19 The Grassmarket

The Grassmarket District ...

The Grassmarket was once the site of public executions!Thankfully the last of these was in 1784 and the area is now a lively, bustling area packed full of great places to eat and drink as well as an interesting collection of boutique shops.

Today Leith has developed into a picturesque waterfront area, lined with bistros, stylish bars and excellent restaurants. There are independent galleries and cultural festivals, such as the Leith Festival. Main attractions include the Royal Yacht Britannia, berthed at the quay and the Conran designed Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre.

Tourists come in huge numbers every year to board the decks of the Royal Yacht, where four Royal couples spent their honeymoon, including Prince Charles and Princess Diana. She has sailed more than a million miles around the globe and was finally decommissioned in 1997, marking the end of a Royal Yacht. Britannia was voted “Best Visitor Attraction in the UK” in 1999.

If you feel like a good walk, then this is a great place to spend an afternoon. There are still remains of the past in Leith, with old piers being a reminder of the Victorian Age. The Victoria Dock, Albert Dock and Edinburgh Dock have barely changed from the way they were in the past.

Great independent shopping, entertainment & dining, al fresco Edinburgh!

CADIES & WITCHERY TOURS

84 WEST BOW 0131 225 6745 www.witcherytours.com The caddies & Witchery Tours take a light hearted look at Edinburgh’s darker side including tales of witchcraft, plague and torture. Your ghostly guide will blend history with humour and facts with fables, while “jumper-ooters” provide guaranteed ghostly appearances!

MAMMA'S AMERICAN PIZZA

30 Grassmarket 0131 225 6464 www.mammas.co.uk Serving great pizza since 1986 Mammas specialise in freshly prepared stone baked and gluten free pizzas. With over 40 toppings to choose from including cactus, marshmallow or chocolate, you will find the perfect pizza and relaxed atmosphere to your liking.

FINNEGAN’S WAKE

9b Victoria Street 0131 225 8634 www.finnegans-wake.co.uk Finnegan’s Wake is a long established, quintessential Irish Pub located in a handy spot right on the egde of The Grassmarket and yards from the Royal Mile. There is live music most evenings as well as sports events screened at the venue.

O’OLIVIERO – ITALIAN KITCHEN

0131 226 3706 www.olivieros.co.uk Classically sophisticated but relaxed Italian dining awaits you at o’Oliviero on the Grassmarket. Only steps away from Edinburgh Castle, this place packs flavour into a variety of specialities made from quality ingredients, some brought directly from Italy! Enjoy classic homemade pasta dishes as well as a range of mains including Salmon alla Griglia, Risotto and homemade Tiramisu for dessert. A perfect end to a day of exploring.

MUSSEL & STEAK BAR

110 West Bow 0131 225 5028 www.musselandsteakbar.com This family run restaurant specialises in mussels, oysters, scallops and prime Scottish beef which are all supplied by well known farms from the West Coast area. You can pop in for a kilo of mussels or the signature “surf and turf” speciality.

TORO LOCO

60 Grassmarket 0131 629 1050 www.toroloco.co.uk Authentic and tasty Mexican Street Food. Slow cooked meats freshly prepared on the premises each day together with beans, salsas and guacamole all made daily. Enjoy a full range of great food to sit in and enjoy in a relaxed atmosphere with an awesome chilled margarita to sip or take away something warm to enjoy as you explore the Grassmarket!

MAXIES BISTRO & WINE BAR

5b Johnston Terrace 0131 226 7770 www.maxis.co.uk Maxies is a unique family-run restaurant with a delightful outlook over The Grassmarket. There is something for everyone from luxurious seafood platters to sizzling steaks. Combine this with a an extensive wine list and you have the perfect place to relax with friends or family.

OINK HOG ROASTS

4 Victoria Street 07771 968233 www.oinkhogroast.co.uk If you are looking for a deliciously different lunch or snack then treat yourself to a freshly carved hog roast roll with succulent meat freshly prepared daily. Try the sublime crackling and enjoy with gravy or apple sauce. A really enjoyable lunch experience.