Mexican restaurant Chiquito has launched a special range of skincare products using its classic cuisine menu ingredients.
The range of natural products have been designed by dermatologists and a group of food science experts ready for the spring market.
Chiquito, which has been delivering the best of Mexican cuisine for over 30 years, created the range after a group of regular customers discovered the facial benefits of fresh guacamole.
The popular Chiquito dip made from avocados, coriander, red onions, chilli, lime and salt reacted well to the guest’s complexion and acted as an effective cleanser.
This was developed and became the first of the range called Exfoli-guacamole – an Avocado cleanser made from fresh avocado, Mexican lime and a B-vitamin complex to boost brightness and dark eyes.
The skincare team then developed a toner using a stimulating blend of fresh chilli and herbs to transform complexion and close visible pores called Habaner-no pores, a tingle toner.
A pimple cream called Toma-T-Zone designed for sensitive skin made from a unique formulation with squalene designed to reduce pimples, spots and breakouts.
The exciting new range also includes Frijole ‘n’ exfole, an invigorating and refreshing coffee and black bean scrub that works to reduce black heads and give a smooth, glowy complexion.
And a Daily primer and sunscreen called Salsa Shield made from creamy, dreamy pineapple and hyaluronic acid enriched primer for deep hydration with added SPF15 protection.
A spokesperson for the Mexican restaurant, famed for its iconic Chiquito sombreros, music and fiesta fun said: “The new range is the start of an ambitious project to use plant based foods to enhance the skin’s natural appearance.
“The 100 per cent natural ingredients have been used for centuries but this is the first time a full range of dermatological products have been created by a restaurant. It is hoped that if this range proves popular then ground tortilla chips will be used to develop beauty products including hair and nail conditioners after research showed the chips had a restorative effect.”
All the products are available for pre-order on April 1.
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!”
Edinburgh’s award-winning Italian restaurant and wine bar Divino Enoteca is transporting guests to the island of Sardinia this spring, continuing with its series of regional wine tasting nights on the 16th and 30th of April at 5pm.
In-house wine experts James and Davide will guide guests through this historic region, exploring what makes Sardinian wine is one of Italy’s best kept secrets.
Conquered by various empires over the centuries, many cultures have brought their history, food, and grapes to the island, meaning a prevalence of international varieties and styles not found anywhere else in Italy.
A warm maritime climate and rich soils create the perfect conditions for complex, elegant wines – including those on the tasting menu, like a 2021 Vermentino Di Sardegna from Antonella Corda, and a 2019 Cannonau Di Sardegna from Santadi.
Guests will enjoy a welcoming aperitivo, 5 fabulous wines to taste, and matching canapes from head chef Andrea Calistro for just £25.
Divino boasts an impressive assortment of world wines, and voted ‘best wine list,’ the restaurant is the perfect spot for get togethers allowing you to sample, appreciate and indulge in some of the finest Italian wines.
The wine tasting series began in the heart of fine Italian wine with Piedmont in February, before moving onto Dessert Wines in March, and will now showcase Sardinian Wines for the month of April.
Divino’s full wine tasting schedule includes:
April 16th and 30th, 5pm – Sardinian Aines, £25
May 14th and 28th, 5pm -Biodynamic / Natural Wines, £25
June 11th and 25th, 5pm -Divino Garden Party! Summer Wines in the Courtyard, £25
July 9th and 23rd, 5pm- Producer Showcase, £25
September 10th and 24th, 5pm – Super Tuscans, £50
October 8th and 22nd, 5pm – Producer Showcase, £25
November 19th and 26th, 5pm – Amazing Abruzzo, £25
For each event, the wine tasting will take place from 5pm. Guests will also be able to book to dine a la carte throughout the evenings.
Dine every day at The Ivy with a delicious, new selection of tantalising set menus and dishes for all occasions
The Ivy on the Square, Edinburgh is here to make all your dreams come true this spring.
Whether guests wish to enjoy a delightful mid-week lunch, or a meal with family, friends and loved ones, whatever the occasion, dine every day at The Ivy with something for everyone.
All Day Dreamers, launching Tuesday, 21 March
Indulge in a luxurious lunchtime experience with the All Day Dreamers set menu, brimming with dishes that dreams are made of. Diners can choose two courses for £17.95 or three courses for £22.95, plus a Champagne Dream Cocktail (£9.95), featuring a tantalising blend of Scapegrace Black gin poured over cotton candy and topped with Ivy Champagne.
Starters include a warming Creamed Cauliflower Soup, a fresh Pan-fried Scottish smoked haddock or Emilia Romagna cured coppa ham.
For mains, guests can choose from a selection of seasonal dishes including Spicy Jackfruit and Toasted Peanut Bang Bang Salad served with Mexican chayote, seasame, coriander, white mooli and shredded Chinese leaf, or chargrilled, grass-fed Rump Steak, served with thick cut chips.
The new Dream Dessert features a crispy vanilla cloud with warm chocolate brownie, vanilla ice cream, and hot yuzu caramel sauce, perfect for those guests with a sweet tooth.
Available Monday to Friday from 11:30am to 6.30pm.
Little Dreamers, launching Tuesday 21, March
For those looking for a family treat, the Little Dreamers menu is perfect for younger guests to enjoy, with all main dishes priced at £9.95.
Children can choose from Linguine Pasta with Tomato Sauce, Grilled Chicken Escalope with sprouting broccoli, a delicious Hamburger and Chips, and much more.
For dessert, children can create their Dream Sundae (£6.95), with vanilla ice cream, and a range of toppings to choose from including strawberries, marshmallows, honeycomb, and chocolate flakes.
Customers can grab a main, hot dessert and drink for just £8.99
Kids Eat Free offer can be claimed alongside new deal
Available in all cafes now until April 2nd
Morrisons has launched a new two-course set menu in all its cafés allowing customers to get a main, hot dessert and drink for just £8.99.
Favourite dishes such as fish & chips, lasagne and a roast dinner with all the trimmings can be enjoyed alongside a drink and topped off with a Bramley apple crumble or a sticky toffee pudding – all for under a tenner.
The £8.99 two-course deal is available in every Morrisons café nationwide from today until April 2. It comes after customers praised the value of the set menu at Christmas and asked if a similar deal could be introduced outside the festive season.
What’s more, the popular Kids Eat Free offer which allows customers to get a free kids meal with every adult meal costing £4.49 or more, can be claimed alongside the new £8.99 deal. Making Morrisons café the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious meal as a family at great value.
Kids can choose from the all-day breakfast menu as well as the main menu which includes favourites such as fish fingers & chips or chicken nuggets, chips & peas. All items from the children’s menu are served with a piece of fruit and a drink.
Morrisons is committed to providing good quality food at affordable prices in its cafés and this deal follows last week’s two for £10 breakfast offer as well as the permanent price cuts that were made to the café menu at the end of last year.
Morrisons is also continuing to reduce prices across its stores and has cut 1,000s of products this year alone.
Chris Strong, Morrisons Café buyer, says: “Our customers told us how much they appreciated the great value of our set menu at Christmas and asked us if we could bring it back at other times of the year.
“We’re pleased to be doing just that and offering a great value two course meal for just £8.99 – plus a drink! As it can be used alongside our Kids Eat Free offer it means the whole family can benefit.”
Businesses in Edinburgh city centre are being encouraged to note their interest for Eat Out Edinburgh 2023; a tasty restaurant campaign returning to the capital for a second year.
Following the success of the inaugural Eat Out Edinburgh in 2022, Essential Edinburgh – the capital’s dedicated Business Improvement District (BID) – has announced that its two-week celebration of all things food, drink and hospitality will be back to help support the wider sector as it slowly recovers from the challenges from the past few years.
The BID comprises those businesses located from St James Quarter to St Andrew Square, to George Street and Princes Street and as far as the Johnnie Walker Whisky Experience. Essential Edinburgh is urging those interested businesses within the BID area to sign up soon, whether they participated in 2022 or would like to be a part of the 2023 campaign for the first time.
Celebrating the best of food, drink and hospitality, and with over 20 participating venues already confirmed, the Eat Out Edinburgh 2023 campaign will run for two weeks from 13th to 26th March.
A bumper list of participating Edinburgh venues will be announced in the coming weeks, promoting special tasting menus, set menus, events and exclusive offers to attract bookings and increased footfall throughout the campaign period.
From business breakfasts to leisurely lunches and evening gatherings over dinner and cocktails, the Eat Out Edinburgh campaign has been designed to bring friends, family and colleagues together whilst helping to support the city’s vibrant hospitality sector.
Roddy Smith, Chief Executive & Director, Essential Edinburgh, said: “Following the success of last year’s campaign, we are bringing back Eat Out Edinburgh for 2023 – with the help of our partner businesses in the hospitality industry, we want it to be bigger and better than 2022.
“This unique celebration of food and drink enables our residents, visitors and office workers to enjoy what’s on offer with special menus, events and offers for city centre workers.
“After the challenges of the past few years, there is a real appetite for people to come and enjoy all that our city centre has to offer. So whether you’re a local, from the wider Lothians region or visiting from further afield, we know there will be something on offer to suit all tastes.”
Business can register interest before Friday 10th February by contacting:
Duck & Wafflewill open the doors to its highly anticipated Edinburgh restaurant on 1st February, bringing a brand new, unique eating experience to the city for 2023.
The critically acclaimed restaurant, which is the brand’s first UK venture outside of London, is located within St James Quarter. The restaurant will merge dynamic interiors, unrivalled hospitality, a buzzy atmosphere, and mouth-watering signature fare to create an unforgettable ‘gastro diner’ experience that has become a hallmark of the brand, welcoming guests for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
“We are thrilled to welcome our first guests into Duck & Waffle Edinburgh” explains Duck & Waffle Brand Founder Shimon Bokovza, “From the stunning interior design to the creative dishes on our menu it’s an experience that promises elements of surprise and delight for those who dine with us – no matter the time of the day.”
At the helm of Duck & Waffle Edinburgh’s kitchen is Culinary Director Daniel Barbosa and Executive Chef Lucia Gregusova. The menu is built around its iconic, namesake dish – made with crispy duck leg confit, fried duck egg and a mustard maple syrup on a buttermilk waffle and supported by a playful take on comfort food – a curated selection of signatures and new, location-specific offerings.
Inspired by Scotland’s bountiful selection of products – the freshest produce, seafood, meats, and cheeses – Duck & Waffle Edinburgh’s menu sheds light on the integrity of the ingredients themselves. Vegetable-forward standouts include Pulled Aubergine with lyonnaise onions, goat’s curd and chervil, and Hispi Cabbage with miso brown butter, caperberries, and crispy shallots. From the raw offering: the vibrant Hand-Dived Scallop with apple, jalapeño, and truffled orange dressing; and the brand’s staple Angus Beef Tartare with pickled onion, mustard, Marmite-cured egg yolk, and crispy bread.
Building on a playful spirit of sharing the culinary experience, and an ‘ode to duck,’ are the Duck Sliders – prepared with crispy shallots, scamorza, harissa mayo, and the option to add seared foie gras for a bit of indulgence. And, the decadent Deep Fried Haggis Bar – a rich layering of ox cheek, haggis, and duck fat caramel, served with a side of Bovril.
Rounding out the ‘All Day’ menu are large plates like the famous Duck & Waffle – with two million sold and counting – the Whole Roasted Sea Bass with lilliput capers, potatoes, mussels, beurre blanc, and coriander; and grass-fed steakssourced from Scottish-local John Gilmour Butchers, distinguished for the extraordinary flavour of their meat, and their sustainable farming efforts.
For morning enthusiasts the breakfast and brunch menus – are not to be missed, showcasing the brand’s iconic sweet and savoury offering including a Duck Benedict prepared with smoked duck breast, the Full Elvis with PBJ, caramelised banana, Chantilly cream, and all the trimmings – inspired by some of ‘The King’s’ favourite ingredients and served over a waffle, or the Duck Egg en Cocotte with wild mushrooms, Gruyère, truffle, and soldiers. New creations for Edinburgh incorporate comforting, international flavours, as seen in the Homemade Chickpea Dhal with grilled flatbread, poached eggs and coriander, and Shakshuka with harissa yoghurt and black chili flakes.
For a sweet finish, the beloved Torrejas – a take on French Toast made with maple caramel apples and served with cinnamon ice cream, and the craveworthy Sticky Toffee Waffle with butterscotch caramel sauce and clotted cream.
“Edinburgh is one of the most charming cities I’ve been to,” shares Culinary Director Daniel Barbosa, “I came across beautiful produce and that has influenced the way the menu was designed. All of our beef, cheese, and shellfish are from Scotland – the quality of the Scottish products is second to none. These preferred purveyors range from Campbell & Sons Quality Meat, Central Produce, and I.J. Mellis cheesemongers, to George Anderson & Sons, David Lowrie Fish Merchants, and Ochil Foods – to name a few.”
Known for its iconoclastic cocktails and signature walk-around cocktail bar, Duck & Waffle Edinburgh will deliver inventive libations and classics, reimagined. Highlights include the bottled Duck & Stormy with Bacardi Carta Negra rum, coconut, lime, and ginger juice, and the culinary-minded Bone Marrow Cosmopolitan crafted with bone marrow-infused Grey Goose. The whimsical Waffle on the Rocks with waffle-flavoured Portobello vodka, St Germain elderflower liquor, Drambuie, and lime cordial layers in nostalgia, while the Yolk’s on You with vanilla vodka, oat milk, green Chartreuse, agave, features bright floral notes and refreshing acidity at the punchline.
Reservations:
Duck & Waffle Edinburgh reservations are now open, and can be made via the website at https://duckandwaffle.com/reservations/ The restaurant accepts bookings up to two months in advance.
Alcohol duty freeze extended six months from 1 February to 1 August 2023
Part of government’s responsible management of UK economy, plan aims to reassure and provide certainty to pubs, breweries and distilleries facing tough challenges ahead
End date aligns with new simpler alcohol tax system taking effect, with Chancellor reserving decision on future duty rates for Spring Budget 2023
The freeze to UK alcohol duty rates has been extended six months to 1 August 2023, the government announced yesterday (19 December 2022).
In a statement to the House of Commons, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Cartlidge laid out a plan designed to provide certainty and reassure pubs, distilleries, and breweries as they face a challenging period ahead.
While new duty rates usually come in on the 1 February each year, Mr Cartlidge set out that this year the duty rates decision will be held until the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivers his Spring Budget on the 15 March 2023.
Further, the Minister made clear that if any changes to duty are announced then, they will not take effect until 1 August 2023. This is to align with the date historic reforms for the alcohol duty system come in, and amounts to an effective six month extension to the current duty freeze.
As part of the government’s commitment to responsible management of the UK economy, these changes will provide pubs, breweries, distilleries and other alcohol-related businesses with increased certainty to plan and make investment decisions more effectively.
Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Cartlidge said: “Today’s announcement reflects this government’s commitment to responsible management of the UK economy and supporting hospitality through a challenging winter.
“The alcohol sector is vital to our country’s social fabric and supports thousands of jobs – we have listened to pubs, breweries and industry reps concerned about their future as they get ready for the new, simpler, alcohol tax system taking effect from August.
“That’s why we have acted now to give maximum certainty to industry and confirmed there will be just one set of industry-wide changes next summer.”
The current alcohol duty freeze was announced at Autumn Budget 2021, saving consumers over £3 billion over five years. It was expected to come to an end on 1 February 2023, following the Chancellor’s reversal of most of September’s Growth Plan to restore trust in the economy and strengthen public finances.
At Autumn Budget 2021 the government announced the biggest reforms to alcohol duty in 140 years. The changes overhaul the UK’s outdates rules following exiting the EU by radically simplifying the entire system and slashing red-tape. To give industry more time to prepare, September’s Growth Plan set out that the reforms would take effect from 1 August 2023.
The new alcohol tax system will adopt a common-sense approach, where the higher a drink’s strength the higher the duty, whilst new reliefs will be made available to help pubs and small producers thrive.
New Draught Relief will be worth £100 million a year and will ensure smaller craft producers can benefit, the threshold for qualifying containers will be 20 litres.
Small Brewers Relief will be renamed Small Producer Relief, reformed and expanded. Until the revamp, a cliff-edge existed when relief is withdrawn for brewers who make more than 5,000 hectolitres a year.
This will be addressed, there will instead be a gradual taper to the removal of relief, which will empower small breweries to grow, after they had made clear through consultation that the current design was acting as a barrier. Further, the expansion of the relief means that all producers that make drinks below 8.5% – mostly craft brewers and cidermakers – will be able to get relief on their products.
The alcohol duty reforms will help create a simpler, fairer and healthier duty system. Higher rate for sparkling wines will come to an end, meaning they will pay the same rate as still wine. Liqueurs will be put on the same footing as fortified wine, meaning a sherry and Irish Cream will now pay the same duty, and super-strength ‘white cider’ will rise to address public health concerns.
The wine industry will also be supported as they adapt to the new system. All wine between 11.5-14.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) to calculate duty as if it were 12.5% ABV for 18 months from the implementation of the new system.
A UK Spirits Alliance spokesperson said:“Today’s decision by HM Treasury comes as extremely welcome news to distillers across the country. We know that previous duty freezes have enabled distillers across the UK to invest in supply chains, tourism centres and local communities.
“The announcement today is a major boost to the industry at such a crucial time. We look forward to working with the Chancellor over the coming months as he makes a decision on the future of alcohol duty at the Spring Budget.”
Miles Beale, Chief Executive, the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, said:“We are extremely pleased to hear that the Chancellor has listened to our calls not to deliver a double whammy tax hike next year.
“History has shown that freezing alcohol duty delivers increased revenue to the Exchequer. If duty rates went up by RPI on February 1st, this would have been a crippling blow to the UK alcohol industry and consumers who would have to pay the price for tax rises.
“Delaying any increase until 1 August means businesses will not have to manage two duty rises in the space of 6 months. We hope that any duty increases applied in August take into account the damage suffered by wine and spirit businesses and the hospitality sector during the pandemic as businesses continue to fightback.
“We are calling on Jeremy Hunt to cancel double digit tax rises to help cash-strapped consumers and to support the UK’s world-class drinks industry.”
Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive, the British Beer and Pub Association said:“The decision to extend the freeze on beer duty will be welcomed by pubs and brewers alike.
“In 2022 our industry has faced pressures and challenges like never before. This freeze will allow £180million to be reinvested into our sector at a critical moment and inject a much-needed flurry of festive cheer for pubs and breweries. It shows the Government understands just how much our pubs and brewers mean to communities across the UK.
“Investment in our sector now will pay dividends in villages, towns and cities across the country for generations to come. Pubs and brewers are a crucial thread in the social fabric of our society and contribute not only economically but socially, connecting people in communities up and down the country.
“We look forward to working with the Government to implement the promised duty reforms in 2023 ensuring a fair and modernised rates system in the UK that support lower-strength products and our country’s pubs.”
Richard Naisby, National Chairman, Society of Independent Brewers said:“Independent breweries play a vital role in the British hospitality industry and are embedded in their local communities, providing jobs and adding greatly to local economies across the UK.
“The extension of the beer duty freeze comes as welcome news to these vital independent businesses, providing some certainty until the summer.
“We look forward to working with Treasury on delivering further positive changes for the hospitality and independent brewing industry.”
Hawksmoor Edinburgh is launching the latest edition of their multi-award-winning cocktail list, which has been in the making for three years. The menu has been designed to celebrate the second golden age of cocktails, 1995-2005, a period credited with the revival of cocktail culture around the world.
From modern takes on classic steakhouse cocktails, to sub-zero martinis, all the way through to digestifs and dessert-inspired night caps, this menu combines the comfort of recognisable drinks mixed with the tongue in cheek irreverence, artistry and skill that Hawksmoor is known for.
Head of Bars, Liam Davy, has overseen a list which, as ever, is replete with deceptively simple drinks that belie the hours of research and technique that have gone into them.
Credited with creating the ‘Coldest Martini in the World’ (Punch), Hawksmoor’s Martini section is dedicated to honouring the king of the cocktail, each one chilled to a bracing -12c.
The Pink Gibson is a tantalising mix of sweet and savoury, with Boatyard Vodka, Audemus Umami Gin, Aperitivo Co. Dry Vermouth and pink pickled onion whilst the The Ultimate Gin Martini, made with Hepple gin, Aperitivo Co. Dry Vermouth and Filicudi lemon oil, is bright and punchy,
Steakhouse Sharpeners is a deep dive into the classic aperitifs of the American steakhouse, with drinks such as the Classic Champagne Cocktail made with champagne, cognac, verjus, pineau de charente, all poured over a sugar cube saturated with bitters. The Ranch Water pays homage to a popular US drink originating from West Texas; mineral and fresh with a gentle agave hum, it’s a carbonated mix of tequila, mezcal, pineapple soda, hopped kombucha, jalapeño salt and agave syrup.
Second Golden Age is a tribute to the era that resurrected cocktail craft, with much loved favourites tweaked after hundreds of tiny iterations across Hawksmoor’s bars. Tommy Verde, which uses tequila, mezcal, cucumber agave, olive brine, green tabasco, and green tomato juice, is complex and vegetal, with a hint of smoke.
The Sacred Six section of the menu, where the MVPs of the Hawksmoor cocktail list sit. These timeless classics include Shaky Pete’s Ginger Brew, the Reformed Pornstar, and the rich and buttery Fuller Fat Old Fashioned.
Nightcaps are the ultimate after-dinner drinks, a silly and serious mix of sweet pudding-style cocktails and sultry dark and bitter digestifs. For a sweeter treat, The Spiced Plum Sazerac is neat and subtle with a bright bitterness, with plum distillate, Calvados, plum syrup with star anise and Absinthe.
For those looking for drinks with all the flair and flavour but none of the alcohol, the Temperates section of the menu has a delicious range of 0% ABV drinks, from non-alcoholic cocktails to a selection of brewed and fermented delights. The menu includes L.A Brewery Kombucha and Saicho Sparkling Teas, and to harness the luxury of sparkling wines and champagnes, try Blurred Vines 0% Wine – effervescent and sharp with bright floral and fruity notes.
About Hawksmoor Edinburgh
A short walk from Waverley station, Princes Street and just off St. Andrew Square, Hawksmoor Edinburgh is located in the beautiful former National Bank of Scotland Banking Hall, a Grade A listed ‘building of national importance’.
The restaurant has been sensitively refurbished to celebrate the building’s original features, and boasts two private dining rooms, seating up to 12 guests and up to 48 guests, serving our sharing style menus to ensure you get a taste of our wide range of cuts and sides
In Edinburgh, Hawksmoor draws on the amazing produce that Scotland has to offer, featuring seafood from around the Scottish coast and beef from grass-fed native breed cattle from both sides of the border. Hawksmoor serves some of the best steak in Edinburgh, as well as snacks at the bar alongside cocktails created by our award-winning bartenders.
Hawksmoor has always taken its bars and cocktails every bit as seriously as its restaurants and steaks, believing as they do that a night out at Hawksmoor should be fun as well as special. They have developed a reputation over the years for being amongst the best bars in the world (having won multiple awards at the Oscars of the cocktail world, Tales of the Cocktail, including taking home the Best International Restaurant Bar twice), with some of the great British bartenders currently or previously working for the group.
One staple of the Hawksmoor cocktail menu is the signature Bloody Mary, a smoky-yet-spicy amalgamation, blending lemon juice, vodka, Tongue in Peat tomato juice, and expertly paired with our bespoke Bloody Mary Paste.
Paired alongside The Hawksmoor Sunday Roast, this is more than a hangover cure or Sunday staple but a delightful end of week treat. And the Roast is famous for good reason: two-time winner of ‘Best Sunday Roast in the UK’, this iconic dish proves why a classic done right will never go out of style.
On Mondays, corkage is £5 all day and on Sundays, there are roasts that Observer Food Monthly named amongst the best in the UK. Our Express menu is available lunch and early evenings every Monday – Saturday.
This October Half-Term Break, McLarens on the Corner in Morningside is introducing a limited offer to celebrate grandparents with a “Grans Eat Free” deal throughout the October holidays.
The family-friendly restaurant that believes in serving up sumptuous food, delicious cocktails, and a whole lot of love has created the offer as a thank you to the grandparents that will be home with the kids while they’re off from school.
Grandparents are beloved for spoiling their grandchildren with love, affection, and all the treats mum usually doesn’t allow. It’s time that they get spoiled in return! Signature Group has decided to turn the tables, and instead of having kids eat free this half-term holiday, we’re giving the free meal to Gran.
The deal was created to acknowledge the unsung heroes at the heads of our families that rarely get a day devoted to treating them with the same care that they exhibit each day.
Including anything from a bacon cheeseburger for lunch to blackened salmon for dinner, grandparents can choose the entrée that suits their appetite for no charge for two weeks in October. Now, the kids can start pooling together their pocket money and get ready to pick up the bill for their meal, because this meal is on them.
The limited offer will be available on weekdays between 10th and 21st October. One grandparent can receive a free main course per visit when they dine with their grandkids. Kids must also order a main dish from the children’s menu or main a la carte menu. Free main excludes steak.
