Edinburgh food blogger wins baking contest

A FOOD blogger in Edinburgh has been crowned as Scotland’s best home baker. Sophie Greig, a student at the University of Edinburgh, was named as the “Contini Bake Off” champion. The competition was run by Carina Contini, who owns The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant at the Scottish National Gallery. Greig, who shares her recipes and…

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Bross Bagels fills hole in St James Quarter

BROSS Bagels has unveiled plans to open a deli in Edinburgh’s St James Quarter. The 1, 200-square foot outlet will sit on level one of the development and is due to open in the spring. Owner Larah Bross said: “If you’re new to the Bross experience, prepare to be blown away – this is more…

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Scottish drinks have a ‘can’ do attitude

SCOTLAND’S brands are continuing to embrace canned drinks with two recent releases. Forrit has launched a range of “hard seltzers”, while Boe has unveiled two gins mixed with lemonade. Forrit has blended sparkling water with alcohol, botanicals, and fruit flavours. The brand, which is owned by whisky maker Loch Lomond Group, has unveiled three variants:…

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The Caley launches Laurent-Perrier afternoon teas at home

THE Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh has teamed up with Champagne Laurent-Perrier to launch a festive afternoon tea at home. The Caley’s afternoon tea features finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. The hotel, which is part of the Waldorf Astoria chain, is offering the teas until the end of the month, priced £99 for two people, including…

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Hospitality launches ‘Taste Edinburgh’ campaign

CHEFS have launched a campaign to encourage customers to buy gift vouchers for their favourite Edinburgh restaurants, bars, and hotels this Christmas. The launch of the “Taste Edinburgh” scheme was attended by Michelin-starred cooks Tom Kitchin and Martin Wishart. Other restaurateurs taking part in the campaign include: James Thomson from Prestonfield House Hotel and The…

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Review: Time for tea at Aberdeen’s Café Bohème

Fairy lights? Check. Brussels sprouts? Check. Shopped till you’ve dropped? Check. After all those festive preparations – and, let’s face it, a rather trying year for us all – there couldn’t be a better time to indulge in a pre-Christmas treat. As we headed down to Aberdeen’s Café Bohème, a gorgeous restaurant that pairs Scottish…

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Highlands and islands gift boxes launch

A GIFT box service dedicated to showcasing products from the Highlands and islands has been launched. A Whale of a Time brings together products from independent businesses spread across Inverness, Lochaber, Moray, Wester Ross, and Wick, as well as islands including Harris, Islay, Lewis, Orkney, and Skye. Its range of eight gift boxes stretches from…

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Gizzi Erskine: ‘Soil can be sexy’

CHEF and food writer Gizzi Erskine teamed up with dairy farm Yeo Valley to mark World Soil Day on Saturday. Data released by the United Nations showed that the equivalent of one football field of soil is eroded every five seconds across the world. Yeo Valley invited Erskine to its organic farm to shine “the…

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Is this the ultimate Christmas ice cream?

ICE cream maker Mackie’s has joined forces with Crieff Hydro Hotel to create what could be the ultimate festive flavour. Their turkey and cranberry ice cream will be served to visitors at the hotel’s Glen’s Adventure Park. A gingerbread crumble flavour has also be created. Richard Leckie, manager at the park, he said: “Turkey and…

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Macduff man makes rum in Mauritius

A MACDUFF man has swapped wine making in rainy England for rum making in sunny Mauritius. David Adamson studied winemaking at Plumpton College near Brighton. “I spent some time working at a winery in England, but pruning vines in the cold UK winter wasn’t for me,” he explained. Instead, Adamson has now launched Beach Bum…

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