Tag: St James Quarter

Celebrate in STYLE at St James Quarter this Valentine’s Day

Love is all around the Quarter!

Valentine’s Day is the day to show how much you care – whether that’s for a partner, friend or even yourself – but it can be tricky to find the perfect way to say, “I love you”. 

So, St James Quarter is playing cupid with a curated line-up of brands offering delicious deals and sumptuous meals during this special holiday. Because food is after all the universal language of love!

But, if you prefer a different route to the heart, St James Quarter is also home to some of the UK’s favourite brands. Whether your significant other is a fashion-lover, jewellery connoisseur, or has a tenderness for technology, St James Quarter has the perfect gift for everyone.

Dine, drink and dazzle your loved ones this Valentine’s:

SushiSamba: Take Valentine’s Day to new heights at SushiSamba Edinburgh. Spice up your night with the Taste of Valentine’s Menu, priced at £125 per person. Sip on handcrafted cocktails or Champagne, and take in the iconic panoramic views of the sparkling Edinburgh skyline.

Duck & Waffle: Make this Valentine’s Day memorable with a feast for the senses. Enjoy sharing bites for the table, with your choice of starter, main and dessert plus a glass of Prosecco at Duck & Waffle for £70 per person. Select from their range of famous dishes, with a set menu available for one night only on Friday 14th February.

The Alchemist: Enjoy a date with a difference at The Alchemist, with an exclusive mini masterclass for two. Choose a cocktail to create and enjoy, delivering your own dash of theatre for £18 per person. Bookings are available on Wednesday 12th – Friday 14th and Sunday 16th February from 4pm – 9pm.

The Botanist: Indulge in The Botanist Valentine’s sharing menu, including a selection of starters, their famous sharing Hanging Kebab, and a limited-edition Valentine’s Cookie Dough for two. The menu is set to launch on Thursday 13th February and will be available until Sunday 16th February. The Botanist is also hosting a Galentine’s Power Ballad Bingo on Thursday 13th February.

The Botanist is also partnering with luxury skincare brand, Khiel’s, to offer complimentary samples and money off vouchers for guests dining from the Valentine’s menu.

The Real Greek: Embark on a Greek Love Affair! The mouthwatering offer includes Moussaka for two, Greek Flatbread, a cold Meze for dipping, Greek Salad and two desserts.

Add a sweet treat at Krispy Kreme: This Valentine’s Day, Krispy Kreme is filling the world with love with three new heart-shaped doughnuts: Daisy For You, You Are My Sunshine and Best Buds flavours. Launched on Monday 27th January, the doughnuts are available until Friday 14th February.

Molton Brown will celebrate with a sensory journey hosting a Paccari Chocolate Tasting on Friday 14th and a Valentine’s Afternoon Tea for Two on Sunday 16th February. NEOM is also on-hand to add a personal touch to the special day with their pop-up calligraphy station on Friday 14th February.

For more information about what’s going on at St James Quarter this Valentine’s Day visit: https://stjamesquarter.com/event/valentines-day/.

St Valentine might be the patron saint of love, but St James has got your celebrations covered!

Celebrate Lunar New Year at St James Quarter this weekend

It’s the Year of the Snake and as people in Edinburgh prepare to celebrate Lunar New Year, St James Quarter has its exciting line up of celebrations taking place this weekend.

Today, Saturday 1st February, St James Quarter will play host to a range of Lunar New Year-themed activities including a traditional Lion Dance procession, which will make its way through the Galleria in an eye-catching and colourful display.

Performed by the talented team at Yee’s Hung Ga Kung Fu Edinburgh, the Lion Dance is commonly performed during Lunar New Year to bring good luck and guests will be able to enjoy two performances throughout the day at 12pm and 1pm.

St James Quarter will also be taking part in the traditional act of gift giving that is associated with Lunar New Year.

Between 12pm – 4pm on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd February, lucky shoppers will have the chance to get their hands on a limited number of red envelopes including gift cards – symbolising good wishes and luck for the year ahead. 

These will be handed out by the Guest Services team on Level 1 and can be redeemed at retailers within The Quarter.

Brands including New Balance and Coach, will be showcasing Chinese New Year inspired limited-edition items.

If you’re looking to celebrate by indulging in traditional Asian cuisine, Thai Express Kitchen will be red envelop give-aways of complimentary appetisers and discount vouchers until the 5th February, while Gordon Ramsay Street Burger will feature the Lunar Burger served with Koffmann’s fries for £18 until the end of January.

Anne Ledgerwood, Estate Director at St James Quarter, said: “Edinburgh is the multicultural hub for Scotland, and Lunar New Year is a great opportunity to experience the different cultures and traditions that we have here in the city.

“We hope that as many of our guests as possible will get involved in the Lunar New Year celebrations at St James Quarter on Saturday and we look forward to welcoming guests to The Quarter to celebrate the Year of the Snake with us”.

For more information on the Chinese New Year celebrations at St James Quarter please visit: https://stjamesquarter.com/event/lunar-new-year

Appeal for information after man and woman assaulted and robbed on Leith Street

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a man and a woman were assaulted and robbed in the city centre.

A 50-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman were at the pedestrian crossing at Leith Street and Princes Street junction around 10pm on Monday, 28 October, 2024 when they were assaulted and robbed by a group of people.

They were both taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment.

The suspects ran off towards St James Quarter and Multrees Walk.

Detective Sergeant Steven Gray of CID said: “This appears to have been a shockingly unprovoked and random attack, which left the victims requiring medical treatment. We are keen to trace three males and a female.

“The first male youth is described as aged between 14 and 16 years of age, tanned complexion, of medium build, with light curly hair which was short on top. He was wearing a black snood, a blue zipped jacket with white down the side.

“The second male is aged between 16 and 20 years of age, with dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing and white trainers.

“The third male is aged between 16-20 years of age, with dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing with white writing across the chest.

“The female is aged between 16 and 20 years of age, five-foot one inch tall, with blonde hair. She was wearing a white jacket.

“As part of our enquiries, we are reviewing CCTV to identify those responsible. We would ask if any has footage of the incident to please come forward.

“If you believe you could help our investigation, please call 101 quoting reference 4015 of 28 October, 2024. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”

Casting search for first ever Scottish voice to feature on video doorbells

  • Ring teams up with Scottish presenter Edith Bowman for its ‘Voice of the Nation’ search launching in Edinburgh’s St James Quarter to find the Scottish voice of its Ring Video Doorbell messages
  • It’s the first time Ring will include a member of the public’s voice on its devices
  • Launch celebrates the 76% of people from Edinburgh that are proud of how welcoming the Scottish accent sounds, with 44% in UK agreeing it’s one of the friendliest

Ring is on the hunt to find the first ever Scottish voice of its devices. The smart home security company is launching its Voice of the Nation casting search across Scotland in a first for the brand.

Ring is holding auditions at St James Quarter in Edinburgh’s city centre to find one lucky Scot who will record a set of audio messages, called ‘Quick Replies’, that will be available across all Ring Video Doorbells in the UK later this year.

Ring’s Quick Replies are available on all Ring Video Doorbells and act as an answering machine for the door. Once activated, and someone rings the doorbell, the visitor will hear a pre-selected greeting with the option to leave a message. 

The search comes as new research from Ring reveals the Scottish accent is one of the most endearing in the UK, with 44% of people agreeing it’s one of the friendliest. Over three quarters (76%) of those from the capital are proud of how welcoming the Scottish accent sounds.

Edinburgh residents can audition by simply sharing a video of themselves saying a popular Ring Doorbell Quick Reply: “We can’t answer the door right now, but if you’d like to leave a message, you can do it now.” and post on TikTok or Instagram, share through their Ring device and Ring app, or attend an in-person audition held at St James Quarter on 31 August and 1 September.

The search will be judged by a panel which will include Scottish radio DJ and television presenter, Edith Bowman, who will help select Ring’s ‘Voice of the Nation’. It’s the first time Ring has worked with a member of the public to voice its Video Doorbell Quick Replies, and the first time a Scottish accent will be heard on Ring Video Doorbells. 

Edith Bowman said: “I’m so excited to launch Ring’s ‘Voice of the Nation’, as I am fiercely proud of my accent and the Scottish accent generally. One of the things I love is the variety of regional identities.

“It has beautiful rhythm and personality and each has its own unique tone and quality – something I’m thrilled is being celebrated with Ring’s campaign.

!I can’t wait to judge the entries and would love to see lots of energy and enthusiasm from those auditioning!”

Ring’s recent survey of 2,000 UK consumers also found that Edinburgh locals prefer their own accent to anywhere else in the UK (25%), with almost a quarter feeling this way because it reminded them of home (24%).

If they had the choice of hearing a famous Scot on their smart devices, almost a quarter (24%) of people from Edinburgh would like Billy Connolly, with 16% opting for Ewan McGregor. Almost 15% of Edinburgh residents said David Tennant would be their top choice for voicing their Ring Video Doorbell.

The research also revealed the following opinions:

  • Over a third (36%) of Brits said the Scottish accent has calming qualities, and 34% find it attractive.
  • Edinburgh locals think their playful cheekiness wins them points, with 65% saying the Scottish accent sounds charming.
  • Half of the capital’s residents say the Scottish accent lends itself well to comedians, with over half saying it sounds humorous (53%).
  • Of the regional dialects in Scotland, the Lothian accent was voted the favourite accent to voice their smart home tech amongst people from Edinburgh (39%). 

Dave Ward, Managing Director EU & International at Ring, said: “Ring’s Quick Replies are a much-loved feature on our Video Doorbells.

“Many customers use them to instruct delivery drivers where to leave packages, or inform visitors they need more time to answer the door.

“Given the importance of these messages, we wanted to ensure our Quick Replies featured familiar and local accents and celebrated regional dialects around the world. We’re thrilled to begin in Scotland and can’t wait to hear a Scot on our Video Doorbells across the nation.”

Auditions will officially open form Wednesday 21st August at 12 pm. Members of the public can share a video of their recorded audition on TikTok by posting their clip with #RingVoiceoftheNation, or on Instagram by sharing and tagging @RingUK alongside #RingVoiceoftheNation.

Those with a Ring device and Ring Protect can enter by recording themselves filming their greeting on a Ring device, pressing the ‘Share’ button on the Ring app and choosing ‘Share with Ring’. 

In addition to St James Quarter in Edinburgh on 31 August and 1September from 10am-6pm, Ring’s Voice of the Nation pop-up auditions will visit:

  • Union Square in Aberdeen: Saturday 7 September and Sunday 8 September 10am-4pm
  • Silverburn Shopping Centre in Glasgow: Saturday 14 September and Sunday 15 September 10am-4pm

For full casting details please, check out this Ring blog.

MND Scotland announces exciting motor neuron disease research learning event in Edinburgh

MND Scotland is proud to announce a free interactive and educational research event taking place on 26 September 2024, 2pm at Bonnie and Wild Marketplace, St James’ Quarter, designed to bring together people affected by motor neuron disease (MND) and local MND Scotland researchers. 

The Lived Experience and Researcher Network (LEARN) is a project first run by MND Scotland in 2023. The 2023 pilot invited people with MND to take tours of researcher’s labs and provided useful feedback to improve engagement events for people with MND and researchers.  

This year, MND Scotland’s research team has organised a series of local events in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen to build relationships between researchers and people affected by MND and allow them to share knowledge and experiences. 

At the Edinburgh event, there will be an opportunity to allow people with MND, carers, family and supporters to meet and engage with local MND researchers, to learn more about their work, and hear from presenting researchers Prof Tom Gillingwater, Dr Hannah Smith, Andrea Salzinger and Dr Marcus Keatinge. 

Paul Jensen, research lead for MND Scotland, said: “As a charity that directly supports people living with this devastating disease, it’s so important to be able to provide these opportunities to allow researchers and people affected by MND to come together and get to know one another.

“People are so keen to hear about the fantastic MND research going on in Scotland and our events will provide that learning opportunity in a relaxed and personal environment.” 

MND Scotland supports the idea that the input and viewpoints of those with lived experience is vital to help guide research.  

Paul added: “MND Scotland is now at the forefront of involving those with lived experience in research funding calls. We know it is so important that both scientific merit and opinions of those with lived experience are used to help ensure we fund the best MND research.

“Our LEARN events will help build relationships between people affected by MND and researchers and allow them to share their opinions to help guide MND research in the future.” 

The informative and engaging event will explore the latest developments in research for those affected by MND and hopes to build relationships between those with lived experience and researchers to make sure that research reflects the needs of people with or affected by MND. 

MND Scotland invites those interested in th researceh learning event to hear more about their contribution in the fight against MND. 

 Event details: 

  • Date: 26 September 2024, 2pm 
  • Location: Bonnie and Wild Marketplace, St James’ Quarter Level 4, St James Cres, Edinburgh EH1 3AD
  • Organiser: MND Scotland 

For more information or to register, please visit the MND Scotland website:  

www.mndscotland.org.uk/events

Get inspired to Move More with a Festival of Sport

Inspired by the Paris 2024 Olympics, St James Quarter in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure is inviting guests to ‘get active’ from 26 July—11 August, with a whole host of sporting festivities and special guests, as it launches its ‘Festival of Sport’ right in the heart of the city. 

Spectators can visit the Fanzone on Level 5 at St James Quarter to cheer on their favourite athletes from the comfort of the Quarter’s rooftop bar, with captivating views of Edinburgh’s historic Calton Hill.

As the official Team GB Fanzone in Scotland, St James Quarter will be showing all the live action from the Olympics in Paris on a giant screen, delivered in partnership with Ocean Outdoor.

As part of the two-week-long Festival of Sport, St James Quarter, in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, is hosting a range of free fitness activities to inspire guests to get active and move more. From Pilates to Body Combat, Hatton Boxing to Musical Theatre Fitness, there’s something for everyone to get into the spirit of the Games, including family friendly classes. 

Alex Smith, Fitness Class Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Edinburgh Leisure is a charity helping people be active. Managing over 50 sports, leisure and schools facilities across the city, we are committed to creating opportunities for everyone to get active and stay active.

“This is an exciting partnership and a great opportunity to showcase what Edinburgh Leisure is about.  Wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure has something for everyone.  Come along and book in for some of the fitness classes on offer and get a taste of what we’re all about.”

The Edinburgh Leisure team is looking forward to cheering on three of their own colleagues who have headed to Paris to represent diving at the Olympics.

Performance Dive Coach – Jen Leeming, who has been working for Edinburgh Leisure for 12 years developing the diving programme, is attending with Team Jamaica, having coached Edinburgh Leisure Dive Coach, Yona Knight-Wisdom, who is representing his country. Meanwhile, Dive Specialist Vicki Tomlinson will represent GB as a diving judge.

‘Break’ into the Olympic spirit at St James Quarter

As Scotland’s official Team GB Fanzone, St James Quarter is hosting a Festival of Sport to celebrate the 2024 Olympics. From screenings to interactive fitness and competitive classes, the spirit of sport will be all around the Quarter. 

Inspired by the Paris 2024 Olympics, St James Quarter will invite guests to ‘get active’ from 26 July—11 August, with a whole host of sporting festivities and special guests, as it launches its ‘Festival of Sport’ right in the heart of the city.

As the official Team GB Fanzone in Scotland, the Quarter will show all the live action from the Olympics in Paris on a giant screen, delivered in partnership with Ocean Outdoor.

Spectators can visit the Fanzone on Level 5 to cheer on their favourite athletes from the comfort of the Quarter’s rooftop bar, with captivating views of Edinburgh’s historic Calton Hill. 

The official Team GB mascot Pride the Lion will join in the fun, heading to the Quarter to celebrate with sporting fans on 30th July.

Guests will also have the chance to meet and greet Olympic athletes, with Badminton player Kirsty Gilmour, who is competing in this year’s games, visiting the Fanzone on 7th August, and Joel Fearon, who competes in Athletics (Sprint) and Bobsleigh on 8th August.  

As part of the two-week-long Festival of Sport, St James Quarter, in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, is hosting a range of free fitness activities for all guests inspired by the UK’s success at the Olympics.

From Pilates to Body Combat, Hatton Boxing to Musical Theatre Fitness, there’s something for everyone to get into the spirit of the Games, including family-friendly classes. 

In addition, with breakdancing making its Olympic debut, B-Boys will ‘pop and lock’ around the Quarter, rocking live battles on Register Square and offering guests the opportunity to give it a spin.  There will also be football freestyling exhibitions to wow sporting fans. 

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

During the two-week Festival of Sport, the St James Quarter team, along with invited guests will be gearing up and ‘cycling’ to Paris in the heart of the Galleria, to raise money for the Quarter’s charity partners Health in Mind and Edinburgh Women’s Aid. 

Home to over 80 brands from luxury boutiques to high-street stores, plus an enticing mix of restaurants and bars, St James Quarter is the perfect place to shop, dine, play and stay this summer.

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

To keep up to date with events happening throughout the Quarter, visit the St James Quarter website or download the St James Quarter App. 

Sky’s the limit with the capital’s latest rooftop cocktail bar

Following on from the success of their pop-up bar two years’ ago, Skyline Sips is returning to level 5, St James Quarter, Edinburgh on Tuesday 25th June 2024.

The rooftop bar is set to offer a range of drinks, including some exciting and exclusive Chambord cocktails and promises breath-taking vistas towards Edinburgh’s historic Calton Hill. 

Skyline Sips will also be offering customers hot food and snacks, in partnership with the neighbouring Everyman Cinema.

Situated between Everyman Cinema and Roomzzz Aparthotels, Skyline Sips will be open every day until 8th September 2024.

Michael Donovan, Managing Director, Sips said: “This is our second time up on the roof at St James Quarter. We were here back in 2022 and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. We’re delighted to be back and look forward to a busy summer. 

“The feedback we received in 2022 was very positive and we can’t wait to be part of Edinburgh’s bar scene once again. Whether it’s after-work drinks, groups of friends getting together or a romantic date night, we hope that Skyline Sips will become a firm favourite this summer.”

Established in 2016, Sips is an Edinburgh based pop-up bar company that has operated bars at festivals and events including the Royal Highland Show, Fly Festival, Musselburgh Racecourse and the Edinburgh International Festival.

Times Radio wants to hear from Edinburgh and the Lothians today

  • The Times, The Sunday Times and Times Radio announces 2024 election marketing plans 
  • Times Radio is hitting the road with an Election Bus tour 
  • The Times, The Sunday Times and Times Radio launch “From Westminster to your World” marketing campaign 

As the British General Election on July 4th approaches, Times Radio is excited to announce the launch of the Times Radio Election Bus tour. 

Broadcasting live from a studio within the giant branded tour bus, Times Radio will travel across the country to listen to the voices of local communities and highlight the political issues that matter most to them. 

Starting its journey travelling from Dover to London, the bus will visit key battlegrounds and politically significant areas up until polling day, including Glasgow, Cardiff, Bournemouth, Birmingham, and more.

At each location, Times Radio will provide real-time updates, expert analysis, lively debates, and must-hear interviews, ensuring listeners are fully informed on every twist and turn of the election campaign. 

Along the way, the British public will be able to record messages for the next Prime Minister against a realistic No.10 Downing Street backdrop. Messages will then be incorporated into Times Radio’s programmes. 

Tim Levell, Programme Director of Times Radio, said; “The General Election is the one moment when power flows to every individual person across the United Kingdom.

“We are delighted that the Times Radio Election Bus, complete with its state-of-the-art on-board radio studio, will be visiting communities right across the country, to hear the concerns and opinions of the voters who will decide our next government.”

The tour bus was supplied by Empire RV, the design, advertising and activation was created by The Tenth Man and produced by Extreme Productions. 

Gethin Evans, UK Managing Director, The Tenth Man, added: “It’s been pretty exciting working with the team at one the worlds best known media brands as our founding client for the London office.

“It’s not very often you get the chance to help brands that are almost 250 years old – and we are delighted to help them promote Times Radio across the UK in a pivotal political period for the country.

“We’re taking current affairs on the road, without the boring bits.” 

Coinciding with the launch of the tour, The Times, The Sunday Times and Times Radio have today also unveiled a new election marketing campaign. Created by News UK’s dedicated agency, Pulse Creative, the integrated campaign, “From Westminster to your World,” illustrates how these brands help customers better understand the real-life impact of the election on the issues that matter to them. 

The striking hero social films feature British political icons – the red budget box, green Commons bench, Big Ben, and the door to Number 10 – in relatable scenarios, symbolising that Times journalism brings everyday context to Westminster politics.

These films are supported by a series of insightful social videos, created in partnership with The Times, The Sunday Times, and Times Radio’s editorial teams, that take a closer look at the key political issues set to shape the 2024 election. 

Louise Agran, Marketing Director of Times Media, said; “This campaign demonstrates what sets The Times, The Sunday Times and Times Radio apart – insightful journalism that helps our subscribers and listeners understand the consequences of the election, and politics more broadly, so that they can make the right decisions for themselves and their families.” 

Russell Ramsey, ECD of Pulse Creative London, said: “There’s a lot of negativity about Westminster party politics at the moment, so we wanted to tell a more relatable story about the election.

“This campaign highlights the real value of The Times by focusing on what truly matters in an election – the lives of the voters.” 

Social media will be an important battleground for this election, so ‘From Westminster to Your World’ is designed to be social-native.

The campaign leverages a diverse array of social formats across various platforms, delivering multiple touchpoints with politically engaged audiences, ensuring The Times is active wherever opinions are shaped and debated. 

The details for Edinburgh are:

Times Radio Election Bus x Edinburgh and the Lothians

Date: Friday 14th June

Time: 6am – 5pm

Location: Register Square, Edinburgh (next to Starbucks at St James Quarter entrance)

Topics to be discussed include:

  • The investigations into SNP finances and its impact on SNP performance in the capital
  • Labour’s potential gains in the city
  • Scotland’s first game at the Euros

Swiftie fever at St James Quarter: Galleria set to host friendship bracelet making

As Taylor Swift arrives in Scotland to kick off her long-awaited UK Eras Tour at Murrayfield, Scottish Swifties have the chance to get Ready for It at St James Quarter, Edinburgh – whether they have a ticket or not.

The Quarter is calling on all Swifties to Shake it Off ahead of the big event on 7th, 8th and 9th June with a free Bejewelled bracelet making station. Fans can make their very own beaded creations, complete with song title, lyrics and phrases, ready to swap with other fans at the concert. 30 minute slots are bookable from 11am – 4pm each day on the St James Quarter website.

Fans can find the finishing touches to their Eras outfits in the Galleria, and on Level 1 at a pop-up beauty bar, makeup artists from MAC and Urban Decay in Boots are on hand to offer touch-ups or recreate Taylor’s signature red lip.

Over the weekend, the Quarter will be filled with feel-good tracks including Taylor’s top hits, performed by a live singer.

If you’re grabbing something to eat before the big event, there’s plenty of choice in the Quarter from Eras themed cocktails in Duck & Waffle to brunch and live DJ sets in The Botanist. The Alchemist, Ka Pao, Gordon Ramsay Street Burger and Bonnie & Wild will also be embracing the Swiftie spirit.

Susan Hewlett, St James Quarter Brand and Marketing Director, said: “Swiftie fever has well and truly taken over the city and the Quarter, with fans coming to find the outfits that represent their ‘Era’.

“We’re excited to be part of the action, offering a Taylored weekend of fun and creativity before guests head to Murrayfield. And for anyone who didn’t manage to get their hands on a ticket, they can still come to meet like minded fans, make friendship bracelets and soak up the pre-concert atmosphere.”

Swifties are invited to join in the fun on Level 1 of the Quarter from 11am on 7th, 8th and 9th June. 

Bracelet making is free, however timeslots are limited and should be booked in advance on the St James Quarter website: 

https://stjamesquarter.com/event/swiftie-fever/.