Best of the best
Each city has its own definition of “the best.” In Edinburgh, the highlife includes adventure. It comes from finding oddity and something undiscovered. It’s the pursuit of experiences that are surprising, and above all, authentic. Here’s our tips for ensuring you have a five star festival trip.
Friends with extra benefits – Beat the ticket queues by signing up for friends and supporters packages with the different Edinburgh Festivals. Be guaranteed priority booking from as little as £18 per festival including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival and Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Early booking access gets you the hottest festival tickets before they’re all sold out, saving time, hassle and ticket scrambling in August. Not sure what to book? Find the real highlights with a little festival research. Returning companies will have past reviews online and the best international arrivals reach Edinburgh with track records established elsewhere.
Eat at the top tables – Jump in a taxi and dine in style far from the madding crowds. Edinburgh has four Michelin starred restaurants and three of these are outside the immediate city centre. Avoid the block booked bistros and enjoy some of the best food in Scotland by taking a trip to Leith for dinner. Restaurant Martin Wishart, Tom Kitchin’s The Kitchin and The Plumed Horse all received the coveted Michelin seal of approval and are within walking distance of each other on Leith Shorefront.
www.martin-wishart.co.uk
www.thekitchin.com
www.plumedhorse.co.uk
Classic cocktails – For pre dinner and post dinner drinks, enjoy cocktails at The Scotsman Hotel (North Bridge), real ale and cosy warmth in Kay’s Bar (Jamaica St) in the New Town and city centre friendliness in the Café Royal (West Register St). For the ultimate whisky experience join the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (or visit with a member). They have member rooms on Queen St, in Leith and in London. For info on joining visit www.smws.co.uk.
Stay in style – There is a wide range of accommodation in Edinburgh ranges from castles to cabins but for a unique festival stayover, seek out the city’ boutique hotels. Adding an extra dimension to your stay these hotels are more than just a place to rest and recharge your festival batteries. From slick minimalist style to Georgian grandeur, these intimate Edinburgh properties take luxury to another level.
Be sure to check out these chic boutiques for an unforgettable stay in Edinburgh:
Channings: www.townhousecompany.com/channings
