Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => The Knowledge => OT Knowledge => Topic started by: Kathy on 10 November, 2008, 01:50:16 pm

Title: Edinburgh
Post by: Kathy on 10 November, 2008, 01:50:16 pm
What would people recommend to do/see/eat on a long (bike-free) weekend to Edinburgh?

Ta.

:)
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: blackpuddinonnabike on 10 November, 2008, 01:52:38 pm
Walk up Arthurs Seat.

For eating, what sort of food and price range? And when? (there might be summat on, though we're long after the usual festival type stuff)
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Polar Bear on 10 November, 2008, 01:53:03 pm
Get along to EBC and rectify the situation sharpish...   :D

Or, raid BPOAD's shed and borrow his bikes  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 10 November, 2008, 01:53:08 pm
Me, Anth, Ariadne, Kyuss...

I gave Hummers lots of good recommendations earlier this year. Let me see if I can find them.

ETA: nope, I must have cleared out my outbox (always a good idea after a visit from Hummers). You could ask him if he's kept them.

There's loads to do and plenty of places to eat. Give us more of an idea about what you're after.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: kyuss on 10 November, 2008, 02:14:01 pm
There's loads of art galleries if that's your bag. My favourites are the Dean, the Gallery of Modern Art and the Fruitmarket. If you fancy doing the usual touristy stuff the castle is worth a look if you've never been before, and the Mary King's Close (http://www.realmarykingsclose.com/) tour is meant to be pretty good.

The views of the city from Calton Hill are worth the trek up there. The German Christmas Village will be opening up soon and there will be the ice rink in Princes Street Gardens.

I'm a carnivore so the most of the places I can recommend are probably useless if you're a veggie, but McKirdy's (http://www.mckirdyssteakhouse.co.uk/includes/content.php) serve the best steak you will ever taste, and Monster Mash (http://www.monstermashcafe.co.uk/) do great bangers and mash (and have a vegetarian option too).

Apart from that you could probably just call the Edinburgh posse and we can all go get hammered. (http://bestsmileys.com/drinking/2.gif)
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Pingu on 10 November, 2008, 02:37:27 pm
If you're around on 29th November:

YACF Ecosse - end of year social - Edinburgh : Sat 29th Nov. (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=7477.0)

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: blackpuddinonnabike on 10 November, 2008, 02:40:26 pm
Me, Anth, Ariadne, Kyuss...

Are you suggesting those as something to do, see or eat?
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 10 November, 2008, 05:52:39 pm
Yes.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: epa611 on 10 November, 2008, 09:57:20 pm
Me, Anth, Ariadne, Kyuss...

Are you suggesting those as something to do, see or eat?

In that order :o :o
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Cunobelin on 10 November, 2008, 10:14:49 pm
Go for a ghost tour!

Excellent fun.

Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: kyuss on 10 November, 2008, 11:23:11 pm
Me, Anth, Ariadne, Kyuss...

Are you suggesting those as something to do, see or eat?

In that order :o :o

To hell with that! I'm not going last. :P
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: rogerzilla on 11 November, 2008, 06:43:22 am
Arthur's Seat (or Arthur's Arse, as we re-christened it).

Calton Hill

You have to visit the castle, I suppose

Walk up or down the Royal Mile - tacky gift shop city

Outside bet: get the train to North Queensferry over the Forth Bridge and walk back over the road bridge.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 11 November, 2008, 09:10:30 am
Camera Obscura (actually, I've never been), the Whisky Heritage Centre (ditto), Our Dynamic Earth (the day I went, the rainforest wasn't working), the Botanic Gardens (lovely at this time of year), the former royal yacht Britannia, loads of museums and galleries, the Castle, Holyrood House, the Parliament, Calton Hill, Arthur's Seat, the Zoo (the penguins are excellent), John Knox's house, the Museum of Childhood, Mary King's Close, loads of ghost tours, Harvey Nichols, Valvona & Crolla...

Foodwise, I like La Favorita on Leith Walk, Monster Mash, Suruchi. Dogs on Hanover Street is supposed to be great - I've never eaten there but I used to love David Ramsden's previous place, Rogue.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: blackpuddinonnabike on 11 November, 2008, 09:15:22 am
Dogs is SUPERB. You have to go Kirst, Ramsden has excelled himself.

For veggie there's David Bann's (but make sure you ask for salt on the table), and out of the centre THE best value restaurant in town is the Old Penang (http://www.oldpenang.co.uk). We go so often that we've got to know the owners and I did their website for them for nowt. Truly outstanding food, and comes to £20-25 a head. Service can be a little slow, but then it's just a brother and sister team running the show.

Chop Chop on Morrison Street doesn't look much, but is a much more authentic Chinese menu than elsewhere and again is outstanding value. Best restaurant in the city, and one of the most expensive, is the Michelin starred 'The Kitchin' (not a spelling error, named after Tom Kitchin). Much better, in my opinion, than Martin Wishart, and don't even try to tell me the Witchery is good - the atmosphere doesn't begin to make up for what is really quite ordinary food.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Regulator on 11 November, 2008, 09:19:20 am
Be prepared to get lost.  Edinburgh is not exactly renowned for having good signposting...


I think it's a deliberate ploy by the shopkeepers.  With poor signage, people are forced to go into shops to ask for directions, whereupon they are prevailed upon to buy something.

Damned canny, these Scots...  ;)
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: blackpuddinonnabike on 11 November, 2008, 09:22:06 am
Ooh, and kyuss is right about McKirdy's - damned good steaks. Though the new Glasshouse in Eskmills beside Musselburgh (closer to our house than McKirdy's) runs it very close.

I can't really think of any signposting in Edinburgh, but it's pretty compact and easy to walk around (if you like hills) with a good map. Driving in the centre is another matter, absolute nightmare.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: mr magnolia on 11 November, 2008, 09:22:28 am
Come down to sunny Portobello and walk upon the beach.  Look across the water and pretend you're in the Highlands.  (ignore the tankers parked on the horizon)

photos (http://porty.org.uk/gallery4/index.php?cat=2)
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 11 November, 2008, 09:24:01 am

For veggie there's David Bann's  Much better, in my opinion, than Martin Wishart, and don't even try to tell me the Witchery is good - the atmosphere doesn't begin to make up for what is really quite ordinary food.

I can't believe I forgot David Bann's. It's fantastic. Black Bo's is good for veggie stuff too. I'd agree about the Witchery - fantastic gothic decor, mediocre overpriced food.

Don't worry about getting lost - no matter where you are, wherever you're going is up the hill.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Kathy on 11 November, 2008, 09:41:38 am
Thanks for all the advice. I've been to Edinburgh once before, and thought it was nice, but as I was there for a job interview, I didn't get to see much of the city. :(

As for food - we're happy little carnivores, so the steak place sounds nice. We could certainly meet up with people, but we're only up in Edinburgh for a couple of days, so do you promise not to get us rascally drunk and hungover?  O:-) ;)
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: blackpuddinonnabike on 11 November, 2008, 09:46:23 am
Thanks for all the advice. I've been to Edinburgh once before, and thought it was nice, but as I was there for a job interview, I didn't get to see much of the city. :(

As for food - we're happy little carnivores, so the steak place sounds nice. We could certainly meet up with people, but we're only up in Edinburgh for a couple of days, so do you promise not to get us rascally drunk and hungover?  O:-) ;)

We'll make sure Kirst isn't there...  ;)
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 11 November, 2008, 10:04:04 am
 :o
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Tiger on 12 November, 2008, 03:00:24 pm
There is an excellent and very reasonably prioced sauna and massage parlour in Murrayfield on the way to the airport. I have heard great things about the sandwich special.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Hummers on 12 November, 2008, 03:19:03 pm

I gave Hummers lots of good recommendations earlier this year. Let me see if I can find them.


Restaurants - I'm a big fan of David Bann's on St Mary's Street - it's vegetarian but even meat eaters love it. It's a proper quality restaurant. If you google it you can get an idea for the menu. Avoid Ciao Roma, they're robbing bastards. Suruchi is my favourite Indian restaurant, and it's just next to my favourite Thai, the Ayutthaya. Favorita on Leith Walk is a great Italian and pizzeria with a more unusual menu than the usual Italians. I've just googled Rogue for you to check it's still open, and it's not, so try David Ramsden's other places. The Dogs on Hanover Street, the Apartment on Barclay Place, and if you like bangers and mash, macaroni cheese etc, Monster Mash on Forrest Road. We might need to roll you down the hill afterwards though. Black Bo's is another nice veggie place. There are nice seafood places down at the Shore in Leith, and a few good Indian places.

Good to hear that you keep you box clean and unencumbered.

H
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Cunobelin on 12 November, 2008, 07:26:54 pm
Ride a recumbent (http://www.laid-back-bikes.co.uk/tours.htm)
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 12 November, 2008, 08:43:51 pm
I think Tim & Kathy do more than enough of that at home :)
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: RJ on 13 November, 2008, 01:25:53 pm
Arthur's Seat (or Arthur's Arse, as we re-christened it).

Calton Hill

You have to visit the castle, I suppose

Walk up or down the Royal Mile - tacky gift shop city

Outside bet: get the train to North Queensferry over the Forth Bridge and walk back over the road bridge.

RZ's a little unfair.  Up/down the Royal Mile is a must - just keep your eyes above ground floor level:

Old and New Towns of Edinburgh - UNESCO World Heritage Centre (http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/728)

The castle is expensive to get into.  Stop on the esplanade (the big open area in front of the castle) for the view.  At the other end of the Royal Mile, a tour of the parliament is cheaper:  The Scottish Parliament: - Visiting Holyrood - Guided Tours (http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/visitingHolyrood/guidedTours.htm)

The Museum of Scotland (http://www.nms.ac.uk/) is fun, even if half of it's being rennovated.  Free entry.  Your challenge:  find the secret snowman in the basement ...

Princes Street is best crossed, rather than walked along. 

North again is/are the Royal Botanic Gardens (http://www.rbge.org.uk/).

I like the Dean Cemetry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dean_Cemetery) and Dean Village (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dean_Village).  There's a path along the Water of Leith (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_of_Leith) to Stockbridge (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockbridge,_Edinburgh) (spot the Shallow Grave (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shallow_Grave) exteriors).

The National Galleries of Scotland (http://www.nationalgalleries.org/) have some nice things.  There's a free bus between them.

Speaking of buses - a £2.50 "day saver" ticket on Lothian Buses (http://www.lothianbuses.com/routemap.php) is a good-value way to get around.

If you have to get a train out, I'd recommend North Berwick (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Berwick) as opposed to Queensferry, unless windy suspension bridges full of traffic are your thing (OK, there's a wide footpath, but biking it's quicker and more fun).

There's a farmers' market (http://www.edinburghfarmersmarket.com/) every Saturday morning.  Fill up on Stoats (http://www.stoatsporridgebars.co.uk/) porridge.

RB's Embra-based these days, too.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Jaded on 13 November, 2008, 06:28:16 pm
Did anyone mention Greyfriars Bobby (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyfriars_Bobby) and more importantly, Greyfriars Kirkyard (off Candlemaker Row) - the graves there are spectacular. You can then walk down to Grassmarket, and then up to the Royal Mile, up West Victoria Street

Pubs - Kay's Bar  (http://www.geos.ed.ac.uk/geography/pg/pac/newtown.html#kays)used to be well worth a visit. Map (http://www.edinburghpubguide.co.uk/PubDetails/Kays_Bar_206.html)

You can go to Rebus's Oxford bar, just north of Rose Street.

For tiled/Victorin splendour, there is The Cafe Royal, at the John Lewis end of Princes St, and The Central Bar (http://www.bestpubs.co.uk/layout0.asp?pub=105854) at the bottom of Leith Walk.
For dusty oddness there is The Canny Man's (http://www.edinburghpubguide.co.uk/PubDetails/Canny_Mans_116.html), Morningside Road.

Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Craig on 13 November, 2008, 08:22:18 pm
For dusty oddness there is The Canny Man's (http://www.edinburghpubguide.co.uk/PubDetails/Canny_Mans_116.html), Morningside Road.
and for a proper Edinburgh welcome...
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/2969756394_f5fefe9538_m.jpg)
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: blackpuddinonnabike on 14 November, 2008, 01:13:32 pm
For dusty oddness there is The Canny Man's (http://www.edinburghpubguide.co.uk/PubDetails/Canny_Mans_116.html), Morningside Road.
and for a proper Edinburgh welcome...
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/2969756394_f5fefe9538_m.jpg)

Yep, The Canny Man's, just about the most unfriendly pub in the country.

The Sheep Heid in Duddingston Village is superb. And I'm not just saying that cos it's a 20 minute walk from my house...
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Jaded on 14 November, 2008, 01:17:41 pm
The Sheep Heid in Duddingston Village is superb.

Ah yes.

I've been drunk in there too.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 14 November, 2008, 01:24:14 pm
Did anyone mention Greyfriars Bobby (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyfriars_Bobby)

It's a statue of a dead dog. It's really not that interesting!

The Kirkyard is lovely though. I used to eat my lunch there in summer when I worked in Victoria Street.

There are lots of ghost walks, tours of the underground parts of the city and sometimes there's a Rebus walk as well, but I don't know if that's still on. If you like zoos, Edinburgh's pretty good, the new chimp enclosure looks great and the penguins ... ah, the penguins... *little moment*
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Regulator on 14 November, 2008, 01:32:54 pm
Did anyone mention Greyfriars Bobby (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyfriars_Bobby)

It's a statue of a dead dog. It's really not that interesting!

The Kirkyard is lovely though. I used to eat my lunch there in summer when I worked in Victoria Street.

There are lots of ghost walks, tours of the underground parts of the city and sometimes there's a Rebus walk as well, but I don't know if that's still on. If you like zoos, Edinburgh's pretty good, the new chimp enclosure looks great and the penguins ... ah, the penguins... *little moment*


SOD THAT!!!  WHAT'S THE F*CKING NARWHAL ENCLOSURE LIKE??!?!?
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Malandro on 14 November, 2008, 01:34:24 pm
Not done it myself, but the Mary King's Close tour is supposed to be good (and scary - its haunted apparently)....

 [url=http://www.realmarykingsclose.com/]Welcome | The Real Mary King’s Close (http://www.realmarykingsclose.com/)[/url]

Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 14 November, 2008, 01:43:44 pm

SOD THAT!!!  WHAT'S THE F*CKING NARWHAL ENCLOSURE LIKE??!?!?

You're scaring me.






















































 :-*
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Pingu on 14 November, 2008, 06:02:54 pm
SOD THAT!!!  WHAT'S THE F*CKING NARWHAL ENCLOSURE LIKE??!?!?

It's a bit more lively than the celibate narwhal enclosure.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Kathy on 18 November, 2008, 09:25:50 am
Thanks for all the advice, folks. So, who would like to suggest a pub to meet up for this Friday (21st) evening? (Caveat: we'll have no transport of our own, and are staying in one of the youth hostels (here (http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=326128&y=673477&z=1&sv=326250,673250&st=4&ar=Y&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf), I think)).

 :)
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 18 November, 2008, 09:44:15 am
I'd like to come and meet youse. The Pear Tree, on West Nicolson Street? If it's dry it has a lovely beer garden although we'd need to wrap up very warm. The Royal Oak on Infirmary Street? The Maltings on the Pleasance?
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Kathy on 18 November, 2008, 09:53:14 am
I know nothing of these pubs, nor geography, but if they're nearby and have BEER (nice stuff), then I approve.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 18 November, 2008, 10:04:33 am
There aren't any narwhals.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: RJ on 18 November, 2008, 01:59:52 pm
I may struggle to be there in person ...

I'd like to come and meet youse. The Pear Tree, on West Nicolson Street? If it's dry it has a lovely beer garden although we'd need to wrap up very warm. The Royal Oak on Infirmary Street? The Maltings on the Pleasance?
I know nothing of these pubs, nor geography, but if they're nearby and have BEER (nice stuff), then I approve.  :thumbsup:

They're all fairly close.  I can't comment on the beer.  Sandy Bell's on Forrest Road (opposite the museum) is probably a bit small for a crowd, but ticks both Beer and Trad Music boxes.  The Guildford Arms and the Café Royal in West Register St (http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=325755&y=674043&z=110&sv=west+register+street&st=6&tl=Map+of+West+Register+Street,+Edinburgh,+EH2&searchp=newsearch.srf&mapp=newmap.srf) are Proper Pubs with Good Beer and a reasonable amount of room for people.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Ariadne on 18 November, 2008, 03:36:19 pm
I'm meeting friends later but will definitely pop along for a drink before that, if we can decide on where to go!
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 18 November, 2008, 05:08:11 pm
Will we recognise each other by our copies of Cyclecraft?
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: blackpuddinonnabike on 18 November, 2008, 05:11:32 pm
Well if I make it I'll likely arrive by bike, if that helps. And likely only be able to stay for a couple...  :-[

(which is only really to avoid Ariadne arriving...  :P)
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Kathy on 18 November, 2008, 05:34:19 pm
Will we recognise each other by our copies of Cyclecraft?

Tim is very clearly a CTC member these days - he has a beard! :o
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: rogerzilla on 18 November, 2008, 05:35:16 pm
I thought he looked a bit like an anarchist  ;)
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Kathy on 18 November, 2008, 05:38:09 pm
I thought he looked a bit like an anarchist  ;)

He is not the antichrist!








He's just a very naughty boy...  ;)




Can you tell I'm bored and want to go home? ::-)
 
Title: Edinburgh - actual location!
Post by: Kathy on 20 November, 2008, 11:16:21 am
It would appear that I put the wrong location down: we're actually staying here (http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=326235&y=674736&z=0&sv=eh7+4al&st=2&pc=eh7+4al&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf). :-[

Our train gets to Edinburgh at about 3pm tomorrow, so what time would people like to be in a pub (if you fancy meeting two smelly Southern Softies, that is), and which pub would you recommend?  :)

As I said, we're just taking a long weekend to look at your Fair Citie, and do Touristy Things (such as a Pilgrimage to Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op  ;) ).

:)
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: RJ on 20 November, 2008, 11:23:35 am
Well, still close to the Guildford Arms and Café Royal (see above) - but even closer to Joseph Pearce's (http://scottishpubguide.blogspot.com/2008/07/pub-review-joseph-pearce.html) which you will be able to see from the front door of your digs.

A slightly ailing child seems likely to prevent play in my case - otherwise an after work pint would have been in order.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 20 November, 2008, 01:28:11 pm
I can be in the pub from 6pm onwards so just let me know when and where.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Ariadne on 20 November, 2008, 01:29:38 pm
Joseph Pearce's is quite nice these days. I'll make it around 6pm too, and can stay for an hour or so. It'll be good to see you two again - and meet Kirst!
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Kathy on 20 November, 2008, 01:33:01 pm
Joseph Pearce's is quite nice these days. I'll make it around 6pm too, and can stay for an hour or so. It'll be good to see you two again - and meet Kirst!

OK, six p.m. at Joseph Pearce's sounds like a plan!  :thumbsup:

I have Kirst's mobile tephelone number, and she has mine so we can communicate should I manage to do the traditional stoker trick of navigating for half-an-hour before realising the map is upside down... :-[
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 20 November, 2008, 01:59:09 pm
Is that a traditional stoker trick? That makes my mum a born stoker, although she's never been on a tandem in her life.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: kyuss on 20 November, 2008, 03:33:33 pm
Ooh, beer and foreign forummers eh? I might try and get along for a quick one and say hello if nobody minds.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: blackpuddinonnabike on 20 November, 2008, 03:46:03 pm
Given where you're staying you HAVE to have breakfast at Valvona & Crolla over the road. And buy some of their sourdough. And cheese. And meat. And wine. And Italian sweets. And pannettone...
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Kathy on 20 November, 2008, 04:08:23 pm
Ooh, beer and foreign forummers eh? I might try and get along for a quick one and say hello if nobody minds.

Of course we don't mind. The more the merrier and all that!  :)
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 20 November, 2008, 04:17:11 pm
Given where you're staying you HAVE to have breakfast at Valvona & Crolla over the road. And buy some of their sourdough. And cheese. And meat. And wine. And Italian sweets. And pannettone...

And presents for me...
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Kathy on 20 November, 2008, 04:23:02 pm
Given where you're staying you HAVE to have breakfast at Valvona & Crolla over the road. And buy some of their sourdough. And cheese. And meat. And wine. And Italian sweets. And pannettone...

And presents for me...

<Googles>

Oooooh.....
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 20 November, 2008, 04:25:27 pm
It's a lovely shop. I want breakfast there too now. And lunch/dinner. And dinner/tea. And elevenses. And *checks clock* fourtwentyfiveses.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Kathy on 20 November, 2008, 04:29:50 pm
It's a lovely shop. I want breakfast there too now. And lunch/dinner. And dinner/tea. And elevenses. And *checks clock* fourtwentyfiveses.

Defn'tly on the list of places to drink 'spresso in! 8)

Out of curiosity, is there anywhere in Edinburgh likely to sell more obscure types of mead that we can't get down south? Google has failed me ("Do you mean "Edinburgh bead shops"?). >:(
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 20 November, 2008, 04:35:01 pm
No idea. Farmer's Market, maybe. There used to be an excellent specialist bevvy shop on George Street but I think it's shut now. There's a gift shop near Berwick on Tweed which sells Lindisfarne mead - I remember buying some years ago then never drinking it and I think I left it at my ex's when I moved out.

I just googled Edinburgh mead honey shop and found The Pagan Network forum with a post from March 2006 saying there's a shop on the Royal Mile which sells mead.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: blackpuddinonnabike on 20 November, 2008, 04:35:40 pm
It's a lovely shop. I want breakfast there too now. And lunch/dinner. And dinner/tea. And elevenses. And *checks clock* fourtwentyfiveses.

Defn'tly on the list of places to drink 'spresso in! 8)

Out of curiosity, is there anywhere in Edinburgh likely to sell more obscure types of mead that we can't get down south? Google has failed me ("Do you mean "Edinburgh bead shops"?). >:(

My best guess would be Cornelius, at the top of Easter Road, about 5-10 minutes walk east of your hostel. Damned good beer shop that does have the occasional very obscure stuff in there.

I've got a vague recollection of somewhere on Victoria Street selling mead, but that might be me making things up in my head and believing them.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Pingu on 20 November, 2008, 04:40:27 pm
Peckham's (http://www.peckhams.co.uk/)?
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 20 November, 2008, 04:43:08 pm



I've got a vague recollection of somewhere on Victoria Street selling mead, but that might be me making things up in my head and believing them.

Oh now you've got me believing it too. There might be. What was the name of the posh bevvy shop on George Street and is it still there?
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Ariadne on 20 November, 2008, 04:49:05 pm
Villeneuve Wines on Broughton Street might be worth a look - they sell liqueurs and whisky and stuff as well as wine.

www.villeneuvewines.com (http://www.villeneuvewines.com)

Or there's the Cocktail Emporium further down the same road. Does mead go in any cocktails? Surely!

http://www.thecocktailemporium.com/Welcome/Home.html (http://www.thecocktailemporium.com/Welcome/Home.html)
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: blackpuddinonnabike on 20 November, 2008, 04:49:40 pm
Demijohn on Victoria Street (http://www.demijohn.co.uk/index.php) - does one type of mead that I can see, but a phonecall might garner more success (and at least they're likely to know what you're talking about!)

Can't for the life of me remember the name of the George Street shop but don't think it's there anymore (or was it taken over...)
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: blackpuddinonnabike on 20 November, 2008, 04:50:52 pm
Y'know we are all making it look very like we're the little people from the frozen north looking forward terribly to a visit from the educated and civilised south-people. We're all going to be in the pub open-mouthed at tales of flat landscapes and ferrets...
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Ariadne on 20 November, 2008, 04:54:19 pm
Hang about -- they're coming here to buy exotic delicacies. I could see your point if I was offering to bring a home made kale oatcake ...
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: epa611 on 20 November, 2008, 04:55:56 pm
Can't make it through to Edinburgh tomorrow evening, but make sure you feed them some haggis ;) :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Pingu on 20 November, 2008, 04:58:37 pm
....educated and civilised south-people...

Er, I've met Kathy.


































































































And she is educated & civilised  ;)
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: blackpuddinonnabike on 20 November, 2008, 05:01:45 pm
Hang about -- they're coming here to buy exotic delicacies. I could see your point if I was offering to bring a home made kale oatcake ...

You mean you're not...?   >:(
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 20 November, 2008, 05:05:02 pm
Can't make it through to Edinburgh tomorrow evening, but make sure you feed them some haggis ;) :thumbsup:

Let's take them to a chippy for haggis in batter, white pudding in batter, sausage in batter, black pudding in batter and a deep-fried pizza, washed down with Irn Bru and followed by a Tunnocks Caramel Wafer.

Was it Justerini & Brookes on George Street?

Flat landscapes ... I dream of flat landscapes ... *wistful*
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Ariadne on 20 November, 2008, 05:07:03 pm
You need hills to burn off the deep fried energy bars. And kale oatcakes.

i wonder what a deep fried oatcake would be like? Maybe with a bit of cheese between two oatcakes, then battered....
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 20 November, 2008, 05:08:39 pm
The chippies could market it as health food.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Pingu on 20 November, 2008, 05:09:09 pm
Chips and sauce (is that an Embra thing?).
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Ariadne on 20 November, 2008, 05:10:18 pm
It is indeed. Yum. I'm getting hungry now.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: blackpuddinonnabike on 20 November, 2008, 05:10:27 pm
Chips and sauce (is that an Embra thing?).

Salt n' sass
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Jaded on 20 November, 2008, 05:14:05 pm
Chips and sauce (is that an Embra thing?).

Sottysoss.

(Sorry BPOAB, you must live in a posh area!)
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 20 November, 2008, 05:19:19 pm
Sotnsoss.

I like my chips with vinegar. Lots and lots of vinegar and maybe some HP Sauce, but I'm not fond of Embra chippy soss.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Ariadne on 20 November, 2008, 05:22:30 pm
I like it. Or lashings of curry sauce. And a pickled onion.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: blackpuddinonnabike on 20 November, 2008, 05:23:24 pm
I hated chipper 'sauce' when I first tried it and have gradually been worn down to the point that it's now weird NOT having it...

I'm not sure I'd call the Mountcastle chipper 'posh'. Alba D'Oro where I used to go on the other hand, you could by your fish supper (remember, not 'and chips' but 'supper') with a bottle of Krug...
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 20 November, 2008, 05:25:58 pm


I'm not sure I'd call the Mountcastle chipper 'posh'.

Is it posher than the Duddingston Fry?

ETA: Oh, Kathy and Tim, because of where you're staying, you might be tempted to get the no14 bus into town or back down Leith Walk again. Try not to. The Lothian Buses drivers know it as the Methadone Express (and the no8 is Son of Methadone). It can be a little unnerving if you're not used to it. It's a bus of insania. Rarely does one get off the no14 without a story to tell. You're unlikely to come to any harm, but it might haunt your dreams for a while.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: blackpuddinonnabike on 20 November, 2008, 05:28:00 pm
Hmmm, my chipper serving Piershill is trumped by the Duddingston Fry with Niddrie and Craigmillar on the doorstep I guess. Been tempted to go in though, it actually looks like a good chipper!

There's one near my work on Drumsheugh that is great!
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Ariadne on 20 November, 2008, 05:29:21 pm
I'm afraid to confess I now go to the rather posh Tailend on Leith Walk - it's too good not to.

It gets a weird mix of terribly nice people from the New Town (massive assumption! Maybe they're from Pilrig and just talk proppa) and pissed locals. Which includes me, I suppose!
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 20 November, 2008, 05:30:15 pm
The Duddingston Fry's not bad. We go there on Friday lunchtimes sometime. Or I go and bring back an order for the office in my panniers.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 20 November, 2008, 06:53:51 pm
Let's take them to a chippy for haggis in batter, white pudding in batter, sausage in batter, black pudding in batter and a deep-fried pizza, washed down with Irn Bru and followed by a Tunnocks Caramel Wafer.
I hope that's going to be a deep fried caramel wafer!?


<mmmmm....caramel waferrrrr> :P
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Rig of Jarkness on 20 November, 2008, 07:42:55 pm
Going back to the subject of restaurants, I can recommend Librizzi's at the east end of Queen St - its owned by the family of  Commonwealth track sprinter Marco Librizzi.  We've been several times and have always found a great atmosphere, excellent service, and, not least, really fantastic Sicilian food. 
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: giropaul on 20 November, 2008, 08:06:19 pm
I once found a fantastic Italian down towards Leith direction from around where Sandy Gilchrist's shop is/was.

It was in a terrace of houses, look twice and you'd miss it, but inside was this fairly small restaurant that seemed to be world famous (going by the press cuttings). Fabulous food. Anyone know its name?
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Ariadne on 20 November, 2008, 08:08:50 pm
Em... Tinelli's? It's called Al Dente now, which seems a bit naff.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: RJ on 20 November, 2008, 08:27:45 pm
It's a lovely shop. I want breakfast there too now. And lunch/dinner. And dinner/tea. And elevenses. And *checks clock* fourtwentyfiveses.

Defn'tly on the list of places to drink 'spresso in! 8)

Out of curiosity, is there anywhere in Edinburgh likely to sell more obscure types of mead that we can't get down south? Google has failed me ("Do you mean "Edinburgh bead shops"?). >:(

My best guess would be Cornelius, at the top of Easter Road, about 5-10 minutes walk east of your hostel. Damned good beer shop that does have the occasional very obscure stuff in there.

I've got a vague recollection of somewhere on Victoria Street selling mead, but that might be me making things up in my head and believing them.

There used to be a honey shop there.  Apart from the other tips, Valvona & Crolla might have mead themselves.

Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: blackpuddinonnabike on 20 November, 2008, 10:55:14 pm
Em... Tinelli's? It's called Al Dente now, which seems a bit naff.

Aye, Tinelli's is gone - the owners are completely different.

Best Italian in the city now is Bella Mbriana down Broughton Street...
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Jaded on 21 November, 2008, 01:45:32 am

There used to be a honey shop there.  Apart from the other tips, Valvona & Crolla might have mead themselves.


Mead themselves what?


Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 21 November, 2008, 12:49:20 pm
I hope we recognise each other. I don't want to walk round the pub asking couples if they're Tim and Kathy - I could end up being tricked into a threesome with a fake Kathy and Tim!
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 21 November, 2008, 02:10:27 pm
Right, I'm off to do my last visit of the week. See you laterz.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: blackpuddinonnabike on 21 November, 2008, 02:17:41 pm
I hope we recognise each other. I don't want to walk round the pub asking couples if they're Tim and Kathy - I could end up being tricked into a threesome with a fake Kathy and Tim!

You wish!
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: epa611 on 21 November, 2008, 03:10:10 pm
I hope we recognise each other. I don't want to walk round the pub asking couples if they're Tim and Kathy - I could end up being tricked into a threesome with a fake Kathy and Tim!

Think that you've just scared the living daylights out of Tim & Kathy  :o :-*
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: valkyrie on 21 November, 2008, 03:44:39 pm
Chips and sauce (is that an Embra thing?).

OT - I had an American friend visiting a while back and we went for chips. Conversation between him and the guy in the chippy -

"This is really good, what do you call that Brown Sauce?"
"Brown Sauce"
"Yes, the Brown Sauce, what do you call it?"
"Brown Sauce"
"But what's its name?"
"Brown Sauce"
"But..."

 ::-)
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 22 November, 2008, 02:56:52 pm
That was a fun night with Tim and Kathy and Ariadne and bpoab. I'm not sure why I feel a bit headachey today. Must have been a dodgy pizza. I'm sure it's not anything to do with the gallon of wine I drank.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: Kathy on 24 November, 2008, 02:19:09 am
That was a fun night with Tim and Kathy and Ariadne and bpoab. I'm not sure why I feel a bit headachey today. Must have been a dodgy pizza. I'm sure it's not anything to do with the gallon of wine I drank.

We are hoem.

It was nice meeting people.

Trains are shit.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: kyuss on 24 November, 2008, 02:43:40 am
I'm gutted I missed you both. Would have been nice to say hello and meet a few more of the Edinburgh crowd.

Hope you had fun.
Title: Re: Edinburgh
Post by: nuttycyclist on 24 November, 2008, 12:54:13 pm
...
Trains are shit.

I could have told you that without you having to try to go to Edinburger to find out.