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Six things to know about Stockbridge and the New Town

Jan 23

5 min read

Take a walk through Stockbridge on any day of the week and it will immediately become apparent that this Edinburgh village is a draw for people – not just residents, but also tourists and visitors, both local and global.

 

There are many reasons for its ongoing popularity: it’s where you’ll find Circus Lane, voted one of the most beautiful streets in the world, in 2022, by the estate-agency comparison site, GetAgent. Stockbridge also has chic bars, restaurants and cafes, a river (the Water of Leith) to walk the dog alongside, world-class botanical gardens, pretty churches, a cricket ground – and lots of beautiful Georgian architecture and cobbled streets – including picturesque Ann Street, named after artist Sir Henry Raeburn’s wife,

 

Stockbridge has other claims to fame too: it was the birthplace of Golden Wonder crisps, back in the 1940s. 

 

The cost of living here  

 

Unsurprisingly, living in such a desirable part of the city comes at a price. According to recent figures from property website, ESPC, the average selling price in Stockbridge and the New Town more broadly, is £355,300. It also reveals that sellers can look forward to achieving, on average, 102.9 per cent of the home-report valuation.

 

To give an idea of the range of what’s on the market at the moment – and what it might cost, at one end of the scale, there’s a seven-bedroom, four-storey townhouse house on India Street, through estate agents, Rettie, at offers over £4,750,000. At the other end, a one-bedroom, ground-floor flat on St Vincent Place, is for sale, at offers over £285,000. 

 

However, most buyers are looking for a two-bedroom flat, the ESPC data shows, and amongst others, there’s currently a two-bedroom apartment available in the Colonies, for offers over £495,000.  Located close to the Water of Leith and the Botanic Gardens, this is a much sought-after part of town.    

 

Homes and interiors 

 

Stockbridge and the New Town also has a plentiful supply of businesses that can help you further enhance your home. 

 

If you’re planning a makeover of your décor, but your budget is still a little stretched after Christmas, you could ring the changes, by starting with a new home scent. The Melrose Candle Co, which as well as candles, also sells fragrance oils and bath bombs, with intriguing names such as ‘night swim’ and hometown’. But for cold January and February days and nights, ‘banana loaf’ might be the warm, comforting scent you’re after.  The shop is at 46 Howe Street, and you can also order online. 

 

Getting out of the house

 

Late December was a bit of a washout in Edinburgh – some very unfestive weather caused cancellation of the Hogmanay festivities and kept us indoors.  And it can be all too easy to stay there during January and February. 

 

But there’s an exhibition in the New Town that could be worth braving the cold for. The National Galleries of Scotland’s portrait gallery on Queen Street is celebrating 40 years of collecting Scottish photography, including of famous faces, such as Ewan McGregor; David Tennant; Andy and Jamie Murray; and John Byrne. Admission to the exhibition, which runs until 16 March, is free.   

 

Flavour of the month 

 

Having now recovered from a month of festive dining, many of us are looking to eat out again, and to choose from a menu that doesn’t include turkey and Christmas pudding.

 

Stockbridge is not short of choice, with a selection of restaurants featuring Italian; Spanish; South American; and modern Scottish and British cuisine, to name a few.

 

If Italian’s your favourite, there’s something for everyone, from pizza specialists through to fine dining. Next to the Water of Leith, there’s a little Italian restaurant in the basement, which you could easily miss, if you didn’t know it was there. Radicibus, which opened in 2017, focuses on cooking with the best of Scottish produce.

 

To give a flavour of what’s on offer, a recent sample menu showcases mains such as wild Scottish mallard breast with potato pavé, artichokes, jus and peppers and the dessert list includes tonka-bean panna cotta, with lemon crème pâtissière, blood orange and almond flakes, amongst other temptations.    

 

The restaurant has been having a well-earned break following the festive season, and is opening again for dinner on 24 January.

 

Is it February yet?    

 

Many of us committed to a ‘dry’ January, which can create a quest to find suitable alternatives to alcohol. If you haven’t found a favourite yet, there’s still time.  Vino Wines on North West Circus Place has put together a selection box of eight alcohol-free drinks, including Guinness, various beers and Cairn O’Mohr’s sparkling elderflower.  

 

But if you’re not a fan of removing alcohol from your life, you might like to hear what Graeme Sutherland, founder of the Good Brothers Wine Group has to say on the subject and the recommendations that he shared with us:

 

“It always amazes me that coming out of December into January, so many people feel they want to make the longest and most miserable month harder by cutting out a rewarding glass of wine. As you might guess, I am not a fan of Dry January. In fact, I advocate not taking a month off. Instead, I believe in moderation throughout the year. Just go three days a week without alcohol.

 

“For those who still enjoy a tipple this month, here is what I am drinking:

 

Andre Delorme crémant de Bourgogne NV

A very rewarding glass of fizz that has a hint more body to it. Think crumpets oozing with butter, on the nose, yet still really fresh and zippy in the mouth. 

£20/bottle

 

No es Pituko viognier, Chile 2023

I like wines with a little more texture in the colder months. You can save your picpoul and vinho verde for those heady days of summer (sorry, day of summer). This is a cracking wine for now. Yes, it is a little cloudy (unfiltered), but it is still wonderfully pure and bright with whiffs of peach and spring.

£16/bottle

 

Mesta organic tempranillo, Spain, 2023

This one is simple and straightforward, but it is also deep and dark and structured. Think blackcurrants and plums with a hint of spice. Exactly what you want on a cold, dark Tuesday night.”

£12.50/bottle

 

Good Brothers Wine Cellars is at 34 Northumberland Street, in the New Town. 

 

Wine club  

 

While we’re on the subject of wine, The Malmaison Edinburgh City on St Andrew Square is launching its wine club, with the first tasting event on Friday 31 January. 

 

The evening begins with a celebratory glass of champagne, followed by a tasting of three French wines − a white wine, a red and a rosé. Canapés will be served too. A wine expert will also be on hand, sharing their knowledge and guiding guests through the tasting.

 

There’s a further treat on offer to celebrate the launch of the club: the hotel is offering a £10 credit each, for guests who would like a delicious two-course meal in its restaurant, the Grill, either before or after the event. Tables can be booked in advance, by email to events.edinburghcity@malmaison.com

 

Edinburgh Business and Lifestyle

 

Would you like your company to be included in our next Stockbridge feature?  Contact hello@businesslifeedinburgh.com for further details. 


In the meantime, you can find out more about Edinburgh Business and Lifestyle at www.businesslifeedinburgh.com,  Stockbridge, New Town and Edinburgh business and lifestyle | Facebook and here https://www.linkedin.com/company/105500325/.   



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