2ndcupoftea

It had been at least a decade since I visited this city – it must have taken 5 minutes to realise what a shame this was. I was fortunate enough to coincide my couple of days off with the Edinburgh Festival – what an event and what a buzz to an entire city.

Stunning Edinburgh

Walking the streets I think I have rarely experienced such an atmosphere of fun, spirit of joy and just real pleasure at being alive. I am very much planning a return to the Festival next year, but can of course recommend this amazing place at any time of year. Here are a few tips of where to go and what to visit whilst in Edinburgh…

Eat

Mother India’s Cafe – 3-5 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LT. One of the joys of being back in Britain (assuming one cannot be in India of course) is great Indian food. This place, not far from the Royal Mile and right in the heart of Festival-land has awards as the best Indian Restaurant in Scotland. Good enough for me. It did not disappoint, the food was fantastic and so very reasonable to boot. See their website to make a booking Mother India’s Cafe.

The Honours – 58a North Castle Street, Edinburgh EH23LU. This was without a shadow of a doubt THE culinary highlight of the stay. Recommended to me by a friend who has been a very successful chef in Glasgow, I was bowled over by the combination of food quality and prices in this stylish new(ish) establishment. They apparently set themselves up to offer brasserie-bistro style food, but have far far exceeded the brief. Locally sourced ingredients and some truly innovative recipes.

The Honours – Such a Great Place

Now a fish-eating vegetarian; I too had plenty of great choices. This is the one place I will for sure return to on my next visit. See their website and DO make a booking first here… The Honours.

Drink

Peter’s Yard – Swedish Bakery and Pizza and Cafe – Quartermile, 27 Simpson Loan, Edinburgh EH3 9GG. Just a wonderful space of a cup of coffee, open bread Swedish style sandwich or even pizza. The bread for sale here is wonderful, modern twist on Swedish favourites from sour dough to dark rye. During the Festival this seems to the THE place to have breakfast and service can be a little slow, but then you are on holiday right? Have a look at their website for inspiration as well as recipes here… Peter’s Yard, Edinburgh.

Bon Vivant – Pub and Cocktail Bar, Thistle Street 55, Edinburgh. This is simply a great atmospheric, pub with food that happens to do amazing cocktails – you know the kind, where the barmen actually take the trouble to learn the correct ingredients and stock the right spirits with which to create them.

The Bon Vivant – Great Cocktails

A friend of mine ordered something they had (very unusually) not heard of, and a great deal of effort was gone to, to ensure they got it just right. Just a little away from the tourist – seek it out and sit back for a great evening. Their website is here.

Visit

Dovecot Studios – 10 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LT. Well this was a find. In the midst of Festival Madness, turn a corner and stumble across this great little venture (actually there is a connection to the Festival as this had been chosen as the venue to host the Comedy Awards 2014). I enjoy tapestries and especially those inspired by cartoons from the Renaissance masters such as Raffaello, here is the modern version.

Modern Tapestry Making – More Interesting Than it Looks…

In this free museum and studio you have the chance to stroll around seeing modern masters at work as well as learn about the process of making these huge complex pieces of art. The place also has a great cafe, so if nothing else, pop in for lunch and you might just be surprised. The Royal looking portraits of sheep, did it for me. See their website here… Dovecot Studios.