Edinburgh-based Rutland Square Spirits has launched its first chai-spiced rum. The new launch marks a strategic evolution for the brand, already known for its chai spiced-gin, as it builds a flavour-led spirits portfolio designed for global markets. Crafted in small batches and bottled at 41 per cent ABV, the chai-spiced rum uses Caribbean molasses, is aged in ex-sherry casks to develop a ruby-rich depth and is then married with some of the world’s most prized tea leaves, in

Roberta Hall McCarron and Shaun McCarron’s award-winning restaurant, Eleanore, is closing at the end of January for a refurbishment. It will reopen a month or so later, in a different format, reflecting its origins, as a neighbourhood bistro.   Diners will have the choice of either a two or three-course menu, with snacks such as oysters with rhubarb ponzu and hot sauce, and ox-cheek croquettes with salsa verde also available, as additions.  Starters will reference bistro clas

Independent distiller, Eden Mill and Edinburgh-based COCO Chocolatier, have launched a limited-edition bundle for Valentine’s Day. The Love Gin & COCO Chocolatier bundle pairs a bottle of Eden Mill's Love Gin with a bar of salted-caramel milt chocolate. Love Gin is made with raspberries and strawberries grown close to the Eden Mill distillery, while COCO Chocolatier sources its cocoa 'at origin'. All beans are harvested and processed in Colombia, before being shipped to the c

The Dome has introduced its new cocktail menu, which takes inspiration from flavours and cultures across the Far East, the Americas, Africa and Europe. As well as favourite, classic cocktails, the list now also includes 15 new cocktails, including ‘The Dragon Fruit’, featuring Deanston 12-year-old, dragonfruit and hibiscus soda, rosolio di bergamotto, dragon fruit and black sesame powder; ‘Pear’, a combination of Disaronno amaretto, passion-fruit sorbet, apple, pear puree and

To celebrate Scotland’s national poet, Montrose restaurant is preparing a Burns Night-inspired ‘feast’. The dinner will feature Montrose’s takes on classics, including venison and onion bridie with prune ketchup; wild-game haggis with swede and Malabar pepper; and rhubarb and whisky pie. The food is not the only draw: the restaurant will be offering a 10 per cent discount on the bill for any diner in traditional Scottish dress.    The four-course dinner, which takes place at

Toscano, a family-run schiacciateria in Bruntsfield has announced that it is planning to open five more of its Italian-sandwich shops over the course of 2026. The first of the five is due to open its doors on Blair Street, this spring, with the other locations to be revealed throughout the year. Ilaria Pia, who co-owns Toscano with her mother, Luisa Pia, said: “Each location has been chosen for its energy, footfall and the kind of community that embraces big, authentic Italia

Abacus, the newly refurbished bar and restaurant at The Scholar Hotel, in Edinburgh’s south side has opened, offering an all-day dining experience that combines seasonal Scottish produce with Mediterranean influences.   Abacus is open seven days a week, serving breakfast and an all-day menu from 12 noon until 9.30pm. A new layout and booth seating adds flexible options for diners, and a revamped private-dining area that seats up to 10, gives groups the perfect place to unwind

One of Scotland’s leading chefs will be hosting a collaborative ‘captain’s table’ experience on Edinburgh’s five-star, floating hotel, Fingal, on Wednesday 4 February.  For one night only, 10 diners are being offered the chance to step aboard the world-class foodie destination to enjoy a five-course menu created by Michelin-acclaimed guest chef, Barry Bryson, from Leith’s Barry Fish. The exclusive pop-up dining event will be staged in the ship’s former captain’s command room

On Burns Night, Sunday 25 January, The Palmerston is hosting a kitchen takeover by Bristol-based Korean restaurant, Bokman.   Exclusively for the dinner, Bokman's owners Kyu Jeong Jeon and Duncan Robertson have created a three-course menu, mixing Bokman classics with one-off creations that combine Scottish flavours with Korean culinary heritage, ingredients and techniques.   To start, guests can enjoy oysters with kimchi ice, Bokman salad (Chinese leaf and sesame salad with r

City-centre sports bar, The Black Bull, has been chosen as the official, new away hub for Edinburgh Rugby, until the end of their season, in May 2026.  Rugby fans can expect player appearances and special Q&A events. Also, all Edinburgh Rugby season-ticket holders can enjoy 20 per cent off their total bill at any time, with the team’s fans qualifying for a 20 per cent discount on match days. To help celebrate the new partnership, the chefs at The Black Bull have created a new

The Dome has announced that for the first time, its Burns supper will be held under the iconic dome itself. It expects this to be its biggest celebration of Scotland’s national poet so far. The event, on Sunday 25 January, begins at 7pm, with a red-carpet welcome, including a traditional greeting from a piper. This will be followed by the Burns Night supper, featuring chicken liver parfait; haggis, neeps and tatties; and cranachan, along with a selection of paired drinks in a

Luxury floating hotel, Fingal has retained its two AA rosettes for culinary excellence for the fourth year running. Head chef Pedro Barreira, and restaurant chef, Andrea Sendon Alonso, are the driving force behind Fingal's award-winning Lighthouse Restaurant and its galley team of 14 hospitality professionals.  Franck Bruyère, chief executive of Fingal and The Royal Yacht Britannia, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to keep our two AA rosettes – it’s a huge recognition of the

Cold Town Beer has released a limited-edition craft ale – the ‘Barrel Aged Imperial Stout’, which is aged in Speyside whisky casks. Fewer than 1000 cans are available, online and through independent Scottish retailers, up till 19 December, while stocks last.  Ian Kennedy, head of production said: “Only a small number of dedicated beer lovers will get the chance to taste this one-of-a-kind release this Christmas. “We’re incredibly proud of what it represents, as part of our on

Chef, Roberta Hall McCarron and Shaun McCarron, of Ardfern, The Little Chartroom and Eleanore restaurants have launched Ardfern Provisions, a product range of sauces and pantry staples. Inspired by the flavours and home comforts of Ardfern restaurant, the range has begun this month, with two sauces:  nori hot sauce and brown sauce, in 240ml bottles, priced at £7.50 per bottle. Paired with oysters across the restaurants and used in the Ardfern Bloody Mary, the nori hot sauce c

Chef Stuart Ralston’s Michelin-starred Lyla restaurant, on Royal Terrace, is becoming a restaurant with rooms.  The Georgian townhouse will have four rooms available, from February 2026. The décor of the rooms will feature neutral tones, velvet and marble. A private dining room for up to 12 guests is also opening, in late April, on the first floor. A solid oak table will be the centrepiece and the building’s original fireplace is to be reinstated. Guests staying at Lyla will

The Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is inviting guests to leave the ordinary behind, this festive season, and to step into the 'Chamber of Magic' – a world where wonder, mischief and wizardry collide. Guests can expect to see a cosy fireplace framed by glittering trees and a flurry of letters spilling upwards, with a watchful owl perched among them; a dreamy ‘sky’ of drifting clouds and twinkling stars above the grand-hall-inspired dining room; and lush garlands wrapping the banquett

This festive season, Somewhere by Nico is offering a new, five-course, cocktail ‘experience’ that blends nostalgia, storytelling and inventive mixology. Available until 31 December, ‘Now that’s what I call Christmas cocktails’ invites guests to relive the warmth, wonder and joy of a childhood Christmas.  Each of the five courses has been crafted to evoke a distinct festive moment – from decorating the tree to leaving out treats for Santa.  Annie Gaddis, head of social & conte

Japanese restaurant, Umi, on Shandwick Place is hosting a sake-pairing dinner, on 4 December at 6.30pm, inviting guests to experience an evening dedicated to the craft and flavour of Japanese sake. Guided by Miss Masayo Nuttall of World Sake Imports, sake aficionados will explore a range of premium sakes, along with a seasonal, six-course menu created by Umi’s culinary team. The dinner will include dishes such as miso-glazed black cod, and a yuzu dessert, with candied kumquat

Leith-based Barry Fish restaurant has been recognised in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland , just eight months after opening. The guide said: “Yet another terrific eatery in the foodie haven of Leith, this instantly likeable restaurant unsurprisingly offers a fabulous feast of fish. From whole sole to the signature sea-trout pastrami, the cooking is fuss-free and cleanly executed to show off the natural flavours of the ingredients.   “At lunch, share plates fro

The Duck & Waffle is celebrating Thanksgiving, on Thursday 27 November, with a three-course feast full of seasonal flavours and classic favourites. The Thanksgiving menu features roasted turkey and a mushroom and camembert wellington, served with all the traditional trimmings, including cranberry sauce, stuffing and gravy. Side dishes include marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes, truffle mac and cheese, green-bean casserole, and more. The feast concludes with a show-stopping bou