Marking a double centenary in the capital

Edinburgh’s Contini George Street is celebrating a double centenary as part of National Negroni Week.

Running from 24-30 June, mixologists at the family-run Italian restaurant have created a special menu of five new Negroni cocktails to mark not only the centenary of the classic Italian tipple, but also the 100th anniversary of the Contini family’s arrival in Edinburgh from Lazio in Italy.

The Negroni cocktail was invented by Count Camillo Negroni in Florence, Italy, in 1919. A century later, the rugby-red cocktail is a firm favourite at Contini George Street, which is modelled on a Florentine Palazzo.

Owned and operated by third generation Italian Scots, Victor and Carina Contini, the award-winning Contini George Street opened its doors 15 years ago. From day one, it has delivered fresh, seasonal and authentic Italian cooking.

The Contini ‘Summer Negroni’ has been created especially for the double centenary celebration for National Negroni Week. As well as Edinburgh Gin Cannonball, Bianco Vermouth, Campari, lemon juice and soda, it also includes honey from the bees kept by Contini George Street’s very own Victor Contini.

The ‘East Coast Negroni’ showcases Edinburgh Seaside Gin, Campari and grapefruit juice; while the ‘Capezzana Negroni’ includes Edinburgh Seaside Gin, Campari, Martini Rosso, Capezzana extra virgin olive oil served in a salt rimmed glass with an olive.

The classic Contini Negroni includes Edinburgh Gin, Campari and Martini Riserva Rubino.

Completing the Negroni cocktail line-up is the ‘Negroni Sbagliato’, made with Campari, Martini Rosso and topped with Victor & Carina Contini Prosecco and a twist of orange.

Inside Edinburgh’s Contini George Street

Carina Contini, owner of Contini George Street, said: ‘We’re really excited to be raising a glass to National Negroni Week with this double centenary celebration.

‘Not only is this the centenary of the classic Italian Negroni, but it’s also the 100th anniversary of our family’s arrival in Scotland from Lazio in Italy. We wanted to mark this special occasion with a cocktail showcase that celebrates our shared Italian heritage.

‘Our family-run venue delivers everything you would want from an authentic contemporary Italian restaurant. We also run one of the few remaining independent family businesses that have benefitted from a century of experience running successful food destinations and restaurants in Scotland.’

As third generation Italian Scots, Victor and Carina Contini continue to champion independent family businesses in Scotland and still buy from some of the producers their grandparents worked with. They also stay true to our Italian Scots roots and maintain tradition and authenticity as part of their food-centric philosophy to attract custom and tourism to Edinburgh.

Victor and Carina source their produce direct from the markets in Italy and change their menus every month with the seasons. The homemade pasta and delicious Puglian focaccia at Contini George Street is made fresh every morning. Their food is perfect for sharing in a fun, informal and very special family restaurant.

Victor and Carina also own the award-winning Cannonball Restaurant & Bar on Castlehill and The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant at the Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh.

For more information on Contini George Street, visit: www.contini.com/contini-george-street

For more information on National Negroni Week, visit https://negroniweek.com