Once upon a time there was a wizard chef called Nico Simeone. Nico had a magic foodie wand and opened a chain of restaurants. His themed six-course menu changed every six weeks, each one telling a different story. People flocked to his restaurants to be entertained and everyone lived happy ever after. The current menu at Six by Nico starts with Confit Potato, Hay Baked Potato Mousseline, Preserved Wild Garlic & Pickled Onion. The dish is both earthy and light. Simone and I are sitting in the Hanover Street restaurant enjoying the service and warm atmosphere. The restaurant is buzzing. Course number one is themed around Oliver Twist while following dishes are inspired by the fairy tales and folklore of Paddington Bear, Matilda, Danny Champion of the World, The Ugly Duckling and Beauty and the Beast. Our waitress asks us at the end of our evening whether the theatrics of the experience have intruded on our evening. Not at all. I am enchanted when the Syrah is poured from a duck-shaped decanter to accompany Duck Leg Boulangère with Pickled Walnut, Salsify, Toasted Cereal, Pear & Fig. When a jar of Mushroom XO Marmalade & Truffle is placed between me and Simone to spoon onto plates of ox cheek ragout and sourdough, we share the fun. And The Last Rose Petal is show stopping. A glass dome is lifted to reveal a scarlet Mascarpone Creme, Rose, Hibiscus & Rhubarb. Added fun comes from the menu which is presented as a story book containing recipes and a section for notes; a generous souvenir. Nico is not afraid to reveal his techniques signaling he is confident that his ideas are boundless. Instead, he urges you to continue the adventure at home and ‘release your inner chef’ providing an email for queries and sources for the utensils like a spray gun to colour the rose. The Tandoori Carrot dish looks like a simple recipe to prepare for such delicious results. One for me to try then. The menu is priced at £32 per person with the option to enjoy wine and specialist drinks pairing for an additional £27 at each restaurant. The menu runs until March 13. The End.

Mrs. Bite and I met for lunch at a new bar/restaurant, The Neighbourhood which is part of The Bruntsfield Hotel . We arrive at the same time bumping into each other in the carpark and descend a few steps to the bar. Signage is in the pipeline but meantime an arch of twinkling fairy lights signals the entrance. Once inside, warm wood and dark colours give the welcome of a traditional pub while contemporary curios and botanical paintings recall the area’s heritage. Apparently, this is where a number of Edinburgh’s well-heeled medical professionals once lived in grand townhouses. There is a secret garden area but Scotland is between Storm Malik and Storm Corrie so we choose a comfy booth. I ordered a Gin Martini and Mrs. Bite has a Margarita. The manager says the barman is on his way (it's 1pm on a Saturday after all), but staff put through two decent cocktails nevertheless. We are handed different menus: for kids - yes, this local is family friendly, for brunch - £26 per person for a free-flowing, eat all you can two hours, and for all-day. The latter offers pizzas, pasta, burgers, starters and mains plus desserts and an extensive cocktail selection. Haggis Ravioli and Pizza with Broccoli and Kale captures Mrs Bite's attention whilst Sirloin Steak grabs me. Mrs B persuades me to share the ravioli. I consider myself an Italian cuisine purist and accepting her offer is a friendship statement. You may know that Mrs Bite is a foodie with decades of experience and her food instinct here is spot on. Apologies fellow Italians but the Haggis Raviolo is a show stopper - I can't believe I am saying that. The raviolo pasta isn't too thick, and the Campbell’s haggis filling mixes with a buttery whisky sauce and bed of sweet neeps. Chef has added a curly nest of crispy potatoes, to give texture to the plate. A starter this good is difficult to follow but mains don't disappoint. The pizza is crispy, the dough light and the tomato sauce well balanced neither too acidic nor garlicky. Steamed greens only top the pizza - no mozzarella. This is a smart way to offer a lighter option for those who don't want to sacrifice taste. My rare steak is juicy and the flavours rich and lingering. The beef is grass-fed. A bowl of very moreish skinny fries, onion rings and a whisky sauce accompany the meat. When it comes to ‘ Sides’, Chef offers healthy choices such as dressed watercress - to clean the meat fat from the palate – also garlic Portobello mushrooms and roasted tomatoes. Two positive considerations here: use of genuine ingredients, the meat is sourced from the local butcher John Gilmour and value-for-money i.e., £22 for 225g's steak and sides. We can't end our meal without ordering a Sticky Toffee Pudding to share and the dessert is up to standard. Although The Neighbourhood is not well known yet, I can see this place competing for the title of best Bruntsfield local with the Black Ivy. Give it a go and you won't be disappointed.

MasterChef: The Professionals’ finalist, National Chef of the Year 2021 finalist and Executive Chef at Marine North Berwick, Chris Niven and his newly expanded team are launching two new menus on the 30th of January for The Lawn restaurant. A traditional afternoon tea will be available, following the appointment of a new Head Pastry Chef, Sarah Brion, who was previously Head Pastry Chef at the Michelin accredited Fife Arms, Braemar and has worked in bakeries and restaurants across Paris and Japan. The afternoon tea will be served daily in the stylish Bass Rock Bar between 1 – 4pm and is priced from £29.50 per person or £39.50 with an accompanying glass of Palmer & Co Champagne. Sweet treats will include chocolate and caramel cake; almond, praline & orange blossom tart; ginger, lemon & clove macaroons; chestnut and mandarin mont blanc as well as the traditional warm scones with clotted cream and raspberry jam. Delicate sandwiches will be served with duck egg, mustard cress, mayonnaise; roast beef, horseradish, crème fraiche, watercress and a smoked salmon, cucumber, cream cheese and dill. There will also be a pork and haggis sausage roll with an Arran mustard mayonnaise. An impressive collection of loose leaf Canton Tea will be served in fine china, with guests having the choice of eight blends, English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Darjeeling, Jade Tips, Triple Mint, Berry & Hibiscus, Chocolate Noir and Lychee & Rose. The Lawn restaurant will be offering a Sunday Lunch menu served between 12pm – 3pm priced at £28 for two courses or £35 for three courses. Changing with the seasons to highlight the best fish, meat and vegetables from East Lothian and beyond, the January menu highlights include: Heritage beets with Knockraich farm crowdie, brambles, fresh basil and walnuts, 35-day dry aged Tweed Valley sirloin of beef with duck fat roasties, glazed carrots, creamed cabbage, yorkies and bone marrow gravy, The Lawn seasonal fruit crumble with crème anglaise and vanilla ice cream The Lawn and Bass Rock Bar & Lounge at Marine North Berwick has been developed and are operated by White Rabbit Projects, whose hospitality portfolio includes Lina Stores, Kricket and Island Poké. Part of the Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts collection, which is owned by Adventurous Journeys (AJ) Capital Partners, Marine North Berwick and Rusacks St Andrews will be joined by an additional Scottish golf property, Marine Troon, as well as the recently acquired Slieve Donard in Northern Ireland. To book a table in The Lawn, please visit www.lawnrestaurant.co.uk and follow Instagram @thelawnscotland, Twitter, and Facebook. Marine North Berwick, Cromwell Road, North Berwick EH39 4LZ

Edinburgh's newest neighbourhood hotel This month, The Bruntsfield , a new boutique townhouse hotel with a secret garden, restaurant & bar concept 'The Neighbourhood'. General Manager, Alistair Bruce comments: “Our boutique townhouse hotel was built in 1861 when the doctors who resided within the three adjacent Baronial double villas, including the well know botanist and surgeon, William Craig - played a pivotal role in Edinburgh life. The Bruntsfield is rooted in this community spirit, and we continue that tradition today, welcoming and guiding new friends and visitors to all the treasures Edinburgh has to offer.” The 72-bedroom hotel is within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile and Princes Street Gardens. Following a complete refurbishment by its new owners, inspired by its Bruntsfield neighbourhood and townhouse heritage, the look and feel of the new guest rooms are bright and welcoming with personal touches. The Bruntsfield area is known for its charming cafes, specialist food retailers, and boutiques. Bruntsfield Links, which the hotel and many guest rooms overlook, is 35 acres of open parkland which adjoins Bruntsfield Meadows and offers a green place for a relaxing stroll or a game on the short golf course. The new bar and restaurant, ‘The Neighbourhood l Kitchen – Bar – Garden’ offers guests the chance to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of an elegant home. To start a busy day of exploring the city, the menu has been curated with specialities such as The Neighbourhood’s renowned Scottish breakfast including sausages and haggis sourced from John Gilmour’s & Campbells, the local butcher. Smashed avocado with feta and chilli or French toast with mixed berries and maple syrup are other choices available. The Neighbourhood’s new lunch and evening menus include a range of seasonal food and dishes also inspired by Scottish and local ingredients. Signature dishes include seared scallops served with smoked cauliflower puree and Stornoway black pudding and haggis ravioli with crushed neeps, crispy potato, and whisky cream sauce. Plenty of vegan and gluten free alternatives are available, as is a dedicated healthy and educational menu for children. Pre or post dinner, guests can take advantage of The Neighbourhood’s bar and enjoy botanical cocktails such as the Scottish Garden made with Edinburgh Gin and The Watermelon & Strawberry Gin Cooler, using Caorunn Gin with a flavoured bubble on top. Meanwhile the ‘secret’ garden, hidden beyond a foliage archway, leads to secluded, heated booths where guests can enjoy the fresh air while keeping warm. Rates start from £75 not including breakfast (an additional £14.50 per person).

In many fairy tales, food plays a magical role and Six by Nico's latest six course menu takes those tales as inspiration for an imaginative feast. 'Once Upon a Time' will take guests on a journey with Paddington in London, across the dark and mysterious forest that surrounds the Beast's Castle and into the river with the Ugly Duckling. Our favourite childhood fairy tales certainly exert a cultural influence on all of us and Nico’s menu taps into this with a menu that runs from Monday 31st January - Sunday 13th March 2022. The magical six course menu includes OLIVER TWIST - PLEASE SIR CAN I HAVE SOME MORE - Confit Potato, Hay Baked Potato Mousseline, Preserved wild Garlic & Pickled Onion; PADDINGTON BEAR MARMALADE - Sourdough bruschetta, Ox Cheek Ragout, Mushroom XO marmalade & Truffle; MATILDA - HEY DIP FACE, HAVE A CARROT! - Whole Baked Tandoori Carrot, Carrot Remoulade, Carrot top Pesto, Saffron Pickled Carrot, Citrus Goats Curd; DANNY, CHAMPION OF THE WORLD, LET'S GO TROUT POACHING - Cured & Torched Loch Etive Sea Trout, Smoked Bone Velouté & Dill dressing, Artichoke & Sea Herbs, Bergamot Gel, Salted cucumber; THE UGLY DUCKLING, THE MOST BEAUTIFUL - Duck, Leg Boulangère with Pickled Walnut, Salsify, Toasted Cereal, Pear & Fig. The menu hopes to leave guests ‘happy ever after’ with a dessert inspired by BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THE LAST ROSE PETAL - Mascarpone Creme, Rose, Hibiscus & Rhubarb. As well as vegetarian alternatives, the 'Once Upon a Time' menu offers a Mary Poppins - Spoonful of Sugar Aperitif and Fantastic Mr Fox - Farmer Bunce’s Liver & Doughnuts as a side snack. Chef Nico Simeone said: "Our 'Once Upon A Time' theme is a gastronomic journey through the enchanting realm of fairy tales and folklore. It's also a new chapter for Six by Nico restaurants as we introduce a new wave of engaging themes that provide our customers with unique food and drink experiences". The menu is priced at £32 per person with the option to enjoy an expertly selected wine and specialist drinks pairing for an additional £27 at each restaurant.

If you find yourself on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, The Crown and Anchor pub is everything you want from a hostelry. The bleak Northumbrian coastline is punctuated with castles full of brutal history and you naturally seek somewhere to warm the cockles. The solidity of this pub’s name is underlined by the provision of traditional local cask ale on tap, a real fire and functional drinking space. Things only get fancier in the backroom dining area. You can tell a lot from a good chalkboard menu I say to the barman as Mr Bite, in the background, bumps our bags upstairs to our room. We are staying for one night only as part of a mini pre-Christmas road trip in the North of England peppered with Lateral Flow Tests. The barman tells me the “chef is on fire”! Thankfully he is referring to her cooking prowess which becomes evident at dinner when Mr Bite bigamously enquires as to her marital status. The prompt is a Pastrami Burger with Emmental and crispy onions. “Has she had a proposal?” he asks as he polishes off the beef with an enthusiastic mopping up of juices from his plate. I had enjoyed Duck with creamed potatoes, roasted veg and a fruity, sticky port and plum jus. A seasonal, well-executed dish. Two solid main courses are book-ended by starters and desserts which also squeeze the best from seasonal produce with imaginative, competent cooking. When I looked at that chalkboard, I knew the starter of Breaded Blue Cheese with tomato chutney and crispy kale was a winner. Sweet stewed fruits are a foil to the tangy, salty balls of melty cheese while earthy sizzled leaves slightly ground these intense flavours. Mr B chooses Hot Smoked Salmon Tart with lemon crème fraiche and dill. A warmed Pecan Tartlet for my dessert also features late orchard fruits of stewed plums and cherry ice cream. Nuts and berries will have been staples on this island for centuries. I visited in the summer once and jam was being sold on the roadside. Chocolate Souffle with creme fraiche ice cream and pouring salted caramel sauce is enjoyed across the table. Lindisfarne is a small island reached by a causeway so you have to check the tides for safe arrival and departure. Everything is within a short stroll; the castle and priory with its statues of Saint Aiden and Cuthbert, the lighthouses and harbour where upturned boats are used as huts. Mead (a fortified wine made with honey and herbs) can be bought at the visitor centre. The word ‘honeymoon’ comes from a Nordic/Viking tradition where newly married couples drink Mead at the full moon. Lindisfarne is an area of outstanding natural beauty and a good place for a short gastronomic jaunt.

Six by Nico is spreading Winter Joy with its latest menu, ‘Miracle On’ We fantasize about Christmas dinner all year long. The most extravagant feast imaginable is often about indulging in some good old-fashioned nostalgia. The traditions we follow, the decorations we cherish, and the food we can't fathom not having on the table on Christmas day serve as a reminder of the fun festivities we experienced as children and why we still enjoy them today. After last year's disappointment, Christmas is officially back for 2021, and nothing will stand in the way of the nation enjoying the festive season as Six by Nico serves up the magic of the season with a show stopping Christmas themed tasting menu. We all know that Christmas movies are typically associated with rediscovering our childhood innocence, so the team at Six by Nico has created the 'Miracle On' menu, which is centred on a nostalgic look back at the festive season when Christmas jingles in the air and Christmas market stalls are full of festive fare. The new six course ‘Miracle On' themed tasting menu includes; MEMORIES OF A CHRISTMAS MARKET - Smoked Sausage & Onion Compote, Smoked Sausage Espuma, Crispy Potato, Gherkins & Pickled Shallots; PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE - Partridge, Duck & Chicken Boudin, Haricot bean, Pickled Walnut & Salsify; WHO DOESN’T LIKE BRUSSEL SPROUTS - Chanterelle Mushroom, Sprout Tops, Ewes Cheese Royale, Confit Egg & Fermented Black Garlic; SMOKED SALMON BLINIS - Smoked Salmon, Celeriac, Queen Kale & Granny Smith Apples, Smoked Caviar & Potato Blini Foam and FESTIVE FUN AND GAME - Haunch of Venison, Game Pie, Jerusalem artichoke, Toasted Hazelnut Emulsion & Sherry Jus. Saving the best until last, Six by Nico's stunning Christmas dessert, BUCHE DE NOEL - Dulce de Leche Mousseline, Sour Cherry, White Glacage & Hazelnut, Chocolate Aero - is the perfect sweet treat to round off the Christmas menu. Chef Nico Simeone said: "Nothing will stop us all from having a fun-filled Christmas this year, and I think we all appreciate festivities more than ever. Most of us are familiar with the traditional Christmas lunch and all the trimmings but this December, our team at Six by Nico wanted to bring the magic of Christmas nostalgia to the plate with our 'Miracle On' menu and create the perfect Christmas dining experience for all of our customers". Diners can book a table now for 'Miracle On'. Open from midday, Monday through to Sunday, each six-course menu will be available from noon. The menu will be priced at £29 per person with the option to enjoy an expertly selected wine pairing for an additional £26 at each Scottish restaurant location. As ever, there is a vegetarian alternative available for every course, as well as festive inspired snack sides from £5. 'Miracle On' will run in Glasgow Finnieston, Glasgow Southside and Edinburgh City Centre from Monday 13th December until Sunday 9th January 2022 To make a reservation and to book now, visit www.sixbynico.co.uk

Press release IMAGES of Scotland’s first double-decker restaurant seating have been revealed ahead of the launch of a global Thai food brand’s newest venture. Comprising seven multilevel booths, Thai Express Kitchen at St James Quarter will give customers a fun and private dining experience with lower wooden benches separated by steps that lead to a level above. Launching December 11th, the Edinburgh restaurant is the 300+ outlet brand’s first Scottish opening – and will also feature an open plan kitchen, with expert wok chefs cooking to order and using fresh and seasonal produce. The new double decker booths are a nod to the design which is commonly found in traditional Southeast Asian eateries, offering an intimate and authentic experience for diners. Uzma Pattani, who brought Thai Express to the UK with her partner Sachin, is excited to reveal the seating layout as a new concept for the brand’s first Scottish venture. She said: “We wanted a restaurant design that will get people talking – and we couldn’t be happier with how the seating has taken shape. “While it’s like nothing seen before in Scotland, it’s not a gimmick – the layout means that diners will have the privacy of their own booth, while we’re providing something fun and different. It’s adding to the experience.” Thai Express Kitchen’s launch is a milestone moment for the Canadian brand – and its first “kitchen” venture within the UK, expanding on its beloved takeaway menus to also offer casual dining and a licensed bar. Edinburgh will be its eighth and largest setting, with St James Quarter joining similar buzzy locations including Croydon, Wembley and Birmingham. Customers will be able to choose from a mostly familiar menu, including pad thai, green curry and papaya salad – however they’ll be encouraged to customise their dish and request their level of spice. Uzma has been at the heart of the £500 000+ transformation of the site, project managing each process to ensure they meet exceptionally high standards. The eatery, within the £1billion St James Quarter’s Leith Street Eats area, will feature 100 covers. Originally from Canada. It is the global leading brand for fast casual Thai Dining – and it attracts a wide audience, from families to students to office workers, with a combination of fresh food at a reasonable price.

Tony Singh will be hosting three exclusive ticket-only evenings at Dine restaurant in Cambridge Street on the 18th, 19th and 20th January 2022. Guests can enjoy an evening of his famed home cooking, with menus influenced by Tony’s love of Scotland’s larder, his travels and Punjab heritage. The ticket-only evening starts at 7:00pm with a cocktail on arrival, and a meet and greet with Tony before dinner commences at 7:30pm. During the night Tony will also chat to guests about growing up in Edinburgh and his love of food! Tickets are limited and £49.00 per person. Book Tickets Today Visit the website or call 0131 218 1818 to make a booking.

“ The Scottish Tourism Alliance welcomes the First Minister’s announcement that vaccine passports will not be extended to the hospitality sector and that alternative measures can be used within businesses already implementing the scheme. Our organisation has, since the outbreak of the pandemic, been in full support of evidence-based measures to balance the protection of public health and the economy, the proposal to extend vaccine certification to hospitality was in our view harmful to the sector, the wider tourism economy across all areas of Scotland and would have effectively stalled what is already a long and challenging road to recovery for one of the worst hit industries. The next few weeks are crucially important to the sector in terms of recouping lost earnings as a result of the introduction of previous restrictions; I am sure that many businesses will feel a sense of overwhelming relief that they will be able to trade as plann ed. The STA and other trade bodies and business groups had been consulted in the proposals to extend the vaccination certification scheme and I am delighted that the collective views and evidence we have presented have been given the thorough and due consideration we expected. The feeling of optimism across our tourism and hospitality sectors was significantly eroded following the First Minister’s announcement last week with businesses looking towards weeks and months of immense challenge and uncertainty. We can now hopefully look forward to a thriving season ahead, one which is pivotal to our economic recovery and I know that a ll businesses within our sector will be doing their utmost to ensure public safety and limit the spread of the virus to ensure a safe and buoyant festive period The STA will encourage our members and the wider industry to promote testing to their customers in a supportive, positive manner and we look forward to our con tinued conversations with both governments as we navigate the road ahead back to recovery.”

Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge is fast becoming a well-known spot for their rooftop bar and a great night’s stay but it now plays host to classic cinema screenings in their purpose built cinema. Hidden on the top floor, just a step away from the rooftop terrace, is the hotel’s cinema room. Organised in partnership with cinema specialists Cinescapes, guests can enjoy a raft of classic films every 3rd Sunday of the month, launching on 21st November with La Dolce Vita. But it’s not just any old cinema night. With doors opening at 3.45pm, guests will be greeted with a complimentary Negroni cocktail from Highland Liquor Company using their Seven Crofts Gin as well as the chance to enjoy live entertainment for an hour before the film kicks off. As they head into the 40-seater screening, they are handed popcorn to munch on whilst watching the film and an intermission at half time means guests can grab another drink at the bar to enjoy during the second half. Isobel Salamon, Co-founder and Co-Director of Cinescapes said; “This is all about creating an atmosphere around the most iconic films and bringing some old favourites back to life. We’re going to be theming some nights with the films we will offer as well as the cocktails and popcorn that will all tie in, providing a cinema experience like no other.” Ross McEwen the Captain at Moxy Edinburgh Fountainbridge explains; “Our rooftop terrace with castle views has proved to be a huge hit this year so as the colder nights are here, we wanted to promote something a little different for our guests and this is just the ticket. Famed for our originality, we wanted to focus on our fun, edgy and playful brand and these nights will be a big part of that, evolving over time and bringing something we think guests will love.” Discover a whole new cinema experience with a cocktail and popcorn in hand at Moxy’s pop-up cinema which will run from Sunday 21st Nov. Tickets, priced at only £20, are available through Eventbrite - bit.ly/cinescapesladolcevita

Gleneagles, in the heart of the Perthshire countryside, is expanding its brand to open a 33-room hotel in one of Edinburgh’s most historic buildings on St. Andrew Square which was The Old Linen Bank and then The Bank of Scotland. An all-day restaurant, The Spence and roof terrace bar Lamplighters will boast views across Edinburgh’s iconic skyline. It will also be home to a members’ club with exclusive access to private spaces and a state-of-the-art wellness experiences housed in the old bank vault. Ennismore Design Studio have worked to sensitively restore the Townhouse building. The hotel will have 33 rooms and suites and each guestroom will be unique, individual in size, orientation and ceiling height – with star suites overlooking St. Andrew Square. A casual 120 cover all-day restaurant The Spence,will feature a produce-driven menu. Located in the centre of the old banking hall, there will also be a bar underneath an extraordinary glass domed ceiling, with original and elaborate features including gantry lighting. The roof terrace bar Lamplighters has been heavily influenced by Gleneagles’ . Down in the bank’s former vault, resident guests and members will have access to a dedicated training, treatments and therapies space. With curated experiences for holistic wellness and innovative technologies including a cryo-therapy chamber and infrared sauna. Mornings at the Townhouse may mean serene starts in the yoga studio or dedicated time with a personal trainer. Or, for more reinvigorating options; swift city runs or simple studio spins in the gym. Following a workout, resident guests or members alike can retreat for a restorative treatment in one of two treatment rooms. For locals, and those in the know, it’s the members’ club that’s set to stand this Townhouse apart. It will form a community with a passion for exchanging ideas, discovering new obsessions, collaborating, and simply having fun. The Members’ Lounge will be home to all-day dining and a full-service bar and will act as a base for breakfast meetings, catch-up brunches and long, leisurely lunches. The Members’ Snug meanwhile is an office-away-from-the-office. For nights that require a slightly gentler pace members can try an intimate wine tasting or settle in for one of the Townhouse’s insightful events. An escape to Gleneagles, an hour’s drive away, is also one of the benefits members can reap to get the best of both city and countryside life. Beyond the doors, partnerships with local innovators from apparel designers to newly discovered drinks brands made in Edinburgh will look to bring members and the wider community together. In addition, the Townhouse will be working with friends at Social Bite to support the most vulnerable communities in the city.