Having opened only a couple of weeks ago, the spot operates heavily as a fast-paced takeaway with very limited space for eating in. It enters an incredibly dense and challenging local marketplace, with several established burger joints located just a short walking distance away. The scent of sizzling beef and seasoned fries hits you right at the door, signalling a competitive, no-nonsense grill house operation that is absolutely a player in the area.

Smashed Beef and Premium Pulled Burgers

The expansive menu reflects the current trend among independent burger outlets, offering a broad canvas of variations across smashed beef, chicken, and wraps. The core selection begins at £8.49 for the Undercover Veggie or £8.99 for The Cartel Classic, scaling up to £13.99 for The Loaded Gun, which features triple smashed patties. Chicken burgers follow a slightly lower price tier, with options like the Barbie-Q Chick sitting at £10.99.

However, the standout options belong to the premium pulled category, which offers a robust combination of textures. The Pulled + Chicken Burger offers a massive, satisfying layer of slow-cooked pulled beef stacked directly on top of a crispy fried chicken breast. While combining two distinct meats might cause initial hesitation, the rich sauces tie the elements together cleanly without overwhelming the brioche bun.

Takeaway Logistics and Heavy Portions

Operating primarily as a delivery-first hub, the venue relies heavily on app listings such as Just Eat to reach its main audience. The layout prioritises assembly and speed, making it clear that the physical premises are designed for quick collection rather than a casual sit-down meal. Staff are friendly and handle the steady stream of orders efficiently.

The attention to packing details shows an understanding of the transport challenges inherent to heavy, saucy food. Every single burger comes wrapped tightly in heavy-duty foil, ensuring it remains intact and steaming hot whether you eat it immediately or carry it home. This protective foil wrap allows diners to easily re-wrap and save the second half of their meal if the proportions prove too daunting. The loaded fries are served in highly generous, packed containers that do not cut corners on toppings. Big eaters will appreciate that a single burger-and-side combo easily satisfies a large appetite, achieving a level of fullness rarely matched. It is a burger joint to check out for burger fans.

Things to do in Leith

Situated right on Duke Street, the venue is perfectly placed for anyone exploring the vibrant district of Leith. Visitors can easily take a short walk down to the scenic Shore area to enjoy the historic waterfront or explore the independent shops along Leith Walk. For those looking to stay in the neighbourhood, excellent local accommodation can be secured by checking availability on Booking.com.

The area is well-connected by Edinburgh’s modern tram network, making travel from the City Centre entirely seamless. Visitors exploring the wider city or arriving from further afield might find it convenient to arrange regional transport through Trainline or book a regional vehicle via Discover Cars.

Overall

The Bread Cartel establishes itself as a highly capable and dependable addition to the local food scene, providing massive portions and reliable grill work. While it faces fierce competition and may not instantly snatch the crown for the absolute best burger in the area, it is an authentic contender that burger enthusiasts should definitely check out.

Maybe you’ve heard there’s a place in Edinburgh where you can go and feel like you’ve immediately stepped through a portal and ended up straight in The Orient Express – where you can then indulge in glamorous cocktails, mocktails and an afternoon tea experience that is out of a history book.

Maybe you’ve thought ‘surely it can’t be that good’. It could even be why you’re here now, reading this review.

Well, let me put your mind at least on that front; this afternoon tea is absolutely worth the hype! I visited recently with my husband, for a Birdy & Murdi romantic and unique experience we highly enjoyed, so let me tell you all about it.

The Orient Express vibe

When you first enter the Queen Charlotte Rooms, you step into an early 1900s themed environment, with an old-fashioned telephone, signs for different coaches, masquerade masks, and Poirot playing on the TV. It’s perfect!

When you step into a room, it’s like stepping foot onto an (albeit wide) coach, with screens set up in the place of windows, from the viewpoint of passengers on a train (mostly – there were some aerial views over Venice, which was fun but also made me question the magical flying powers this train possessed!).

There’s classical music playing, but underneath, there’s also the subtle sound of a train; all giving the impression that yes, you are now onboard The Orient Express!

You are led to your table by the incredibly polite and immaculately dressed staff, and the route you’ll be heading on is explained to you.

It all sounds like a heckuva journey for the couple of hours max you’ll be spending there, but it also makes it far more interesting.

Anyway, it’s a very fun vibe and it definitely makes your afternoon tea more of a unique experience than any other I’ve been to in the ‘Burgh!

An indulgent and unique afternoon tea experience

Moving onto the food! This has without question been the best afternoon tea I’ve ever had; even without all the Orient Express bells and whistles.

For one thing, you can select any combination of standard or vegetarian finger sandwiches you would like. And you can enjoy your afternoon tea with a cocktail or alcohol-free mocktail and then be served your choice of tea with a scone.

To us, that was a fabulous order to do an afternoon tea in, and really quite different to the standard fare of just being served some tea and requesting endless refills. This felt preferable, and I particularly loved my mocktail, which was the Copa Cabana Tropicana.

The finger sandwiches were perfectly done, the pastries were just the right temperature and absolutely scrumptiously made. Soft puff pastry that just melted in the mouth, with wonderful fillings (my favourite was the chicken and mascarpone).

The desserts were out-of-this world; lovely crisp strawberry tarts, delicious possets with blackberry cream on top, and the fluffiest, lightest, most wonderful Victoria sponge cakes with jam and cream.

I scoffed everything, of course.

I sadly forgot to take a photo of my scone, but it was also delicious. You get three choices of scone; plain, fruit or cherry – we both chose fruit. My tea was the perfect accompaniment, and there was also jam, clotted cream and a citrus curd.

Queen Charlotte Rooms’ staff

I particularly loved the uniforms of the Queen Charlotte Rooms staff members, as it just added to the experience. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming, and took the time to explain different elements of our experience, which was lovely.

When Murdi (who usually never drinks anything hot – especially not normal tea or coffee) asked for a cranberry and ginger tea, and instead received an English breakfast tea to share with me (which I did order for myself), they immediately fixed it for us and brought him the correct tea. To be honest, this actually worked out as an unexpected bonus for me, because I got double the tea I ordered!

Aside from that minor blip which was quickly sorted, it was an incredibly smooth experience all round, and the staff were fabulous Orient Express hosts (and I got to drink a lot of tea).

Things to do in Leith

One of Edinburgh’s most vibrant districts, Leith offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern hospitality. After an indulgent afternoon tea experience at the Queen Charlotte Rooms, you could take a walk down to the Shore where you’ll have access to some of the city’s best bars (and Michelin-starred dining, if you have any room left!). The area is also home to the Royal Yacht Britannia, located at Ocean Terminal, which is easily accessible via the new tram extension.

Visiting from further afield? In that case, Leith offers an excellent range of accommodation. You can find fabulous stays, from boutique hotels to serviced apartments, on Booking.com. For a more traditional luxury experience near the city centre, the Playhouse is at the top of Leith Walk. Not to mention, getting to Leith is simpler than ever with the tram link from the city centre, and you can plan your entire trip, including trains and flights, via Trip.com.

Overall

We had a wonderfully silly and unforgettable experience at The Orient Express Experience, Queen Charlotte Rooms.

Murdi Hubbandman loves ‘silly’ things, and this felt like such a novelty – but at the same time, it was also an indulgent and amazing afternoon tea experience. By far the best afternoon tea of my life, even forgetting the Orient Express setting.

I’ve been to quite a few different afternoon teas in Edinburgh, and this was by far my favourite – so much so that I’ve booked to take my mum there for her birthday later in the year. I’m sure it’ll be just as wonderful then. An absolute show-stopping experience, and definitely at the top of my list for afternoon tea recommendations in Edinburgh!

The launch weekend saw eager players queuing outside the new city-centre unit to participate in tournaments or browse the stock. By securing a permanent home on a primary commuter route, the venue aims to provide long-term security for the local gaming community. Local players frequently face being displaced from temporary venue backrooms during the busy August festival season, making a dedicated space a welcome addition.

A Sanctuary for Card Collectors

Thistle Tavern sets itself apart by focusing heavily on the needs of card game players rather than Monopoly players. The interior setup features clean, stable tables arranged primarily to accommodate tournament and casual card play. This dedicated layout solves a common problem for local hobbyists, who often avoid playing popular trading card games in traditional pubs due to the risk of a spilt drink ruining cards that can easily be worth tens or hundreds of pounds.

While a selection of popular board games occupies cabinets near the entrance, most of the retail space near the windows focuses on trading cards. Visitors can purchase foil-wrapped blister packs and mystery boosters to hunt for rare additions to help them win future battles. Crucially, the shop also stocks individual cards for sale, providing a reliable local source for building specific competitive decks.

Fair Pricing and Prime Geography

A common criticism of trading card vendors at major gaming conventions this year has been the hyper-inflation of rarity pricing, which frequently prices out the average hobbyist. Thistle Tavern avoids this pitfall by keeping everyday rare cards accessible, with opening day prices ranging from £20 to £75, alongside high-end Magic dual lands priced between £100 and £200. It is an inviting setup that serves as another top location for tabletop geeks.

The venue benefits from an excellent location situated directly on the tram line between Haymarket and Waverley stations, making it highly accessible for commuting players. During a baking-hot opening weekend, the building’s air conditioning unit worked hard to keep the busy space comfortable, with staff noting that performance will be further optimised. The combination of fair retail pricing, strong transit links, and an experienced management team makes this a standout addition to the city’s tabletop scene.

Thistle Tavern boss Stuart Robb told Edinburgh Reviews:

We were overwhelmed with the crowds this weekend, thank you to everyone who turned out to play in our events, purchased something or just came to browse. We are looking forward to getting to know the community better and have already seen a lot of interest from people hoping to learn a new game to play.”

Overall

Thistle Tavern delivers a highly successful expansion to the capital, offering a clean, dedicated, and fairly priced environment that caters perfectly to card game players. While the space felt the heat of its own opening weekend popularity, it stands as an excellent new hub for the local tabletop community.

Myself and Murdi had been aware of Flippin Burgerz on Balgreen Road for a while; we’d passed it on our bus route countless times over the past couple of years (me less so in the past year due to no longer getting the 38). We’d never tried it, so when we received the invite to come check it out, of course we said yes. After all, we like burgers, and we’re always looking for great food places to feature on Edinburgh Reviews.

The vibe

Flippin Burgerz has a nice, chill vibe, limited seating but comfy enough if you want to sit at the bar and enjoy your meal on the spot (like we did, as we wanted to give the best impression of the food on camera whilst it was fresh and hadn’t needed to travel a few blocks).

It’s definitely set up for mainly just going in and picking up your order, or for getting a delivery online – but, having the option to sit in is a nice wee extra.

As you’ll see from the video on the right, the menu is displayed prominently on the wall, and is quite extensive.

As for the staff, they’re all friendly and happy to chat. We gleaned that it’d been almost two years that self and Murdi had failed to visit! Oh dear. We also learned that they’re constantly testing new recipes and looking for ways to improve their menu – often getting input from local experts about things like avoiding soggy buns. We got the impression they really care about getting it right.

Plus, since it’s located right next to an official Lothian bus changeover site, Flippin Burgerz is a favourite go-to for bus drivers, either for a drink or a quick bite enroute! Can’t really blame them.

Whilst myself and Murdi were enjoying our food, a few other locals stopped by to pick up their orders, so that was nice to see as it’s clearly a popular wee spot for Gorgie locals.

But anyway – onto the main event!

The food and drink

I ordered a classic smash burger from the menu, and it was very tasty. The seasoning was pretty good, although it perhaps wasn’t the neatest looking burger I’ve ever had to take a photo of – the beef overhang on my burger was epic, and probably a huge plus for many people!

So, if I were being persnickety, I’d say minus points for presentation, but bonus points for value for money on the beef patty. Kinda balances it out!

Murdi chose himself a Flippin Dipped burger, which he asked for fully dipped. It provided quite a kick, but nothing he couldn’t handle (he does like things extra spicy) and agreed the fully dipped was the right choice of spice level for himself. It was down the hatch in no time!

Together shared the Flippin Filthy Loaded Fries, which we really enjoyed although they were slightly on the spicy side (complete with jalapenos on top which I had known to expect from the menu), so I was less keen on them than Murdi was – he ate all the jalapenos and made a really good dent in ’em. I was still able to eat them, despite being closer to my spice tolerance – they were pretty tasty!

The Flippin Filthy Loaded fries would probably be an entire meal for one person, as it’s a very generous portion – it’s not like the small portion of animal fries you might get at an In ‘N’ Out in Los Angeles, for example (niche non-local reference for the ‘Burgh, but hey). I also really appreciated the fact it came with cutlery so I didn’t get literally Flippin Filthy!

We were very generously offered a couple of milkshakes, and I for one was very glad of the coolness to bring down the heat of the fries (because that’s just how I roll). I chose the biscoff ‘shake (delicious!), whilst Murdi had the millionnaire’s shortbread (lovely and sweet, but not overwhelmingly so – just right).

Things to do near Flippin Burgerz

The most obvious thing to do near Flippin Burgerz is a visit to Saughton Park – especially now it’s summer.

The park provides a perfectly lovely way to spend a summer’s day, relaxing on the grass or strolling through the medicinal herb garden and by the floral beds – bring your dogs if you have any!

The skate park is adjacent, so if that’s your thing, you can definitely hang out and get some skating under your belt – and then afterwards, head over to Flippin Burgerz for one of their fabulously cool milkshakes or ice cream offerings (cup or cone).

Another great thing to do (well, if you like walking) is the famous John Muir Way, which passes directly through Saughton and Balgreen.

The particular walk, if you head east, will lead you to the Water of Leith, where you can continue walking all the way to the National Galleries’ Modern One and Modern Two – promising a fantastic art and cultural experience!

Head west through Saughton Park, and you can also pick up along the Water of Leith, all the way to the Water of Leith Visitor Centre. Take the steps up just before it, and you can also get onto the canal walkway and make your way back towards Gorgie, or further into town towards Lothian Road.

Depends what sort of day you want to make of it (and what the weather’s like!).

Overall

Myself and Murdi really enjoyed our visit to Flippin Burgerz, and since we live so close by, it probably won’t be our last! We’re both in agreement that if you like your food spicy (like Murdi), this is a particularly fantoosh burger joint to try. However, there are also options like the classic smash burger, pizza, and sweet potato fries if you have a milder palate (like me – I’ll be ordering those sweet potato next time for sure, because I was too late in spotting them on the menu!).

This is definitely an above-average, locally-owned, independent burger joint to grab some fast food from in Gorgie, and we give it a huge thumbs up. They’ve clearly put a love of love and care into making it a welcoming and buzzin’ local takeaway hub that adds to the local community. Sadly, Edinburgh Reviews have reviewed many burger places in the ‘Burgh, so it’s up against some real heavy hitters on our radar – and that’s the only reason it’s not scoring higher.

Thanks, Flippin Burgerz! We’ll see you again soon.

Flippin Burgerz

Bronwen Winter Phoenix

Food

Drink

Atmosphere

Value for money

Summary

Flippin Burgerz is a fab place to grab some burgers, pizza, fries and dessert from in Gorgie – and for locals to the Saughton area, it’s a must in terms of convenience and great value portions. Monster burgers included!

4

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Be warned, however, that this release is not a traditional, self-contained feature film. The experience stitches together several television episodes, plunging the audience directly into the middle of an active conflict with no prelude other than a zooming tactical map. It starts mid-battle and leaves encounters unresolved by the time the credits roll, meaning newcomers should absolutely not start their journey with this specific chapter. Yet, for an old anime fan returning to the franchise after a decade away, the screening proved surprisingly accessible, offering a thrilling slice of action that holds its own against modern production standards.

A Sensory Homecoming at the Odeon

Watching modern anime on a massive commercial screen highlights how much the cinematic landscape in Edinburgh has shifted. The Odeon’s powerful sound system perfectly captured the distinct, metallic clash of swords and the bass-heavy spiritual energy that defines the series’ audio identity. It sounded and felt exactly like the classic iteration, instantly bridging a ten-year viewing gap for lapsed fans who used to stream every episode religiously.

The visual transition to the cinema screen is seamless, carrying an intensity that a standard television broadcast cannot match. The production values successfully capture the aesthetic identity of the original series without feeling dated. Sitting in the theatre, the dark environment amplified every tactical twist and turn, proving that modern animation standards have preserved the universe’s dark, stylish flavour.

Tactical Battles and Formulaic Thrills

The pacing of the combat sequences is spot on, relying on the classic back-and-forth formula that made the franchise a global phenomenon. The action balances intense choreography with sharp character banter and necessary plot exposition. The narrative structure delivers a familiar yet satisfying rhythm: a new antagonist unleashes a devastating masterstroke, only for the hero to reveal an unexpected counter-strategy.

“It felt and sounded like BLEACH; it was as if I had never left.”

What elevates these battle scenes above predictable cliché is the genuine sense of jeopardy. The plot utilises effective foreshadowing to keep the stakes clear, drawing on a formula of escalating threats, heightened tension, and cameo appearances from past heroes and villains to tie up loose ends. The story successfully manipulates expectations, convincing the viewer that a character is beyond saving or that the tide has turned, only to pull a sudden, dramatic reversal out of the shadows.

Overall

BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Calamity is a high-octane treat for the faithful, even if it is unapologetically an assembly of television episodes rather than a structured film. While the complete lack of resolution and zero onboarding make it a poor entry point for novices, the intense battle scenes and flawless characterisation offer an excellent payoff for existing fans. It proves that the iconic franchise has lost none of its bite, making the trip to the Odeon well worth the effort for those already invested in the Soul Society.

Located at the Scot-ART studios on London Road, the event is entirely free to enter, ensuring open access for residents and visitors alike. The exhibition officially kicks off with a public preview night on Friday, 26th June, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm, offering the first opportunity to view the collection and meet the artists behind the project.

Space of Pure Potential

The exhibition operates on the philosophy that creativity is a shared force rather than a finite resource, aiming to spark new ways of imagining the world. Organised by the Ace of Wands Collective, the gallery space welcomes works born from personal truths, collective struggles, and rituals of care. Visitors exploring the venue will find a multi-disciplinary mix of painting, physical sculpture, graphic illustration, and live performance art.

The venue itself, Scot-ART’s Gallery 1 at 151 London Road, provides an industrial, light-filled backdrop that mirrors the raw energy of the unfinished journeys on display. For art lovers tracking the local calendar, the gallery will remain open daily following the opening night, wrapping up on 3rd July.

Things to Do in City Centre East

The London Road venue sits on a bustling artery connecting Abbeyhill and Meadowbank, making it a brilliant anchor point for a day out in the eastern stretches of Edinburgh’s extended city centre.

Food and Drink

The area is surrounded by a scattering of independent cafes and traditional pubs, perfect for discussing the exhibition over a drink. If you fancy staying near the gallery or ordering a bite to eat at a nearby green space, Deliveroo UK offers extensive coverage across this neighbourhood, bringing menus from local pizzerias and burger joints straight to your location.

Transport and Travel

Getting to London Road is straightforward. Frequent Lothian Buses run directly past the gallery from the city centre. For visitors arriving from further afield, booking a train ticket via Trip.com to Edinburgh Waverley puts you a short bus ride or a scenic walk past Calton Hill away from the exhibition.

Accommodation

If you are travelling to Edinburgh for the opening night and want to make a weekend of it, booking a local guesthouse or serviced apartment through Agoda offers comfortable options within walking distance of both the gallery and Holyrood Park.

For Your Radar

The Ace of Wands exhibition offers an authentic glimpse into the heart of Edinburgh’s grassroots art scene. Bringing together painting, sculpture, and live performance in a welcoming community space, this free eight-day showcase at Scot-ART is an ideal addition to your cultural calendar this week.

Links

• Event Summary

The scare was short-lived, as June 2026 brought a surprise announcement that they were relocating to the same street to a slightly larger unit. While the new venue appears to be built to handle a larger volume of orders, Peppercorn continues to excel in its core strength of delivering high-quality, authentic Indian dishes across the city, maintaining an exceptional standard that extends as far as Granton.

The physical shift to 2 Piershill Place marks an exciting expansion for the business. The new location provides a much larger presence on the high street, though online ordering remains the primary way locals experience their menu.

Delivery efficiency is a major strength for this kitchen. Orders travelling from the east side of Edinburgh to the north arrive quickly and securely packaged. Peppercorn is a hidden gem that deserves wider recognition across the capital.

The menu balances traditional staples with specific choices like monkfish curry and sea bass masala. The chicken tikka and paneer tikka starters are consistently excellent, showing a clear command of tandoori grilling.

Portions arrive in standard foil containers but are generous enough to satisfy large appetites or easily split between two smaller meals. The chilli garlic chicken offers a robust punch of flavour, whilst the chicken rogan josh provides a rich and savoury alternative. Sides are reasonably priced, with fluffy pilau rice at £3.25 and traditional boiled rice coming in at under £3.

The korma is a standout choice for those who prefer a milder, creamier profile, but the menu also caters extensively to vegetarian preferences with a dedicated section. Classic, comforting options like sag paneer, matar paneer, and rich aubergine masala are prepared with fresh, distinct spices that avoid the heavy grease often found in standard takeaway dishes. For diner options that require more adventurous palates, the kitchen handles seafood exceptionally well, offering a rare salmon curry and a premium sea bass masala, alongside a robust monkfish curry that retains its texture perfectly during transit.

Families are well catered for with a dedicated kids’ section featuring mild options such as chicken korma alongside familiar favourites like mozzarella sticks. This thoughtful touch makes ordering a straightforward process for busy parents.

Piershill is a busy residential hub in eastern Edinburgh, perfectly positioned to explore the historic ruins of Holyrood Park and climb Arthur’s Seat. Visitors looking to stay in the area can find excellent accommodation options nearby through affiliate sites like Booking.com to enjoy easy access to both the city centre and the coast.

Peppercorn remains one of the finest Indian takeaways in the area, offering brilliant value and exceptional flavours. The successful move ensures its survival and growth in Edinburgh’s competitive food landscape.

If you’re a tourist in Edinburgh, or are planning a visit anytime soon, you may have heard of Greyfriars Bobby. You may have even heard the popular tourist myth that it’s lucky to touch his nose.

That popular tourist myth just happens to be the bane of every Edinburgh local’s life, because touching Greyfriars Bobby’s nose is one of the absolute WORST things you can do when you visit our city (second only to things like r*pe, assault or murdering someone).

Why? Well, let me tell you. Greyfriars Bobby’s nose does not appear to be gold because it’s lucky; that colour is because of damage. The constant friction from rubbing Bobby’s nose is leading to permanent damage, costing Edinburgh Council hundreds of pounds whenever it needs restored.

The unrelenting scene of tourists crowding around Bobby at the junction of George IV Bridge and Candlemaker Row, and taking turns to do this damage is also seen as annoying and extremely disrespectful, not to mention incredibly tiresome.

A good 12 years ago, the BBC quoted Richard Lewis, Edinburgh city council’s culture and sport convener on the matter:

The council arranged for work to be carried out to fix Bobby’s nose 12 months ago, but damage is still being done and the restoration is already wearing off. In time, we will organise repair work again to maintain the statue, which we know is one of Edinburgh’s most loved monuments, but there are no plans to carry out more work out in the near future.

If people do feel obliged to rub Bobby’s nose could we encourage them to do it gently, as it really does cause damage.

Nobody listened, of course. Bobby’s nose no longer looks like the photo below.

Instead, Bobby’s nose has been damaged by another 12 years of people rudely fingering it with their grubby mitts, and quite frankly, I have had enough – to the extent that now I have this platform, I am using it to do hopefully a little bit of good with this post.

You see, I’m not here to argue about whether story of Greyfriars Bobby, the famous pet of constable John Grey, a man who died of tuberculosis in 1858 and loyally mourned by his dog until 1872, is true or not true. I don’t care about that.

Bobby is a much loved, familiar Edinburgh landmark that has, over the years, become something more than just the story he originated from. He’s just been there, and we all love to walk past Bobby (well, when we get to see him through the crowds, at least).

I stopped some tourists rubbing his nose recently – the other day, in fact – and told them that there was a CURSE for anyone who touched Bobby’s nose. They were at first slightly alarmed, but then I came out with the truth of how the curse was really just a whole lot of distain and negative energy felt by all the locals who had watched them do it.

You see, Bobby’s nose isn’t supposed to look like the photo below. It’s supposed to be black, to match the rest of him. This poor wee beloved dog statue is getting relentlessly assaulted on a minute-by-minute basis – and if you contribute to this, you’re only making things worse.

So, next time, please take the time to think and stop yourself before you reach out your eager fingers, and touch Bobby’s nose – even if you see others doing so. ESPECIALLY if you see others doing so. Take the time to educate them, and tell them that this is not something that’s going to bring them good luck. Instead, it’s one of the rudest, most disrespectful things you can do.

I’m asking you, please protect Bobby’s nose. Instead, take a respectful selfie with appropriate distance from Bobby, and educate others to leave Bobby’s nose alone. We, the Edinburgh locals, would really appreciate your help.

Thank you for reading this heartfelt message, and please share this post far and wide. Much appreciated.

This is my second time attending A Play, a Pie, and a Pint @ Assembly Roxy, and this time I had a blast watching this incredibly fun three-woman show.

The description that centred on fiery female friendship and feminist solidarity really sold me on this one, and I knew exactly which friend to bring along for the fun of it. Before we get into it, check out the synopsis below:

Jade, Amber and Lilac have been organising Coral’s hen night for the past six months and it’s going to be epic! But at the last minute, Coral’s cousin Luna rocks up uninvited. Perfect skin, a model, a poet, and a human rights lawyer…a total goddess. It’s too easy to hate her but little do they know just how much they need her…Can the trio unleash their inner Greek chorus or is Coral’s fate in the hands of the gods? A comic joyride by acclaimed writer and director Debbie Hannan, The Hen Night is a love letter to messy nights out, solidarity, and the power of fiery female friendship.

Meet Jade, Amber, Lilac and Coral…

We start the show with introductions to the four main characters – played by three actors, Dani Heron, Laura Lovemore and Anna Russell-Martin – and are told ‘it’s a process’. The process of meeting someone, falling in love, going on hot dates, becoming engaged and planning a wedding. And a hen night, that’s taken six whole months to organise!

Jade, Amber and Lilac are the hens, and Coral is the one getting married. It’s going to be a dream fairytale wedding with lots of Instagram-worthy moments, and everyone will live happily ever after… or will they? Things aren’t always as they seem…

The hen night is underway, and SHOTS, SHOTS, SHOTS have been consumed, when Coral’s Irish cousin Luna shows up. The trio of friends don’t know how to take it at first, but Luna has a hidden agenda, and after a while she let’s them in on it. You see, Luna’s actually a goddess, and she demonstrates her power by hurling an annoying man out the way.

A new mission

Luna the goddess gives the three girls a new mission, and that’s to save Coral from a relationship that’s going to destroy her. At first, the girls don’t really believe it – they see Coral is happy in a ‘picture perfect’ relationship with Scott. Well, that is, until they start looking more closely, and listening to what their friend actually says.

Throughout the sharp witty lines, the laughs and the girl power theme, there’s a stronger message about empowering your sisters and not allowing any partner to control them, or make them feel like they’re not good enough. That part feels like it has an undercurrent of rawness in it, a relatability that probably a lot of women can connect with through their own experiences.

Luna imbues the girls with the power they need to save their friend from a marriage that is ultimately going to break her. But can they do it? Maybe with the help of Amber’s really cool dad!

Overall

The Hen Night is fun, uplifting, riotously funny, fantastically written girly play with a strong message of female empowerment and friendship (with a touch of divine power) – and it’s exactly what I signed up for! The writing is sharp, funny and on point thanks to writer and director Debbie Hannan, and the performances – with the Laura Lovemore and Anna Martin-Russell playing multiple characters – are absolutely perfect.

The set is fun and there’s added sound effects and fairy lights at just the right moments – along with a tiny bit of audience participation. It’s a highly entertaining hour that goes by quickly, and I hope to see more work from Hannan in the future! I feel like The Hen Night would also be a fabulous Fringe show.

The festival didn’t just stick to Leith Walk; it spread across the whole area and even reached nearby coastal spots. There was a mix of classic pubs and modern craft beer places, showing how much the event has grown. Crowds filled venues to see great acts, like Hot Tin Roof at the Malt and Hops, and the Pocket Collective Trio at Moonwake Beer Co., a brewery that shows off the area’s cool industrial vibe.

Hyper-Local Trails and Discovery

What really makes the festival special is how it gets people out exploring all the different neighbourhoods in the north of Edinburgh. For lots of folks, it’s a chance to discover pubs they might usually skip. This year, places like Mother Superior, Malt and Hops, Bowlers Rest, the False Widow, and the Fort Bar were all part of the fun.

The festival even reached beyond Leith. The Powder Room, The Bonnington, and the historic Old Chain Pier joined in, too. That last one, right on the edge of Trinity and Newhaven, sits above the Firth of Forth. Watching live music there with the water in the background was a real highlight—definitely worth checking out on your festival weekend.

Kentucky Spirits and Standout Sets

While indie talent dominated the stages, with notable mentions for individual performers like One Man Dancing, who played at The Fort, the festival also introduced unexpected international flavours. This year’s event secured strong civic and corporate backing, with sponsorship from the City of Edinburgh Council, Forth Ports Limited, and prominent local independent brewers Campervan Brewery (affiliated with Lost in Leith) and Newbarns Brewery, located just off Jane Street.

However, a surprise discovery of the weekend was an international partnership with Bluegrass Distillers, travelling all the way from Kentucky, USA. The American distillery hosted free sampling sessions across the weekend, popping up at the Old Chain Pier and Three Marys on Friday, the Shore Deli and Diggers on Saturday, and Bowlers Rest and The Fort on Sunday. Far from a novelty, their straight rye whiskey proved to be a proper treat for discerning Scottish palates, offering a distinct, high-quality alternative to traditional peated drams (available online – although this reporter hears that there is a chance of a local bottle shop stocking the brand).

Overall

The Leith Jazz and Blues Festival remains a brilliant celebration of live music and community hospitality, earning a strong four-star rating. By pairing fantastic, accessible live music with a diverse trail of independent pubs and breweries, it creates an unmatched atmosphere across North Edinburgh. It stands as a vital fixture of the local cultural calendar, and anticipation is already high for its return in 2027.