Edinburgh in Season

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The Palmerston

The Palmerston is dedicated to using fresh, local ingredients sourced from nearby farmers, growers and fishermen. Their daily-changing menu ensures a surprising and satisfying dining experience every time. Owned by hospitality experts Lloyd Morse and James Snowdon, this all-day restaurant and bakery exudes classic Parisian bistro charm. Inspired by European cuisine, the menu delights regulars with hearty and comforting dishes. Highlights include freshly baked bread with local butter; house-made charcuterie; slow-roasted cockerel with triple-cooked chips; and twice-baked chocolate cake with brandy cherries and crème anglaise. From the moment you sit down, The Palmerston promises a special dining experience.

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The Little Chartroom

The Little Chartroom is a culinary gem, blending cosy charm with a chic, modern vibe. The brainchild of Roberta Hall-McCarron and Shaun McCarron, its meticulously crafted menu showcases local, seasonal produce with innovative flair. Dishes include chilli-fermented oysters; cured halibut with tomato dashi, broad bean, pine nut, lemon & basil; and monkfish with BBQ maitake mushroom, peas, brown shrimp with an elderflower and nori butter sauce. If you’re looking for fine dining in a relaxed setting, The Little Chartroom is the one for you.

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Mary’s Milk Bar

In Edinburgh’s bustling heart lies Mary’s Milk Bar, a gelato paradise where flavours pop and cravings find solace. Mary’s exudes the charm of a traditional milk bar with a changing daily menu reminiscent of an authentic Italian ice cream parlour. Take a scoop to go, indulge in a seasonal sundae or opt for a hot chocolate float—everything you desire in ice cream and chocolate awaits here.

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Smith and Gertrude

Nestled at 26 Hamilton Place, Smith and Gertrude offers a serene escape with a relaxed vibe and a superb wine and cheese selection. Their curated wine list showcases local and global options, with staff eager to help. Cheese aficionados will adore their diverse selection, complementing the wines perfectly. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or seeking a casual night out, Smith and Gertrude is your go-to spot for a refined yet laid-back experience.

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Joelato

If you’re a dessert enthusiast, Joelato is the treat you’ve been searching for. Created by Joe Sykes, this city centre gem crafts exquisite gelato and sorbet using top-quality ingredients, often sourced locally. Partnering with Perthshire dairies and farms, Joelato offers unique flavours like coffee and cardamom, and ricotta, thyme, and honey, as well as traditional favourites such as lemon, vanilla and chocolate. With a nod to traditional methods and a commitment to quality sourcing, Joelato invites everyone to savour the genuine taste of their gelato and sorbet, promising a delightful experience rooted in simplicity and excellence.

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Elliott’s

Elliott’s, founded by food writer Jess Elliott Dennison, is a culinary sanctuary on Sciennes Road. The Studio, an extension of Jess’s home, fosters creativity and community through cookery demos, pop-up markets and the seasonal “Series”. Led by Jess, Series is a three-hour hands-on cookery guide featuring tailored menus of garden-fresh ingredients, empowering participants with top-notch cooking skills. Priced at £85, the comprehensive experience includes snacks, drinks, wine, recipes, and a seasonal gift.

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Lannan

In Stockbridge, Lannan Bakery shines bright. Founded by self-taught baker Darcie Maher, it’s a local sensation known for heavenly treats. What sets it apart? A rotating menu showcasing Maher’s baking mastery. From classics to unique creations, each delicacy embodies quality and nostalgia. Locally sourced ingredients elevate both sweet and savoury offerings, ensuring a delightful experience for all, securing its place in Edinburgh’s bakery scene.

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The Meadows

Edinburgh’s iconic park, The Meadows, bursts with cherry blossoms each spring, drawing crowds for its enchanting beauty. Located south of the Old Town, its central position and abundance of trees make it a local favourite. But beware, it becomes an incredibly busy photo spot so making an early arrival is the key to capturing the essence of the blossoms without the distraction of a crowd. Beyond spring, The Meadows is a serene retreat from city life, perfect for summer relaxation and nature appreciation.

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Circus Lane

Renowned for its timeless beauty and historic charm, Circus Lane is a stunningly picturesque cobblestone street nestled in the heart of the Edinburgh’s New Town. This hidden gem is flanked by Georgian townhouses adorned with colourful doors and blooming flower boxes, creating a postcard-perfect setting. The lane’s enchanting atmosphere and photogenic allure make it a popular destination for photographers and a delightful stroll for those seeking a taste of Edinburgh’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.

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Golden Hare

Golden Hare Books, nestled in Stockbridge, is a renowned independent bookshop cherished for its diverse collection catering to adults and children alike. An award-winning literary haven, it’s passionately curated by a dedicated team. Meticulously handpicking the latest fiction and non- fiction titles, Golden Hare offers a unique and enriching browsing experience, making it a treasured destination for avid book enthusiasts.

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Bard

Bard, co-founded by Hugo Macdonald and James Stevens, is a Scottish craft and design shop and gallery. It offers a curated selection showcasing exceptional craftsmanship, embodying the essence of Scottish culture. Founded with the mission to anchor and elevate daily experiences through craft, Bard aims to propel Scottish design globally, sharing compelling stories about ideas, people, and objects shaping Scotland’s past, present, and future.

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Cairngorm Coffee

Cairngorm Coffee in Edinburgh is a charming and cosy café known for its exceptional coffee and welcoming atmosphere. Located in the heart of the city, this hidden gem is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. Their bespoke coffee is expertly brewed, and the friendly staff make you feel right at home. With a variety of pastries and light bites, Cairngorm Coffee is the perfect spot to savour a cup of coffee while enjoying the vibrant energy of Edinburgh.

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Royal Botanic Gardens 

Located just one mile from the city centre, why not enjoy a wonderful afternoon of escapism into nature at The Royal Botanic Gardens. Founded in 1670 and sprawled across an impressive 70 acres of perfectly trimmed land, the garden is proudly claimed the second oldest botanic garden in the UK.

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Alby’s

In search of an incredible sandwich in Edinburgh? Then look no further than Alby’s. Famed for their ‘big hot sandwiches’ they have a short but sweet menu, served on thick wedges of salty focaccia and slick with olive oil. Beyond the bites, Alby’s radiates a warm, welcoming atmosphere, inviting visitors to savour not only the flavours but also the nostalgic nod to classic “caff” culture.

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Thistle Street Bar

Nestled in the oldest street in Edinburgh’s new town, Thistle Street Bar has the best that Scotland has to offer. Think cask ales, draught beers and lagers to an extensive whisky and gin selection. Enjoy live Scottish music in this dimly lit pub or tune in to a game of rugby amidst a bustling crowd for a truly authentic Edinburgh experience.

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Portobello Beach 

Just a few miles from the centre of the capital lies Portobello, a charming seaside suburb boasting two miles of sandy beach providing the perfect spot to escape the metropolis when the east coast is blessed with some sunshine. Growing popular as a Scottish holiday destination around the same time that Gleneagles did, Portobello is peppered with buildings rich in fascinating Scottish history.

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Port of Leith Distillery

An exciting new addition to Leith comes in the form of the Port of Leith Distillery. The creative duo behind the delicious Lind & Lime Distillery, famed for its gin, have now opened up a truly incredible vertical distillery, unlike any other. While the whisky will still take some time, the distillery is open for tours, as well as boasting a bar with incredible views over the city.

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Mirin

Combining seasonal Scottish produce, with the flavours and cooking techniques of Asia, Mirin is the perfect spot for a delicious lunch or dinner in Edinburgh. Be warned: it’s a cosy space so book ahead, however, delicious small plates like roe deer & black pudding dumplings in a chilli and kaffir lime broth, or their famed Korean-style fried chicken with a gochujang glaze, chilli, green peppercorns and puffed pork crackling will make it well worth your while.

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The Biscuit Factory

First built in 1947 by Crawfords Biscuits, the Biscuit Factory now houses over 30 creative businesses, including a gin distillery from Edinburgh Gin, art galleries, exhibitions and various immersive events. Keeping most of the original fixtures and fittings, The Biscuit Factory is a unique experience to visit, with a historical background, and colourful future. Head here if you’re looking for your cultural fix.

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Heron

Heron was awarded its first Michelin-star in 2023, making head chefs Sam York and Tomas Gormley the youngest chefs in Scotland to do so. Come for the tasting menu and feast on seasonal morsels like mackerel with grapefruit, fig leaf and hazelnut, or Blacketyside raspberry, lemon verbena and pine nut. Deee-licious!

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Razzo Pizza

Sometimes only a good pizza will do, and they don’t get much better than Razzo Pizza Napoletana. Start with tasty bites to share such as arancini with mozzarella, caciocavallo and nduja or a gooey fried mozzarella sandwich. Then tuck into chewy pizzas, crust-burnished from the oven and topped with everything from provola smoked cheese, Sicilian sausage and friarielli, to fior di latte cheese, sauteed mushrooms, taleggio, garlic and parsley. Salute!

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Toast Wine Café

If you’re on the hunt for a cosy brunch spot, look no further than Toast. Located in a former art gallery overlooking the Water of Leith, as the name suggests, this wine café serves an array of delicious treats, mainly served on/with toast. Meat-eaters, vegetarians and vegans are spoilt for choice, with classics like a gooey croque madame on the menu, as well as beef tomatoes & mushroom ketchup on toast. There’s also a wide array of wines to wash it all down with.

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Jupiter Artland 

No visit to a capital city is complete without some culture to intrigue and inspire, but not many cities can offer up some of the most ground-breaking contemporary art set across 100 acres of meadow and woodland. Absorb the joy of art and nature in symphony at award-winning sculpture garden Jupiter Artland, just five miles west of Edinburgh.