A much-loved Belhaven pub in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town is set to ring in the New Year in style with a brand-new look and elevated offering as it undergoes a significant programme of refurbishment.   Recognised as a true landmark in the Grassmarket , and set in the shadows of Edinburgh Castle , the Beehive Inn has been an iconic building in the capital for over 400 years and remains a vibrant hub for locals and tourists alike. This flagship Belhaven pub will temporar

I have to confess that before my invitation to visit Glasgow’s new city‑centre sushi restaurant, I am beginning to weary of the East Asian culinary influence that’s been trending across the country for months. But Sticks’n’Sushi , Scotland’s first outlet from the popular Danish‑Japanese restaurant group based in Copenhagen, forces me to confront this niggling aversion with what can only be described as a deep dive into a completely new experience. If it’s true that we eat fi

Kris Sandlan , community manager at  Cairngorm Coffee , talks to Bite contributor Kirsty Wilkins about creating connections and the Scottish coffee culture. How did Cairngorm Coffee come about? Cairngorm was founded by Robi [Lambie] in 2014 around a kitchen table in Newtonmore. Back then the goal was simple: to make the best coffee we could without alienating people. Fast-forward over 11 years and we’re still exploring the ever-evolving world of coffee. We’re proud to be par

Lidl is ruffling the feathers of Christmas dinner tables nationwide with the launch of Turkey Wine - a limited-edition rosé designed to prove once and for all that pink deserves a seat at the Christmas table. With only 500 bottles available and priced at £6.49 , this exclusive release is set to become the unexpected star of the Christmas spread. Shoppers can snap up a bottle from 10:00am on Wednesday 17th December exclusively at www.lidlturkeywine.com , while stocks last, w

👋 Hello from Team Bite We’ve had a busy and delicious week, and we’re excited to share it with you. From press trips and cocktail tastings to new openings and festive treats, there’s plenty happening across Edinburgh and beyond. Think of this as your friendly catch‑up over Saturday morning coffee. Chicken Liver Parfait in Sea Buckthorn at Station Road at The Lovat, Fort Augustus Where we sipped & savoured We went to Pizza Posto which Anne Pia reviewed earlier this year Also,

Sean Kelly’s cooking confirms what we all already know: Scotland has the finest larder in the world.   Nestled above the Caledonian Canal in The Lovat Hotel, this Highland retreat is where Sean forages, crafts and experiments with a deep respect for Scotland’s culinary past. His avant-garde tasting menu recalls volumes such as A Caledonian Feast by Annette Hope , yet feels utterly of the moment.   He tells me he would like to “not cook with lemons at all,” responding to

The Cairndale Hotel offers 86 rooms, and an award-winning spa, in the heart of Dumfries. Family-owned for more than 40 years, it has grown from humble beginnings in a butcher’s shop into a thriving hotel and built on stewardship, expansion, and deep community connection. Its latest investment includes 12 new luxury rooms in the Burnock Wing, a £250,000 project featuring eclectic artwork, bespoke headboards, Nespresso machines, and Roberts DAB radios. The highlight is a Signa

A bold new culinary concept led by chef Jason Wright Lost Shore Surf Resort — home to Europe’s largest inland wave pool — has officially unveiled Lost Food , its brand-new food and drink concept. For the first time, the resort is bringing dining in-house, with internationally renowned chef, restaurateur, and hospitality consultant Jason Wright  at the helm as Head of Food and Beverage. The Outlets Lost Kitchen  – all-day dining, soon to expand into a curated evening menu of s

Edinburgh’s only independent Spring Wine Festival returns to the Assembly Rooms in 2026 with a fresh line‑up of global flavours, engaging workshops, and a very special guest. Edinburgh Uncorked, hosted by Wine Events Scotland’s Diana Thompson , is a celebration of discovery—bringing together hundreds of wines from across the world, including exciting bottles from lesser‑known regions. Special Guest This year, Diana is joined by Joe Wadsack, one of the UK’s most charismatic w

If you’re looking for the perfect Christmas cocktails to end a festive office day out, impress visiting friends or celebrate with your favourite people, I’ve got just the spot. Head to 56 North on West Crosscauseway , get yourself warm and comfy in one of their booths, and browse their cocktail menu. 56 North has over 400 gins and a dedicated South Loch Distillery producing its own spirits right inside the venue. There are two 50L copper pot stills in the bar. I couldn’t re

From cosy pubs to sparkling rooftop bars — the Bite team is gathering plenty of seasonal inspiration. Whether you’re planning comfort food, cocktails, or a winter escape, here are some highlights to spark your own plans. Where Team Bite Ate This Week Mrs Bite and Eleanora revisited an Edinburgh favourite: Kampong Ah Lee - perfect food for this cold weather Comfort food and cocktails at The Bonnington Pub - try the Haggis Bon Bons with a cheeky dash of HP sauce. Kerry, Th

Founded in 1868  by George Baxter in Fochabers, Speyside, Scotland, and starting as a small village grocery stor e, fourth-generation family-owned Baxters brand has a spectacular selection of gourmet gifting options this Christmas.  Focusing on the comforting taste of tradition the company has a delectable selection of hampers and gift boxes. Each jar and tin carry the essence of family gatherings, crackling fires and the unmistakable aroma of a delicious soup bubbling on

On a crisp November evening, The Bonnington glows on its corner spot on the eponymous road, inviting locals in with the promise of comfort food, beer, wine and cocktails. Run since 2024 by Carlo Carozzi —also the force behind the award‑winning street food venture The Peruvian —this neighbourhood pub has quickly become a welcoming hub. The no. 11 bus stops right at the door. Once inside, the pub manages to be both spacious and cosy at the same time. In the main bar there are

Sophisticated, that's the word that springs to mind to describe The Tollhouse. In another life, this same spot in Canonmills was one of the original entry points into the city. It’s here, along the Water of Leith , where merchants stopped to hand over their levies, before continuing on to sell their wares in the city. I wonder what they’d have thought of the glass-fronted, modern building now standing in its place.  The Tollhouse is one of four local restaurants from Stuart

A Newington staple It’s with blush cheeks that I confess my first visit to Kampong Ah Lee , the acclaimed Malaysian restaurant that has quietly thrived in Newington for two decades. How it has eluded me until now is a mystery. A Sri Lankan–German friend, when asked for the city’s best Malaysian spot, answers without hesitation: Kampong Ah Lee. She is right. Another antipodean pal comments that KAL is her 'go to' for Laska. The restaurant is small and narrow, its walls alive

This new creative space is now open Wow! It’s not a reaction I have often to new spaces, but the revitalisation of George Brown & Sons Engineers Ltd is really something. Leith is a hotbed of culinary, architectural and creative talent. Always has been, always will be. What better transformation of this recently vacated warehouse than to a new town square - Brown's of Leith. Wander through the iconic double doors from The Shore into a zone of foodie zen. There are comfortable

Where team Bite ate this week Diana went to the Edinburgh Gin Distillery & Visitor Centre for a tour and tasting Mrs Bite went to a Pol Roger dinner at the elegant The Bonham Hotel. Excellent food and generous pours. She also went to Fizz Feast and discovered an English Prosecco Harlot . It has been a sparkling week. Diana had a preview of Kochchi's Sri Lankan street food dishes at Bonnie & Wild which will be included in the menu at the new Glasgow venue Liz went to John

Lisa and Paul opened their restaurant 18 years ago With a recent survey revealing that nearly half of people in the UK find cooking Christmas Dinner a stressful experience, with specific worries including getting the timings right, catering to different dietary needs, and missing out on quality time with family because of kitchen pressures, an Edinburgh fine dining Restaurant believes it has the solution.   The Wedgwood At Home Festive Box, is a full six course festive feast

Haddington Place Scotland's only dedicated cookbook shop. T he Cookbook Shop , is set to open on Haddington Place in Edinburgh early next year. Founded by Martyn and Liz Bryson, a couple with extensive careers in editing and publishing, the venue will bring together a passion for food, books and creativity, offering a welcoming community space that celebrates both culinary literature and the joy of sharing good food.  To help make the vision a reality, the pair have launched

Reopened after operating since 1688 In the very centre of old Edinburgh at Parliament Square, a new suite of developments is tucked away beside the advocates’ cloisters.  Our venue, Johns Coffee House & Tavern , is a properly ancient establishment operating from 1688 this year reawakened for a new age of egalitarian enlightenment. When we visit on a cold, dark, late November night, with Christmas lights already sparkling in the touristy area, there is a welcoming glow from

Founders Shehan Fernando and Suki Jayaratne at Bonnie & Wild Things will be hotting up in Glasgow this winter with the launch of Kochchi Glasgow. The Sri Lankan food specialists are opening their first standalone restaurant in the former Hanoi Bike Shop on Ruthven Lane. The opening in Glasgow marks a major milestone for Kochchi as the brand evolves from its street food roots, serving from a self-built horse box, into a fully-fledged restaurant and bar concept. To mark the

Paesano serves artisan wood-fired Edinburgh food fans can now enjoy a slice of an iconic Glasgow institution as Paesano Pizza has expanded east by opening a brand-new restaurant on George Street today. With an unwavering passion for pizza and a dedication to sourcing the finest ingredients, Paesano has earned a devoted following in Glasgow since 2015. With queues out the door and a menu that celebrates simplicity and authenticity, Edinburgh locals and visitors can finally en

At The Arches on Market Street As the Christmas lights come on and overpriced bratwurst stands populate Princes Street Gardens, thoughts turn to festive get-togethers, and Edinburgh Gin’s distillery and visitor centre on Market Street could be a great destination for work dos or a friends’ night out. Edinburgh Gin launched in 2010, one of the first to take advantage of a change in the law that allowed smaller stills and led to the birth of the craft gin industry. The brand

Peter McKenna 2022 Peter McKenna, chef-owner of The Gannet in Glasgow, along with Kevin Dow are set to open a new restaurant, Eleven Fifty Five , in its place on Argyle Street in Finnieston early next year.   Following the announcement earlier this year that The Gannet will close on 31 December 2025, Eleven Fifty Five will take its place. The new restaurant is the latest venture from McKenna, one of Glasgow’s most acclaimed chefs, and Dow, arguably the city’s most beloved

Colin Hinds runs Tipsy Midgie Whisky Bar With Xmas around the corner, we are pleased to announce that our Christmas wish has come true. We have bought another bar in Campbeltown! Once known as the whisky capital of the world Campbeltown single malts are distilled in the Burgh of Campbeltown, on the Kintyre peninsula in Scotland. The town once had as many as 30 distilleries, perhaps the most famous being Springbank , and even now, the queue to buy this sought after nectar so

Decanter Wine Bar, Bruntsfield At Decanter Winery and Dinery , in the Bruntsfield area of Edinburgh, Maria Chierchia believes wine should be fun. She tells Diana Thompson of Wine Events Scotland: “We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” she says. “We’re professionals, not pretentious, and we’re known for our humour as much as our wine list.” Her list is: “a playground for your palate - structured, stylish, and never boring,” featuring global classics and unexpected finds. Am

We publish almost daily online but in short ... Entremots at The Academy Where we ate this week Diana went to The Pierhouse in Appin Mrs Bite went to The Academy in Fife - the students at this catering college are running an afternoon tea. Excellent fare and good to support the students. Mrs B went to Café Marlayne and had a yummy goats cheese starter with beetroot and salad followed by Lamb Noisettes. Highly recommended, always a safe bet. And also to The Drinks Cabinet i

Nepalese Restaurant in Drummond Street Whenever I venture into a curry restaurant, my go-to dish is Chilli Garlic Chicken . I have had some delightful ones over the years, and some that left a lot to be desired. But, having found the holy grail of the perfect Chilli Garlic Chicken, I feel moved to share my experience. In the past I’ve been served up scraggy bits of poultry that were clearly not cooked in the sauce; thin, flavourless gravies and substandard meat, but, when my

Loch Linnhe If you had told me that mid-November would see me enjoying an al fresco glass of chilled white wine on the shores on Loch Linnhe, I wouldn’t have believed you – but 2025 has been anything but an ordinary year. Our drive from east to west, while misty and atmospheric, had not been promising, yet the clouds part as we arrived at our destination and the sun beams down on our little slice of heaven, The Pierhouse Hotel in Port Appin . Scottish Seafood The hotel first

Roti King is opening in St Andrew's Square Roti King is making its first move outside England, heading north to Edinburgh, home to a thriving food culture. Located just off Princes Street, the new outpost, set to open in December , will serve up authentic Malaysian street food in the beating heart of Edinburgh’s dining district.  Roti Canai Journey from the cobblestones of Edinburgh to the bustling street markets of Malaysia, where the scent of freshly made roti canai, fl

Seoridh Fraser – Heron Restaurant From refined tasting menus to relaxed bar service, Edinburgh’s wine scene is as diverse as its venues. Diana Thompson of Wine Events Scotland spoke to three hospitality professionals  inviting them to share their approach to creating the perfect wine list - each with their own philosophy, palate, and personality. Seoridh Fraser – Heron Restaurant General Manager & Beverage Director At Heron, Seoridh Fraser has built a wine list that is “eas

Best cheese on the planet - Gruyère AOP Vorderfultigen Gruyère AOP Vorderfultigen s pezial, matured for 18 months has been crowned the World Champion Cheese  at the 2025 World Cheese Awards, held at BernExpo in Bern, Switzerland. Produced by Bergkäserei Vorderfultigen , this exceptional Gruyère rose above a record‑breaking 5,244 entries from 46 countries , securing the highest accolade in the competition’s 37‑year history. Judges praised the cheese for its remarkable textur

KOCHCHI owners Suki (L) and Shehan (R) This winter, Glasgow’s vibrant West End will welcome KOCHCHI , the award-winning Sri Lankan street food brand, as it opens its first standalone restaurant in the former The Hanoi Bike Shop on Ruthven Lane.    The launch marks an exciting new chapter for the brand, which first captured Scotland’s attention at Bonnie & Wild in Edinburgh’s St James Quarter - the acclaimed Scottish food marketplace. Since opening there in 2022 , KOCHCH I ha

We publish almost daily online but here is your weekly digest from Bite. Thanks for reading. Heritage Beets with labneh at The Gilded Saloon Where we ate this week Gilded Saloon - Tomas Gormley (Cardinal, Skua) is in the kitchen. We dropped by and you can read our review here Pizza Posto - is this Edinburgh's best pizza joint? Old favourite - Cafe Marlayne which we last reviewed two years ago. Antioch - an absolute Turkish gem in Dunfermline On the grapevine Brown's o

Classic Marinara: garlic, oregano, basil, evoo Life is often full of difficult decisions. What to eat for dinner Where to eat out that’s new and good Where to get the best pizza. Edinburgh , like any other city and indeed small town or hamlet, teems with pizza joints…from take-away to up-market glitz and cocktails. And here, I am thinking especially of a negroni sbagliato in Howe Street’s cool Little Capo …a stopover not to be missed!! However, though pizza places crowd th

From left: Michele Civiera, Ewen Hutchison, Joseph Radford and Gunnar Groves-Raines. Credit: R ichard Gaston A unique collaborative space for food, drink and the arts - Brown’s of Leith - will launch in Edinburgh on 27th November with four new food and drink businesses. Representing a major step in the regeneration of the area, Brown’s of Leith will open within the historic George Brown & Sons Engineering Works on The Shore. The development comes after the engineering firm va

Next to Paradise Palms overlooking Bristo Square We dropped into The Gilded Saloon—a new-ish venture just a couple of months into its stride.  It’s the brainchild of three creative forces, with Tomas Gormley (Cardinal and Skua ) also bringing finesse to the kitchen. One co-owner also runs Paradise Palms next door—a dive bar in the best possible sense. Kelburn Parties made their name with the West Coast festival, and The Gilded Balloon downstairs needs no introduction. The f

Hospitality is King at Antioch There’s nothing obvious to alert you to the excellent cuisine served at Antioch . This Turkish restaurant sits quietly at the bottom of Dunfermline’s High Street near The Glen, in a pedestrian row of takeaways and shops. But don’t let its modest appearances fool you—this Turkish grill is an absolute gem. The soul of Antioch is in the long charcoal grill where coals smoke and embers glow red hot. Presiding over the fire is the chef who, with quie

Chef Giorgio Locatelli From the soaring drama of Verdi to the indulgent flair of Rossini, Italy’s operatic legacy is steeped in passion—and so is its food. In a sumptuous new series airing on BBC Radio 3 from 17th–21st November , acclaimed TV producer Walter Iuzzolino  invites listeners on a sensory journey through the kitchens and concert halls of Italy, exploring the deep-rooted connection between music and cuisine. “Arias and Appetites”  blends cultural history with culina

Pork Belly at Noto We’re keeping it simple.  Rather than pepper your inbox with every update, we’re gathering the good stuff into one weekly round-up. We’ll now publish much of what we receive online—this digest just highlights what’s new. This week Nectar, Broughton Street   Mrs Bite visited Nectar (formerly Goose 73) for cocktails and Greek bites. We tried the Rusting Wind  (Tequila Reposado) and the Beach Bonfire . Food highlights: vegetarian Greek platter, chicken skewer

Recipes from the cafe next to Gloagburn Farm There are no shortage of recipes out there – our social feeds are full of them on a daily basis, from every cuisine and culture imaginable. New cookery books pop up at what feels like a relentless pace at times. It can sometimes feel overwhelming.  Through this column, we try to spotlight some books closer to home, produced by cooks and writers living and working in Scotland. To show the talent we have right here. To support them a

Strawberry Milkshake You know what they say: life’s too short… to not indulge in a sweet treat or two. Or six, in my case. Don’t wait for a special occasion to savour the sweet burst of chocolate-covered strawberries or the crunch of ice-cream drenched honeycomb – just a few of the treats that await at the dessert haven Haute Dolci. Perched on high at the top of the St James Quarter i n Edinburgh, this must-visit eatery gives elegant diner vibes: white-washed fittings with a

Thistle Street Vinette is the latest restaurant to be opened by chef Stuart Ralston's Aizle Hospitality Group: a Parisian-style restaurant with a speakeasy cocktail bar in the basement. Following the closure of Aizle, the group also includes Michelin-starred Lyla , Italian restaurant Tipo, and Asian-inspired eatery Noto – each with their own unique charm. Review of Tipo on its opening Despite falling into the ‘high-end’ category in terms of cost, each venue offers a lower-p

On the bow of the boat Permanently berthed at Alexandra Dock in Leith, Fingal is a luxury floating hotel with a storied past—and a shimmering present. Originally commissioned by the Northern Lighthouse Board in 1963, the vessel was acquired in 2014 by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust. Following a £5 million transformation, this former lighthouse tender reopened to the public in 2019 as a superyacht-style retreat, complete with the 2 AA rosette The Lighthouse Bar & Restaurant

It's beginning to taste a lot like Bitemas! From candlelit bars and seasonal menus to limited-edition food and drink finds, our Christmas 2025 festive section is here to help readers gift—and indulge—with style. We’re spotlighting places, products, and experiences that bring joy to the table. This list updates as we go, so check back for fresh inspiration. It’s just a few ideas to start—and we’d love to hear yours if you care to share. Credit to @Awayemedia - Sam Christie.  �

Sipping wine in the sunny south of France Languedoc Wine Tastings & Tours For over two decades, La Garrigue  was more than a restaurant—it was a love letter to the Languedoc, tucked into the heart of Edinburgh. Under Jean-Michel’s care, the restaurant became a haven for rustic French cooking, generous hospitality, and unforgettable wine. Now, with the restaurant closed, he turns the page and invites friends old and new to join him in celebrating the next chapter: one rooted

An Edinburgh seasonal favourite. Roberta Hall-McCarron’s Christmas Pie  is a festive showstopper: a rich, braised beef creation perfected on Great British Menu and now a seasonal favourite at her Edinburgh restaurants, Ardfern, Eleonore and The Little Chartroom. The filling features slow-braised beef shin and ox cheek, with caramelised onion chicken mousse, and ox tongue. It feeds 4-6 and is double egg-washed for that perfect finish. Pie, gravy and a bottle of Tempranillo S

The Rutland with castle views One of Edinburgh’s most iconic Christmas venues unwrapped its festive line-up last month.   Nestled in the heart of the city’s historic West End, The Rutland is home to a collection of boutique hotel rooms, luxury apartments, eateries and bars .   From enviable castle views to award-winning Scottish steak and some of the city’s best cocktails, The Rutland offers the ultimate festive showcase.   Kyloe - Gourmet Steak Restaurant Christmas lunch an

The Arches Awards Edinburgh Gin  is raising a glass to a remarkable victory for its distillery after being named Scottish Gin Distillery of the Year and Gin Tourist Destination of the Year at the 9 th  annual Scottish Gin Awards. The brand also won Scottish Gin of the year for its Classic Gin alongside four further gold product awards: High strength category- Cannonball Old Tom category - Old Tom London Dry category - The Classic Liqueur category - Rhubarb & Ginger The indep

Sarah's second book, the first was Kith Feast is the second cookbook from MasterChef finalist Sarah Rankin . It features nearly 100 recipes across 15 themed menus designed for every kind of gathering—from Hogmanay parties and Sunday brunches to pizza nights and summer picnics. Each menu includes seasonal Scottish produce and a paired drink, with dishes that can be served together or enjoyed individually. Rankin’s style blends global inspiration with local ingredients, celeb