An amazing building and grounds that are home to an ever changing art collection.

One of the best real ale pubs in Edinburgh with a bar carved in Mahogany and an ornate Jacobean ceiling.

Located on Rose Street this is one of the best real ale pubs in Edinburgh, both for the variety of ale, whisky, food and for its unchanged interior. From the outside there isn’t much to see, you could be forgiven for passing; open the door all is revealed.

An island bar carved in Spanish mahogany, a Jacobean ceiling that is one of the finest examples of decorative ceiling and cornice work you will see in Edinburgh. Walls that are half clad in wood panelling with plentiful bench seating, chairs and stools at the bar.

The range of real ale on tap changes regularly with a few local staples, there is a good whisky selection and food on offer both in the bar and upstairs in the restaurant. If you are looking for a traditional bar to drink some local real ale look no further.

As you step into Cranachan and Crowdie it is clear that Scottish food and drink produce is in good health. The shelves are stacked with a surprising range of locally and regionally sourced produce. The owner claims to stock over 20 different types of oat cake and a vast array of  jams and chutneys to accompany them.

The drinks range include Real Ales, Cider and Whisky, some are sourced from as close as Edinburgh and others are regional but all are Scottish. For people with special dietary requirements there is a gluten free section as well as Beth and Fiona the proprietors having a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm for the produce they are selling.

There is a vast range (probably the biggest range of Scottish Produce we have seen for sometime) availible in the shop which does include some chilled items such as salmon and haggis. Beth and Fiona are also keen to recommend local farm shops and producers which rings true of the positive vibe in the shop. Good for Scottish food, drink, treats and gifts.

Calton Hill offers some of the best views of Edinburgh and across to Fife, it’s a gentle walk and costs nothing.

Located on Waterloo Place at the East End of Princes Street (opposite end to the Castle) Calton Hill is easy to get to from anywhere in the city centre. Once up the hill there are views directly down Princess Street where it feels like you could reach out and touch the Balmoral Hotel. Towards the North West on a clear day there will be glimpses of the Iconic Forth Rail Bridge and across the Firth of Forth to Fife. Towards the North East you may be able to see Bass Rock that is close to North Berwick and will have great views over the New Town and Leith.

This isn’t just a hill, it is home to Nelson’s Column, for those who don’t feel high enough during the summer months for a small fee £3 you can go up the tight winding stair way and get the view from the top, its significantly higher to be well worth the effort. There is also the National Monument that looks like it has been dropped out of the sky from Rome. The well photographed Dougald Stewart Monument and the Observatory House are a pieces of Calton Hill’s unmistakable character. There are also good views of the Scottish Parliament, Holyrood, Aurthur’s Seat and Dynamic Earth.

Self catering appartments with great city locations in Edinburgh.

With around 25 self catering apartments Greatbase offers excellent service and superb city centre locations. All of their properties are comfortable, well maintained and come with extra touches to help make your stay complete – plus Katie and her team are on hand to welcome you and help through your stay should you have any problems.  

If you are staying in Edinburgh for a weekend or a week it’s Greatbase have a wide range to offer, with properties in the New Town, the city Old Town and the West End you will be staying somewhere central.

Visit the Greatbase website to check availability and prices. 

A great sea food dining experience by the water front. Eat in the bar area or the main restaurant, the catch is superb.

One of the best restaurants in Edinburgh, do not mistake this place for the white ship in the water, this place is on land! It has small tables and benches outside with cream roses in champagne bottles giving a wee statement of intent. The menu is fishy, varied and very credible offering a range from fish and chips to lobster, if you enjoy your sea food this is as good as you will find. Its reported that Tom Kitchen eats here.

It has a slightly French feel in its ways and the interior is dark wood clad and does feel shipy without being cliche. The service is relaxed, the food is very good and it’s wise to book in advance. There is a bar eating area as well as a slightly more formal restaurant area that are considerately split. They have romantic and audacious options such as a bucket of mussels and very good champagne for £100 + and they also cook a good steak. Having eaten fish and chips to sea food platers we can recommend for a range of budgets! We will be going back.

Saturday Markets in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Farmers Market 10am-5pm Located in the west of Edinburgh this markets shares unrivalled views of Edinburgh Castle with the best of local and regional produce available for all every Saturday.

Edinburgh Market 11am-5pm At the top of Leith Walk and Broughton Street this market has a local feel to it with some great local produce and small stalls trying out there offering to the public.

Grass Markets 10am-5pm Set in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town the market offers a great setting and some great stalls. Serving food, drinks, and a range of clothing, gifts and vintage.

Out of the Blue Flea Market 10am-4pm  **Last Saturday of the Month** Well worth a visit to see the best of Edinburgh’s hoarders, collectors and buffs get their wears out. Lots of collectables with a view to vintage, nay tat.

Ramsay Cornish Auction 10am viewing > 11am Sale! Featuring a variety of collectables and home wear this is a great wee auction house to test the trade. On Thursday mornings they have a lane sale where they sell items by the table load.

Sunday Markets in Edinburgh

Stockbridge Market 10am-4pm This now very well established market is the heart of Stockbridge on a Sunday. Offering a superb variety of local produce to eat and drink as well as some gift type stalls.

Omni Car Boot Sale 10am -2pm Discover Edinburgh’s dark side in this under ground car park where boots open to reveal a whole range of items from utter tat to the undiscovered collectable. Some real bargains to be had but you will have to rake.

A good real ale pub located on William Street in the West End. Simple food, good real ale and good service.

Bert’s Bar has been serving beer to it’s Edinburgh faithful for as long as we can remember. Located off the main drag in Edinburgh’s West End Bert’s is a proper pub with a level of refinement. They do a Pie and a Pint for £5 and offer a good range of reasonably priced pub grub. They have good coverage of Scottish and other sports teams on TV such as Rugby and Football.

If your in the West End pop in for a pint, a pie or a dram. They also have a good selection of wines and spirits.

Bringing local produce to the city centre for everyone to enjoy every Saturday morning 9am to 2pm.

The Farmers Market is great for city residents and visitors, whether you are looking for ingredients for a meal or for something tasty as a snack make sure you visit.

Meat, Fish & Dairy

Fruit, Vegetables & Plants

Drinks, Juices, Coffee and much, much more

The best part about any farmers market is that it supports the independent producers directly, it gives the stall holder a chance to tell you about the produce and in return for you to let them know what you think. One of the best parts about going to this market is the conversation about the produce, where it came from, how long it took to grow and useful cooking tips.

Waterside location, simple and delightful menu, good service all with a drop of upmarket style.

Serving a range of local and regional produce in relaxed surroundings Porto & Fi is a great spot for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or an early evening meal. Daily specials are a feature, their fish and chips are in high demand and they have some lovely looking cakes on offer.

It’s independent, it serves good food, quality drinks (including alcoholic), it would be good for a meeting, a date, a lazy lunch, a chat with a mate or taking granny for a slice of cake.