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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•     St James Quarter Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/StJamesQuarter/

‘Fashion Brand with a purpose’ Scamp & Dude celebrates opening weekend at St James Quarter

Scamp & Dude celebrated its official opening in Edinburgh at the weekend with a VIP event, live entertainment, hosted by brand founder and CEO Jo Tutchener-Sharp who formally cut the ribbon and welcomed excited shoppers through the doors on Saturday 9th September. 

Adding a pop of neon to the capital’s lifestyle district, St James Quarter, this is Scamp & Dude’s first store to open in Scotland and comes after a year of expansive growth for the brand, which will also see the opening of a store in Battersea Power Station, London this weekend. 

On Friday 8th September Scamp & Dude hosted a vibrant launch event with more than 180 of the city’s key influencers,media and over 100 members of the brand’s supportive Scottish community. Guests were treated to a limited-edition special Edinburgh-opening-only tote bag, thoughtfully designed, and packed with amazing Scamp & Dude and beauty must-haves. 

Engaging with the brand’s tight-knit community, the event was attended by more than 100 ‘Duders’. Dressed in head-to-toe Scamp & Dude attire, and full of anticipation and excitement, the ‘Duders’ were seen first in line creating the party atmosphere. Once inside, guests had the opportunity to explore the new store, try on new styles and press the exclusive interactive Superpower Button, to receive their very own boost of Scamp & Duder Superpowers.  

Exclusively unveiled at the launch was the Scamp & Dude ‘Bolt Room’, An exclusive shopping experience in the store, where customers can book to have
use of a private fitting room for a group of friends to try on the brand’s latest styles, all whilst relaxing with a glass of bubbly and a Scamp & Dude stylist on hand for advice. 

The official public launch of the vibrant new store at St James Quarter began on Saturday, September 9th, with eager shoppers beginning to gather as early as 7:45am in anticipation of this exciting addition to the Quarter.

The first 50 shoppers were gifted with a complimentary Scamp & Dude gift. Shoppers were entertained over the launch weekend with performances from a brass band that filled the Galleria with feel good tunes.  

The newly opened store proudly presents Scamp & Dude’s collection of women’s and children’s clothing, alongside their charitable product offerings. Situated in a location that resonates with the brand’s dedicated and swiftly expanding Scottish following, referred to as ‘Duders,’ it serves as the perfect hub for this community. 

‘Edinburgh Style’ returns to St James Quarter

‘Edinburgh Style’ is back at St James Quarter this September for its third season, bringing showstopping fashion to Edinburgh’s lifestyle district in partnership with Grazia magazine.  

From Friday 29th September to Sunday 1st October, St James Quarter will play host to an array of must-attend events, curated for the fashion lovers and beauty aficionados of Edinburgh. 

Across the stylish long weekend, guests can attend an exciting lineup of free fashion talks, styling workshops, and beauty masterclasses featuring world renowned brands. For those prepping their wardrobe for Autumn / Winter, the fashion team at Grazia will be hosting a series of intimate styling sessions, sharing their fashion and accessory must-haves for the season ahead. 

And that’s not all, St James Quarter will be hosting two iconic catwalk shows on Saturday 30th September at 4pm and 6pm on Level 3 in the Galleria.

Models will be taking to the runway, showcasing 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.

For those seeking a truly VIP experience, the closing show, which will be styled by the Grazia team also offers live entertainment. While tickets are not essential, guests can reserve their free spot via the St James Quarter app.  

Over the course of the weekend, John Lewis will be hosting its very own fashion and beauty events as part of its MYJL Members’ Week in collaboration with top influencers Nadine Baggott, Clarissa Rae and Nicole Ocran.  

Also part of the weekend schedule, H Beauty is bringing back its H Beauty Carnival, including everything from expert sessions on how to perfect the ultimate glowing look with the Charlotte Tilbury team to how to get runway ready with the experts from Pat McGrath.  

The H Beauty Carnival will also feature special appearances from the likes of social media it girl Emily Shak and celebrity makeup artist Neil Young who will be revealing their ultimate style and beauty tips. For more information and to book a free ticket, visit the H Beauty website here.  

Don’t forget to download the St James Quarter app to stay in the loop with all things Style.  

Susan Hewlett, Brand and Marketing Director at St James Quarter, said: This year, we’re bringing some of the most trusted voices in the fashion and beauty world straight to St James Quarter with the return of Edinburgh Style.

“Over the course of the weekend, we will be hosting an array of exclusive fashion workshops, beauty masterclasses, immersive in-store experiences, and not one, but two runway presentations.  

“This is the second year we’ve partnered with Grazia, and we can’t wait to show the fashion team all that the stylish city of Edinburgh has to offer.

“We’re inviting everyone to enjoy our packed schedule of unmissable events and celebrate their own unique style. Make sure you clear your diaries!” 

For more information on the free events that will be taking place across the weekend and to secure your fashion show seats, please visit the St James Quarter app here, or alternatively visit: https://stjamesquarter.com/events 

St James Quarter Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/stjamesquarter/  

St James Quarter Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/StJamesQuarter/  

Flight Club is coming to Edinburgh

Stunning interiors, delicious cocktails and Social Darts … the perfect line-up for an unforgettable night out!

Flight Club, famous for making Social Darts a memorable night-out with friends, is opening a brand new and long-awaited venue in Edinburgh this November.

This will mark the 15th UK opening for Flight Club and the second in Scotland, closely following the opening of Flight Club Glasgow this October, and destined to be a highlight in everyone’s social calendar this autumn.  

Flight Club’s unique Social Darts concept promises to deliver a social experience like no other, loaded with unexpected, ridiculous, joy, and designed to bring people together through multiplayer games, show-stopping cocktails and tasty bites.

Flight Club will add a technology-charged twist to Edinburgh’s social scene and welcomes first-timers and fanatics alike. Automated scoring eliminates any need for counting and will seamlessly guide players through fast-paced, exciting games, whilst handy ‘push for service’ buttons will ensure not a moment of epic gameplay is missed when refreshments are required. 

Flight Club blends the nostalgia and warmth of a pub with the energy and excitement of a fairground in its atmosphere and decor; offering the ultimate escape from winter weather.

The new venue located in St James Quarter, the lifestyle district at the centre of Scotland’s capital, will give players the chance to discover an impressive 10 oche playing areas and will be neighbouring some of the biggest names in retail and hospitality.

The venue will celebrate the city’s heritage with a large mural featuring historical landmarks, and a model Victorian railway running throughout the height of the bar, calling at thoughtfully designed streets and stations.

If Prosecco and bottomless pizza sounds like more of a winning combination, Flight Club Edinburgh will be offering an incredible Brunch Social every Saturday & Sunday. Delivering on all those crispy base, ultra-cheesy cravings, the paddle board pizzas come with a variety of toppings and can be tailored to suit dietary requirements, whilst each guest will receive a bottle of Prosecco.

Located in the bustling St James Quarter, Flight Club Edinburgh is a one-stop destination for all group sizes, from groups of friends to corporate events, catering for up to 250 guests. Groups of 37 + can join Flight Club for an industry-leading Social Darts Tournament hosted by an expert Gamesmaster. Multiple oches are effortlessly connected for an immersive experience, perfect for team building, Christmas parties or company socials!

CEO, Steve Moore, said: “We love the atmosphere in Edinburgh and the existing hospitality and nightlife scene, so we are beyond excited to be opening a Flight Club in St James Quarter this autumn.

“It’s a busy and evolving city, and we will be bringing something a little different to the area, and can’t wait to see friends and colleagues celebrating every occasion with us.

Booking enquiries HERE.

Open to book from 7th September.