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/.

St James Quarter offers FREE therapy sessions to mark Mental Health Awareness Week

  • St James Quarter marks Mental Health Awareness Week with a host of wellbeing activities
  • A Listening Space will open in Quarter to make mental health support accessible
  • The activities will fundraise for St James Quarter’s two charity partners, Edinburgh Women’s Aid and Health in Mind

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, St James Quarter is hosting a programme of wellbeing activities in partnership with Health in Mind and Edinburgh Women’s Aid to support the community in the capital.

Making mental health support and guidance more accessible for people living in Edinburgh, Listening Spaces will open in the Quarter from 16th May. Launched by Health in Mind, the space will offer guests one-to-one time with a trained expert to talk about their mental wellbeing and receive compassionate advice, support and resources.

The free, weekly sessions will initially run for a six week period and be delivered from 2pm to 4pm in the Guest Services Lounge.

On Wednesday 15 May, Everyman Cinema will transform into a calming haven with a free mindfulness experience. Hosted by Health and Mind, the session will explore the body and bodily sensations as a source of mindful awareness. This session will end with mood and energy-boosting tips from Neom Wellbeing, leaving guests feeling relaxed and in tune with their minds. There’s limited spots which can be booked at bit.ly/3JSVbor.

In a bid to brighten guests’ days during Mental Health Awareness Week, local magician, Grant Mitchell, will be sprinkling some magic in the Quarter with mood-boosting tricks that are guaranteed to put a smile on faces on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th May. Talented musician, Dan Collins, will also entertain guests with feel-good tracks on Thursday 16th May.

The team at St James Quarter continues to show its commitment to its charity partners. On Friday, 16 members of the team will put on their walking boots to climb Ben Chonzie in support of Mental Health Awareness Week, and to raise funds to support its two charity partners, Health in Mind and Edinburgh Women’s Aid.

Kerry Girdwood, Senior Services Manager (North) at Health in Mind, who will be managing the new drop-in Listening Space, said: “Around 1 in 3 people in Scotland are struggling with their mental health, and with added pressures like the cost-of-living crisis, the fallout from the Covid pandemic, pressure on public services, and conflict around the world, that number is only climbing.

“We’ve run Listening Spaces in communities around Scotland, where people can chat through their mental health difficulties, access resources, and get connected to services. Thanks to this new pilot with St James Quarter, we’ll be doing all that in one of Edinburgh’s busiest community hubs.”

Jennifer Laseen, Hospitality Director and CSR Committee Chair said, “We know how hard it can be to make the first step and reach out for support, and sometimes you just don’t know where to start.

“At St James Quarter, we’re perfectly positioned to make mental wellbeing support more accessible in the city centre and we’re really excited about this opportunity to offer a Listening Space with Health in Mind.

“The Quarter is a welcoming and supporting place for all our guests and however you’re feeling this Mental Health Awareness Week, I encourage you to join us for a mindfulness session, enjoy some feel-good entertainment, or meet the team from Health in Mind.

“It is a privilege to have two brilliant partner charities and every donation to Edinburgh Women’s Aid and Health in Mind supports them to provide valuable services in the city.”

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

Activities taking place during Mental Health Awareness Week:

Monday 13 May – Magic from Grant Mitchell

Tuesday 14 May – Magic from Grant Mitchell

Wednesday 15 May – Mindfulness Session with Health in Mind

Thursday 16 May – Listening Spaces with Health in Mind & Music from Dan Collins

Friday 17 May – Team SJQ Munro Climb

For more information, please email: stjamesquarter@johndoehub.com 

The best bao buns are back!

Ozen returns to the city’s street food scene with all the full-on fresh flavours Edinburgh foodies have been waiting for

Edinburgh foodies rejoice, your favourite full-on fresh fusion flavours are back on the menu as Ozen makes its long-awaited return to the capital.

After a two-year hiatus, the Asian street food kings are back in a brand new location at the city’s St James Quarter. Expect all the classic combos that helped build their cult following, plus a bunch of brand new bao buns that will see food fans coming back for more.

All the signature bao buns you’ve come to love are making a welcome return, including the Karaageee Chicken bao bun stuffed with tender crispy fried chicken, and the Pig Deal crammed with red pork belly in a peanut crumb.

These are joined on the menu by some tasty new vegan additions such as the Eggplant featuring panko-fried aubergine – and not forgetting the quirky McOzen mash-up featuring a double beef patty, American cheese, pickles and special McOzen sauce.

Those with a sweet tooth will be hard pressed to say no to a dessert bun bursting with Biscoff cream and syrup, Nutella, or strawberry cheesecake paired with orange blossom syrup. 

The Edinburgh eatery is the vision of the self-confessed food-obsessed Chris Thomas, Alex Galpin and Jacob Rodriguez, who have more than two decades of hospitality experience between them. Their ultimate aim is to add a new dynamic to the capital’s food scene and offer a contemporary take on pan-Asian flavours. 

Speaking about the return of Ozen, Chris said: “We took some time out, travelled the world, and picked up ideas and inspiration for new flavour combinations along the way.

“We were really excited to get experimenting in the kitchen again, and when a space became available at St James Quarter we just knew we had to bring Ozen back. 

“The reaction has been incredible! So much so, that we’re already gearing up to open another Ozen very soon.

“We’ve got big ambitions to become Scotland’s first national bao bun brand and from the reaction to our relaunch, there’s definitely an appetite for it!”

Ozen Street Food is now open at the Little King Street Entrance to St James Quarter, Edinburgh. The full menu is available for collection or for delivery via Deliveroo.

Laings further cements TAG Heuer relationship with announcement of new showroom to open in Edinburgh

Family-owned luxury jewellers, Laings, has announced plans to open a second TAG Heuer boutique in Scotland, which will be situated in the prime luxury retail location of Multrees Walk in Edinburgh.

The new store, opening in Spring 2024, follows the successful launch of Scotland’s first mono-brand TAG boutique, which opened on Glasgow’s Buchanan Street in September.

The new store further solidifies Laings continued commitment to a bricks and mortar presence and its strive to create the very best, personal customer experiences.

The new showroom, which will span more than 100 m², will create several new jobs for the local area, across various roles including managerial positions and client advisors.

Stuart McDowell, managing director of Laings said: “The proposed opening of a second store marks the latest milestone in the exciting evolution of our relationship with TAG Heuer and demonstrates the luxury brand’s commitment to fully establishing its presence in Scotland.

“With a wealth of collections on display, we are looking forward to welcoming clients into our Edinburgh showroom next year. Whether it be their first venture into luxury Swiss watches or extending a growing passion for TAG Heuer, our clients will be offered a truly exceptional immersive experience.”

Rob Diver, managing director of TAG Heuer UK and Ireland said: “Following the opening of our first boutique in Glasgow this year with Laings, we look forward to further strengthening our new and valued partnership with the esteemed jeweller, and extending the TAG Heuer offering to clients in the Scottish capital, where we are confident TAG Heuer will receive an equally warm reception among the clients.”

The showroom will include an interactive display area showcasing cutting-edge technology, as well as a luxurious lounge, allowing clients to shop in comfort as well as style – along with the usual level of privacy and confidentiality, which has become synonymous with Laings.

The opening of the Edinburgh boutique is part of Laings’ wider multi-million pound investment to build on its legacy as a leading destination for luxury jewellery and watches.

For more information about Laings, visit www.LaingsUK.com.

Game On! Flight Club Edinburgh is officially open

Flight Club’s new, highly anticipated venue in Edinburgh is NOW OPEN! The award-winning bar infamous for reinventing darts for the 21st Century and encouraging fun ways to socialise, has officially opened its doors to the public at the newest St James Quarter location. 

Flight Club’s unique concept will supercharge the social scene in Edinburgh, bringing groups of friends together with multiplayer games, show-stopping cocktails and tasty bites: all under one roof. From small plates to meat and vegetable sharing to pizza, washed down with one of the signature cocktails or cocktail slushies. 

Whether you’re a seasoned dart sniper or have never thrown a dart before, Flight Club extends a warm welcome to all. Instant scoring eliminates any need for counting and reimagines matches into fast-paced, exciting events, with many players finding themselves unexpectedly hooked. 

This lively bar is sure to establish itself as a hub in Edinburgh’s social landscape, with an impressive number of 18,000 guests already booked in for unforgettable experiences of Social Darts, cocktails and brunch.

Located in the bustling St James Quarter, Flight Club boasts an impressive array of 10 oches (Social Darts playing areas) and a stunning bar, ideal for soaking up the atmosphere and toasting to success (or commiserating losses!).

Flight Club is the ultimate destination for all group sizes, from couples to corporate events, multiple oches are effortlessly connected for an immersive experience, perfect for team building, weekend brunches, company socials or Christmas bookings (Christmas bookings now open for up to 250 people). 

CEO, Steve Moore, said: “We can’t wait to welcome everyone, Edinburgh is such an incredible city, we’re really proud of the venue and look forward to showing it off in all its glory!”

Flight Club is located at Level 3, 300-306 St James Crescent, EH1 3AE and is open every day from 11.30am until Midnight.

To book your spot, visit here. Reservations are now open.

Flight Club to give away £500 Bar Tab

Flight Club, the award winning bar and Social Darts venue, is opening its doors at its new Edinburgh location on 17th November. To celebrate, the Flight Club team will be giving away hundreds of prizes, as they join the buzzing Edinburgh scene and add to the ever-growing Flight Club family.

On the 14th and 15th November, the Flight Club team can be found at St James Quarter offering passers-by the chance to win over 350 incredible prizes, including an epic £500 bar tab.

Flight Club will be taking to the bustling St James Quarter in the heart of Edinburgh, from 11am-3pm, equipped with a Spin the Wheel game and hundreds of exciting prizes including a £500 bar tab, brunch tickets for 4 people, tickets to the official launch party, oche hire vouchers and pizza and prosecco. 

Flight Club, renowned for revolutionising the game of darts for the 21st Century, is an award-winning bar and competitive socialising concept. The launch of Flight Club Edinburgh marks the 15th UK opening for Flight Club and the second in Scotland.

The new location promises to deliver a social experience like no other, brimming over with unexpected, ridiculous, joy. Flight Club combines the nostalgia and warmth of a pub with the energy and excitement of a fairground in its atmosphere and decor.

To book your spot, visit HEREReservations are now open.

Tomorrow: St James Quarter launches Halloween activities

St James Quarter prepares to cast a bewitching spell on guests in the run up to Halloween, with fun-filled activities, live entertainment, and wickedly good offers from the Quarter’s eateries.

On Saturday, 28th October from 12pm to 4pm, local DJ, Mairi B Pots, will provide the perfect soundtrack to this year’s celebrations with a Halloween themed DJ set. The Quarter is set to be filled with spooky classics including Ghostbusters, Time Warp and Monster Mash.

For those looking to reveal their inner ghost or ghoul, there’ll also be Halloween face painting on this date, from 11am to 4pm on Level 4. From witches and wolves to friendly pumpkins, the Quarter’s talented artist will be on hand to transform the faces of guests.

The popular LEGO store will be bringing the Halloween fun, with activities for families to enjoy. There’s a spooktacular ghost hunt around the store with treats on offer until 31st October, and you can build your own LEGO Black Cat at set times on 28th and 29th October. In John Lewis, kids and families can challenge themselves to a spooky treasure hunt throughout the department store until 31st October.

And that’s not all! St James Quarter’s dining destinations will also be embracing the Halloween spirit with a range of exclusive offers available via the St James Quarter app. Bonnie & Wild is inviting families to partake in a fun-filled “dooking for apples” activity, where children can enjoy extra treats, while some of the Scottish Food Hall’s kitchens will be offering Halloween specials alongside their regular menus. Hotel Chocolat will tantalise taste buds with Halloween-themed chocolates, a chillingly delicious Cherry Scary Sundae and an exclusive competition via the St James Quarter App, offering the chance to win some tempting Halloween goodies.

For adults celebrating during the eerie festivities, The Alchemist is offering a special Halloween cocktail available from the 27th – 31st October as well as an exclusive 20% off food via the St James Quarter app. Meanwhile, Ka Pao is offering a complimentary cocktail or mocktail when diners book in advance using this link. Other dining destinations will offer exclusive Halloween deals including Gordon Ramsay Street Burger, The Real Greek and Maki & Ramen.

Download the St James Quarter App HERE to access the exclusive Halloween dining discounts and to stay updated on this Halloween event.

Susan Hewlett, Brand and Marketing Director at St James Quarter, said: This spooky season is the perfect opportunity for our guests to experience our impressive retail, hospitality and leisure offering as well as enjoying some Halloween themed entertainment and fun activities in the Quarter.

“This Saturday, the celebrations will be in full swing with Halloween inspired music filling the Galleria for all to enjoy and spooky themed face painting – you don’t want to miss out!”

St James Quarter reveals full line up for this weekend’s Style Event

St James Quarter has revealed the full line up of unmissable fashion and beauty events for this weekend’s ‘Edinburgh Style’, which is taking place from today, Friday 29th September, and running until Sunday, 1st October.

Returning to the capital’s lifestyle district for 2023, the weekend-long event will feature styling events with leading brands including Levi’s, IOLLA and Grazia’s very own fashion team who will be sharing their season styling tips on the Style Stage located on Level 3.

Edinburgh Style will also play host to exclusive talks and masterclasses, with Jo Tutchener-Sharp, founder of the newly opened Scamp & Dude, who is set to talk about the brand’s purpose-led approach, including its ongoing charity campaigns and events.

Beauty aficionados can learn how to get the perfect runway look straight from the experts at H Beauty’s Carnival’s, two days of iconic beauty masterclasses with brands including Pat McGrath, Kylie Cosmetics and Charlotte Tilbury in the Level 1 workshop space from Saturday, 30th September to Sunday 1st October.

The walkways of the Galleria will be transformed into a high fashion runway, providing the backdrop to two iconic fashion shows, where guests will have an exclusive preview of the newest looks fresh off the rails from retailers including John Lewis, H&M, & Other Stories and BOSS, as well as Harvey Nichols on Multrees Walk.

The excitement continues with John Lewis hosting fashion and beauty masterclasses across the weekend as part of its MYJL Members’ Week in collaboration with top influencers Nadine Baggott, Clarissa Rae and Nicole Ocran.

And it doesn’t end there, Michael Kors, Strathberry and LK Bennet on Multrees Walk will join a host of retailers at St James Quarter providing exciting shopping experiences from live music to personalisation and prosecco. So what are you waiting for….

Don’t forget to download the St James Quarter app to stay up to date with all things Style and of course book a space in our incredibly stylish car park.

Susan Hewlett, Brand and Marketing Director at St James Quarter, said: “Edinburgh Style is returning to St James Quarter this weekend and it’s set to be the most fabulously stylish event yet.

“With a packed schedule of fashion shows and workshops, beauty masterclasses and style talks from leading retailers and of course a unique opportunity to experience firsthand what it’s like to work on an international style bible with the team from Grazia, it’s one not to miss!”

For more information on the free events that will be taking place across the weekend please visit the St James Quarter app here, or alternatively at: 

https://stjamesquarter.com/event/edinburgh-style-2023

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