‘Eat Out Edinburgh’ puts city centre recovery on the menu

The ‘Eat Out Edinburgh’ scheme involves restaurants and eateries around the city centre and aims to bring back customers to the city centre to eat, drink and socialise.
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Dozens of hospitality venues are taking part, with each one giving a bespoke offer to bring customers back to the city centre. It involves restaurants, bars and hotels from George Street to Princes Street, St James Quarter to Johnnie Walker, and all in between.

This tasty new campaign is designed to entice local people back to city centre eateries and bars this spring, and is the brainchild of Essential Edinburgh – the capital’s dedicated Business Improvement District (BID).

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the hospitality industry in Edinburgh city centre over the past two years but now that restrictions are easing Essential Edinburgh wants to give people another great reason to return to city centre dining and drinking.

L-R: Kate Russell (General Manager), Bonnie & Wild, St James Quarter; Dominik Kawalec (Executive Chef), Edinburgh Grand & James Sleigh, Signature Group.L-R: Kate Russell (General Manager), Bonnie & Wild, St James Quarter; Dominik Kawalec (Executive Chef), Edinburgh Grand & James Sleigh, Signature Group.
L-R: Kate Russell (General Manager), Bonnie & Wild, St James Quarter; Dominik Kawalec (Executive Chef), Edinburgh Grand & James Sleigh, Signature Group.

Celebrating the best of food, drink and hospitality, and with over 30 participating venues confirmed, the ‘Eat Out Edinburgh’ campaign will run for two weeks from 14th to 27th March.

A bumper list of participating Edinburgh venues has been put together which will promote special tasting menus, set menus, events and exclusive offers to attract bookings and increased footfall throughout the campaign period.

From business breakfasts to leisurely lunches and evening gatherings over dinner and cocktails, the Eat Out Edinburgh campaign has been designed to bring friends, family and colleagues together whilst helping to support the city’s vibrant hospitality sector.

One of those taking part is Bonnie and Wild. General Manager Kate Russell explains why they are involved.

Element is one of Edinburgh’s most popular city centre barsElement is one of Edinburgh’s most popular city centre bars
Element is one of Edinburgh’s most popular city centre bars

“Bonnie & Wild is proud to champion Scotland's world-class food and drink producers, providers and purveyors as part of the Eat Out Edinburgh campaign.

“It's at the heart of who we are and what we do. We believe in high quality, socially responsible sourcing, in promoting sustainability, provenance and traceability. And we're proud to have so many independent producers on the menu within our Scottish Marketplace.

“We're also a marketplace of food and drink, of individuals and ideas. Bonnie and Wild's Scottish Marketplace is a melting pot of chefs and producers, of entrepreneurs and start-ups.

“We're passionate about supporting those smaller businesses who perhaps wouldn't be able to have a high-profile, city centre outlet otherwise. We're also passionate about delivering a first-class customer experience. We've a highly trained Front of House team passionate about making everyone who comes through our doors feel welcome and nourished. When guests visit our Scottish Marketplace, we want them to experience the very best of Scottish food, drink and hospitality.”

The Isle of Cumbrae distillery offers craft gin lovers a fresh new taste of the popular tippleThe Isle of Cumbrae distillery offers craft gin lovers a fresh new taste of the popular tipple
The Isle of Cumbrae distillery offers craft gin lovers a fresh new taste of the popular tipple

How does Eat Out Edinburgh work?

To find out what’s on offer go to www.EatOutEdinburgh.com and www.EdinburghCityCentre.co.uk where you will find a directory of participating venues and what they are offering – such as special tasting menus, set menus, events and exclusive offers throughout the campaign period.

What can you expect?

One of those taking part is Element, one of Edinburgh’s most popular city centre bars, which has recently launched a new Scottish craft gin campaign to help bring the flavour of Scotland’s smaller, independent island distilleries to the capital for the first time.

The Rose Street bar has teamed up with a range of small distilleries from the Isle of Cumbrae in the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Coll in the Inner Hebrides to offer craft gin lovers a fresh new taste of the popular tipple.

Until the end of March, Element is showcasing a new Scottish craft gin in the bar with a range of straight serves and cocktails, including Isle of Cumbrae Gin and Coll Gin during the campaign.

Other venues are offering special menus or extras such as these three – who will all give a complimentary cocktail worth £10 for anyone who books ahead and quotes "Eat Out Edinburgh"

Contini George Street: Book Best of Contini - Three courses for £32.50 and receive a complimentary cocktail worth £10

Cannonball Restaurant & Bar: Book our five course tasting menu at £55 and receive a complimentary cocktail worth £10

The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant: Book Afternoon Tea at £27.50 per person and receive a complimentary cocktail worth £10

Who has signed up?

For a full line up, more information and to keep up to date with the campaign, visit: www.EatOutEdinburgh.com and www.EdinburghCityCentre.co.uk.

People can also follow the campaign on social media, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, using the hashtags #EatOutEdinburgh and #Edinburgh.