Reviews
Family history and the story of a beautiful home
In this gorgeous book written by the current Duke of Buccleuch, the true beauty of the Bowhill House and the intriguing history of the family that lives there is described not just through words, but in stunning photography and artwork. The book explores the part Bowhill house played in history, from the people who lived…
Read MoreA gripping read for those who love a mystery
William A Graham’s debut crime novel Vermin introduces a detective who takes on a missing person case that escalates into so much more. The story takes place in Dundee, in homage to the author’s birthplace. Allan Linton is a self-employed private detective, helped by his associate Niddrie, who specialises in minor and insignificant cases. However…
Read MoreMumbai Diners’ Club is definitely currying favour
Few meals are as satisfying or comforting than a hearty curry. As the colder nights draw in, the temptation to order in from your local Indian takeaway and set up camp on the couch becomes even greater. However if you’re looking for an evening with a touch more refinement to your Rogan Josh, then the…
Read MoreNovel with lost souls on the Portobello coast
Set on Portobello’s coast, It Takes One to Know One is a heart-warming yet harrowing story, embellished with Isla Dewar’s needle-sharp humour and effortless narrative gift for storytelling. The tale is based around Charlie Gavin, the lost and hopeless founder of the Be Kindly Missing Person’s Bureau whose mission is to find other lost souls…
Read MorePlenty at steak when you dine at Hawksmoor
Despite its vast scale, Hawksmoor feels friendly and relaxed. We started with the comforting potted beef and bacon and hand-dived scallops, but the menu centres around steak, so when in Rome… The fillet was tender and cooked to perfection even if it did look lonely on the plate at £34. The rib-eye came in at an only slightly less…
Read MoreConvenient spot and great food at 83 Hanover Street
Convenient for a quick bite while shopping and with service efficient enough to allow for a working lunch, 83 is a funky wee addition to Edinburgh’s dining scene. Some of the highlights amongst our Chilean-inspired bites and plates were sopaipillas pebre (gorgeous pillowy pumpkin breads), charred octopus and beef short rib in a rich tomato sauce. The chef loves his…
Read MoreNo disappointment with seafood at The Fishmarket
I’ve seen a few whoppers in my life, but The Fishmarket was the biggest ever. It was described as simply ‘Fruits of the Sea, a selection of today’s fresh seafood served over ice’, but when our seafood platter starter (£54) arrived, it turned out to be a groaning trencher filled with ice and topped with…
Read MoreThe Bridge Inn offers great food and scenic views
This wonderful canal-side pub is one of my favourite venues for a gastronomic trip out of Edinburgh. If you’re in the capital and are feeling particularly energetic, you can cycle there from Fountainbridge down the towpath. Reserve a table overlooking the water and get stuck into the cullen skink and peerless fish and chips, or…
Read MoreThe Urban Fox has great food and a relaxed ambiance
Located near Summerhall and the Meadows, this laid-back eatery offers flavours from around the globe and some nice veggie options. Scottish mussels; beetroot and coriander falafel; and salt and pepper squid are some of the starters on offer or you can try a selection as a sharing platter, with three priced at £12 and five…
Read MoreThe fantastic four power on in Rura’s new album
Four go on alone in Rura’s third album which, for the first time, is a wholly instrumental recording following the departure of singer Adam Holmes at the end of 2016. It is a testament to the confidence the remaining band members have in their own musical ability to defer seeking a new vocalist either from…
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