THE MALE LANDLADY

Dispatches on and from Edinburgh, Scotland's inspiring capital by the masters of the house at 94DR. 94DR is a boutique luxury 5 star Guesthouse in Edinburgh. BOOK A ROOM AT 94DR

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A new addition to Edinburgh’s seafood scene, White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar, situated on the site of the oldest inn on the Royal Mile, serves the best of British seafood & shellfish sourced from boutique suppliers across the country. Expect small plates, sharing platters washed down with a carefully curated selection of hand-crafted cocktails, wine and fizz.

Oyster lovers should head to their Buck-A-Shuck oyster happy hour! Every Monday - Thursday, 4-6pm - a delicious range of oysters are only £1 each. Shucked fresh at the bar choose from Lindisfarne, Carlingford, Loch Fyne & Caledonia. 

White Horse Oyster Bar  266 Canongate, Edinburgh 0131-629 5300, www.whitehorseoysterbar.co.uk

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A world-class lineup of renowned brewers are flying in from around the world to participate in the Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival at The Biscuit Factory in Leith, with Buxton, The Kernel, Two Roads, Brouwerij Kees and Stone & Wood among them.

Delicious food provided by The Pitt street market will accompany the craft beers available to try, including new-to-market brews, cult classics and festival specials. For the full list of breweries attending, head to the Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival website.

Because good beer and good food are even better with good music, Edinburgh Craft Beer Festival is also being joined by the likes of Two Door Cinema Club and Mogwai.

25 May 2018 - 27 May 2018 Check site for times | From £35 The Biscuit Factory, 4-6 Anderson Pl, Edinburgh EH6 5NP Booking: https://edinburghcraftbeerfestival.co.uk/

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Life and Style Edinburgh

The style seekers of Edinburgh are set to enjoy an A-list experience unlike any other, as VIP beauty and fashion experts with clients including Victoria Beckham, Madonna and Meghan Markle descend on the Capital as part of the 2018 Life & Style weekender.

Held at The Royal Society of Edinburgh on George Street, the weekender encourages visitors to enjoy the stylish things in life, with the best that Edinburgh has to offer.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a whole host of activities including a fashion show, trend talks, express beauty treatments and workshops, as well as gaining access to exclusive discounts and one-off masterclasses, sharing expert advice on fashion, health and beauty, interior design, food and drink and much more.

05 May 2018 - 06 May 2018 10am - 6pm | £10 The Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PQ Booking: http://www.edinevents.com/lifestyle/

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OCT 2016 in Edinburgh

As the City settles into autumn, October is the perfect month to visit the inspiring capital, from gourmet encounters and provocative exhibitions to world class performance and illuminating events there is so much to do in Edinburgh.  Here’s our eyes, ears and mouth guide of 12 good reasons to visit Edinburgh this month.

Chinese State Circus

The internationally acclaimed Chinese State Circus returns to Edinburgh with a spectacular new production for 2016 - DYNASTY. 30 world-class Chinese acrobats, aerial artistes, and jugglers interact with the super-human physical skills and dexterity of the masters of martial arts - the legendary Shaolin Warriors. There's nonstop action from start to awesome finale as thrill follows thrill, and the seemingly impossible becomes a reality.

13 - 23 Oct | Meadowbank | Website

Edinburgh Oktoberfest

This iconic beer festival is returning to Edinburgh for another year of German beer, food and music. It’s a great way to experience Bavarian culture with Lederhosen, giant beer and "Schlager" music making for a great party.   The Bavarian celebration takes place in the colourful Oktoberfest tent in West Princes Street Gardens with a great line up of live music from bands who have travelled all the way from southern Germany. On the menu there'll be great German brewed beer and tasty German Schnitzel, all served up by the Edinburgh Oktoberfest team dressed in traditional Dirndl and Lederhosen.

5 - 9 Oct | Princes St Gardens | Website Edinburgh Restaurant Festival

Edinburgh has more restaurants per head than any other city in the UK and when it comes to eating out, the Scottish capital doesn’t disappoint. From fine dining to casual eats and everything in between, the options seem endless.  It’s easy to see why Edinburgh has earned its place as a top foodie destination.

Edinburgh Restaurant Festival combines award-winning restaurants together with neighbourhood bistros and cafés to showcase the best food the city has to offer. This year’s programme will take place in the City Centre and the West End, featuring a diverse mix of tempting treats to suit all tastes and budgets. The festival aims to lift the lid on Edinburgh’s finest cooking and best local produce.

6 - 16 October | Citywide | Website

Billy Elliot

The West End hit based on the award winning film, Billy Elliot is taking up residence at Edinburgh Playhouse from 21st September to 22nd October 2016 as part of the show's first ever UK and

The show follows the story of Billy, a young boy growing up in a small northern town during the 1984/85 miners' strike. While his Dad wants to him to take up boxing, Billy stumbles into a Ballet class and discovers a passion for dance. Guided by his teacher his talent grows and he goes on to suprise himself, his family and his community.

’til 22 Oct | Playhouse Theatre | Website

Sunday Classics at the Usher Hall

The Usher Hall continue to achieve a cosmopolitan air with their forthcoming new season of Sunday Classics.  Explore their spectacular new programme and enjoy the rich variety of international stars and orchestras that will perform on their stage over the coming year.  Stéphane Denève opens the new season with Brussels Philharmonic on Sunday 2 October.

Every Sunday | Usher Hall | Website

The Samhuinn Fire Festival

Hosted by Beltane Fire Society, the Samhuinn Fire Festival celebrates the Celtic New Year, marking the end of summer and welcoming the onset of winter. It takes the form of a stunning torchlit procession down the Royal Mile, with acrobatics, fireworks, beautiful costumes and breathtaking performances.

31 Oct | The Grassmarket | Website

Joseph Beuys - A Language of Drawing

The German artist, Joseph Beuys (1921-1986), is perhaps best known for his ‘actions’, installations and sculpture, but first and foremost he was an artist who was interested in ideas: ideas about how the world, both natural and social, functioned and how the latter could be improved. And the way that he expressed these ideas most readily was in his drawings. This exhibition will bring together, for the first time, the extraordinary group of over 110 drawings by Beuys.

til 31 October | Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art | Website

Pitt Street Market

A street food focused market with food traders, a beers, wines and spirits. Street food is enjoying an astronomical expansion throughout the UK’s major cities. Edinburgh has a great selection but they are spread across the city and miss out on evening trade. ‘the pitt’ is a street food venture set up by a number of Edinburgh’s street food vendors as a unique dining venue and host to some of the best street food traders and producers from across Scotland.

weekly every Saturday from 1pm | Pitt Street  | Website

Edinburgh Short Film Festival

77 short films from 25 countries,as well as Iranian Fantasy, animation from Mexico, Indonesian documentary, Canadian Thrillers, Antipodean comedies, English drama, Scottish neo-noir, American Indie, French sci-fi Academy Award nominated shorts, BAFTA winners and many other award-winning short films from across the globe!

26 Oct -6 Nov |  Summerhall, Filmhouse & Cameo | Website

Modernist Nordic Design

Discover a remarkable collection of Modernist jewellery, glassware and ceramics. This small display will showcase highlights of a private collection recently gifted to National Museums Scotland, featuring design classics by leading Nordic designers and manufacturers of the mid-20th century. Characterised by simplicity and functionality, and inspired by the nature, landscape, and climate of northern Europe, these Modernist creations continue to influence designers and manufacturers today.

all month | NMS Chamber Street | Website

Scottish Storytelling Festival

Hospitality and an intercultural welcome are at the heart of this year's Scottish International Storytelling Festival - Festival of Dreams. Across ten event-filled days and nights, the SISF will assemble expert storytellers from across Scotland, Europe, Central and Southern America, offering a abundance of dreamscapes and myths celebrating oral traditions and cultural diversity. This year’s theme, Festival of Dreams, will explore our ability to dream something different into existence, acknowledging the power of storytelling to lift you out of time and place.

21 - 31 Oct | Various locations | Website

Botanic Lights

This autumn the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is once again open after dark with a magical outdoor light event. As darkness descends, visitors are invited to follow a trail of light through the Garden. Popular features such as the Victorian Palm House, The Chinese Hillside, Inverleith House and the Pond will be transformed by extraordinary lighting effects.

Night-time visitors will be able to make their way through a one and a half kilometre route full of colour and sound and see the Botanics like they have never seen it before, turning the Garden itself into the story of a voyage around the world.

13 Oct - 6 Nov  | Royal Botanic Gardens | Website

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SEPT 2016 in Edinburgh

As the City calms after a frenetic August, September is the perfect month to visit the majestic capital, from vibrant markets and mind expanding art to world class theatre and fun days out there is so much to do in Edinburgh.  Here’s our eyes, ears and mouth guide of 12 good reasons to visit Edinburgh this month.

Caledonian Brewery Raceday

Musselburgh Racecourse hosts an exciting day of racing this September at the Caledonian Brewery Raceday. Enjoy a spectacular day of flat racing, along with the chance to sample a range of beers straight from the nearby Caledonian Brewery in Edinburgh. The day begins with traditional harness racing at 2.45pm, before the main flat racing action begins at 4.15pm. There will be seven flat races in total, including the big St Leger from Doncaster race and The £20,000 Caledonian Cup.

10 Sept | Musselburgh Racecourse | Website

The Jungle Book at Edinburgh Zoo

Join Edinburgh Zoo this September bank holiday for a weekend full of film magic. What better place to watch a world of animals on the silver screen, than surrounded by a world of animals at the Zoo? Two of the top three highest grossing films of 2016 are all about animals – Zootropolis and The Jungle Book. Head along to see a film at the Budongo Trail, where you will be able to hang out with the chimpanzees.

17 September | Edinburgh Zoo | Website

Harvest Festival

The annual Harvest Festival is a celebration of the vegetable growing year. Join RBGE for fun activities, gardening advice, information about harvesting, cooking and storing crops, tasters and more. Be inspired to get growing with our community garden produce show and discover the delights of growing your own vegetables with the Edible Gardening Project team.

17-18 Sept  | Royal Botanic Gardens | Website

Swan Lake

One of the most famous ballets of all time, Swan Lake, with Irina Kolesnikova as the enchanting Odette, is in the City for a limited 3 night run at Edinburgh Playhouse. Undoubtedly the most famous and beautiful of all classical ballets, Swan Lake is the time-honoured tale of love, fate and tragedy that has been enjoyed by audiences around the world for hundreds of years.

1 -3 Sept | Edinburgh Playhouse | Website

Doors Open Day 2015

The Edinburgh Doors Open Day 2016gives you the chance to discover some of Edinburgh’s most unique and interesting buildings which are normally closed to the public. Across the weekend you can visit these fantastic sites across the city, completely free of charge  The theme for this year is food and drink, and this is reflected in the programme of buildings that are throwing their doors open to the public over the course of the weekend. Over 100 properties will open their doors during the course of the weekend.

24 - 25 Sept | City Wide | Website

Bridget Riley | Paintings, 1963-2015

This focused display brings together a group of major paintings by Bridget Riley (b.1931) spanning over fifty years of the artist’s career to explore the dialogue between monochrome and colour in Riley's practice. Throughout her career, Riley has created paintings that not only engage the eye, but which elicit physical sensations of flux, rhythm and energy.

Thru September |  National Gallery of Modern Art | Website

Riding of the Marches

Get caught up in the excitement of the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches on Sunday 13th September and enjoy an age old tradition that dates back to 1579. The Riding of the Marches commemorates the tradition of inspecting the city’s boundaries. After the Union of Parliaments in 1707 the annual inspection. It returned in 2009, and since then has become a popular event in Edinburgh, attracting hundreds of riders each year.

11 Sept | Royal Mile | Website

Edinburgh Markets

Edinburgh’s rich seam of history undoubtedly suggests an abundance of vintage and quirky goods being rediscovered and brought to market. Similarly, the global reputation of the food, drink and fresh produce means an abundance of artisan and homemade ingredients on offer at any given farmers market. Check out the best markets in Edinburgh for food, clothes, antiques, and those indescribable one-off gems you could only find in the Scottish capital.

Thru September | City Wide | Website

Professor Brian Cox Live

The hotly anticipated tour by the acclaimed Professor Brian Cox, OBE. The show will take audiences on a dazzling journey through space and time, delving into ‘high science’ and freewheeling on the edges of the known cosmos. Whether an avid science reader or a total novice, Professor Brian Cox Live will test the limits of our knowledge and make highly complex ideas accessible to all.

22 Sept | Usher Hall | Website

Billy Elliot

Celebrating 10 extraordinary years in London’s West End, Billy Elliot the Musical, one of the most beloved shows on stage today, is embarking on its first ever UK and Ireland tour. Set in a northern mining town, against the background of the 1984/’85 miners’ strike, Billy Elliot is the inspirational story of a young boy’s struggle against the odds to make his dream come true.

From 20 Sept | Edinburgh Playhouse | Website

Celts

The idea of a shared Celtic heritage across ancient Europe retains a powerful hold over the popular imagination. But many common ideas about the people known as ‘Celts’ are in fact more recent re-imaginings, revived and reinvented over the centuries.This major exhibition, unravels the complex story of the different groups who have used or been given the name ‘Celts’ through the extraordinary art objects they made and used.  

throughout Sept | National Museum, Chamber Street | Website

Surreal Encounters | Collecting the Marvellous

Surreal Encounters: Collecting the Marvellous brings together some of the finest Surrealist works of art from four legendary collections, those of Roland Penrose, Edward James, Gabrielle Keiller and Ulla and Heiner Pietzsch.  The ways that Surrealist art has been collected display many of the idiosyncratic passions of Surrealism itself. This exhibition will examine the different impulses behind these four extraordinary collections presenting a fuller and richer picture of the Surrealist movement as a whole.

throughout Sept | Gallery of Modern Art | Website

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JULY 2016 in Edinburgh

July really brings the festival city alive, from tasty food and mind expanding art to world class music and fashion there is so much to do in Edinburgh this month. Here’s our eyes, ears and mouth guide of 12 good reasons to visit Edinburgh this July.

1 Pop Up Cities Expo

Don't miss the Festival of Architecture's headline event Pop-Up Cities Expo on the Mound from 20th June to 17th July. The event will be showcased as part of the celebration of Scotland's Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design and aims to bring together pop-up architecture designs from cities all around the world.  The Pop-Up Cities village on The Mound is home to 5 fantastic pavillions from Bergen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Rotterdam and Vilnius. Visitors to the site can move around and inside the structures to get up close and admire these unusual designs.

’til 17  July | The Mound | Website

2 Magicfest

MagicFest pulls another rabbit out of the hat with a programme of close-up conundrums, mindboggling illusions, comic cabaret and other feats of the impossible. The festival features workshops as well as shows and ends with the illustrious Closing Gala, a fast paced performance of illusion, sleight of hand, circus and mind reading.

4 - 9 July | Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art | Website

3 Surreal Encounters | Collecting the Marvellous

Surreal Encounters: Collecting the Marvellous brings together some of the finest Surrealist works of art from four legendary collections, those of Roland Penrose, Edward James, Gabrielle Keiller and Ulla and Heiner Pietzsch.  The ways that Surrealist art has been collected display many of the idiosyncratic passions of Surrealism itself. This exhibition will examine the different impulses behind these four extraordinary collections presenting a fuller and richer picture of the Surrealist movement as a whole.

throughout July | Gallery of Modern Art | Website

4 Simply Red at Edinburgh Castle

Simply Red return to perform at Edinburgh Castle this summer, six years after their last sell-out concert at the historic venue. See this iconic band play some of their biggest hits including Something Got Me Started, Stars and Fairground in front of the breathtaking backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

14 July | Castle Esplanade | Website

5 Jazz and Blues Festival

The biggest of its kind in Britain, the Jazz & Blues Festival gets the festival season off to a swinging start in July, making sure everyone's in the mood before its larger festival cousins hit town. And expect that Glenn Miller classic along the way somewhere, as everything from big band favourites to skiffle, ragtime and freeform jazz is on the menu at over 100 shows in a festival that just keeps growing.  Regular highlights of the festival programme include Mardi Gras in the Grassmarket, where many of Edinburgh oldest and best pubs can be found, as a host of acts show off their stuff for free in the sun.

15- 24 July  | Citywidel | Website

6 Edinburgh International Fashion Festival

Heading into its fifth year, The Edinburgh International Fashion Festival showcases a range of runway shows, exhibitions, gala parties, interactive workshops and talks in some of Edinburgh's unqiue venues such as the National Museum of Scotland, Dovecot Studios and the Hill Street Design House. Some of the industry's greatest creative minds will congregate in the city for a packed week-long schedule of events, including exhibitions and presentations from some of the biggest and brightest names in fashion.

21 - 24 July  | Citywide | Website

7 Edinburgh Food Festival

The Edinburgh Food Festival back for its second year in George Square Gardens serving up a tasty variety of Scottish food producers and street food vendors.  The five day event will also host a great line up of chef talks and enterainment in the Spiegeltent Palais Du Variete, providing the perfect event to whet your appetitie for Edinburgh's Summer Festival Season. Fill your belly and tickle your taste buds at the stalls and food trucks around the festival site.

27 - 31 July | George Square | Website

8 Stereophonics at Edinburgh Castle

Stereophonics come to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade this summer to perform two concerts at this iconic venue. The band is expected to thrill the crowds with some of their greatest hits, including Dakota, Have a Nice Day and Handbags and Gladrags, as well as the anthems from their latest album, Keep the Village Alive -

15 &16 July | Castle Esplanade | Website

9 Celts

The idea of a shared Celtic heritage across ancient Europe retains a powerful hold over the popular imagination. But many common ideas about the people known as ‘Celts’ are in fact more recent re-imaginings, revived and reinvented over the centuries.This major exhibition, unravels the complex story of the different groups who have used or been given the name ‘Celts’ through the extraordinary art objects they made and used.  

throughout July | National Museum, Chamber Street | Website

10  Artist Rooms Joseph Beuys

The exhibition brings together, for the first time, the extraordinary group of over 110 drawings by German artist, Joseph Beuys (1921-1986).  Perhaps best known for his ‘actions’, installations and sculpture, but first and foremost he was an artist who was interested in ideas: ideas about how the world, both natural and social, functioned and how the latter could be improved.

from 30 July | Gallery of Modern Art | Website

11 Retina

Headlining this year's festival is portrait photographer Jason Bell who has shot for some of the world’s foremost publications including Vanity Fair and Vogue US / UK. Home-grown talent will also be featured with Edinburgh’s Janeanne Gilchrist and creative portrait photographer Alma Haser headline the spaces at Customs House, alongside Emerging Talent, UK Picture Editor’s Guild 2015 Award Winners Exhibition and a special celebration of Scottish Press Photographers’ work documenting our world and colouring the headlines.

thoughout July | Citywide | Website

12  BHF Glasgow to Edinburgh Trek

Why not take on this epic Scottish walking challenge. 30 hours and 100k from Glasgow to Edinburgh non-stop.  Walk day and night and experience stunning views, dark pathways, moonlit canals and shadowy tunnels in this unforgettable adventure.  You'll pass numerous landmarks and sites along the route, including Kelvingrove Museum and Park, locks on the Forth and Clyde canal, the Falkirk Wheel, Linlithgow Palace before arriving in Scotland's capital.

30 & 31July | Starts Glasgow | Website

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JUNE 2016 in Edinburgh

Blazing June brings the festival city alive, from Gin celebrations, to world class art and show stopping theatre there is so much to do in Edinburgh this month. Here’s our eyes, ears and mouth guide of 12 good reasons to visit Edinburgh this June.

1 Royal Highland Show

The Royal Highland Show allows you to touch, taste, see and hear the very best Scotland has to offer by way of entertainment, children’s' activities, outdoor living & countryside, shopping & fashion, food & drink and the finest farmyard animals.

The Show is a must for foodies, farmers and families to connect the city with the country. In addition to beef and dairy cattle and sheep on show, there are also exhibits from machinery displays to food stalls, competitions and music.

23 - 26 June | Ingliston | Website

2 Edinburgh International Film Festival

Intimate in its scale, ambitious in its scope, and fuelled by pure passion for cinema in all its manifestations, Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) seeks to spotlight the most exciting, innovative new film talent and promote the very best in international cinema.

In 2016 the festival celebrates its landmark 70th Edition with 161 features from 46 countries, including 22 World Premiers, 5 International Premiers, 17 European Premiers and 85 UK Premiers.

Running from 15th to 26th June, the festival will once again showcase some of the very best in British, American, European and World cinema as well as providing a platform for up and coming film-makers from around world

15 - 26 June | Cinemas Citywide | Website

3 Imaginate

Imaginate Festival is Scotland’s international festival of performing arts for children and young people, running from Saturday 28th May to Sunday 5th June 2016 at venues across Edinburgh. A variety of lively performances and companies will be showcased throughout the week which will spark the imaginations of young and old.

1 - 5 June | Citywide | Website

4 Hidden Door Festival

This year's event will be returning to the disused street lighting depot behind King’s Stables Road, transforming it into their secret courtyard for one final time.  The Hidden Door Festival aims to showcase the best new creative work in Scotland in a unique setting and create an experience for the people of Edinburgh which is thrilling, innovative and high-impact.

The theme of this year's festival ‘Hidden Door Electric City,’ in homage to the site’s recent history as a street lighting depot, and will feature a fantastic programme across the arts, including live music, theatre, cinema and inspiring visual art installations.

’til 27 Sep | King’s Stable Road | Website

5 Film in the City

Film Fest in the City returns to St Andrew Square Garden for its fifth year from 10th to 12th June for a weekend free film screenings that will delight movie fans.

In the build up to the 70th Edition of the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF), St Andrew Square Garden will once again be transformed into a outdoor movie theatre with 15 movies showing across the weekend - from cult classics to family favourites and epic blockbusters.

26 June - 4 July | Summerhall | Website

6 Gardening Scotland

An explosion of colour and a treasure trove of new trends, The Gardening Scotland Show is bursting with inspirational ideas, exquisite displays and expert advice. This year's show is back at the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston from the 3rd - 5th June. Gardening Scotland has something to offer all levels of gardener, from tips and tricks on how to get started, to expert insight on how to get the very best out of your garden.

3 - 5 June | Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston | Website

7 Scottish Juniper Fest

The Scottish Juniper Festival is returning to celebrate World Gin Day 2016 with an exciting array of the most glorious gins both made in Scotland and further afield. Honouring this classic British spirit, the three day event hosts a large collection of delightful gin brands, appealing to visitors with an appetite to discover, sample and enjoy.  Combining tastings, talks and mixology sessions, the festival will also feature an outdoor G&T bar and the chance to take a tour of Pickering’s distillery.

10 - 12 June | Summerhall | Website

8 Edinburgh Cycling Fest

Edinburgh is getting ready for Scotland’s greatest celebration of bicycle culture.  The Festival is a real showcase of all aspects of bicycle culture. The 10-day programme features bike rides and races, talks, films, drama, art and photography exhibitions, family events, and workshops.  This years Festival of Cycling includes the Edinburgh Night Ride, a supported ride which has been described as a “magical mystery tour” from Edinburgh to East Lothian and back through the night.

9 - 19 June | Across the City | Website

9 Celts

The idea of a shared Celtic heritage across ancient Europe retains a powerful hold over the popular imagination. But many common ideas about the people known as ‘Celts’ are in fact more recent re-imaginings, revived and reinvented over the centuries.

This major exhibition, organised in partnership with the British Museum, unravels the complex story of the different groups who have used or been given the name ‘Celts’ through the extraordinary art objects they made and used.   Featuring more than 300 treasured objects from across the UK and Europe, assembled together in Scotland for the first time, this is a unique opportunity to explore the idea of ‘Celts’ as one of the fundamental building blocks of European history.

throughout June | National Museum, Chamber Street | Website

10 Chicago

Get ready to be razzled dazzled as the hit musical Chicago rolls into the Edinburgh Playhouse. Chorus girl Roxie Hart tried to pin the murder of her lover on her unwitting husband, but the jig is up and Roxie has landed herself in Cook County Jail. Jazz star and accused murderer Velma Kelly is less than pleased to see Roxie on her cell block, since Roxie’s sensational crime and feigned innocence capture the attention of Velma’s hotshot lawyer Billy Flynn.

13 - 18 June | Playhouse | Website

11 Retina

Headlining this year's festival is portrait photographer Jason Bell who has shot for some of the world’s foremost publications including Vanity Fair and Vogue US / UK. Home-grown talent will also be featured with Edinburgh’s Janeanne Gilchrist and creative portrait photographer Alma Haser headline the spaces at Customs House, alongside Emerging Talent, UK Picture Editor’s Guild 2015 Award Winners Exhibition and a special celebration of Scottish Press Photographers’ work documenting our world and colouring the headlines.

24 June - 30 July | Various Venues | Website

12 Glow

Edinburgh College’s dazzling creative students light up the city with a celebration of their luminous skills at this year’s Glow festival. The Glow festival gives Edinburgh the chance to enjoy performances and exhibitions from students covering everything from music, theatre and dance to photography, sculpture and illustration.

Throughout June | Various Venues | Website

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Grabbing the best Edinburger!

There are a loads burger joints springing up in Edinburgh and, because it's a favourite of Paul's, we've eaten at most lot of them... enough that we could honestly put together a guide to the best burger spot.   Well... here's our top five, but things always are a changing so if your coming to stay always ask and we'll keep you right on your burger quest.

Burgers and Beers Centrally located on the Royal Mile, the eponymously named  Burgers and Beers let you ‘build your own’ giving you the chance to completely personalise the experience, so you’ll never grow bored, and with dedication you could build your definitive best burger. Get the beer battered gherkins while you wait for the main event to appear.   192a High Street

Holyrood 9A A short dog (Molli is welcome) walk for us from 94DR Holyrood 9A is modern, trad bar in the Old Town where good burgers and beer dominate. The extensive burger list runs wide, so as well as beef, chicken and veggie patties – there are haggis and venison options.  Opt for the signature Holyrood burger, with its beer mustard, sharp Hereford Hop cheese and sticky caramelised onion. 9a Holyrood Road The Cambridge Bar Hidden away from tourist-central between George and Queen Streets you’ll find The Cambridge Bar and its beautiful burgers. Always busy so we’d advise booking a table in advance for a proper pub meal with an exceptional burger. Try the buffalo burger instead of the usual beef, topped of with camembert cheese! 20 Young Street

Bell’s Diner When you find a restaurant where generations of families return regularly you know you've found a gem. Bell's has been serving up epic burgers since 1972. Located in Stockbridge, it has a wonderfully cosy and welcoming interior with simple wooden tables and ruby red walls. The main event is the burgers, with a variety of sizes from the 4oz for kids right up to a belly-busting 8oz for the ravenous. 7 St Stephen Street

The Scran and Scallie The creation of not one, but two, of Edinburgh’s Michelin-starred chefs, gastro pub. The brainchild of Tom Kitchin, of eponymous Leith restaurant The Kitchin, and Dominic Jack, of Castle Terrace, The Scran & Scallie is never likely to disappoint. The offerings here are a world away from filling stodge and the burgers  are made to a standard worthy of their prolific owners’ ethos. 1 Comely Bank Rd

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May 2016 in Edinburgh

From Whisky, festivals and sport to world class museums and show stopping theatre there is so much to do in Edinburgh this month. Here’s our eyes, ears and mouth guide of 12 good reasons to visit Edinburgh this May.

Whisky Month / Whisky Stramash

For Whisky fans, the month of May means one thing and one thing only - Whisky Month! From tasting whisky in the name of scientific research to a ghost tour and walks followed by whisky tastings. There are plenty of options for all the whisky connoisseurs!  

The standout Whisky Stramash returns to Surgeons' Hall on Nicolson Street. The event will give you an opportunity to encounter many elements and experiences of Scotland's National Drink. http://www.thewhiskystramash.com/

All Month | Across the City | Website

Festival of Museums

Some of Edinburgh's top museums and galleries are coming together to host an exciting programme of shows and events for Festival of Museums 2016. Many of the events are free of charge and are located at various venues around the city. So, whether you're into gory history, fascinating art or curious anatomy, you're bound to find something on offer that will delight and intrigue all the family.

13 -15 May | Citywide | Website

Annie

Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, the musical tells the story of brave little girl Annie who lives a life of misery in Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. However, the devious Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to put a stop to Annie’s search…

16 - 21 May | Edinburgh Playhouse | Website

Tradfest 2016

Bringing the Old Town to life with song, dance, craft and storytelling, Tradfest celebrates Scotland’s past and present while showcasing the best folk artists the country has to offer – providing a thrilling programme of cultural events for all ages.  Celebrate all things Celtic, Pictish, Anglo-Saxon and more, from gossipy Gaelic waulking songs to bawdy Lowland tales.

27 April - 8 May | Old Town | Website

Pearl Izumi Tour Series 2016

Edinburgh will host round three of the 2016 Pearl Izumi Tour Series. The Edinburgh race will take place on a new, 1.6-kilometre circuit, including Victoria Street before turning left to take in the Lawnmarket and Johnston Terrace below Edinburgh Castle, before returning to the Grassmarket via West Port.

19 May | Old Town  | Website

Summerhall's Beer FestiVALE

On 20th and 21st May some of the best Scottish craft beer and spirit producers will descending on Edinburgh's creative hub for the arts with multiple cars inside and out. Look out for the likes of Barney’s, Williams Brothers, Fallen Brewing Co, six°north, The Bar of Unearthly Delights, Pickering’s Gin, The Rum Surgery, Cocktails & Drams and Thistly Cross Cider.

The three sessions across the weekend will give you the chance to meet the brewers and take part in distillery and brewery tours. There will also be live music, DJ’s, beer tokens and merchandise from the Beer Bank, plus a late night bar.

20 -21 May | Summerhall | Website

Hidden Door Festival

One of Edinburgh's most intriguing festivals, Hidden Door, returns to the city for 2016. This year's event will be returning to the disused street lighting depot behind King’s Stables Road, transforming it into their secret courtyard for one final time.

The Hidden Door Festival aims to showcase the best new creative work in Scotland in a unique setting and create an experience for the people of Edinburgh which is thrilling, innovative and high-impact.

The theme of this year's festival ‘Hidden Door Electric City,’ in homage to the site’s recent history as a street lighting depot, and will feature a fantastic programme across the arts, including live music, theatre, cinema and inspiring visual art installations.

27 May - 4 June l King’s Stable Road | Website

Guinness Pro12 Final

For the first time ever the Guinness PRO12 Final is coming to Edinburgh. The annual rugby union competition involves twelve professional sides from Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. There will be fan zones set up across the city and you can expect the magnificent BT Murrayfield to rise to the occasion in delivering an outstanding festival of rugby. The capital city will be full of rugby supporters wearing their own team’s colours hoping to see their side lifting the trophy!

28 May | Murrayfield | Website

British Art Show 8

British Art Show 8 explores artists’ engagement with the material world at a time of increasing convergence between the real and virtual spheres. Through works by 42 artists whose practices merge research, studio-based and other production processes, the exhibition investigates new thinking around materiality and reflects on the meaning and manifestations of objects in the seemingly dematerialised reality that marks our times. Echoing recent philosophical developments, objects are considered here as active agents, generative entities, mutating forms and networked realities, rather than being simply defined by their properties or their effects.

until 8 May  | City Wide | Website

Mary Poppins

The magical story of the world’s favourite Nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane has been triumphantly and spectacularly brought to the stage with dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. The stage version of Mary Poppins is brilliantly adapted from the wonderful stories by PL Travers and the beloved Walt Disney film.

27 April - 21 May | Festival Theatre | Website

The Imaginate Festival 2016

Imaginate Festival is Scotland’s international festival of performing arts for children and young people, running from Saturday 28th May to Sunday 5th June 2016 at venues across Edinburgh. A variety of lively performances and companies will be showcased throughout the week which will spark the imaginations of young and old.  Every year, the Festival presents the finest selection of shows from Scotland and this year, the Festival welcomes companies from all over Europe, such as Denmark, the Netherlands and Switzerland.

28 May - 5 June  | Various venues | Website

Edinburgh Marathon Festival

The Edinburgh Marathon Festival is the second largest of its kind in the UK. Over the course of the weekend, the streets of Edinburgh and East Lothian will become filled with runners of all abilites, from professional athletes, to amateurs trying to beat their personal best, or those wanting to do their bit and raise money for charity.

28 - 29 May | Citywide | Website

[themalelandlady]

April 2016 in Edinburgh

From scary movies, science and beer to world class art and show stopping theatre there is so much to do in Edinburgh this month. Here’s our eyes, ears and mouth guide of 12 good reasons to visit Edinburgh this April.

Edinburgh Beer Festival

Edinburgh Beer Festival is the city’s newest dedicated craft beer festival.  Across a range of taps will be showcasing a range of great craft beers and breweries from near and far. Resident brewers Stewarts will be joining forces with the Lake District’s Hawkshead, Stirlingshire\'s Fallen and Oregon’s Crux Fermentation Project to brew up a couple of collaborative storms.

16 April | Stewart Brewing, Loanhead | Website

Gastrofest

Showcasing the importance of science in the most delicious way possible, GastroFest returns in 2016 with a packed menu featuring producers, artisans, scientists and chefs. From the tempting and tantalising to downright delicious this smorgasbord of insightful discussions, thought-provoking presentations and out-of-this-world foodie experiences offers options to suit all tastes.

26 March - 10 April | Across the City | Website

Dead by Dawn

Dead by Dawn is the UK’s longest running horror film festival, happily ensconced at the wonderful Filmhouse since the very beginning in 1993. The festival returns in April 2016 for it’s 23rd edition with a tantalising selection of independent previews, amazing classics and extensive short film programmes stuffed full of spectacular treats.

21 -24 April | Filmhouse | Website

Tradfest 2016

Bringing the Old Town to life with song, dance, craft and storytelling, Tradfest celebrates Scotland’s past and present while showcasing the best folk artists the country has to offer – providing a thrilling programme of cultural events for all ages.  Celebrate all things Celtic, Pictish, Anglo-Saxon and more, from gossipy Gaelic waulking songs to bawdy Lowland tales.

27 April - 8 May | Old Town | Website

Beltane Fire Festival

Join hundreds of performers and thousands of revellers as they come together on Calton Hill to celebrate the death of winter and the birth of summer by casting off the darkness and celebrating the light on one of the most magical nights of the year.  Expect to see a great deal of fire, head-to-toe body paint, and impressive acrobatics at this must-see annual event.

30 April | Calton Hill  | Website

Edinburgh International Science Festival

Building Better Worlds is the theme behind the 2016 Festival. Life on Mars imagined in Lego, why chocolate may become extinct, the ethics of artificial intelligence and an exhibition of tiny homes are just some of the highlights for visitors this year.

Edinburgh International Science Festival delivers one of Europe's largest Science Festivals, giving audiences amazing experiences through a programme of innovative and inspiring discussions, workshops, performances, screenings, special events and exhibitions. From 26 March – 10 April venture forth to explore how science, technology, engineering and design have the potential to improve the world we live in and the way we live within it.  

26 March - 10 April | City Wide | Website

Great Edinburgh Run

The 10 mile route is a unique distance for the city making it the perfect event for those wanting to stretch themselves from a 10k, or for those in training for a ½ marathon. Starting at 9.30am in Holyrood Park at the foot of Arthur’s Seat, the course takes runners past some of the city's most iconic sights including Edinburgh Castle, Greyfriars Bobby, the Scott Monument and the Royal Mile.

17 April | Holyrood Park | Website

The 39 Steps

Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller, The 39 Steps, brilliantly and hilariously recreated for the stage as the smash hit Olivier Award Winning Comedy is now on tour after 9 years in London’s West End.Follow the incredible adventures of our handsome hero Richard Hannay, complete with stiff- upper-lip, British gung-ho and pencil moustache as he encounters dastardly murders, double-crossing secret agents, and, of course, devastatingly beautiful women.

19 - 23 April | Kings Theatre | Website

British Art Show 8

British Art Show 8 explores artists’ engagement with the material world at a time of increasing convergence between the real and virtual spheres. Through works by 42 artists whose practices merge research, studio-based and other production processes, the exhibition investigates new thinking around materiality and reflects on the meaning and manifestations of objects in the seemingly dematerialised reality that marks our times. Echoing recent philosophical developments, objects are considered here as active agents, generative entities, mutating forms and networked realities, rather than being simply defined by their properties or their effects.

until 8 May  | City Wide | Website

Mary Poppins

The magical story of the world’s favourite Nanny arriving on Cherry Tree Lane has been triumphantly and spectacularly brought to the stage with dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs. The stage version of Mary Poppins is brilliantly adapted from the wonderful stories by PL Travers and the beloved Walt Disney film.

27 April - 21 May | Festival Theatre | Website

Masters of the Everyday

The Dutch artists of the seventeenth century painted ordinary people doing everyday things. They offer us a glimpse into the rumbustious life of village taverns and peasant cottages, and the quiet domesticity of courtyards and parlours. Presenting 28 masterpieces from the Royal Collection, the exhibition includes works by Gerrit Dou, Gabriel Metsu, Jan Steen and Pieter de Hooch, and Johannes Vermeer's A Lady at the Virginal with a Gentleman.

April  | Palace of Holyroodhouse | Website

BUILD IT! Adventures with LEGO®

This spring the National Museum of Scotland introduces BUILD IT! - a fun display in the Grand Gallery for all the family to enjoy. Dig in for some exciting LEGO® bricks activities, or why not find your creative side in the builders yard? Help to create sculptures of museum objects or perhaps build your own masterpiece.  BUILD IT! is part of the 2016 Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design celebrations.

’til 18 April | Chamber Street | Website

[themalelandlady]

March 2016 in Edinburgh

From the biggest science festival and this years fashion to world class art and exhibitions there is so much to do in Edinburgh this month. Here’s our eyes, ears and mouth guide of 12 good reasons to visit Edinburgh this March.

Edinburgh Fashion Week 2016

Experience the excitement drama of the catwalk, get top styling tips from industry professionals and find inspiration for your spring wardrobe in their pop-up boutiques during this year’s Launch Weekend on The Mound. Tutorials run by top stylists will help you make the most of 2016’s upcoming trends with personalised advice and tips. This year, Edinburgh Fashion Week will also debut its first children’s fashion show, with tips for the youngest fashionistas.

5 -13 March | Across the City | Website

Gastrofest

Showcasing the importance of science in the most delicious way possible, GastroFest returns in 2016 with a packed menu featuring producers, artisans, scientists and chefs. From the tempting and tantalising to downright delicious this smorgasbord of insightful discussions, thought-provoking presentations and out-of-this-world foodie experiences offers options to suit all tastes.

26 March - 10 April | Across the City | Website

The Puppet Animation Festival

The Puppet Animation Festival offers children and their families the opportunity to be transported to magical worlds of make-believe with a wide range of puppetry and animation on offer over the Easter holidays

19 March - 19 April | Across the City | Website

Wee Dub Festival

Scotland's only festival dedicated to dub and reggae music in all its forms. Taking place across various venues in Edinburgh's Old Town on one weekend, it offers a diverse and enjoyable weekend of gigs, clubs, workshops, food and more. The line-up for 2016 includes Aba Shanti-I, Dubkasm, Mungo's Hi-Fi…

4 - 6 March | Various Venues | Website

St Patrick’s Day: Festival of Ireland

A little bit of Ireland descends upon Edinburgh in the run-up to St Patrick's Day. Edinburgh's Festival of Ireland is a multi-arts, family-friendly celebration of the Emerald Isle, with storytelling, music, dance, talks, comedy and food & drink events. This year features Tannahill Weavers, Cathal McConnell with his guests, Siamsoir Irish dancers and a musicians’ session.

9 -13 March  | Various Locations  | Website

Edinburgh International Science Festival

Building Better Worlds is the theme behind the 2016 Festival. Life on Mars imagined in Lego, why chocolate may become extinct, the ethics of artificial intelligence and an exhibition of tiny homes are just some of the highlights for visitors this year.

Edinburgh International Science Festival delivers one of Europe's largest Science Festivals, giving audiences amazing experiences through a programme of innovative and inspiring discussions, workshops, performances, screenings, special events and exhibitions. From 26 March – 10 April venture forth to explore how science, technology, engineering and design have the potential to improve the world we live in and the way we live within it.  

26 March - 10 April | City Wide | Website

Epic Chalk Day

Free art afternoon hosted by street artist Paul Togneri, with participants of all ages encouraged to join in and decorate the pavements of Inverleith Park with chalk drawings. All materials provided on-site - just show up and enjoy. There'll be live music too, from singer-songwriters Wesley Bradd, Clare Brierley and Alicia Ukelele.

20 March | Inverleith Park | Website

Cirque Berserk!

Showcasing the finest in traditional circus thrills and skills, Cirque Berserk! brings this treasured form of live entertainment bang up-to-date in a jaw-dropping spectacular – created especially for the theatre. Blending contemporary cirque skills with thrilling stunt action, this astoundingly talented international troupe includes over thirty jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, dancers, drummers, death-defying stunt men and of course the award-winning clown, Tweedy.

10 -13 March | Festival Theatre | Website British Art Show 8

British Art Show 8 explores artists’ engagement with the material world at a time of increasing convergence between the real and virtual spheres. Through works by 42 artists whose practices merge research, studio-based and other production processes, the exhibition investigates new thinking around materiality and reflects on the meaning and manifestations of objects in the seemingly dematerialised reality that marks our times. Echoing recent philosophical developments, objects are considered here as active agents, generative entities, mutating forms and networked realities, rather than being simply defined by their properties or their effects.

until 8 May  | City Wide | Website

The Yarn Festival

A celebration of all things related to yarn, wool, knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving and felting - so  whether you have never knitted/crochet/spun/woven/felted before, or you are an established yarn-junkie already, be prepared for an explosion of colours and texture.

18 - 19 March | The Corn Exchange | Website

Keyframes

Created by French artists collective Groupe LAPS, Keyframes uses LED lights tubes to create multiple static stick figures that, when paired with a soundtrack, flash on and off in a choreographed display to imitate movement giving the opportunity to experience the architecture and environment of St Andrew Square in a different light. The 80 light sculptures that will take over St Andrew Square Garden will illuminate in sequence to an original musical composition.

until 29 March | St Andrew’s Square | Website

The UNTITLED | Bad Entertainment

Children art the future: young Scots create The UNTITLED: Bad Entertainment Exhibition at Scottish National Portrait Gallery marks culmination of year-long project For one year, four groups of young people in Scotland who have little or no formal training in visual art have been embarking on a series of workshops and exhibitions, designed to unleash their inner creativity.

until 8 May | Scottish National Portrait Gallery | Website

[themalelandlady]

There’s a clutch of new bars and restaurants to try out in the city, catering for every taste and occasion from fine dining to burger and fries.  

The Printing Press The Printing Press opened on George Street late last year. This bar and kitchen is owned by Des McDonald who worked at both The Ritz and The Ivy in London before taking on his own projects. Make of that what you will! 21-25 George Street, EH2 2PB

Checkpoint Starting life as a Fringe pop-up, Checkpoint on Bristo Place is now a permanent fixture. Set in a  modernised the airy ground floor of a 1899 church, it’s a daytime café, an evening bistro and a late-night bar, and it’s suitably well-stocked to cater for all of these functions. There’s a decent range of craft beers and wines, serves everything from rice bowls, salads and steaks. 3 Bristo Place, EH1 1E

Leith Depot Leith Depot has set up shop on the premises of the former (and infamous) Meridian bar. Once known as Edinburgh’s worst bar, current owners are determined to breathe a new lease of life into the space. As well as the renovated bar and added kitchen, Leith Depot has everything from live poetry to music performances from local acts. 138-140 Leith Walk, EH6 5DT

Dine Former executive chef of Harvey Nichols’s Forth Floor Restaurant Stuart Muir new culinary adventure Dine at the Traverse Theatre offers both a champagne and cocktail bar and a brasserie on site.   Saltire Court, 10 Cambridge Street, EH1 2ED

PDT Mezcaleria PDT (‘Please Don’t Tell’) in Edinburgh's West End bills itself as having a retro gaming vibe. Hidden downstairs and through an old phone box, this bar is a treasure trove for old school gamers and full with pinball machines and arcade games all served up with a wide selection Mezcal.   23b Shandwick Place, EH2 4RG

Bread Meats Bread Bread Meats Bread on Lothian Road is the perfect pre or post movie venue being, located next door to the Filmhouse.  Gourmet patties, pountine and bacon chips.... need we say more? 92 Lothian Road, EH3 9BE

Ada A new addition to Edinburgh’s burgeoning Turkish food scene. Well cooked char grilled meats; varied mezze, and good value. What’s not to like? 9a Antigua Street, EH1 3NH

[themalelandlady]

FEBRUARY 2016 in Edinburgh

From light installations and compelling drama to world class art and exhibitions there is so much to do in Edinburgh this month. Here are 12 good reasons to visit this February.

Manipulate

One of Scotland’s most interesting festivals… manipulate… has developed a reputation for showcasing innovative work from around the world in visual theatre and animation… manipulate casts its net far wider than traditional puppetry to bring in the best work from overseas in genres ranging from contemporary puppetry and animation to physical and aerial theatre.

29 Jan - 6 Feb  | Traverse & Dancebase | Website

Keyframes

Created by French artists collective Groupe LAPS, Keyframes uses LED lights tubes to create multiple static stick figures that, when paired with a soundtrack, flash on and off in a choreographed display to imitate movement giving the opportunity to experience the architecture and environment of St Andrew Square in a different light. The 80 light sculptures that will take over St Andrew Square Garden will illuminate in sequence to an original musical composition.

4 Feb - 29 March | St Andrew’s Square | Website

The UNTITLED | Bad Entertainment

Children art the future: young Scots create The UNTITLED: Bad Entertainment Exhibition at Scottish National Portrait Gallery marks culmination of year-long project For one year, four groups of young people in Scotland who have little or no formal training in visual art have been embarking on a series of workshops and exhibitions, designed to unleash their inner creativity.

Now that year of creative work has come to a head with a new exhibition at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. The UNTITLED displays a selection of work created by the project participants over the last year, and is intended to give a 'powerful sense of the thoughts, feelings and opinions of a generation which is generally little heard.'

30 Jan− 8 May | Scottish National Portrait Gallery | Website

RBS Six Nations

The RBS Six Nations kicks off this February. Wrap up warm and cheer on the home team as Scotland tackles their opponents at Murrayfield.

February | Murrayfield Stadium | Website

BUILD IT! Adventures with LEGO® Bricks

This spring, renowned brick artist, Warren Elsmore and his team display some of their most beautiful and intricate mini-buildings and models .To add to the set, they will also be on-site, building a special three metre model of our very own museum. But don’t let them have all the fun. Join in for some hands-on LEGO® brick activities from February till April. Get creative in the Builders’ Yard, and build your own masterpiece.

29 Jan - 17 April | National Museum of Scotland | Website

John Bellany and the Scottish Women’s Hospitals

The show, John Bellany and the Scottish Women’s Hospitals, will looks at the impact of the hospitals and their role across Europe in the First World War, the experiences of the soldiers in the hospital and the women that cared for them. The paintings and drawings explore the subject of war, field hospitals, nursing and the experiences of the injured soldiers. Bellany's paintings will be accompanied by a specially commissioned poem by Scotland’s Makar, Liz Lochheah.

’til April | The Scottish Parliament | Website

Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival

Feats of daring and adventure in some of the world's most challenging landscapes will be showcased at the annual Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival. The event aims to give an insight into mountain terrains and culture and offers film makers the chance to show their work to a wider audience. "Whether you are a committed outdoor enthusiast or more of an armchair fan, or if you simply enjoy hearing enthralling stories set against incredibly beautiful scenery, there is something for you at the EMFF”

6 - 7 February  | George Square  | Website

Edinburgh Student Arts Festival

ESAF is a platform for student artists to showcase their work to the artistic community and public at large. The aim is for these emerging artists to engage with the community in a meaningful way. Over 93 visual artists and 7 collectives, 166 performance artists and 17 stall holders will participate at venues across the City over the 7 days.

12-19 February | 1 City Wide | Website

Capital Sci - Fi Con  

A new sci-fi event coming to Edinburgh, organised by a fan for fans to raise money for (CHAS) Childrens Hospice Association Scotland. A weekend of geeky goodness where you will be able to submerge yourself in another realm. The weekend will host a whole range of attractions and activities, As you enter the building there will be a whole host of sci-fi characters waiting to greet you from Jedi, Aliens, Stormtroopers, Ghostbusters, Daleks and much much more!

27 - 28 Feb | Meadowbank | Website

The James Plays  

The James Plays are a modern cycle of history plays by award-winning playwright Rona Munro. This vividly-imagined trilogy brings to life three generations of Stewart Kings who ruled Scotland in the tumultuous fifteenth century.  Each play stands alone as a unique vision of a country tussling with its past and future; viewed together they create a complex and compelling narrative on Scottish culture and nationhood. An ensemble of 20 actors takes the audience through a rarely-explored period of history with playful wit and boisterous theatricality.

3-13 February | Festival Theatre | Website

British Art Show 8

British Art Show 8 explores artists’ engagement with the material world at a time of increasing convergence between the real and virtual spheres. Through works by 42 artists whose practices merge research, studio-based and other production processes, the exhibition investigates new thinking around materiality and reflects on the meaning and manifestations of objects in the seemingly dematerialised reality that marks our times. Echoing recent philosophical developments, objects are considered here as active agents, generative entities, mutating forms and networked realities, rather than being simply defined by their properties or their effects.

from 13 Feb | City Wide | Website

Visionary Palaces | Designs by Karl Friedrich Schinkel

Karl Friedrich Schinkel (1781–1841) was one of the most brilliant artistic figures of his generation, known above all as an outstanding architect, whose buildings transformed the appearance of early nineteenth-century Berlin. The  exhibition features Schinkel’s grand designs for two palaces, one on the Acropolis in Athens and the other at Orianda on the Crimean coast. Neither of these lavish projects was realised, but Schinkel’s designs were published during the 1840s in a series of magnificent colour lithographs, which are the subject of this exhibition.

27 Feb− 12 June | National Gallery of Scotland | Website

[themalelandlady]

2016 A Full Year of Festivals in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the world's leading festival city, with year round major annual festivals bringing talents from more than a third of the world's countries to our streets and stages.

International Science Festival   26 March - 10 April 2016 The International Science Festival features a host of fun and educational events, lectures and attractions celebrating all things scientific.

TradFest Edinburgh 27 April - 8 May 2016 Edinburgh's traditional arts festival, featuring music, dance, storytelling and more.

Beltane Fire Festival 30 April 2016 Beltane is an ancient Celtic festival and Edinburgh plays host to some colourful and exciting celebrations to mark the date.

Imaginate Festival 28 May - 5 Jun 2016 The Imaginate Festival is Edinburgh's children's festival and has loads of plays, activities and fun things to do for youngsters of all ages.

Leith Festival 11 - 19 June 2016 Celebrate all things Leith at this festival, featuring music, dance, art and other exciting events.

The Edinburgh Festival of Cycling   11 - 19 June 2016 The first Edinburgh Festival of Cycling took place in 2013. Organised by locals, this Festival will return for the fourth time in 2016 and will be a real showcase for all aspects of bicycle culture and the host city.

Edinburgh International Film Festival 15 - 26 June 2016 The Edinburgh Film Festival is an internationally-renowned event on the movie festival circuit and attracts premieres and stars from all over the world.

Edinburgh International Magic Festival   Early July 2016 (TBC) Cutting-edge, magical acts from around the world perform circus, illusion, comedy and theatre.

Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival 15 - 24 July 2016 Get your gladrags on and party to the sounds of the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, a popular event which attracts international talent.

Edinburgh Art Festival 29 July - 28 August 2016 Edinburgh Art Festival celebrates the visual arts in all its diversity, from world-class exhibitions to strikingly original installations.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival 5 - 29 August 2016 Getting bigger, better and - some may say - weirder every year, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the highlight of many a festival-goer's calendar.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 5 - 27 August 2016 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a spectacular event taking place on the Castle Esplanade.

Edinburgh International Festival   5 - 29 August 2016 The one that started it all, the Edinburgh International Festival is a feast of world-class music, dance and theatrical performances.

Edinburgh International Book Festival 13 - 29 August 2016 This literary event attracts major names in the writing, publishing and political fields to the serene Charlotte Square Gardens setting.

Edinburgh Mela Festival   27 August  - 28 August 2016 Celebrating the cultural diversity of the city, the Mela Festival brings colour and exotic flair to Edinburgh in August.

Scottish Storytelling Festival 21 October - 30 October 2016 Celebrating the great Scottish oral tradition, the Story Telling Festival showcases the talents of national bards, poets and tale-spinners.

Samhuinn Fire Festival   31 October 2016 Samhuinn Fire Festival is a modern re-imagining of an ancient celtic festival marking the end of summer and rise of winter

Edinburgh's Christmas   20 November 2016 - 4 Jan 2017 (TBC) Edinburgh sparkles at Christmas and features events, attractions and shows for all the family to enjoy during the festival season.

Edinburgh's Hogmanay   30 December 2016 - 1 January 2017 End the year with the biggest street party in the world!

[themalelandlady]

Is a breakfast cocktail ever a good idea?

It seems odd to us now, a sign of heartbreak or alcoholism, but the morning cocktail -- that eye-opening, boozy breakfast restorative -- was once as common as a glass of orange juice. 

In Harry Johnson’s Bartender’s Manual, published in 1888, you read that this bold Scotch breakfast curative is “a grand picker-upper and will give a good appetite and quiet the nerves.”  

Morning Glory Fizz 

Recipe: 1 ½ oz The Famous Grouse (or blended Scotch of your choice) 1 egg white ½ oz fresh lime juice ½ oz fresh lemon juice 1 oz simple syrup (or spoon of sugar) Soda water Rinse of Absinthe or Pastis Orange twist

In a mixing glass, combine juices, simple syrup and egg white. Shake without ice to emulsify the egg. Add Ballantine’s and ice; shake vigorously. Strain into and Old-Fashioned glass (no ice) rinsed with absinthe. Run the twist around the rim of the glass; drop it in.

[themalelandlady]

Tom & Jerry - The Ultimate Yuletide Cocktail 

Make any day Christmas by fixing a bowl of decadent Tom & Jerry. Pour this in a mug and let sugar plums dance in your head...  And maybe just on holidays serve it with breakfast!

Ingredients

1 tbsp Tom & Jerry Batter (recipe below)

1 oz Cognac

1 oz Dark rum

Whole milk, hot

Garnish: 

1 Nutmeg

Clove and allspice

Coffee mug or Coffee Glass

Making the Tom & Jerry Batter,

for the batter you’ll need 

12 Eggs, separated

1 tsp Cream of tartar

2 lb Sugar

2 oz Dark Jamaican-style rum

1 tsp Vanilla extract (optional)

In a bowl, whip the egg whites with the cream of tartar until they form stiff peaks.  In a separate bowl, beat the yolks with the sugar, rum and vanilla (if using). When the mixture is completely liquid, fold it into the whites.

To build the drink 

Rinse small coffee mugs with boiling water to warm it and discard the water.

Add the batter, cognac and rum to the cup and fill with hot milk.

Garnish with a mixture of 2 parts freshly grated nutmeg to 1 part each ground clove and ground allspice.

[themalelandlady]

DECEMBER 2015 in Edinburgh

From dazzling lights and magical events to world class food and bustling markets there is so much to do in Edinburgh this festive season. Here’s our 12 good reasons to visit this December.

Scottish Ballet: Cinderella

This winter discover the enchanted, magical world of Cinderella as Scottish Ballet present their European premiere of this most beloved fairy tale.  Luxurious costumes and extravagant sets create a glittering fantasy world peopled with characters that are touching, funny and real. Dazzling against the light and dark of Prokofiev’s powerful score, this ravishing interpretation of the timeless rags-to-riches romance is everything you could wish for at Christmas.

5 - 31 December | Festival Theatre | Website

3D2D Christmas Design Fair 2015

If you need some inspiration for Christmas Gifts then pop along to the 3D2D Christmas Fair at the Assembly Rooms.  A fabulous opportunities to buy direct from over 100 of Scotland's leading artists and craftspeople. This is a chance to pick up anything from stocking fillers to extravagant presents.

5-6 Dec | Assembly Rooms | Website

Drive-in movie spectacular

Edinburgh will play host to the UK's biggest Christmas drive-in cinema that promises to be the festive family event of the year. The Edinburgh Christmas Spectacular will be beaming out iconic Christmas movies on the world's biggest outdoor screen, with favourites Elf, Disney's Frozen and Home Alone all billed for the five day event.

19-23 Dec | Royal Highland Centre | Website

The Rose Street Project

Dubbed Edinburgh's Carnaby Street, Rose Street is transformed this festive season with a series of imaginative shop window displays by created by local artists. Essential Edinburgh has teamed up with arts charity Edinburgh Palette, a host of local artists and illustrators and ten Rose Street businesses to present The Rose Street Project. Each unique display communicates the magic of Christmas in its own way, whether through illustration, photography or textiles.

throughout Dec | Rose Street | Website

The Scottish Market

A winter showcase of some of the best craft, food and drink that Scotland has to offer. The treats available include locally produced sausages, fresh seafood, unique chocolate, delightful cupcakes, gin, Scottish brewed craft beer, Scottish crafted jewellery and woodwork, the best Scottish accessories on offer and much, much more.

throughout Dec | St Andrew Square | Website

Santa Land

Younger kids will love Santa Land in Princes Street Gardens, a festive fairground with six fun rides and a children’s market full of gifts and toys. Try to find the Elves’ Workshop hidden in the Christmas Tree Maze, or visit Santa’s Grotto to meet the man himself!

throughout Dec | Princes Street Gardens | Website

Street of Light

More than 60,000 lights will stretch along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile as part of the capital’s Christmas celebrations. Named the Street of Light, 16 arches each 60ft high will illuminate the street between the City Chambers and the Tron Kirk. Taking inspiration from the Las Fallas Festival in Valencia, the Street of Light event launches on St Andrew’s Day and run until Christmas Eve, with two nightly light display shows that will be synchronised to music from four Edinburgh choirs.

til 24 December | Royal Mile | Website

Pantomime: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it’s off to the Panto we go! Allan, Andy and Grant lead the cast in another unmissable British christmas traditional, Carrying the King’s Theatre pantomime hallmark of outstanding entertainment for the whole family and complete with comedy, stunning scenery, and outrageous costumes, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a pantomime you won’t want to miss!

throughout Dec | Kings Theatre | Website

William Gear 1915-1997

Escape the festive frenzy and lose yourself in the retrospective exhibition of the work of William Gear, one of the leading abstract British painters of his generation.  On display will be the whole range of impressive and innovative works spanning Gear’s long and productive career. The exhibition will trace his influence through his association with CoBrA in the 1940s, the radical monochrome abstractions of the 1950s, to the exuberance of his mature style from the 1960s to his death in 1997.

throughout Dec | City Art Centre | Website

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

This Christmas, The Lyceum is delighted to present C.S. Lewis’ classic tale The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Step through a dusty wardrobe and into a snowy landscape filled with thrilling adventure. Meet the majestic Aslan, the loveable Mr Tumnus and his fantastical friends and join their quest to free Narnia from the spell of the White Witch.

From 28 Nov | Lyceum Theatre | Website

Modern Scottish Women

Discover the works of female Scottish artists at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. This fascinating exhibition focuses on the work of female painters and sculptors. The exhibition consists of over 90 works, from the National Galleries of Scotland's own collection as well as public and private collections from across the UK. Some of these pieces are familiar pieces of work, but others are less well known.

From 7 Nov | National Gallery of Modern Art | Website

Edinburgh's Hogmanay

Edinburgh's Hogmanay is one of the biggest and best New Year celebrations in the world. Things get underway on 30 December with the spectacular Torchlight Procession. Join thousands of torch carriers as they create a river of fire from the historic Royal Mile to the son et lumiére and fireworks finale on Calton Hill. On Hogmanay itself, the action moves to Princes Street in the very heart of the city of Edinburgh beneath the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Around 80,000 people party their way into the new year at the Concert in the Gardens featuring incredible live music and entertainment from headlining band Biffy Clyro, DJ’s, giant screens, outdoor bars and of course, the world-famous Edinburgh Hogmanay Midnight Fireworks on the castle ramparts.

30 Dec - 1 Jan | Citywide | Website