus such as “The Chippie,” “Once Upon a Time,” and “New York,” SPACEmarks a bold new frontier for Chef Nico Simeone and his creative team.
The new menu draws inspiration from astronomy, interstellar travel, and the futuristic possibilities of food beyond Earth, resulting in an imaginative, multi-sensory dining experience unlike anything else.
Chef Nico Simeone said: “SPACE is about pushing the boundaries of flavour and presentation. We asked ourselves: what might food look and taste like on a space station, or on a distant planet?
“The result is a menu that’s both playful and thought-provoking – a journey for the palate and the imagination.”
Prepare to be spoon-fed stardust with a six-course tasting menu featuring galactic flavour combinations, innovative textures, and visually stunning presentations that are sure to delight both returning guests and first-time diners.
Each SPACE dish represents a different aspect of space exploration – from liftoff to the lunar surface, and beyond with highlights that includes:
Zero Gravity Oyster – Smoked Salmon, Granny Smith Apple, Kohlrabi, Oyster Emulsion
Solar Flare – Flat Iron, Ox Parcel, Saffron & Orange, Black Garlic, Squash
Goodbye Earth – Baked Vanilla Custard, Orange Marmalade, Grand Marnier
The SPACE menu will be available for a limited 12 weeks only, priced at £45 per person, with an optional wine pairing experience available for an additional £30. The menu is available from August 25th until 16th November 2025.
Join Six by Nico as they boldly go where no menu has gone before. To book visit:
Dobbies Garden Centres has launched its brand-new summer menu, bringing a variety of seasonal flavours and delicious dishes to customers at its Edinburgh store.
The special summer dishes lean into what’s in season and have been designed to offer new and light options for customers, while complementing some of Dobbies’ popular main course options for those looking for a hearty meal.
Lighter lunches include Cheddar cheese and tomato quiche and Goat’s cheese and red onion puff pastry tart, both served with a dressed side salad and slaw, and the chicken ham and leek pie, a hearty favourite, served with seasonal vegetables and a rich gravy.
Restaurants also have seasonal sweet treats with customers in Edinburgh able to enjoy a tasty new white chocolate and raspberry roulade, a meringue filled with cream, raspberry sauce and white chocolate pieces; a raspberry tart topped with fresh raspberries in a butter crust pastry; or a baked mixed fruit cheesecake with grapes, blueberries, raspberries and kiwi.
Dobbies’ banana iced chocolate summer drink is back by popular demand for those who like all things sweet and there is an iced salted caramel latte for those who love their coffee. Refreshing iced lemonade coolers are also available as part of the summer menu, with mango, cherry and strawberry to choose from.
The Heritage Afternoon Tea is also available as part of the summer menu and has been carefully curated in honour of celebrating Dobbies’ 160th birthday. It offers three tiers of sweet and savoury delights, including Dobbies’ famous scones, plus unlimited tea and coffee refills.
The Edinburgh store also has a fantastic line up of events in the coming weeks, including the Fairy Garden Tea Party on 28 and 29 June which includes a delicious children’s afternoon tea.
Dave Worthington, Head of Food Development at Dobbies said: “Our brand-new summer menu is bursting with flavour, offering customers in Edinburgh the chance to enjoy an array of seasonal dishes using produce that’s in season.
“The Cheddar cheese and tomato quiche and the goat’s cheese and red onion puff pastry tart are two of our lighter lunches that we’re anticipating being popular.
“We also have brought back our banana iced chocolate milkshake due to popular demand, and hope that the variety in our indulgent drink range has something for everyone, whether it’s a sweet drink or a refreshing fruit cooler.”
For more information about the new summer menu available and events at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store, visit www.dobbies.com.
With a mini heatwave set to bring sunshine to the city this weekend, it’s the perfect time to enjoy some summer-style drinks and until 11th of May,
Hard Rock Café Edinburgh is turning up the heat, bringing the fiesta to the capital in true rock ‘n’ roll style with a limited-edition menu bursting with bold flavours and vibrant mega cocktails.
The go-to spot this weekend for laid-back drinks and great food.
On the drinks list:
Three Mega Margaritas, each served in a 36oz glass, perfect for sharing (or keeping all to oneself):
Baja California Blackberry: a juicy blend of Patrón Silver Tequila, triple sec, and blackberry syrup, finished with strawberries and a sugar rim.
Mexico City Mango: sweet with a spicy kick thanks to sambal chili, mango purée and Love-All Spice rim.
Cancún Orange Cadillac: a bold mix with Cointreau, orange juice and a Grand Marnier float.
All priced at £17.25.
On the menu:
Legendary Fajitas: flavour-packed grilled chicken and steak with charred corn, feta, pickled onions, guacamole, and house-made cilantro lime crema, served with warm tortillas.
Chips & Queso: loaded with seasoned ground beef and green onions, perfect for sharing. Optional upgrades: pico de gallo (£2.95) or guacamole (£4.95).
For more information and to view the menu, visit here.
Luxford Burgers encourages kids to get creative with new menu
Easter is a time to gather all the family round the table. But if the thought of traditional roast lamb doesn’t appeal to your little ones, why not shake things up a bit this holiday and opt for a fun, customisable culinary experience that encourages the kids to get creative?
Luxford Burgers is celebrating the build-up to Easter with a special Build-A-Burger offer. For a limited time only, children can grab an exclusive menu and design their dream burger. With a choice of beef, chicken or veggie patties, plus a combination of up to 12 toppings, this unmissable dining deal puts the kids firmly in control.
From scrumptious smoked streaky bacon and classic crispy onions to mouth-watering mango salsa and chunky cheddar cheese, kids can get creative with their toppings of choice. Plus, they can colour in their personalised burger design while they wait for the award-winning chefs to cook and plate it up for them.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Luxford Burgers’ Executive Director, Alexander Galpin, said; “Experimenting with different flavour combinations is a great way for kids to learn about food in a fun and creative way.
“And what better way for them to do that than by stacking up a range of delicious toppings to create their own unique signature burger? We’re excited to see what they come up with!”
Each made-to-order Build-A-Burger costs just £8 and can be enjoyed at Luxford Burgers’ two Edinburgh locations at St. Leonard’s Street and Brandon Terrace.
Available for a limited time only, this exclusive Easter offer runs Monday – Thursday, 12-4pm, until Monday 21st April. Advanced booking is advised because this palate-pleasing offer is sure to prove popular!
This Mother’s Day, treat Mum to an unforgettable dining experience with the bold and vibrant flavours of Latin America at Somewhere by Nico.
Available for a limited time only in both the Glasgow and Edinburgh venues, this exclusive offer lets you celebrate in style with three delicious dishes and a Latin American cocktail of your choice for just £35 per person.
What’s Included:
A selection of three Latin American-inspired dishes
A Latin American cocktail of your choice
Live music from Verde to set the perfect atmosphere
When & Where:
Edinburgh: Live music from Verde 2pm – 4pm
Glasgow: Live music from Verde 6pm – 8pm
How to Book:
This exclusive Mother’s Day offer is available to book in the Glasgow and Edinburgh venues through the below links:
