We are all looking for ways to save a little money on our regular shopping without cutting out too many of our favourite things. I love the teas and herbal infusions in Rosevear Tea. I also love that if you bring your own container to their shops for a refill, they reduce the price by 50p. That brings the price of my refilled pouch of 'Camomile Flowers' down to £3.90 or a full Kilner Jar of 'Whole Peppermint Leaves' down to £4.50. Their environmental discount works on all their 160 teas and herbal infusions from their refreshing Scottish Breakfast whole-leaf tea to their Raspberry Leaves. Drinking real-leaf tea is an affordable luxury and not only does it taste better than tea bags but there is no single-use plastic. I have also bought small quantities of tea in my own containers in Rosevear Tea. There is a £2 minimum purchase when you buy by weight and you do not qualify for the 50p discount but it is a great way to try a new tea without committing to buying a whole pouch of tea. That said, I have loved all the teas that I have bought so far! Next time, I aim to compare their many calming teas to see which one I prefer. In addition to Camomile, they have Lemon Balm, Lime Blossom, Honeybush, Lavender and a Night Melody herbal blend. These teas soothe me and help me relax. At this time of year, I also enjoy rich nutty teas. 'Almond tea', 'Roasted Chestnut Oolong' or 'Hazelnut tea' all make a fabulously nutty afternoon brew. For the evening there is 'Orange Pistachio Rooibos' with whole pistachios or the sweet almondy 'Tarta de Santiago Rooibos'. And soon, it will be time for Christmas tea again. Now, where did I put my empty tea caddy? (S. Wilson) Rosevear Teas – Visit them at one of the shops where there is usually a brew on the stove or online at www.roseveartea.co.uk 100 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh EH10 4ES; 71 Broughton Street, Edinburgh EH1 3RJ – 0131 558 2530; 17 Clerk Street, Edinburgh EH8 9JH – 0131 667 8466. Open 7 days a week in Bruntsfield and Broughton and Mon-Sat in Clerk St.

Yemen Al-Haimi If a morning cup of Joe is a must you will appreciate the coffee Yemen Al-Haimi, a single-origin bean from the Aberdeen roastery Figment Coffee. Al-Haimi is named after the farm at which the beans are grown and then supplied to Figment by Warfair, an organisation which operates in war-torn regions supporting local businesses as part of the peace process. It’s one of a number of single-origin coffees brought to the marketplace by Neil Glover who runs Figment Coffee. He said: “We’re delighted to support Yemeni farmers with this naturally produced coffee which is not only delicious, and supporting Yemen’s recovery, but is really a bit special – it’s a local variety, Heirloom Yemen Odaini, which is amongst the oldest genotypes of coffee in the world.” Neil explained that although it’s widely recognised that the coffee tree has its roots in Ethiopia, records show that coffee was first consumed in Yemen as early as 1450. “ Yemen started exporting coffee in the 1700s , supplying 6% of the world’s coffee by 1800. This has fallen to just 1% due to demands on quantity and rising costs, coupled with the fact that Yemen has been involved in a catastrophic war since 2014.” "Warfar works closely with an organisation called Yemen Journey which ultimately supports farms like Al-Haimi. We hope that our customers really enjoy this coffee.” Tasting notes I can certainly testify to the quality of the brew. It is full-bodied, fresh, creamy, and fruity. It also has ‘je ne sais quoi’ – whereby you know you are drinking something special. Figment describes it as a complex and floral blend with an abundance of sweetness and body. Buy it Buy it online for £14.95 in a tin sporting a camel, the traditional method for transporting coffee beans from small farms to the port of Mocha. Figment also has single-origin coffees from Panama, Kenya and Costa Rica. Customers can take out a monthly subscription. The taster box, priced at £22, has four different types of coffee. I for one will be signing up. If I can have a fantastic cup of coffee in the morning with the knowledge, I am supporting small farmers globally - what’s not to like (S. Wilson). The Figment Coffee shop and roastery is at Countesswells Road, Aberdeen.

Latter Art graduates shar a cuppa There is something special about a good cup of coffee to get your day going.  This coffee shop, tucked away on the side street of South College Street, is the latest addition to the specialty coffee scene in Edinburgh, and it’s called Origin Coffee. Freshly brewed from Cornwall, they mean business but with a purpose. This is B-Corp-certified, coffee that tastes good and is sustainable. Let’s check them out. Our host Fraser welcomes me, and heads to the workshop room to set up for the ‘Latte Art’ session, ready to share the tricks of making the perfect latte, something he has over 10 years of experience in.   Our group is ready; next to me is Natalie, the owner of Disposition Coffee, and she does well in the latte art, making a beautiful heart. Fraser adds:  “It’s all about the steaming, the pouring, and the timing.”  I listen and make a... radish. I am a novice so forgiven, and I am into nutrition, so it is a healthy latte art. The class is finished with a coffee tasting; we are invited to enjoy a cuppa in the café area. It’s bright and modern with 36 seats.  Learn how to create a foam heart I go for Atlas Decaf, beans from Colombia that have gone through a chemical-free sugar cane process, with apple, chocolate, and caramel notes; it’s very smooth. Natalie chooses Resolute, a Latin American blend with fruity, honey, and chocolate notes. The coffee is served in Japanese-style cups, and it looks good. We are here for the beverages, but if you are feeling peckish, they have sweet and savoury pastries from Fieldwork Café and Company Bakery. Origin Coffee wants to brew good vibes, an uncomplicated coffee place to hang out, cool workshops (Latte Art and Specialty Coffee) to attend, and possibly other events.  So, pop in, say hi, and grab that cup of Joe to get your day going.  (V. Maeda) Origin - 6-8 S. College Street, Edinburgh EH8 9AA Open daily 8 am-5 pm

The range includes three exclusive loose-leaf teas and ceramics f rom Have A Cuppa to Afternoon Tea, what band has tea more rooted in their discography  Waterloo Sunset   Iconic British rock band, The Kinks, are launching an exclusive range of premium loose - leaf teas . Each tea is a nod to their discography, and the collection also includes teapots and teacups.   The band was formed in London in 1963 by Ray, Dave, and Pete Quaife and joined later by Mick Avory, and were hugely successful in their 34 years in the business. With hits such as Sunny Afternoon and You Really Got Me still just as popular today, the band has remained intrinsically linked to Britishness.    Now the band has taken that link one step further by launching their range of tea, another quintessential British staple.    “Tea in the morning, Tea in the evening, Tea at supper time” is a lyric from The Kinks 1971 album Muswell Hillbillies.  Autumn Almanac   Take a step into a brand born from Britain's most iconic band, an offering consisting of loose-leaf teas, blended and roasted in Sussex, along with a range of bespoke ceramics.   Each blend leans on the names of the band’s hits, such as Waterloo Sunset , Victoria and Autumn Almanac . The theme and lyrics of each song are mirrored in the blends and corresponding packaging, creating an all-round sensory experience for the discerning tea drinker.    With black, herbal and low-caffeine teas included in the range, they can be enjoyed at any time of the day, any day of the year. Or even, all day and all of the night .    The first collection also includes a range of ceramic teapots and teacups for the product to be enjoyed in, along with a bespoke Kinks tea towel. There will be a limited run of each item, so fans are encouraged to pre-order to ensure they don’t miss out.    The Kinks tea range is available for pre-order now at thekinkstea.com . The full on-sale date is 12th December when orders will be mailed out to customers.   The full range consists of: Waterloo Sunset loose leaf tea @ £6 Per Per (100g) Autumn Almanac loose leaf tea @ £6 Per Per (100g) Victoria loose leaf tea @ £6 Per Per (100g) Have A Cuppa Teapot @ £50 Donna’s Mugs @ £15  Rosie Lea Cup & Saucer @ £25  Dandy Tea Tea Towel @ £12

Wine Regions Wine Events Scotland is fast becoming the gold standard for educational wine tastings in Edinburgh and the masterclasses are a must. The last tasting at the Assembly Rooms was a Greek Wine Fair and the masterclass was a marathon tasting of 16 wines from Greece curated by author and journalist Dr Jamie Goode . Greece can be described as the “cradle of wine” and as the interest in minimal intervention, heritage vines and indigenous varietals grows amongst the wine community, it is natural to turn to this Mediterranean country comprising regions such as Cephalonia, Crete, the Attica, the Peloponnese and central Greece. The quality of Greek wine is no myth. Varietals have unique profiles which are influenced by factors like climate, terroir and the hardware and processes of fermentation. If you like wines that are bracingly different rather than full-on fruity it is worth seeking out these varietals. For example, Jamie describes Savatiano Vientzi 2020 from the Papagiannakos Winery as “herby, briney, waxy, complex and savoury”. Dr Jamie Goode He refers to Assyrtiko as the ‘rock star’ varietal of Greece and as “one of the noblest white varieties of the world.” It is one of the grapes grown in Santorini which has been practising viticulture for an estimated 3,500 years. Soils are volcanic, sandy and rich in minerals producing bone-dry whites with high acidity. The red wines we tasted also tended to be fresh, light in colour and acidic. Again this is due to distinctive terroirs free of organic matter which also means Greek wines have escaped disease. Plus the altitude of mountain vines and exposure to the sea both influence their sometimes taut characteristics. Having said all of the above there are some lovely floral wines like Moschofilero from The Peloponnese which has a rose perfume and a White Muscat from Samos where the grapes are dried in the sun to maximise sugar. Hellenic wine offers a sensory odyssey where you can taste terroir, climate and method. There are a couple of new restaurants in Edinburgh that have exclusively Greek wine lists: Kuzina and From Kafeneion to STEKI. This could be a way to dive into the world of Bacchus. Also, look out for upcoming tastings from Wine Events Scotland as a palatable way to expand your wine knowledge. (S. Wilson) Basket-shaped vines protect the grapes from Santorini’s strong winds and sand

Pol Roger Nor’ Loft is the rooftop and champagne bar of the Market Street Hotel located adjacent to Waverley Station. Take the elevator to the seventh floor and you enter into an open-plan space with large windows overlooking the city skyline. With its fires, soft lighting and eclectic designer furniture and artefacts the ambience exudes ‘stealth wealth’ and comfort. If Gwyneth Paltrow were to be spotted sipping a green tea she would fit right in. Like Gwyneth, Nor’ Loft is a cocoon of class wrapped in cashmere. Oysters with vinaigrette I visit with my friend in Eleonora, and we are seated and offered the champagne list; ‘Nor Loft specialises in bubbles. There is also a full drinks list including classic cocktails and a seasonally changing menu of shared plates and light bites. The latter are served in threes and have been created to complement Champagne in particular. I spot a favourite Champagne, Pol Roger Winston Churchill and we indulge in a glass each. Oysters served with a traditional shallot vinaigrette are the delicious accompaniment. From the menu, we also choose Gnocchi which presents more as a mini blini with creamy aubergine garnished with a thin seaweed crisp. We have moved on to glasses of Laurent Perrier which cleanse the palate for our next dish. Gnocchi Buckwheat pancakes are filled with Taleggio cheese and seasonal hazelnuts; a garnish of dehydrated Syboes adds an onion-y twist. We think the dishes have been very cleverly constructed from premium ingredients and are all perfectly balanced in terms of flavour and seasoning. Staff are pitch perfect with their balletic ability to be at once warm, efficient and informative. Glasses of Rioja and Primitvo are suggested to accompany a Mellis cheese board which includes another favourite, Baron Bigod alongside Irish and Polish hard cheeses. Carrot Cake and Pisco Sour Eleonora wants to taste the dessert of carrot cake; a trio of pretty mini morsels piped with lemony cream cheese. There is only one dessert offered and I like the confidence of this approach. Our waiter suggests a Pisco Sour and a French 75. It would be rude not to! We left Nor’ Loft and its luxurious environs feeling very happy. Competence is on display all around in drinks, food and service and the views have to be some of the best in Edinburgh. If you like a classy joint, go to Nor’ Loft. Cheese Board with Baron Bigod

Beef Featherblade The Dine family of restaurants comprises three neighbourhood-style venues in Craiglockhart, Murrayfield, and Canomills. Then there is the first flagship restaurant which was opened in 2015 and is located above The Traverse Theatre in the beating heart of the city. This is where my friend Kate and I choose for a catch-up over lunch.  The sun is shining and spring is in the air as we arrive at Saltire Court and climb the stairs past Dine’s signature moss wall to the beautiful restaurant with polished timbers and a central, captivating, olive tree. Staff are friendly and professional and they greet and seat us with genuine warmth.  Both Kate and I are familiar with this restaurant. I have been a fan of Chef Stuart Muir since his days as the Michelin-awarded chef at Harvey Nichols. His passion for local produce is evident in both the à la carte and market menus, which showcase the best of the Scottish larder.  I opt for Sweet Cured Rollmop Herrings as a starter. These ‘silver darlings’ are served with a fresh rocket and fennel salad, toasted pine nuts, and a dill and mustard dressing. I love anything pickled and these fish also happen to be one of the best sources of Vitamin D available which is important for Scots in particular. Kate has Haggis with Clapsot and a Whisky Sauce which she describes as “surprisingly light given the generous portion size”.  Kate follows her starter with Beef Featherblade for her main course which has been braised until tender and served with a fruity bell pepper ragout and champ. I enjoy a crispy-skinned, perfectly seasoned Sea Bream on a bed of tasty potatoes and roasted-until-soft courgettes.  After a delightful meal, we find the bill to be around £27, which we consider to be excellent value for the generous plates of food we enjoyed. We are too full to indulge in dessert, but I bet the Chocolate Ganache with Dark Cherries, Orange Gel, and Shortbread would taste as good as it sounds. The ambience at Dine is relaxed brasserie style and there is a drinks lounge which is ideal for an aperitif or digestif.  Dine’s commitment to quality, local produce, and warm hospitality shines through in every aspect of our experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor to Edinburgh, a meal at one of their restaurants is sure to be a memorable dining experience. (S. Wilson) Dine - Saltire Court, 10 (1F) Cambridge Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2ED - 0131 218 18 18 Email: restaurant@dine.scot

Chef Ed Fortune When I think of university food, I picture a canteen-style menu with simple dishes. Be prepared to be pleasantly surprised by The Brasserie at the Scholar. It’s a new kid on the block located between Holyrood Park and the ‘Commie’ Pool inside The Scholar Hotel.  I am invited to the launch but before dinner, we enjoy a tour of the bedrooms. They are furnished with a dark green velvet chair, a comfortable bed, toiletries by Laura Thomas, and a coffee machine with compostable coffee capsules. These amenities reflect the high standards and comfort offered by the venue. It is worth noting that all profits are reinvested in Edinburgh University. Desserts include a cute Lemon Tart and Poached Pear As we take our seats for dinner, Group Manager Gavin MacLennan warmly welcomes us to the gastronomy experience curated by their new Head Chef, Ed Fortune, an English Chef, who fell in love with Scottish produce. The evening begins with a flavorful pumpkin soup, enhanced by creamy ricotta, and finished with a kick of chili. This is followed by a torched Mackerel Ceviche, served on a bed of radish and yellow beetroot, and topped with crispy kale. The Scottish Salmon takes center stage for the main course and is paired with fondant sweet potato, spiced ratatouille, and black olive. For those seeking a vegetarian option, the Roast Cauliflower is accompanied by spring onion, cavolo nero, orange, and capers, and seasoned with raisin vinaigrette. For dessert, we are presented with two delightful options. The first is a cute crowd-pleasing Lemon Curd Tart with torched meringue, the second is classic red wine Poached Pear, complemented by an intriguing truffle mascarpone and almond feuilletine. To elevate our gastronomic experience, Richard Bouglet, director of L'art du Vin, shares his expertise as a great storyteller and wine connoisseur. He carefully selects and curates nine different wines for us to enjoy. These include a safe, yet excellent choice of German Riesling, an orange Georgian wine, and the revived Lambrusco for a touch of fun. The evening is an insight into Ed Fortune’s passion and ambition to create flavoursome dishes with a great appreciation of Scottish heritage and seasonal ingredients.  So whether you desire a good meal, wish to support the university, or both The Brasserie is an intelligent choice and gets top marks. (V. Maeda) The Brasserie at The Scholar, 18 Holyrood Park Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AY

The Spence The Spence , Gleneagles Townhouse's renowned restaurant in Edinburgh, is set to launch an afternoon tea experience on 8th January which will run for a limited time only, until 30th April. The delightful Edinburgh food will be exclusively served in The Spence's elegant dining room Monday - Friday from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm. The menu at the restaurant Edinburgh, overseen by Head Pastry Chef Renato Blinder, has been curated to showcase variations of The Spence’s most beloved savory dishes, past and present, alongside expertly crafted sweet treats using only the finest Scottish produce. Complement your afternoon tea with Champagne or loose leaf teas The menu features a Wild mushroom cappuccino with cheese straw; a Spiced pumpkin tart; and a West Coast crab crumpet with crème fraiche. Sweet options include a bitter chocolate and apricot gateau; Bailey's choux bun; and Lemon and meringue tart. Served with Townhouse plain and fruit scones, Cornish clotted cream Glen & Co strawberry, and Champagne jam. Diners have the option to begin the Edinburgh food experience with a glass of Veuve Clique followed by a selection of loose-leaf teas and coffee. Guests are welcome to continue to the afternoon sipping on drinks from The Spence’s ample drink and cocktail menus created by Bar Manager, Stef Anderson. The Spence, a renowned restaurant in Edinburgh, offers a wide selection of delicious Edinburgh food and drink. Winter favourites include a Townhouse Bellini, blending orange blossom with vanilla, blood orange, and Crémant D’Alsace, or a Rusty Nail, made up of Johnnie Walker Black Label, X by Glenmorangie, Drambuie, Sweetdram Escubac and orange bitters. The Spence, an exquisite restaurant in Edinburgh, is situated in the heart of the city's old banking hall. It perfectly combines timeless charm and contemporary style, honoring the building's heritage and listed status. With its glass dome ceilings, impressive central bar, and original architecture, this restaurant provides a truly exceptional setting for indulging in a leisurely afternoon. Conde Nast recently recognized The Spence as one of Scotland's most beautiful restaurants, further solidifying its reputation. Experience the allure of the Edinburgh food scene at The Spence, a true gem among restaurants in Edinburgh. Afternoon tea is priced at £50 per person or £65 per person with Champagne. It will be served Wednesday -Friday from 8th – 31st January, then Monday – Friday from 1st February – 30th April from 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. Unfortunately, they cannot cater to vegan or lactose intolerances. Bookings can be made here now for bookings from 8th January onwards.

The Gailes Hotel & Spa, Irvine. I’m captivated by a beautiful big sky of cerulean blue complemented by a few cauliflower cumulus clouds. It’s not the Netherlands or Kansas but Irvine on the Ayrshire coast and Mr Bite and I are taking a break at The Gailes Hotel & Spa.  I have just had a sauna, hot tub and steam session in the spa complex complete with low indigo lighting, foliage and loungers. I feel very Zen and, as I wander back to our room, I stop to take in the gardens which feature a pagoda, fountain, pond, terrace, and the endless emerald lawns of the Golf Links. This luxury resort is part of the local SimpsInns hospitality group, a family-owned business including The Potting Shed, The Terrace, The Waterside and Old Loans Inn in Troon. Karen and Malcolm Simpson, and sons Jack and Lee appear to have this stretch of the West Coast sewn up.  The Potting Shed We had lunch at the colourful, eclectically decorated The Potting Shed, a roadside pit stop in Irvine. A pedestrian menu of wraps, salads, waffles, pancakes and sandwiches relies more on assembly of pre-made ingredients than home cooking. Mr B has a Cajun Chicken Wrap and I have Steak Salad. We also choose a Strawberry Tart and a giant Nutella Empire biscuit from a display of cakes which gives Mr Bite saucer-like eyes. Service is friendly. Despite living in Glasgow for many years, the magnetic west coast warmth gets me every time. Onwards to Marine Drive (sounds very Florida) and The Gailes which despite its roadside location is set in stunning grounds. Our room is very stylish for a standard. A king-size bed facilitates a great night’s sleep following dinner in the Coast restaurant.  Salmon with Chorizo The dinner menu is crowd-pleasing and generic. I am torn between ordering Fish and Chips or Salmon with Chorizo and sauteed potatoes in a paprika cream sauce. I opt for the latter, which is delicious, ditto Mr Bite's Beef Pie. I can forgive a standard menu if the dishes are tasty and well-presented. However, adding one or two specials with actual West Coast seafood and Ayrshire local meat would enhance the dining experience. There is such good produce in this part of Scotland. We share Sticky Toffee Pudding with Arran Ice Cream for pudding which is springy and treacly. A tasty breakfast of Smoked Salmon with Scrambled Eggs and Poached Eggs with Ayrshire Ham (hurrah) fuels us for our onward journey. The hotel website has helpfully listed tourist attractions and we opt to visit the magical Kelburn Estate . The drive takes us along the coast with stunning views of Arran and Goat Fell. We lament not being able to stay longer at The Gailes with bikes as the cycle paths beckon. The hotel is an excellent base for relaxation, sightseeing and activity.  "Two of us riding nowhere, spending someone's hard-earned pay. You and me, Sunday driving, not arriving, on our way back home" (The Beatles) Kelburn Castle At Kelburn we pay £5 only for parking and then get to trek the native woodlands, taking in wildlife, waterfalls, the country house gardens with ancient yew trees, and the castle which has had a makeover painted by Brazilian artists. There is also a cafe and, a gift shop and plenty of kids' entertainment making it a cheap day out for families. As we head home we encounter Easter ‘Carmageddon’ coming the other way but our trip has been smooth and stress-free. The Gailes is somewhere I would recommend as a base to explore the manifold attractions of Ayrshire and for parties and get-togethers.

The bar deatures a Banksy The team behind Three Blind Mice are excited to announce the grand opening of The Burrow , a stylish new whisky and cocktail bar just off the historic Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Nestled directly below the restaurant, The Burrow opens its doors on Friday, September 13th. The Burrow is promoted as a carefully crafted sanctuary where expertly mixed drinks meet trendy, contemporary design. An original Banksy artwork, adds a cool, rebellious charm. The Burrow has a cosy atmosphere, perfect for small gathe rings or an intimate night out. The cocktail menu showcases an array of innovative drinks, skilfully blending classic flavours with modern twists. Whisky enthusiasts will also find a selection of rare and exquisite spirits and can partake in curated whisky tastings. The Burrow aims to be a must-visit destination for connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. James, John and Oscar, the owners of Three Blind Mice, commented on the opening, saying: "With The Burrow, we wanted to create a space that feels like a well-kept secret, a place where people can relax, unwind, and enjoy the finer things in life. We've poured our hearts into every aspect of this bar, and we can't wait for our guests to discover it." The Burrow will open its doors from 4 pm to midnight Thursday through Sunday. Whether you’re looking for a new go-to spot for a nightcap or a destination for a special occasion, The Burrow is set to become one of Edinburgh’s most sought-after nightlife venues. For more information visit www.TheBurrowBar.com or @theburrow_bar on Instagram, or stop by Three Blind Mice to get the inside scoop.

The Piper's Rest Edinburgh pub lovers rejoice as  The Piper’s Rest  celebrates its fifth year in business by hosting a huge party to thank their loyal customers. Located just off the Royal Mile, the pub opened just before the global pandemic. It has maintained a devoted fan base throughout the last five years by championing traditional Scottish produce and supporting local live music Over the last five years, The Piper’s Rest’s welcoming reputation and high-quality service earned the pub one of the top-rated spots on  Trip Advisor’s  ‘Best Bars & Pubs in Edinburgh’   even catching the eye of the Come Dine With Me: The Professionals producers where the pub not only starred but was victorious in Season 2 Episode 20 ." Scottish produce & live music Friday 24th January will be an open-to-all night of traditional Scottish celebration as customers will toast to Burns weekend and raise a glass to an outstanding five years for The Piper’s Rest . Lucky locals will have the chance to win two platinum Six Nations tickets to see Scotland host Wales at Murrayfield, including breakfast at Piper’s, transport to the game, and then dinner and a party back at Piper’s afterwards. The night will also host a tasting from Scottish moonshine brand Highland Moon and a prize draw to win a whole keg of Tennent’s Lage r.  An advocate for Edinburgh’s live music scene, The Piper’s Rest is one of the only pubs in the city to host different local artists 7 nights a week. Regular appearances from cult favourites such as Acoustic David and Ted Christopher have made the venue a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.  Commenting on the fifth birthday,  Frazer Henderson, General Manager at The Piper’s Rest , said: “When we opened Piper’s, we had the vision to utilise the best Scottish produce available, the best local live music out there, and serve customers with a smile on our face. Five years on, the welcoming, warming nature of the pub is what makes us proud. We can’t thank our loyal locals enough for making The Piper’s Rest what it is. Here’s to the next five years!”   Merchant Leisure owns bars & restaurants across the city including The Newsroom, Burgers & Beers Grillhouse and The Railbridge. Their speakeasy venue Jackson the Tailor, located at the top of Leith Street and inspired by the speakeasy culture of the early 20th century, was recently shortlisted for a prestigious design award by the British Institute of Interior Design.  Most recently the bar and restaurant group took over Gordon’s Trattoria after a 43-year ownership as the sixth venue to be listed under the Merchant Leisure umbrella, which plans to continue serving authentic Italian cuisine for now in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile.  The Piper’s Rest is located just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile with a menu consisting entirely of Scottish favourites, using recipes passed down from parents & grandparents, with a modern twist -  “Hearty, warming, traditional and comforting.