British Summer Sports Afternoon Tea at The Caledonian Edinburgh

Celebrate the spirit of British summer sports with The Caledonian Edinburgh’s latest afternoon tea, featuring a variety of innovative sandwiches such as Squash, Chilli & Coconut Quiche; Hoisin Duck Crème Fraîche Wrap; and Steelhead Smoked Trout & Pear Chutney.

The pastry chefs have hit it out of the park with selections including the baseball Yogurt & Mango Compote Macaron; football Mint Buttercream & Lime Ganache Battenberg; and tennis Coconut Paste & White Chocolate Crunch Pepite – for sport fans and pastry lovers alike.

Standing proudly at the West End of Princes Street, this former Victorian railway building hotel nestles in the shadow of the imposing Edinburgh Castle. Its reputation for style and excellence has attracted generations of locals, internationals, and notable personalities for over one hundred years.

Formerly the station concourse and ticket office, The Lounge represents the historic heart of the Caley – the perfect setting for an unforgettable afternoon tea. 

The British Summer Sports afternoon tea is available in The Lounge, The Caledonian Edinburgh daily from 12:30 – 4pm. Gluten free, vegan, and children’s menus are also available. The menu can be viewed here.

Bookings can be made by emailing dining@edinburghcaledonian.com or calling the reservations team directly at 0131 222 8832.

Mother’s Day with The Eden Mill Experience

The Eden Mill Experience offers three uniquely delicious cocktails and a journey through Eden Mill’s best-selling fruity & floral Love Gin; a new online offer with ‘itison’ makes it the perfect Mother’s Day treat 

Edinburgh’s fun & thriving West End will see adoring gin fans flock to The Eden Mill Experience this Mother’s Day with the brand-new drinks venue announcing a special partnership with itison with deals from just £21. 

The capital’s newest drinks experience, and Eden Mill’s first venue in central Edinburgh, is located in the Heads & Tales Gin Bar at 1A, Rutland Place, EH1 2AD, inviting gin lovers to spoil mum this Mother’s Day with an interactive & immersive mixology experience. 

Eden Mill’s delectably fruity and subtly floral pink Love Gin is available in the ‘Share The Love Gin’ session. During the experience, gin enthusiasts will hear the story of how Love Gin was born and the flavoursome botanicals used to make it.  Guests are whisked through a dreamy experience with three uniquely delicious cocktails, one of which they will learn to mix themselves.

Hannah Ingram, Head of Marketing at Eden Mill, said: “Mother’s Day is a wonderful opportunity for Edinburgh’s gin lovers to treat their mums to a range of inventive & delicious cocktails. Our new experience has received fabulous feedback so far, we are so thrilled to bring a taste of St Andrews to the Scottish capital. 

“The Eden Mill Experience is the perfect opportunity to showcase our wonderful expressions in an interactive and immersive way, and it’s a privilege to bring our brand to a city with such a vibrant drinks scene.”   

‘The Guard Bridge Masterclass’ is also available on Itison for whisky fans; Eden Mill’s blended malt Scotch whisky is can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails, and guests will enjoy a dram and three delicious serves – all expressing the whisky’s sweet, warming tasting notes of sherried fruit and gingerbread. What’s more, one cocktail is “guaranteed to feature an ingredient guests have never tasted before!”. 

Pic Greg Macvean 03/02/2024 Minty Communications – Eden Mill Experience, Edinburgh

The Eden Mill Experience is located in the Heads & Tales Gin Bar at 1A, Rutland Place, EH1 2AD in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End. Offering immersive whisky & gin experiences, bookings are available now via the Eden Mill website and itison.

The Eden Mill Experience opens for Valentine’s Day

Located in the heart of the Scottish capital, Eden Mill has opened the doors of its first-ever city centre Edinburgh venue in time for the most romantic day of the year; the city’s brand-new drinks venue offers a delicious journey through Eden Mill’s best-selling fruity & floral Love Gin 


Edinburgh’s drinks lovers will enjoy the perfect Valentine’s Day date as independent distiller Eden Mill announces The Eden Mill Experience is now open in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End. 

The capital’s latest drinks experience, and Eden Mill’s first venue in central Edinburgh, is located in the Heads & Tales Gin Bar at 1A, Rutland Place, EH1 2AD, inviting gin lovers to share their love for the spirit through an interactive & immersive mixology experience. 

Eden Mill’s delectably fruity and subtly floral pink Love Gin, originally created as a limited-edition for Valentine’s Day in 2015, is available in the ‘Share The Love Gin’ session. Gin fans are whisked through a dreamy experience with three uniquely delicious cocktails, one of which guests will learn to mix themselves. 

SHARE THE LOVE GIN | (From £30) 

Love Gin (40% ABV) is Eden Mill’s floral pink gin joined the Eden Mill portfolio in 2015 as a limited-edition, but the taste of fresh rhubarb spice, sweet strawberries & vanilla combined with green apple, citrus and a hint of rose water, was adored and earned Love Gin a permanent position in the Eden Mill portfolio.

During the Share The Love Gin session, gin enthusiasts will hear the story of how Love Gin was born and the flavoursome botanicals used to make it so delicious. With three uniquely delicious cocktails and some sweet treats, this immersive session will tell the story of Eden Mill’s best-selling Love Gin. 

The Eden Mill Experience joins a flourishing area of the capital’s drinks scene; bursting with culture,  innovative bars and restaurants. Positioned as an experience and journey into the Eden Mill brand, the location is the ideal venue for drinks fans to begin their perfect day or night out in the beautiful Scottish capital. 

Hannah Ingram, Head of Marketing at Eden Mill, said: “We are thrilled to bring a taste of St Andrews to the Scottish capital. Valentine’s Day is a fabulous opportunity for Edinburgh’s gin fans to experience the versatility of our Love Gin through a range of inventive & delicious cocktails. 

“The Eden Mill Experience is the perfect opportunity to showcase our wonderful expressions in an interactive and immersive way, and it’s a privilege to launch in a city with such a vibrant drinks scene.”   

‘The Guard Bridge Masterclass’ is also available for whisky fans; Eden Mill’s blended malt Scotch whisky is designed to be enjoyed in cocktails, and guests will enjoy three – all expressing the whisky’s deliciously sweet tasting notes of sherried fruit and light warm gingerbread. 

THE GUARD BRIDGE MASTERCLASS | (From £35)
The Guard Bridge Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (46% ABV) is a new addition to Eden Mill’s range, crafted using an eclectic mix of single malts sourced from the Highland and Lowland regions of Scotland; the blend also contains Eden Mill Single Malt whisky which is highly scarce in quantity.

The expression soothes the palate with the taste of creamy vanilla and barley sugar, finished with sherried fruit and light warm gingerbread. 

During The Guard Bridge Masterclass, whisky fans will learn the journey and discover the story behind this new blended malt Scotch whisky while delving into its deliciously sweet tasting notes. Designed to be enjoyed in cocktails, attendees will try three as part of the experience to demonstrate the whisky’s versatility, with one cocktail “guaranteed to feature an ingredient guests have never tasted before!”.  

LAYING FOUNDATIONS

Eden Mill is currently building a contemporary Scotch Whisky and gin distillery which is due to become operational in 2024. Set to be one of Scotland’s iconic distilleries, it will also be a major St Andrews landmark and a key Scottish tourism attraction. The brand has been recording progress with work on the exterior of the distillery now complete; a time-lapse video capturing the first stage of the journey is available on the Eden Mill website

The Eden Mill Experience opened on Saturday 3rd February 2024 and is located in the Heads & Tales Gin Bar at 1A, Rutland Place, EH1 2AD in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End. Offering immersive whisky & gin experiences, bookings are available now via the Eden Mill website. 

More traffic chaos looms: Haymarket Terrace to close until NOVEMBER

Yet more misery for businesses and residents

Haymarket Terrace will be temporarily closed eastbound from 3 April as part of a project to transform the area for people walking, wheeling and cycling. The road will be closed eastbound between its junctions with Rosebery Crescent and Magdala Crescent until November.

The traffic disruption is dreadful news for local traders who have already seen their trade hammered during the city council’s controversial City Centre West to East link (CCWEl) works. The work was planned to take seven months but has seriously overran and some businesses fear that the latest disruption could be the final straw.

The local gas network will be upgraded by SGN at the same time.

The Council has requested SGN divert a gas main to allow for City Centre West to East link (CCWEL) construction. SGN will carry out the necessary diversion and renewal of the gas main at the same time, to minimise disruption as much as possible. SGN’s work is scheduled to last 12 weeks, while CCWEL construction in the area is expected to finish in January 2024.

Haymarket Terrace will be closed eastbound between its junctions with Rosebery Crescent and Magdala Crescent until November 2023. A signed diversion route will be put in place for traffic travelling eastbound via Magdala Crescent, Eglinton Crescent, Palmerston Place, Lansdowne Crescent and Grosvenor Street. Temporary bus stops will be placed along this route.

Once complete, CCWEL will connect Roseburn to Leith Walk via Haymarket and the West End with a safe and direct cycle route, as well as significantly enhancing streets for those walking, wheeling and spending time there.

This will tie into a new George Street cycling route delivered as part of the George Street and First New Town project.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said:In consultation with Lothian Buses, we’ve worked closely with SGN to make sure these two major projects are carried out together to reduce disruption as much as we can for residents, visitors and people travelling through the area.

“CCWEL is a landmark scheme for the city, providing a safe, welcoming route for all those travelling from the east to west by foot, wheel or bike, as well as transforming public spaces along the way to help support local businesses. Using funding from Sustrans to invest in active travel projects like this supports our net zero goals, boosts the local economy, and helps improve people’s health and wellbeing.

“I’d like to thank all those who live, work or run a business along the route for their patience as we carry out these improvements.”

SGN Project Manger Matthew Ferguson said: “Carrying out our gas main diversion and renewal work at this time will both allow the CCWEL project to progress and reduce disruption for the local community and commuters in future.

“Our work involves replacing our existing metal gas pipes with new plastic pipe, which will ensure a continued safe and reliable gas supply to the local area for many years to come.”

During the closure, eastbound bus stops will be relocated to Magdala Crescent and Grosvenor Street and the Haymarket taxi rank will be removed with alternative locations available nearby.

Information on bus diversions can be found on Lothian Buses’ website.

CCWEL is funded by Places for Everyone, an active travel infrastructure scheme backed by Transport Scotland and administered by Sustrans. Find out more about the CCWEL project.

Kay’s Bar scoops CAMRA beer quality award

Kay’s Bar in Edinburgh’s New Town has a reputation for selling top quality real ale and this has resulted in Kay’s being awarded the local CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) Branch’s 2022 Real Ale Quality Award.

CAMRA’s members provided beer quality scores during 2022 when visiting real ale pubs in the Branch area (there are over 300) and Kay’s came out top for its average score – not only in Edinburgh but throughout the Lothians and Borders.

The presentation will be made by the CAMRA Branch Chair, Pat Hanson, to Simon Fisher, manager at Kay’s, at 8pm on Thursday (19th January 2023) at the pub.

On hearing the news of the award Kay’s landlord Fraser Gillespie said: “We are delighted with this recognition by CAMRA of our commitment to serving a range of  quality real ales”

Runners up in Edinburgh were the Mitre (Royal Mile) and the Dreadnought (Leith).

Johnnie Walker Princes Street illuminates Edinburgh with stunning festive display

Johnnie Walker Princes Street is a must-visit this season, featuring taste and tour experiences, festive cocktails and more –

As temperatures drop and the nights draw in, thoughts are turning to festive celebrations and getaways.  Edinburgh has everything to offer for the season, renowned for its Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations, and for those celebrating in Scotland’s capital this year, there’s no better place to start than Johnnie Walker Princes Street.

Lighting up the heart of Edinburgh’s West End with a new festive projection, guests can find something for everyone across Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s eight floors. Including immersive tours, rooftop bars and a state-of-the-art retail store, the venue has welcomed over 345,000 guests since opening and recently achieved VisitScotland’s coveted ‘Five Star Attraction’ accreditation.

Here’s a look at what’s in store:

  • Tours & experiences: Enjoy the immersive 90-minute Journey of Flavour tour (£28), where personal flavour preferences are mapped with drinks tailored to each individual’s palate, with non-alcoholic options available. Or consider some of the wider whisky experiences such as the Whisky Maker’s Cellar or the Johnnie Walker History Adventure. A brand new ‘Drams & Brews’ whisky and coffee pairing experience will also be available throughout the season, featuring locally sourced cold brew coffee matched with exciting whiskies from across Scotland.
  • Festive Projection: All through December Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s building façade will be transformed via a stunning animated festive projection. Once the sun sets, guests and passersby can marvel at the scene featuring giant presents, an advent calendar, whisky highballs and plenty more besides.
  • Food & drink: Visit the 1820 Bar, offering everything from crafted cocktails with a festive twist to your favourite dram matched with locally-sourced dishes – best enjoyed with epic views of Edinburgh Castle and the city’s busiest street. Or, explore over 150 special bottles and one of a kind cask editions in the Explorers’ Bothy Bar – perfect for those looking to expand their palette and try new flavours.
  • Christmas shopping: As the largest Johnnie Walker retail store in the world, Johnnie Walker Princes Street stocks an unrivalled collection of both blended and single malt whiskies to suit all taste and budgets, as well as all the glassware and kit required to create the perfect serve at home. The ultimate destination to shop for dram lovers, the selection varies from personalised engraved bottles, to gift sets and exclusive blends.

Barbara Smith, Managing Director of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said: “Edinburgh’s reputation as a magical place during the festive season is well deserved, and we’re looking forward to celebrating with our guests new and returning.

“There’s so much to do across our eight floors. The Journey of Flavour Tour is perfect for everything from cosy winter dates to office parties, and the festive food and drink available in the 1820 Bar is not to be missed.

“The views from our roof terrace are stunning all year round, but if we get some snow this year it’ll be tough to beat as a festive picture backdrop with the views we enjoy of our neighbours at Edinburgh Castle!”

To book your Johnnie Walker experience, and for more information, visit 

www.johnniewalkerprincesstreet.com

Police renew appeal for witnesses to Princes Street incident

Detectives in Edinburgh are continuing to appeal for information after a man suffered a serious head injury following an assault in Edinburgh last Saturday (13 August, 2022).

Around 8.15pm, police were called to an incident in Princes Street, between the Johnnie Walker premises and the Royal Bank of Scotland, where a 53-year-old man was found injured.

He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he remains in a critical condition.

Extensive enquiries carried have so far established a number of people witnessed the incident and detectives are appealing for those members of the public to contact them.

Detective Inspector Jonny Wright, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, said: “We understand that there were several witnesses to this incident and would like to speak to anyone who may have information about what happened.

“In particular, I would ask anyone who may have captured images or video footage on their mobile phones to contact us. This footage could prove vital to our investigation.

“We have also set up a website that gives members of the public access to a form to send information directly to the Major Investigation Team. Anyone with any private CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage that they think would assist the enquiry can also send this via this link.

“You can select to remain anonymous when submitting information.

“The portal can be accessed at: http://ow.ly/5H0850Kl4F1

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3789 of 13 August, 2022. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.

Man ‘critical’ following Princes Street disturbance

Police seek witnesses to fight at West End

POLICE in Edinburgh are appealing for witnesses after a man suffered a serious head injury on Princes Street yesterday.

Around 8.15pm last night, police received a report of a disturbance in Princes Street, near to Johnnie Walker premises. Officers attended and a 53-year-old man was found injured. He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where medical staff describe his condition as critical.

Officers are gathering and checking relevant CCTV footage for any information on the suspect.

Enquiries carried out so far have established a number of people witnessed the fight between the two men and officers are appealing for those members of the public to contact them.

Detective Inspector Keith Fairbairn said: “A man has been left seriously injured in this incident and it’s imperative we trace whoever is responsible.

“We know that numerous people saw what happened and I am appealing to them to get in touch with us. Any small piece of information could prove vital in this investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 3789 of 13 August, 2022. Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.

Johnnie Walker Princes Street lights up the city during the Festival

Show-stopping projection unveiled on one of Edinburgh’s most iconic buildings 

Official Partner Destination of The Fringe, Johnnie Walker Princes Street, has kicked off its partnership with the world’s most famous arts festival, by unveiling a show stopping projection illuminating the entire eight floor building. 

The projection, created by Scottish projection specialists, Double Take, uses the iconic cantilever clock that sits on the outside of the Johnnie Walker Princes Street building, as a recurring theme.

The 2D/3D projection features a series of bold and colourful scenes that reimagine the facade of the visitor experience with dancers, acrobats and musicians, the idea being that performers are housed within the inner workings of the magical clock – allowing the cogs and clockwork elements to be woven throughout the piece.

The eight floor building is also a proud Fringe venue with ‘Pick of the Fringe’ which is a line-up of the best performances from across the festival. Set in the venue’s purpose built event space, Label Studio, two must-see shows will run daily every Thursday – Sunday at 4.30pm and 10.15pm.

Each day, three acts have been hand-picked from The Fringe’s unrivalled talent pool, for exclusive performances overlooking the Edinburgh cityscape. 

The line-up includes performances from: Grammy and Emmy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir, Britain’s Got Talent finalist Magical Bones, Australian drag and circus act Briefs Factory, America’s Got Talent semi finalist Dom Chambers, and many more. 

Johnnie Walker Princes Street has also created ‘Tropical Time Out’ on Victoria Street, an experiential space giving festival goers the opportunity to step out of the busy city and into a world of flavour, showcasing just a hint of what’s in store at Johnnie Walker Princes Street. From here, guests can get a taste of what to expect on the Journey of Flavour tour, before heading down to the newly lit building for their own multi-sensory whisky adventure. 

Barbara Smith, Managing Director for Diageo’s Scotland brand homes said: “It’s wonderful to see Edinburgh’s festival season in full swing once more and we’re delighted to be part of the action. 

“Johnnie Walker Princes Street is looking fabulous both inside and out, especially with the unveiling of our exciting new projection which will illuminate Princes Street with some fabulous story-telling and images.

“This is our first summer in the city and our team are delighted to welcome visitors to our Journey of Flavour tour, Pick of the Fringe performances, rooftop bar and retail space. We know a thing or two about making the perfect blend and our festival line-up is no different, so head along and see us for an exciting festival experience.”

The Journey of Flavour is a 90 minute tour with 3 whisky drinks tailored to your flavour preference (non alcholic options avaible). Complete with a unique flavour-based quiz and personalised cocktails, the full-sensory adventure culminates in a flavour-filled celebration with three whisky drinks. 

Ticketholders for any ‘Pick of the Fringe’ event receive 30% off their Journey of Flavour experience along with 20% off in the venue’s state-of-the-art retail store, subject to terms and conditions.

The projection will feature every night of the festival from 10pm. 

For tickets, head to www.johnniewalkerprincesstreet.com

Work on Roseburn – Leith ‘improvements’ starts on Monday

On Monday (7th February), work starts on a major new cycling and walking route linking the east and west of the city (including other improvements to the area) – from Roseburn to Leith via Haymarket and West End.

The project is divided into  three sections:

Section 1 – Roseburn to Haymarket

Section 2 – Haymarket to Randolph Place

Section 3 – St Andrew Square to Picardy Place

Find out  more about the traffic management arrangements and works planned. 

All project and roadworks information is on the city council’s website:

http://edinburgh.gov.uk/ccwel