A Guide To Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the city break destination that has it all – arts and culture, fine dining, great shopping and stylish boutique hotels. A convenient way to travel to Edinburgh is by train and with a little advance planning, you can access low cost train fares. When I lived in Scotland, I became a train travel pro and found that early booking and off-peak travel is the best way to find discounted train tickets.

Here are a few of my favourite spots for a perfect visit to Edinburgh…

Stay

The Glasshouse is one of Edinburgh’s most stylish five star hotels with a lavender-filled private roof terrace and each room boasting its own balcony. The Glasshouse was voted ‘Best hotel to get naked in’ and with special touches such as Egyptian cotton sheets, a complimentary decanter of Whisky, suites with private jacuzzis and a decadent room service breakfast, it’s easy to see why!

Eat

Wedgwood the Restaurant brings casual fine dining to Edinburgh’s Old Town and was awarded Restaurant of the Year 2011 by SLTN. Co-owner and head chef Paul Wedgwood began his career in the Lake District and worked at various gastropubs and Michelin star restaurants before opening Wedgwood the Restaurant with his partner Lisa.

The innovative menu focuses on the finest Scottish meat, game and fish with Asian and Mediterranean influences. The set lunch menu is good value and perfect for posh refueling during a day of shopping or exploring the city.

Cafe Andaluz is a favourite tapas restaurant of mine from living in nearby Glasgow for four years and the Edinburgh sister restaurant is just as romantic and authentic. The Moorish interiors bring a bit of Andalucia to George Street and the menu is full of delicious tapas, paellas and fresh seafood. Be sure to leave room for the delicious Crema Catalana.

Drink

Bramble is a discreet basement bar that you could easily miss, but should definitely know about. The dark and cavernous speakeasy is like a maze with intimate snugs where you can sip cocktails undisturbed. Bramble attracts an ‘in the know’ crowd who come for the potent, expertly-mixed cocktails and louche atmosphere.

Shop

Princes Street is Edinburgh’s main shopping street, featuring the famous department store Jenners, but there are plenty of independent boutiques to visit. Find niche brands such as TBA, American Retro and Milly at Fifi Wilson in Bruntsfield and hand-made pieces at graduate fashion shops Totty Rocks and Godiva.

For more traditional accessories, visit the Tartan Weaving Mill, a tartan megastore featuring the patterns of all Scottish clans. It’s a great place to pick up a woolen scarf, but for something more bespoke and stylish, try Howie’s 21st Century Kilts.

Foodies will love I.J Mellis Cheesemongers offering a good range of Scottish cheeses and Demijohn, the next door ‘liquid deli’. Sample fine Whiskys, olive oil and balsamic vinegar and fill a bottle with naturally flavoured spirits – the sloe gin and spiced rum liqueur are particularly delicious.