Edinburgh Gin Heritage

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Selection of Scottish gins at 56 North

Edinburgh Gin Heritage

The gin market is currently booming with sales expected to reach over £1.3 billion by 2020. The worldwide demand for gin has dramatically increased each year where 40 million bottles of branded gin was purchased within the UK last year.

Despite gin being primarily known as a traditional British drink – 70% of the UK’s gin is actually produced in Scotland. The tourism industry has significantly helped to raise Scotland’s gin profile, showcasing our incredible distilleries and exquisite gin bars, attracting more and more visitors to enjoy the wonderful spirit and its heritage.

Originally, gin was discovered as a herbal medicine produced from juniper berries which was used to treat a variety of medical issues such as kidney and stomach illnesses. Now, consuming the spirit in moderation can provide many health benefits – calming joint pain, aiding digestion, and even help you live longer!

Although whisky has dominated the Scottish spirit industry for years, Scotch whisky distillers have been producing their own gin since 2010. From the tip of the Highlands and Islands where brands such as Caorunn and The Botanist are produced, down to the array of gin brands produced in Edinburgh, Scotland is proud to play a major role in craft gin distilling.

Embarking on a gin tour is a fresh, insightful way to explore how the spirit is produced which is becoming more and more popular as the gin market prospers. Edinburgh Gin has been developing award – winning, premium gins for seven years, and has two fantastic distilleries situated in the heart of Edinburgh. The Distillery & Visitor Centre, located in the West end of Edinburgh, welcomes guests to discover Edinburgh’s gin heritage and is ranked in the top 20 Edinburgh Visitor Attractions. Open 7 days a week, be sure to book a marvellous gin tour whilst in Edinburgh.

Located at Summerhall in Edinburgh, Pickering’s Gin distillery uses 9 botanicals to hand- craft their award- winning, premium gin. Hosting one hour guided tours and tastings three days a week at fantastic value for money, it is an attraction which must be experienced. In addition, Summerhall is home to the annual Edinburgh Juniper Festival which takes place every June, promoting a range of gin brands.

There is an abundance of gin bars in Edinburgh where no matter if you are a gin ‘novice’ or ‘connoisseur’, there is a place that will suit you. 56 North, an intimate cocktail bar situated in Edinburgh’s old town offers over 200 types of gin for you to enjoy, with a friendly team of staff who can make personal recommendations for you. Delivering excellent gin masterclasses, you can discover and learn something new too. In addition, One Square at the Sheraton has a collection of more than sixty gins and even boasts their own distinctive ‘One Square Gin’ in collaboration with Pickering’s Gin. Used in a variety of speciality cocktails or complimenting a usual G&T, you must visit One Square during your stay in Edinburgh. The Jolly Botanist, near Haymarket, West End, is an award-winning gin bar and dining room. The gin bar opened in 2015 and has been a clear success with gin fans ever since. With a Victorian style décor, the bar has a very unique image and is a delight to sit back and relax whilst enjoying all the gins on offer.

The Ben Doran Guest House is just a few minutes from Edinburgh City Centre, located on the main bus route and is a fantastic location to stay whilst experiencing Edinburgh’s true gin heritage. Book direct for the best rates and special offers.

Edinburgh Street Food Markets

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Edinburgh Street Food Markets

Edinburgh Street Food Markets have increased significantly over the last decade and you will find an eclectic array of street food markets dotted around the city all year round. Edinburgh is a world-class tourism destination, steeped in history and culture and the street food markets are a great way to sample local produce and they are a cost effective alternative to restaurant dining. If you are looking to pick up a delicious meal or snack while you are exploring Scotland’s capital city, then here are our top five Edinburgh street food markets to visit:

The Food and Flea Market

Located at the back of Waverley Train Station on Sibbald Walk, New Street, just off the Royal Mile, the Food and Flea Market is the first permanent street food market in the heart of Edinburgh open daily, all year round. The market is open 7 days a week with a flea market at weekends – check daily trading hours on their Facebook page. This market is unique as it has permanent stalls and the local street vendors change each month. Barney’s Beer Bar is a permanent fixture at the market, declared one of the top 5 craft brewers in Scotland by List Magazine.

The Pitt Street Market

The Pitt street food market is located in Pitt Street, Leith. The industrial yard is transformed into a vibrant street food market with live music from local musicians, every Saturday, all year round, from 12 – 10 pm with children welcome until 8 pm. The Pitt has 40 street food vendors and drinks from Barney’s Beer, Smith & Gertrude and others too.

Edinburgh Farmer’s Market

The Edinburgh Farmers Market is now in its 17th year, located on Castle Terrace with amazing views of the Castle. This all year round weekly market takes place each Saturday, 9 am – 2 pm. Choose from a wide range of Scottish produce from jams, chutneys, cheese, pastries and cured meats, the majority of the stallholders grow or rear what they sell. It’s a great stop to pick up a quick snack and a coffee before you head off to explore the Castle.

Stockbridge Market

Stockbridge Market is located in Jubilee Gardens, Saunders Street, Stockbridge, Edinburgh. The Stockbridge Market is open every Sunday 10 am – 5 pm and offers a wide variety of food. Sample some amazing street food here too and enjoy Sunday brunch, lunch or snacks while you stroll through this impressive market.

Greater Grassmarket

The Grassmarket is located in the ‘Old Town’ below Edinburgh Castle, just off the Royal Mile. This historical marketplace was used as a gathering point for market traders and was also a place for public executions in the 16th century. Today, every Saturday between 10 am – 5 pm the centre of the Grassmarket comes to life with over 20 stallholders lined up to sell their food produce, all locally sourced, ranging from Artisan bread to organic fruit and vegetables and lots more. You will also find street food freshly cooked to order, sweet or savoury the choice is yours.

The Ben Doran Guest House is located on the main bus route and is a few minutes bus ride away from all the Edinburgh street food markets. Book direct for the best rates and special offers.

Fashioning a Reign

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Fashioning a Reign at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

A selection of the Queen’s dresses is on display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

This magnificent display of the Queens wardrobe at the Palace of Holyroodhouse has been selected to cover The Queen’s life and reign and includes evening and day wear by the British couturiers Sir Norman Hartnell, Ian Thomas and Stewart Parvin, who trained at Edinburgh College of Art, and the milliner Philip Somerville. All of the outfits in the exhibition are displayed in Scotland for the first time.

The exhibition also includes gowns designed by Sir Norman Hartnell, who produced many of the finest evening dresses in the Queen’s wardrobe, along with the Ian Thomas dress the monarch wore to meet with Pope John Paul II in 1980.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, has been the setting for many significant official occasions during The Queen’s reign, including the state visit from King Olav of Norway in 1962 and the Commonwealth Heads of Government reception in 1997. The beautiful evenings gowns worn by the Queen at these occasions are on display at the exhibition.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse exhibition was opened on the Queen’s 90th birthday on 21 April and will remain until 16th October 2016

Open Daily from 9.30am to 18.00pm. There are some closure dates so its best to check these out before visiting.

For more information and opening times Fashioning a Reign

The Ben Doran Guest house is located in Mayfield and is just a short bus ride to The Palace of Holyrood or can be reached by a walk through the Queen’s Park.  Book direct for the best rates and special offers.

Edinburgh Ghost Tours

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Edinburgh Ghost Tours

If you’re looking for an exciting Edinburgh experience that explores the dark and ghastly side of Edinburgh, ghost tours are a must during your visit to Edinburgh.

Learn of Edinburgh’s grim past and its long history of murderers, tortures, ghosts and haunted locations. Experience one of the many nightly ghost tours in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town where you’ll explore the dark streets and alleyways and learn about the tales of the city’s ghostly past and present, the inspiration for the stories of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

The most famous of Edinburgh’s murderers were the infamous body snatchers Burke and Hare. Follow in their footsteps where they could be found lurking after dark and learn about the grisly, evil goings on! Do their victims still haunt the alleyways? Some believe they do!

Edinburgh Ghost Tours are not for everyone but if you like to be afraid and be very afraid (you have been warned) here is a list of the best of spooky Edinburgh ghost tours – Join one if you dare!

City of Edinburgh Tours

City of Edinburgh Tours was launched back in 2012 after the purchase of the Old Police Box on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile [the box is now regarded as the most expensive piece of real estate per square foot in Britain]. It was launched by David Nish, a local published historian who actually started the first underground tours back in 1995. Since converting the police box into a ticket booth City of Edinburgh Tours have taken hundreds of thousands of visitors around Edinburgh and into their underground vaults.

City of Edinburgh tours are fortunate to have exclusive access to one of the most interesting pieces of underground in Scotland. The underground includes an old street and two small vaults, which are estimated to be over 300 years old and are not without an ugly history, from torturing witches to hosting illegal gambling dens. It is also the only piece of underground in Edinburgh which features a built-in street window on the roof, which allows visitors to watch people walk over them completely oblivious to their existence below.

Ghost Tours are all led by enthusiastic & knowledgeable guides, dressed in a full period costume. They also include a walk around Edinburgh’s old town and a visit to Greyfriars Cemetery, before descending into the underground. The tour includes stories and secrets from the cities dark past, all told in an engaging and fun manner.

Tours are available every day of the week at the following times: 1:15pm, 3:15pm, 5:15pm, 6:45pm, 7:45pm, 8pm, 8:45pm & 10:15pm

www.cityofedinburghtours.com

Edinburgh Dungeon

At the Edinburgh Dungeon you’ll experience a very scary journey through 1000 years of Scotland ‘s horrible history. Guided by a cast of actors who bring this scary experience to life, you’ll be laughing and screaming!. The storytelling, exciting rides and thrilling special effects are based on gruesome history and legend with characters from Scotland’s past, including Burke and Hare and Sawney Bean. A new show at the Dungeon includes the fearsome torture chamber and the ghostly presence of the Green Lady in 1715 Old Craig House.

www.thedungeons.com

If this doesn’t sound scary enough… what about:

Auld Reekie Tours

They offer a variety of tours from the scary Graveyard & Vaults Tour to the absolutely terrifying Terror Tour – how brave are you?

Your guide will take you to Greyfriars Graveyard, home of the famous Greyfriars Bobby. A nice story but beneath the surface rotting corpses lie, whose names were made famous in many novels and history books, and sent chills down many a reader. Then on to the infamous and haunted underground vaults, the home of the destitute, prostitutes, criminals, witches and a hellfire club, that is possessed by something evil that awaits you.

www.auldreekietours.com

Real Mary King’s Close

You’ll see a historically accurate interpretation of life in Edinburgh from the 16th to the 19th centuries, focusing on the underground beneath the Royal Mile where people lived in misery. You’ll be guided by one of the ‘characters’ who lived in these underground streets during this time in history. You’ll hear hair-raising ghost stories of dramatic episodes and extraordinary apparitions from the past.

www.realmarykingsclose.com

Black Hart Entertainment

Definitely not for those with a nervous disposition! You’ll visit the haunted graveyard and underground City of the Dead walks. These give a taste of the history and legends of the capital and lead you into the Covenanters’ Prison and the Black Mausoleum in Greyfriars Cemetery, with a possible encounter with a Poltergeist. Hundreds claim to have been attacked by the poltergeist – will you!

www.blackhart.uk.com

Mercat Tours

Mercat Tours, a five star tourist award, offer a huge variety of spooky ghost tours in the New Town and the Old Town, too many to mention in this blog – to suit all dispositions!

www.mercattours.com

The Ben Doran Guest House is just a 15 minute walk to Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, the start of many a spooky adventure.  Book your stay with us and enjoy a peaceful (spook free) nights sleep!

Virgin Money Street of Lights at Royal Mile, Edinburgh

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Virgin Money Street of Lights at Royal Mile, Edinburgh

An amazing display of illuminated arches will light-up Edinburgh’s Royal Mile this Christmas.

It is reported that over 60,000 lights will be strung across the Royal Mile from the City Chambers to the Tron Kirk.

This fantastic new addition to the Edinburgh Christmas festivities will be seen by over 5,000 people at each show with over 250,000 people over the festive period.   The lights will be synchronised to music from Edinburgh choirs and will run twice daily from the end of November when Susan Boyle switches on the Christmas lights.

The choirs taking part will be the Edinburgh Festival Chorus, the Edinburgh Royal Choral Union, the Edinburgh Gay Men’s Chorus and the Edinburgh Police Choir.

This spectacular new event is sure to add more sparkle to Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations.

High St, Royal Mile
30 November – 24 December, 6.30pm & 8.15pm daily
The event lasts for 20 minutes

Free event
Tickets available from 21 October.

The Ben Doran Guest House is just a 15 minute walk to Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.  Book your Christmas break now and join in the celebrations.

Edinburgh’s New Year Party

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Edinburgh’s New Year Party

Wed 30 Dec 2015 – Fri 1 Jan 2016

Edinburgh’s New Year party is one of the most famous celebrations and one of the best.  Visitors from around the world descend on Edinburgh to experience the thrilling atmosphere and enjoy the many events taking place on Princes Street with one of the most stunning backdrops of Edinburgh Castle.  Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations show the world how to party!

Live Bands and DJs fill Princes Street with music and dancing as the city centre comes alive with festivities.  Truly one of the best and biggest outdoor parties in the world.

Details have already been announced for a spectacular celebration to see in the new year 2016.

There are three days of spectacular events planned, popular bands and amazing crowds from around the globe.  Torchlight Processions, Scottish music on the Mound and watch top stars and the incredible fireworks from Princes Street Gardens.

30 December 2015

Festivities start on 30th December with the incredibly popular Torchlight Procession. An event for all the family with thousands of torch carriers illuminating the city following the massed pipes and drums.

New Year’s Eve 31 December 2015

In Edinburgh on New Year’s Eve there are four spectacular events; the Candlelit Concert, the Keilidh, the Hogmanay Street Party and Concert in the Gardens. This feast of entertainment and live music ends with a spectacular Midnight Fireworks display, which is broadcast to over 150 countries to an audience of over 1 billion people.

New Year’s Day 1st January 2016

On New Year’s Day you can join the  journey across Edinburgh’s Old Town, discovering the artistic delights of Scot:Lands. Discover the incredible new worlds in secret venues throughout the Old Town to find the best in music, art and theatre.

Only if you’re brave, should you head to the Loony Dook at South Queensferry, just outside the City for a refreshing swim in the wintery Forth River.

Buy Hogmanay Event Tickets

To Purchase Tickets for any of the spectacular Hogmanay events visit Edinburgh’s Hogmanay website or call the Box Office on 0844 573 8455.

Accommodation at the Ben Doran Guest House

Edinburgh’s New Year Party is a popular event, so book well in advance.  The Ben Doran Guest House is just a 15 minute walk or 5 minute bus journey from all the Edinburgh New Year celebrations and they’re offering some great direct booking offers.  Book today at the Ben Doran Guest House and join one of the world’s best outdoor parties!

Edinburghs Christmas

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EDINBURGH’S CHRISTMAS

20 November 2015 to 4 January 2016

Christmas is a magical time of year to visit Edinburgh with over 6 weeks of festive celebrations, featuring a packed calendar of events, attractions and festive markets, it’s truly the highlight of the winter season.

Christmas highlights include:

The Virgin Money Street of Light. This is a new major free event for the Edinburgh’s Christmas season with an amazing installation of 60,000+ lights along the Royal Mile creating a sparkling display.

Edinburgh’s Christmas lights will be switched on by Susan Boyle on 22 November 2015.

The many events include a circus, comedy and cabaret in the Paradiso Spiegeltent with performances from Circa, reviving Beyond.

The Stick Man, the adaptation of Julia Donaldson’s magical best-selling book.

Other shows include the legendary Camille O’Sullivan; Puddles Pity Party, the cabaret sensation of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2015; Austentatious; Abandoman; Abandoman’s Bass Drop Ceilidh and Frisky & Mannish.

Family fun at the ice rink around in St Andrew Square.

The Big Wheel, the Star Flyer, Santa Land and a double decker Carousel in St Andrew Square.

For more information visit Edinburgh’s Christmas.

Treat yourself to a festive short break at the Ben Doran Guest House and enjoy this magical time in Edinburgh.  Book Direct for the best rates and offers.