Sun, Bubbles & Blissful Grazing at The Botanics

On a day that could genuinely pass for Spring, these sun-starved Bitches are happily soaking up the rays - and of course, an absolute shedload of Champagne - while attending the launch of the fabulous, and newly refurbished, Garden View Deck & Bar at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. 

A select soirée made all the more divine by its gloriously green outlook, exceptional food, and inspired collaboration with Maison Pommery & Associés - a family-owned Champagne house renowned for sustainability and biodiversity. Its joyful mantra: healthy soil, happy grapes, endless fizz. Ding Dong!

To the agreement of all present, not only are we Best Dressed [ Seriously, again?? Stop it! ] there’s also a consensus that this has the potential to be one of the city’s best alfresco experiences. Sun, bubbles and blissful grazing. Then in time - we hope - late closing plus saucy DJ who leans towards shirtlessness.

For now at least, a playful soundtrack of French pop is definitely hitting the spot. As is the mountain of artisan cheese, seasonal pickle, and of course what can only be called one’s third bottle of “Pommers.”

All of which prompts Isaac to remark just how lovely it is to get out of the city. In reality, we’ve travelled a mere seven minutes to get here. But spiritually? We’re somewhere between the Amalfi Coast and breaking our lifetime vow NEVER to wear boat shoes. Suffice to say, the vibe is utterly delicious.

Which brings us - via eighteen slices of lush stone baked pizza - to the Garden View’s catering partner, the legendary Heritage Portfolio. Who, for close on three decades, has been at all the best parties, and created our favourite afternoon tea - at the beautiful Signet Library. 

Unsurprisingly, their work here is equally top notch. Even better, it makes full use of ingredients grown and foraged at the Botanics. Lush case in the point: the Beetroot Hummus with lemon rapeseed oil and freshly baked focaccia. Silky smooth, sweet, and wonderfully earthy - we highly reccommend! 

They’ve also whipped up a gorgeous series of spritzes, bringing the likes of Aperol, Limoncello, and Glenmorangie Single Malt to the party. Though while we fully plan to indulge - and soon - right now we’re thinking there’s at least two more magnums of fizz vying for our attention.

Fortunately, the friendly, brilliantly attentive staff can spot an empty champagne flute at fifty paces. Which alongside the scenery, food and libations, gives this venue a definite five stars. Though, if management could just consider our thoughts on late closing and shirtless DJ, we’ll gladly make it six! (Derek & Isaac aka The Social Bitches)

Garden View Deck & Bar - Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

John Hope Gateway, West Gate Entrance, Arboretum Place, EH3 5NZ

Friday & Saturday 12pm - 8pm, Sunday 12pm - 5pm