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Daily Record
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Map reveals must-visit food spots for Edinburgh Fringe Festival visitors
As the Fringe returns, Edinburgh offers unforgettable food and drink experiences alongside its world-class performances. As the world's biggest arts festival returns to Edinburgh this August, the city once again becomes a vibrant stage not only for global performances but also for exceptional food and drink experiences. Whether visitors are staying for a single night or the entire festival, the city's culinary scene offers an array of unforgettable stops to enjoy between shows. With millions arriving for the Fringe, Edinburgh's food and drink venues are stepping up, delivering flavours and atmospheres that match the excitement of the festival. This guide highlights some of the most impressive spots to explore during the festival's run. Edinburgh Gin Distillery Step into Edinburgh Gin's new carbon-neutral distillery, where rooftop bars offer sweeping views and a cocktail menu featuring icy martinis, citrus spritzes, and tasting flights. Visitors can also book immersive tastings or even create their own bottle of gin. Scott's Kitchen Ideal for daytime dining or drinks on the terrace, Scott's Kitchen serves Belhaven-smoked salmon alongside creative brunch cocktails like Berry Bubbles and Rhubarb Sour. Tigerlily A festival hotspot with a seasonal Edinburgh Gin terrace bar open only during the Fringe. Enjoy a lively atmosphere with British and European dishes and refreshing cocktails. The Scottish Café & Restaurant Located in the National Gallery, this café offers artisan-led Scottish fare such as Cullen Skink and venison, using ingredients from over 70 local suppliers. The terrace is perfect for sipping a garden-inspired G&T or a classic French 75. The Newsroom Bar & Eatery A casual stop featuring playful Scottish twists on pub food, including haggis nachos and Guinness pie, alongside local ales and inventive cocktails like the Berry Bramble. The Famous Spiegeltent, St Andrew Square More than a performance venue, the Spiegeltent serves award-winning Edinburgh Gin cocktails such as the Berri Summer Slushie under its magical lights. Bonnie & Wild This vibrant food hall showcases some of Scotland's top chefs, including Gary Maclean's sustainable seafood and Tony Singh's Indian street food. Three bars offer craft beers, gins, and signature cocktails. Howies Restaurant Set in a Georgian hall, Howies offers classic Scottish dishes like East Lothian lobster with an extensive drink menu featuring local whiskies and creative cocktails. Biddy Mulligans A lively Irish pub in the Grassmarket serving hearty Irish stew, Irish Coffees, Scottish gins, and cocktails such as Fig and Fizz. The Virgin Hotel Combining Old Town charm with modern style, this 5-star hotel offers several dining and drinking options, including a curated Edinburgh Gin cocktail menu for the Fringe. La Monde Hotel A sophisticated venue with a bar, restaurant, and award-winning nightclub for those seeking a stylish night out. Nor' Loft Sip premium Scottish gin cocktails like the Speyside Blossom while enjoying seasonal small plates and skyline views, a perfect mid-festival retreat. Cannonball Restaurant & Bar Enjoy modern Scottish dishes made with seasonal ingredients alongside stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. Le Petit Beefbar Edinburgh An upscale steakhouse serving Kobe and Scotch-aged T-bone steaks, with a luxe cocktail list featuring drinks like the Leaf Garden and Harmony. Contini George Street Italian classics meet Scottish produce in this grand Georgian banking hall, with homemade pasta, burrata, seafood, and Italian wines. Rabble Taphouse and Grill Hearty robata grilled dishes such as pork belly and tandoori sea bass, paired with cocktails focusing on light spritzes and G&Ts. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. BABA Levantine small plates with bold Scottish produce from chef Tom Greer, including grilled lamb, charred cauliflower, and inventive mezze. The Scotsman Hotel Modern Scottish cuisine led by chefs Chris Niven and Paul Hart, focusing on local produce and an exceptional selection of craft gins, whiskies, and cocktails like the Grande Café Negroni. Bar Prince, The Balmoral Over 500 whiskies and elegant gin-based cocktails, including Edinburgh Gin's Cramond Island and Glengoyne's Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The Court, Caledonian Hotel Award-winning chef Mark Greenaway offers bold, seasonal Scottish dishes in a refined six-course tasting menu, paired with inventive cocktails such as the Wild Negroni or Edinburgh Rose.
The Herald Scotland
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Seven unmissable foodie festivals in Scotland this summer
From a spirited celebration of the humble Oyster to a day of whisky sipping in a Highland city, find out more below. Foodies Festival August 1 to 3 at Inverleith Park, Edinburgh August 8 to 10 at Rouken Glen Park, Glasgow Taking place across both Edinburgh and Glasgow in August is the Foodies Festival, a family-friendly event that attracts some of the culinary world's biggest names every year. Expect the likes of Gary Maclean, Dean Banks and The Hebridean Baker to roll up their sleeves for live cooking demos, while elsewhere, budding chefs can take part in kids' cookery lessons to hone their skills. Each day of foodie fun will be rounded off by performances from artists like The Wanted 2.0, Symphonic Ibiza or Scouting for Girls. Stranraer Oyster Festival Stranraer harbourside September 12 to 14 Just last week, it was announced that TV chefs Matt Tebbutt and Rosemary Shrager will join festival favourites Tony Singh and Julie Lin to headline this year's Stranraer Oyster Festival. A lively celebration of Scotland's last wild, native oyster fishery, the event seeks to entertain and educate with a new Speaker's Corner launched for 2025. The highly competitive Scottish Oyster Shucking Championships will also take place during the festival as challengers battle it out for their spot at the World Oyster Opening Championships in Ireland. Edinburgh Folk and Food Festival Assembly George Square Gardens, Edinburgh July 18 to 27 There's change afoot this year for the Edinburgh Food Festival as the annual event rebrands with a new name and concept. The newly expanded Folk & Food Festival in July will include a host of delicious food and drinks from local traders as well as a jam-packed programme of free and ticketed events and live folk music. With performances from Duncan Chisholm, The Unthanks, The East Pointers, and more, the team promises it will be an "exciting new addition to the Edinburgh festival scene". Look out for street food favourites like Moskito Bites, The Peruvian, Jarvis Pickle Pies, Ceylon Cartel and many more doing their thing over the week. The Royal Highland Show Ingliston, Edinburgh June 19 to 22 Taking place this weekend is the Royal Highland Show, an annual event which showcases 'the best of food, farming and rural life' in Scotland. The 'Scotland's Larder' hub is the place to be for foodies over the weekend, bringing together talented artisan producers from across the country in one room. Event organisers have also curated the Food for Thought Conference and Cookery Theatre, where chefs and producers will prepare dishes live on stage. Stick about for the Royal Highland Hoolie if you fancy an evening of full of music from Scottish trad artists and Irish Country bands. Scottish National Whisky Festival Eden Court, Inverness Saturday, July 5 A dream day out for any whisky enthusiast, this festival gives ticket holders the chance to sample hundreds of different drams from "old school gems to Islay powerhouses to lesser-known producers and bold new voices from across the whisky spectrum". To find out more about what to expect, revisit our experience of the Glasgow edition of the festival here: Scottish National Whisky Festival embodies Glasgow spirit. The Scottish Game Fair Scone Palace July 4 to 6 It's game on as this celebration of Scotland's 'rich countryside heritage' returns to the grounds of Scone Palace next month. Acclaimed chefs Tom Kitchin and Tony Singh are set to headline the Highland Fire cage Kitchen, where they will cook up a storm over charcoal, while over in the Cookery Theatre, talented cooks will stage live demos showing crowds how to get the best out of game such as Scottish venison. A stop by the food hall to stock up on local produce, including charcuterie and aged cheese, is a must. Sausage and Cider Festival Camperdown Park, Dundee Saturday, August 16 This quirky one-day event offers Dundee festival goers the chance to choose from over 30 different ciders to accompany their freshly grilled sausages of choice. Anyone feeling extra peckish can enter 'eating contests' to test the limits of their appetites throughout the afternoon, or simply peruse the onsite market for foodie goodies to take home. There's also a huge range of tribute acts set to perform on the main stage, followed by headliners Scouting for Girls. If you're based in Aberdeen, the festival will be visiting the city on Saturday, August 9, while Glasgow welcomes the event to Rouken Glen Park on Saturday, September 9.
Glasgow Times
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Top five BBQ hacks from Glasgow MasterChef champion
Gary Maclean, a former MasterChef champion from Glasgow, has teamed up with Mary's Meals to encourage people to support the charity during National BBQ Week. Mary's Meals provides more than 2.6 million children in 16 countries with a daily meal at school, helping to fight hunger and promote global education. (Image: Supplied) Read more: Glaswegians reveal unusual BBQ meats they're most tempted to try To help the charity's mission, Gary is encouraging Scottish families to make a small donation at their upcoming BBQs. With that in mind, the chef has shared some game-changing advice to help bring summer BBQs to the next level. He said: "This National BBQ Week, you could ask family and friends for a small donation to come along to your barbecue, and if you use my five top tips, you'll make your guests happy all while giving hope to hungry children." Gary's top five tips include marinating meat overnight, bringing meat or fish to room temperature before cooking, using two heat zones on the barbecue, adding a bit of smoke, and letting meat rest before carving. He also shared some bonus tips, such as grilling courgettes, mushrooms, and leeks, using half an onion to clean the grill, brushing on sweet glaze or BBQ sauce near the end to avoid burning, and trying dessert on the grill with halved peaches or apples in foil with brown sugar and a splash of whisky. Gary also suggested some Scottish twists on barbecue classics, including haggis-stuffed peppers, whisky-glazed venison burgers, Aberdeen Angus brisket with Irn-Bru glaze, and seaweed butter corn. (Image: Supplied) Read more: Glasgow chef lecturer recognised by top culinary academy Dan McNally, head of grassroots at Mary's Meals, said: "With the sun out and with Gary's top tips, there's never been a better time to get grilling, all while supporting Mary's Meals. "It costs just 10p to provide one school meal to a hungry child with Mary's Meals. "With a £5 donation at your next barbecue, we can reach 50 children with a nutritious meal." The charity is also selling cooking aprons through their online shop, these aprons can be purchased for just £15 and help to feed 150 school children. More information about Mary's meals, including how to donate, can be found on the charity's website.
STV News
22-05-2025
- General
- STV News
Scotland's national chef shares top five BBQ tips
Scotland's national chef has shared his top five BBQ tips for enjoying a stress-free family cookout. MasterChef champion and Scotland's first national chef, Gary Maclean, has shared his top recipes and tips to commemorate National BBQ Week and in support of Mary's Meals. The chef is encouraging people to dine al fresco and donate to the charity which feeds more than 2.6 million children every school day in 16 countries across the world. Mary's Meals MasterChef champion Gary Maclean is sharing his top recipes and tips. 'It costs only £19.15 to feed a child with Mary's Meals for a school year, just 10p a meal, which is such incredible value,' Gary said. He added that to celebrate National BBQ Week, Scots could ask family and friends for a small donation to come along. 'If you use my five top tips, you'll make your guests happy all while giving hope to hungry children,' he said. Marinate ahead: Marinate meat overnight to build flavour and tenderise. A mix of whisky, honey, cracked pepper, and thyme works well with pork, chicken, or game. Bring to room temperature: Take meat or fish out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. It'll cook more evenly and won't stick to the grill as much. Use two heat zones: Set your barbecue with a hot side for searing and a cooler side for finishing. It gives you more control and helps avoid flare-ups. Add a bit of smoke: A handful of soaked oak chips or sprigs of rosemary on the coals adds great flavour. Dried heather works too, if you have it. Rest before carving: Let meat rest under foil before serving. It keeps it juicy and gives you better texture. As well as the top tips, the chef also served up four barbecue recipes with a Scottish twist. Haggis-stuffed peppers: Fill peppers with traditional or veggie haggis and grill until charred and smoky. Whisky-glazed venison burgers: Swap beef for venison and brush with a whisky and honey glaze. Serve with pickled onions on a soft roll. Aberdeen Angus brisket with Irn-Bru glaze: Slow-cook brisket with a smoky rub, then glaze with reduced Irn-Bru for a sweet finish. Seaweed butter corn: Grill corn and brush with butter mixed with dried seaweed or samphire. Salty, savoury, and very moreish. With donations, children like 11-year-old Melanie from Madagascar enjoy a nutritious meal at school today and work towards a brighter tomorrow. 'Thank you, Mary's Meals. We are always full at school and that motivates us to work hard. I study because I want to achieve my goals and help my parents when I succeed,' she said. Dan McNally, head of Grassroots at Mary's Meals, says: 'It costs just 10p to provide one school meal to a hungry child with Mary's Meals. With a £5 donation at your next barbecue, we can reach 50 children with a nutritious meal. He added: 'If you purchase a cooking apron from our online shop ahead of hosting your own summer barbecue, your £15 donation will feed 150 children in school. With the sun out and with Gary's top tips, there's never been a better time to get grilling, all while supporting Mary's Meals!' To find out more visit Mary's Meals website. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Edinburgh Reporter
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Seafood Festival this weekend at St James Quarter
Wondering where to go this weekend? St James Quarter has their seafood festival on – including on Monday. Edinburgh Seafood Festival, St James Quarter 03-05 May 2025. © 2025 Martin McAdam Edinburgh Seafood Festival, St James Quarter 03-05 May 2025. © 2025 Martin McAdam Bonnie & Wild is hosting the 'Battle of the Chefs' as part of the Edinburgh Seafood Festival at the St James Quarter. Sure to be a hot contest, some of Scotland's best chefs will be showing off their cooking skills, banter and favourite dishes to 80 guests and judges. Joining MasterChef: The Professionals Winner Gary Maclean and TV Chef Jimmy Lee are four chefs well experienced in winning awards and catering to discerning foodies. Edinburgh Seafood Festival, St James Quarter 03-05 May 2025. © 2025 Martin McAdam Suki Jayaratne and Shehan Fernando of Kochchi won UK and Scottish Street Food awards for their Sri Lankan kitchen Kochchi, Nick Watkins of El Perro Negro has twice won UK Burger of the Year and recently won Burger Chef of the Year, while Ivan Stein co-founded the acclaimed restaurant The Gannet, and more recently launched Chooks at Bonnie & Wild. Each of the chefs will be cooking dishes designed to delight diners as part of the Edinburgh Seafood Festival at the St James Quarter. Each of the chefs will be hoping to woo guests, score the most points and win the coveted 'Bonniest Chef' title. Gary Maclean said: 'One of the very best things about Bonnie & Wild is the collaborative, convivial atmosphere we have here. This Battle of the Chefs event is all about putting on some great food with some great people, and everyone having a bit of fun, friendly competition.' Edinburgh Seafood Festival, St James Quarter 03-05 May 2025. © 2025 Martin McAdam Like this: Like Related
