Tag: restaurants

Contini George Street partners with Maggie’s Edinburgh for month-long fundraising campaign

Contini George Street is proud to announce a meaningful new partnership with Maggie’s Edinburgh, a charity offering expert cancer support and information in Edinburgh.

The newly formed partnership will support the charity’s vital cancer care services throughout the month of May through a series of fundraising initiatives, headlined by a pre-loved designer pop-up shop and a specially curated menu designed to reflect the spirit and colors of Maggie’s.

From May 14th to 17th, the former Jo Malone shop at 93 George Street will be transformed into Maggie’s Boutique, featuring over 1,200 donated lines of high-end designer fashion.

To celebrate the collaboration, anyone visiting the pop-up will receive a voucher for a complimentary Maggie’s Cocktail (available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions). 

The voucher can be redeemed at Contini George Street with the purchase of any main course during lunch or dinner service and featured cocktails include:

  • Brindisi per Maggie: A refreshing Passion Fruit Spritz with prosecco, Aperol, passionfruit, and mint.
  • Dolce Maggie (Non-alcoholic): A sophisticated blend of Crodino Biondo, soda, and 0% ABV sparkling wine.

These cocktails will also be available for general purchase at £10, with £1 from every drink sold donated directly to the charity.

For the entire month of May, Contini George Street will also feature two dedicated dishes on their à la carte and breakfast menus, with a portion of every sale supporting Maggie’s fundraising goals.

  • Buongiorno Maggie’s (£9): A breakfast delight of seasonal fruit salad with Graham’s Greek yoghurt, Victor’s honey, and homemade granola.
  • Maggie’s Giardino (£20): A nutritious take on the classic Italian Caprese, substituting traditional red tomatoes for orange Datterini tomatoes and fresh Italian apricots to match Maggie’s signature branding. This vegetarian and gluten-free dish features Mozzarella di bufala DOP, Contini kitchen garden basil, and Victor’s organic extra virgin olive oil.

Carina Contini, co-owner of Contini Restaurants, said: “We are incredibly proud to collaborate with Maggie’s this May. Our ‘Maggie’s Giardino’ dish is a tribute to their work. We invite all our regulars and new visitors to the George Street pop-up to join us in raising a glass, and more importantly, vital funds for a charity that holds a special place in the hearts of so many Edinburgh residents.”

By combining the reach of Contini’s George Street presence with the high-profile designer pop-up, both organisations hope to drive significant foot traffic and awareness for cancer care support in the capital.

Maggie’s Edinburgh Fundraising Manager Samantha Lea said: “We are so grateful to Contini for supporting us this May, particularly with Maggie’s Boutique later this month.

“As a charity we rely almost entirely on voluntary donations to support people facing a cancer diagnosis, as well as their family and friends.

“It is 30 years since we opened our centre in Edinburgh, the first of what is now 27 across the UK, and thanks to partnerships like this one with Contini we are able to reach even more people living with cancer from across the whole Lothian region.”

Event Details & Opening Times

Maggie’s Boutique Pop-Up (93 George Street):

  • Thursday, May 14th: Noon – 9:00 PM
  • Friday, May 15th: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, May 16th: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday, May 17th: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Contini George Street (103 George Street):

  • Maggie’s Fundraising Menu: Available daily throughout May 2026.
  • Cocktail Voucher Redemption: Valid for pop-up visitors during event dates.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Eventbrite booking page.

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh puts a local favourite front and centre with new ‘Fresh Beats’ menu

A new seasonal line-up, led by a haggis burger rooted in the city’s everyday food culture 

Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh is putting one of Scotland’s most recognisable ingredients at the forefront of its menu this spring, with the launch of Fresh Beats, a new seasonal line-up led by its haggis burger designed to celebrate Edinburgh’s unique food culture amongst both locals and visitors.  

While part of a global rollout across Hard Rock Cafe locations, the Edinburgh menu takes a distinctly local approach. At its centre is The Haggis Burger, built around a staple of the city’s foodie scene. Layered with smashed beef patties, locally sourced haggis, whisky-infused caramelised onions and a rich cheese sauce, it delivers a bold, flavour-led dish with a strong sense of place. 

Hearty, savoury and rooted in tradition, it’s finished with crispy shoestring onions, lettuce and tomato in a toasted artisan bun, a format that sits naturally within the flavours and expectations of Edinburgh’s dining landscape. 

The introduction of the haggis burger reflects a broader shift within Fresh Beats, a concept that allows each Hard Rock Cafe location to shape its menu around what resonates most locally. In Edinburgh, that means placing a well-established favourite celebrating Scottish heritage at the centre of the offering. 

Alongside this, the wider menu includes seasonal additions such as Crispy Chicken Sliders with spicy mayo, pickles and jalapeño slaw, and a Mediterranean Salmon Salad with quinoa, feta, roasted chickpeas and olive tzatziki. 

Desserts and drinks complete the line-up, including a Bourbon Bread Pudding served warm with vanilla ice cream and bourbon caramel, alongside new cocktails such as the Sweet Heat Mango Mojito and the Hibiscus Yuzu Lime. 

With menus set to evolve throughout the year, the focus remains on keeping each location relevant to its audience – but in Edinburgh, that starts with a dish that’s already firmly part of the city’s food culture. 

To book a table visit https://cafe.hardrock.com/edinburgh/

The Ivy On The Square launches new Heritage Menu

CELEBRATING LEGACY DISHES AND CLASSIC FLAVOURS

This Spring, The Ivy On The Square, Edinburgh introduces new dishes on its Heritage Menu, a set menu that celebrates the legacy of The Ivy and its classic dishes, launching across its restaurants nationwide.

Designed to offer exceptional value without compromising on quality, the menu is available everyday (except Saturday), featuring two courses from £21.95**.

Showcasing a carefully curated selection of seasonal dishes, the Heritage Menu begins with a choice of bright, seasonal starters including Crab and Chive Cream, served on watermelon with crushed avocado and radish; Gochujang Chicken and Asian Slaw, accompanied by shredded crispy wonton, sesame seeds, wasabi mayonnaise and micro coriander; and Whipped Feta and Filo Salad, paired with baby spinach, marinated apricots, chicory and a delicate truffle vinaigrette.

Ivy Classic Shepherd’s Pie remains a firm favourite, featuring slow-braised lamb and beef topped with cheddar mash, rosemary and a rich red wine sauce. Additional options include Pan-fried Sea Bass with Keralan Curry Sauce, infused with coconut, cumin and turmeric and served with shaved fennel and spinach, as well as a Spicy Jackfruit and Roasted Peanut Bang Bang Salad with chayote, sesame, mooli and shredded Chinese leaf.

Guests can enhance their dining experience by upgrading to three courses for a supplement of £5.95. The dessert selection offers a further choice of indulgent options, including the theatrical Flambéed Crème Brûlée, finished tableside with a caramelised sugar crust; Strawberries and Cream with freeze-dried raspberries, meringue and lemon balm; the Classic Frozen Berries with a yoghurt and white chocolate sauce, and a savoury option of Fourme d’Ambert, a classic French blue cheese served with crackers, apple and celery.

Mark Askew, Group Executive Chef at The Ivy Collection, said: “The Heritage Menu reflects everything our guests love about The Ivy – timeless dishes, seasonal ingredients and a sense of occasion, every day.

“We wanted to create a menu that feels both familiar and exciting, offering exceptional quality and variety at an accessible price point, while celebrating the flavours and dishes that define our collection.”

The Heritage Menu reflects The Ivy Collection’s commitment to delivering accessible luxury dining in elegant surroundings, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy its most-loved dishes at an exceptional price point.

To make a reservation at The Ivy, visit https://ivycollection.com/ 

Edinburgh’s most extraordinary Sunday Roast has arrived just in time for Easter

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 queue for the opening of MINISO for four hours

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.”

Vittoria Group supports young people with first Giving Back donations

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.

Applications can be submitted via givingback@vittoriagroup.co.uk.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Applications for the Chief Tasting Office are now open via this link until Sunday 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.

Sparkling service as Lumo shakes-up sustainability for Edinburgh Cocktail Week

EDINBURGH COCKTAIL WEEK 3 – 12 OCTOBER 2025

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.

Houston, We Have a Menu: Six by Nico blasts off with SPACE theme

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,” SPACE marks 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
  • Black Hole – Fregola Sarda, Cuttlefish, Burnt Lemon, Bisque, Pork Fat Crumb
  • 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:

Edinburgh – Booking
Edinburgh West – Booking

Seasonal flavours at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store

Brand new summer menu for customers to enjoy

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.