Foodies Festival Christmas in Edinburgh

Look Forward to an Indulgent Christmas in the Capital

With evenings beginning to grow darker and temperatures on a chilly descent, our attention is beginning to turn towards the most wonderful time of the year. There’s nothing the Scotsman team love more than hanging a red-ribbon adorned wreath on the stairway, decorating the grand tree in reception with gold coloured baubles and feasting on the many seasonal delights the North Bridge Brasserie chefs rustle up. However, with merriment not due to begin at the hotel until the 1^st of December, we've been on the hunt for the perfect event to tide us over, and luckily we've found it…

Between the 13^th and 15^th of November, the EICC will be hosting Foodies Festival Christmas; ideal for getting us in the festive spirit and delighting the taste buds. The seasonal variation of the city’s already popular summer-held Foodies Festival will offer the chance to browse over 150 artisan producers at its vast Christmas market and pick-up cooking tips from some of the UK’s most acclaimed chefs…which should come in handy when recreating the contemporary and traditional recipes on offer. The likes of MasterChef: The Professionals Winner 2014 Jamie Scott, quaint cake café owners Three Sisters Bake and renowned Indian Chef Romy Gill will all be making an appearance at the Aga Rangemaster Chefs Theatre, where a selection of ‘Retro Recipes’ inspired by TV Chef Fanny Craddock will also be recreated including Baked Alaska, vol-au-vents and duck a l’orange.

When the many guest demonstrations inevitably evoke a feeling of hunger, the sweet-toothed can head straight to the Pudding Hall where they’ll be able to feast on mince pies, marzipan bonbons and Christmas cake, all washed down with eggnog and mulled wine. A Champagne Ski Bar will provide a stylish destination to sip on a glass of bubbles, while those keen to learn more can head to cocktail-making classes in the Scottish Gin Theatre or additional masterclasses hosted by wine and craft beer experts. There’ll also be plenty of family-friendly fun too with an Elf Cooking School offering gingerbread and snowball baking classes, as well as live music, carol singers, a photo booth and competitions.

This indulgent festive warm-up will provide the perfect palate training ahead of the 1^st of December, when North Bridge Brasserie will begin to serve its temping seasonal selection. Christmas lunches and dinners will be available throughout the month offering up the likes of Scottish game terrine or organic salmon ballotine for starters, succulent free range bronze turkey or handmade tagliatelle with wild mushrooms for mains, and dessert options including bitter chocolate torte, a Scottish cheese selection and homemade Christmas pudding. However the seasonal treats we’re most looking forward to will be found during Festive Afternoon Tea, with tiers of sandwiches, cakes and biscuits washed down with traditional teas and roasted coffee.

However, those still feeling a little more Scrooge-like on the Christmas spectrum by mid-November can also look forward to Edinburgh’s Light Night and the arrival of the city’s Christmas markets. Singer Susan Boyle will join over a thousand performers to celebrate the switching on of the capital’s Christmas lights on the 22^nd, while streets and parks will be lined with stalls offering European and Scottish festive treats, gifts and entertainment from the 20th. With such an array of fun-filled options to look forward to, excitement in our team is already building and we look forward to sharing the Christmas spirit with guests too.  Find our full selection of Christmas deals, dining options and party packages here, and join us for a truly indulgent Christmas in Edinburgh. 

Book Your Christmas Stay at The Scotsman Now

Here at The Scotsman Hotel, we’re big fans of forward-planning, anticipating every need, want and whim before we warmly welcome every guest. If you share in our passion for organising ahead, we think you may want to take a look at our luxury festive breaks or Christmas party packages, each of which offer an exciting array of seasonal experiences and are available to book now.

We can’t imagine a more attractive prospect than a fuss-free yet lavish Christmas, which is why we’ve gone about creating just that, complete witha welcome glass of Champagne for every guest, a classic film screening in our private cinema and an array of delicious culinary experiences. With a three-course Christmas Eve dinner, six-course Christmas lunch that’ll include homemade Christmas pudding drizzled in white chocolate, and a tempting serving of afternoon tea, we’ll deliver a feast-filled three night stay without you having to lift a finger. While those hoping to hit the sales in the most stylish way possible can opt for a two night stay from the 27^th that includes a £50 shopping voucher and 25% off Aveda treatments at the Scotsman Spa, ideal for a post-shopping pamper.

We’re also experts in letting our hair down. Fully versed in organising exciting events, we've made sure our Christmas party packages will deliver the most fun possible. From just £49pp, each guest will be greeted with a glass of Champagne, served a delicious three-course meal and offered the chance to dance the night away to music mixed by our resident DJ, while other add-ons available include tempting canapés and pre-party Aveda tanning treatments. However, our biggest night of the year is without a doubt Hogmanay, when guests can enjoy a Champagne reception, be piped into the award-winning North Bridge Brasserie and served a six-course gala meal… before being offered a special ‘hangover’ breakfast the following morning.

Despite delectable dishes and five-star entertainment, we can’t claim to be the only attraction in Edinburgh this festive season. Find fairy-light lit shop windows displaying tailored tweed suits and stacks of first-edition books along the winding cobbled streets of Grassmarket, while rows of designer boutiques in the New Town will offer a sleek selection to please even the pickiest of recipients, from cosy, Burberry scarves to luxurious leather Mulberry bags. Over the road, a Scottish Christmas market will boast hand-crafted goods, artworks and local delicacies in St Andrew Square, while a traditional European Christmas market in East Princes Street Gardens will also provide an inspiring gift selection.

Beyond present buying and sales shopping, the ever expanding line-up of events will ensure every taste and age is accounted for. Face-painting, a Christmas tree maze and an array of rides will await at Santa Land for little ones, who can also enjoy a trip to The Lyceum to see The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe or the Snow White & the Seven Dwarves pantomime at King’s Theatre. Meanwhile, the European premiere of Scottish Ballet’s Cinderella will be performed to Prokofiev’s score at Festival Theatre, and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, named one of the ‘top 100 things to do before you die’, is set to attract over 70,000 visitors. Join a four-stage street party, torchlight procession through the city, the UK’s largest outdoor New Year ceilidh and much more during the city's unique New Year celebrations.

If you think the atmosphere in Edinburgh is magical during the summer Festival season, you’ll be mesmerised by the capital this December. With such an array of attractions and world-class entertainment on the door-step, as well as indulgent fine-dining experiences and luxurious accommodation, there's so much to look forward to after booking your Christmas and New Year at Edinburgh’s The Scotsman Hotel. 

A Sensational Summer in Edinburgh

Watching the sun set over Portobello beach, joining the swathes of festival goers to see world-class comedy acts and enjoying the succulent taste of Blairgowrie strawberries... these are just a few of our favourite summertime activities in Edinburgh. Every year, our city basks in the glow of hosting such an incredible events programme, and there’s nothing more beautiful than a wander around a sun-soaked Royal Botanic Garden either. All in all, we can’t think of a better destination to spend the summer months and with this in mind, we've put together three exciting offers so that every guest can get the most out of their summertime stay in Edinburgh.

Though we’re obviously a little biased, we like to think we can offer the best five-star stay in the capital and for us that means an all-round outstanding experience. Great location is a must, as are spectacular views. Interiors that combine historic Scottish charm and state-of-the-art facilities are a given… and the soft Egyptian cotton sheets? They’re an added bonus, but we don’t think it would be a luxury stay without them. A 60-station gym, 16.2 metre pool and Aveda spa help too, and well, it wouldn’t be a holiday without trying local delicacies. Our summer special offer includes 25% off a la carte dining at North Bridge Brasserie, our very own award-winning restaurant, meaning each guest will have the chance to sample delicious dishes including our exclusive haggis recipe, squid ink tortellini and homemade ice cream, at a discounted price during a five-star stay. 

While taking the chance to explore the city, it’s not uncommon for guests (and team members) to feel a little weary after fighting through the Royal Mile crowds. However, we have two luxury remedies for festival fatigue to ensure everyone can be back on their feet and ready to enjoy another fringe show or two in a matter of hours. First up is a delectable serving of Summer Afternoon Tea at North Bridge Brasserie. Combining finger sandwiches, freshly baked cakes and the refreshing taste of a strawberry mojito, we can’t think of a finer way to refuel this summer. If a stronger course of action is needed, our Scotsman Spa team will deliver the three P’s for £75pp. Polish, Pedicure and Prosecco. A 30-minute Aveda body polish will nourish skin, a 45-minute Stress-Fix pedicure will combine reflexology and soothing scents to truly pamper toes, and a glass of Prosecco will offer the chance to indulge just a little more.

Between a star studded EIFF and sizzling heatwave, an exciting summer has already started in Edinburgh and we’re looking forward to offering you the warmest of welcomes at The Scotsman.

Just In: Exotic Animals Roaming Edinburgh City Centre

There have been some highly unusual sightings reported across Edinburgh in recent weeks. Visitors to Princes Street Gardens have been startled by the bright blue flashes of poison arrow frogs, while alfresco diners in St Andrew Square claimed to have been momentarily joined by a Giant Panda chewing on bamboo. Penguins have been spotted parading along Princes Street and visitors to Edinburgh Castle said they saw chimpanzees moving quickly through the streets below.

But there’s no need to panic. Edinburgh Zoo is fully aware of the situation, and infact, helped organise it. No, the zoo hasn’t flung open its wrought iron gates, it's actually launched a range of new graphics in collaboration with Lothian buses. Some of the zoo's most popular inhabitants have had their image emblazoned on a fleet of route 26 buses, which transport visitors to the zoo from the city centre and beyond. However, this isn't the first time Edinburgh Zoo has let a few of its occupants leave its confines and take a wander through the historic streets of Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Zoo’s Penguin Parades have become world-famous, with many TripAdvisor reviewers stating it was the highlight of their visit. It began in the 1950s when a zoo keeper left the enclosure open by accident and realised that he was being followed by a line of penguins. This led to the spectacle becoming a daily feature, with the birds wandering around the entire zoo, and even along Corstorphine Road during the 1960s. More surprising yet is footage of them venturing further into the city centre with a horseback police escort! Nowadays, the Penguin Parade continues to delight visitors, with approximately two thirds of the penguin population taking a stroll around a 200 metre route inside the zoo at 14:15 every day.

Penguins weren't the only animals that were allowed to wander outside the zoo back in the 1960s. Zoo Director Gilbert Fisher used to walk ‘Scrappy’ the cheetah on a leash around the zoo and along Corstorphine Road! Though it received a lot of attention, this display of showmanship was quickly put to an end when a back firing motorbike led to the cheetah taking off quickly, giving Fisher a fright.

Though bus graphics are the closest you’ll get to seeing exotic animals in the city centre now, hop onto route 26 and you’ll soon be face-to-face with some of the world’s most beautiful and impressive animals, fish and birds. Edinburgh Zoo is only a 16 minute bus ride away from Princes Street, located just a 4 minute walk from The Scotsman Hotel and there are also many unique experiences and events on offer, including the Penguin Parade, to ensure a p-p-p-perfect day out for the whole family.

Couples Health Club Membership in Edinburgh

As a well-oiled working machine, our team know better than most that a little bit of encouragement can go a long way. Whether it’s a simple a pat on the back or full-on motivational coaching, we can all benefit from having someone there to help us reach our potential. Out of work, partners are great at providing that extra push towards living life to the fullest and with fitness key to a healthy journey together, who could be better in helping you achieve goals at the gym? Knowing this, we’re offering the chance to enjoy full five-star facilities at the Scotsman Spa & Health Club together with Couples Gold Membership.

As well as reaping the rewards of a joint workout, benefit from discounted Gold Membership rates at only £50 per month per person when signing up together this February. The perks don’t end there though, with the chance to enjoy Aveda treatments with up to 50% off, indulge in a romantic meal for two at North Bridge Brasserie with 25% off the food bill and perhaps even treat yourselves to a luxury stay at The Scotsman Hotel from just £99. Alongside access to the 60-station gym and 16.2 metre long pool, you can also enjoy some downtime together, relaxing in the sauna and steam room, or by taking a dip in the Jacuzzi.

Spend a little more quality time together and work towards each other’s goals by signing up for Couples Spa Gold Membership now. Contact Francesca Mair on +44 (0)131 622 3800 or email fmair@thescotsmanhotel.co.uk for further details.

Detoxing Spa Break in Edinburgh

December is always a busy month, no matter how much time and preparation we think we’ve done. Weekends are spent battling to try to find the perfect gift, there's a non-stop rush from family member to friend… and that's not even taking into consideration the whirlwind that is party season. Calorie intake seems to more than double and relaxation comes too little, too late (if at all). The relatively quieter months of January and February are therefore perfect for finally finding a little time for yourself, and knowing this, we’ve created a detoxing spa break.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a single member of our team (or anyone for that matter) who wouldn’t want an escape away that’s entirely dedicated to their well-being. With a a healthy smoothie, the choice between a 30 minute Aveda massage or 30 minute Aveda facial, as well as complimentary access to the full spa and gym facilities at the Scotsman Spa & Health Club all included, you’ll be feeling rejuvenated in no time at all during a five-star stay with us.

We love nothing more than heading down to the Scotsman Spa during our lunch hour. The Aveda team really know how to sooth and beautify, ensuring we return to work with a renewed sense of serenity… and truly nourished skin. The products used always have a divine scent due to the mix of naturally derived ingredients, and each therapist has been trained to know exactly the right remedy for all of our ailments. The sense of relaxation alone can work wonders!

From just £225 per room per night including breakfast, you could find yourself leaving The Scotsman Hotel calm, collected and completely revitalised this January and February with our detox offer.

The Best Film and Theatre Venues in Edinburgh

From Intimate Spaces to Grand Auditoriums 

With the likes of the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Edinburgh International Film Festival taking place every year, Edinburgh needs to have plenty of venues, to suit both the large scale and smaller, more intimate, performances. Of the dozens of theatre and film venues in the Scottish capital, we’ve chosen our five favourites:

Festival Theatre

Edinburgh Festival Theatre by Dancewear Central

The Edinburgh Festival Theatre, as the name suggests, plays an important role during festival season. Despite numerous renovations and rebuilds, the site of the Festival Theatre has had a venue of one kind or another since 1830. The glass façade that makes it so recognisable was added in 1994, but its lavish interior harks back to an era gone by. The Festival Theatre always plays host to some of the biggest performances during the festivals and 2015 will surely be no different as thousands of festival goers flock to this iconic venue.

What’s on?

The pick of the early 2015 line-up is the Edinburgh leg of the hugely popular One Man, Two Guvnors production. The show is in the Scottish capital between the 17^th and 21^st Febraury.

Dominion Cinema

With its distinct modernist architecture, the 1930s Dominion Cinema is one of Edinburgh’s alternative landmarks. The interior, with its mix of modern and traditional décor is a world away from the multiplexes that are so common today. The cinema shows most of the big Hollywood blockbusters, and is one of the venues for the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

What’s on?

Having recently picked up a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking, Eddie Redmayne’s star turn in The Theory of Everything is an absolute must see. The film is in cinemas now.

Royal Lyceum Theatre

The Royal Lyceum Theatre, built in 1881, and altered only very slightly since, is Edinburgh’s most original and classical theatre venue. In addition to the range of festival performances that take place in the theatre ever year, the Royal Lyceum also has an in-house cast and crew who put on seven magnificent plays annually, often reworking established classics.

What’s on?

The Lyceum also regularly plays host to fascinating evenings with celebrated authors. April 2015 sees both Jo Nesbo and Edinburgh’s very own Irvine Welsh, where will both be discussing their life, work and current novels.

Bedlam Theatre

If you’re after an intimate performance, the Bedlam Theatre suits perfectly, as its auditorium holds a mere 92 people. Completely run by students of the city, Bedlam, as the name hints to, has a strong comedic repertoire. The Improverts, Edinburgh’s own improv group, are regulars here, and they are complemented by a range of poetry nights, musicals and plenty of side-splitting sketch shows.

What’s on?

The Improverts host their regular comedy night every Friday. Pop along to see what is guaranteed to be a completely unique performance.

Edinburgh Playhouse

With 3,059 seats, the Edinburgh Playhouse is the UK’s largest traditional theatre and musical venue. Due to its large capacity, it’s where a lot of the biggest names in music, comedy and performance art call home on the Edinburgh leg of their tour. For example, the famous musical Wicked, has recently visited the Playhouse during its UK tour.

What’s on?

Edinburgh Playhouse is the go to venue for the country’s biggest stand ups, and Jimmy Carr, Bill Bailey and Dara O Briain will be gracing the stage in 2015.

On your next visit to Edinburgh, there’s no excuse to not treat yourself to a captivating theatre show or blockbuster musical. To make your night out extra special, join us at the North Bridge Brasserie for our famous pre-theatre menu. Featuring three courses of delicious Scottish delicacies, meticulously prepared by our Executive Head Chef Paul Hart, it’s the perfect way to begin an unforgettable evening in the Scottish capital.