Pamela’s emotional return to her family home

When Pamela McGowan made the decision to move to Edinburgh she had no idea she would be stepping back in time and repurchasing her childhood home in Tranent. After years spent down south, she describes it as fate when, on her last night of a brief visit to the area in 2012, she passed her…

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Brian’s garden is one for the whole family to enjoy

Tucked away near off Edinburgh’s Ravelston Dykes, Brian Hunter’s garden is a botanical haven designed with family get togethers in mind. Three different seating areas mean that whatever the time of day, there will be a space getting the sun and the most recent addition to the garden is the addition of a summer house…

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Huge bonfires let us make our perfect garden

When artist Val Leckie and her husband, violin maker Paul Bowers, moved into their flat on Edinburgh’s Eglinton Crescent in 1997 they set about creating their perfect garden. It was completely derelict,’ says Val. ‘We had to have several huge bonfires.’ As the walls of the garden emerged, the couple discovered an extra ten feet…

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New whisky fusion set to be big down under

The team behind a series of innovative whisky blends have unveiled their latest creation – a pioneering fusion of Scotch and Australian whisky. And they say that the unique whisky will be the first whisky to use new Blockchain technology to demonstrate its provenance and authenticity. Called The Brisbane, in honour of the Scot who…

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Quality food at a price that will appeal to students

Ting Saboteur Sister of the nearby Ting Thai Caravan, Ting Saboteur is the newest establishment to take up residence on Teviot Place. With an industrial interior and communal seating, it’s best suited to a casual lunch with friends. The cari rang voi mang red curry was a particular highlight, tasty with plenty of fresh vegetables…

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Baba offers good value and fantastic flavours

Baba Any restaurant which is the brainchild of the team behind Glasgow’s stunning Ox and Finch was always going to have me rushing to sample it. Throw in the fact that the Middle Eastern-inspired Baba describes itself as a ‘mezze, charcoal grill and cocktail bar’ and I’m all in. Taking up the whole ground floor…

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Revamp will have you coming back for more

White Horse Oyster Bar If you consider yourself to be a foodie, then get a date in the diary to road-test The White Horse Oyster Bar as soon as possible. This is one of the best new launches in the capital in recent memory, with an old man’s boozer transformed into a fantastic – and…

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Capital’s second Cafe Andaluz has top tapas on tap

Cafe Andaluz With the George Street cafe having been a firm favourite for many years, it was no surprise to hear of a second premises opening on George IV Bridge. The new offering is decorated in a classic Spanish style with modern touches and our table had an incredible view of the castle and George…

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When the steaks are high head to Gaucho

Gaucho Love and marriage, a horse and a carriage, steak and Malbec – the latter doesn’t have quite the same ring, but it’s still a match made in heaven. And Gaucho is Nirvana for fans of this particular pairing. With impressively high-end décor, the restaurant lies beneath a small bar area and is resplendent with…

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Bring a proper ray of sunshine into your palate

Trenchtown Stepping into sunny, Jamaican eatery, Trenchtown, with its pineapple-coloured booths and head-bopping soundtrack, is a treat in itself. To start, we tried Fiery Fried Squid, Garlic and Chilli BBQ King Prawns and the deliciously doughy Trinidadian Doubles – each moreish, if a little filling. For mains the chunky Red Snapper had an eye-watering side…

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