i-on magazine | Winter 2020 by i-on Edinburgh

WIN… AN EXCLUSIVE WHISKY COLLECTION AND a limited edition Christmas blanket GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING The ultimate Christmas gift guide FOOD ROAD TRIPS The top UK restaurants delivering to your door

E D I N B U R G H

A WINTER LIKE NO OTHER

Unique Christmas décor, winter walks, and fashion to lounge in

An AwArd winning gift

CONTEMPORARY_SCOTLAND

Issue 172 / Winter 2020

CONTENTS

GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING The ultimate Christmas gift guide FOOD ROAD TRIPS The top UK restaurants delivering to your door

A WINTER LIKE NO OTHER

in this issue…

WIN… AN EXCLUSIVE WHISKY COLLECTION AND a limited edition Christmas blanket

E D I N B U R G H

WINTER 2020 • ISSUE #172

6 Win: An exclusive whisky collection from Johnnie Walker or a Christmas blanket from Johnstons of Elgin.

Ten Top Stories: What’s getting us talking this winter.

A WINTER LIKE NO OTHER

Unique Christmas décor, winter walks, and fashion to lounge in

Cover image: Broste Copenhagen

12 Have yourself a Scottish skication decoration, available at Nordic Living by Biehl, 14 Love, Edinburgh: i-on’s weekly newsletter www.mynordicliving.co.uk. 16 Wonderful winter walks 20 Food road trips: UK restaurants delivering to your door 24 Box clever: food boxes by local businesses 27 Fireside favourites: vegan wines 28 Made in Scotland: covetable coffee table books 30 What winter blues? 5 ways to stay energised this season 34 Tried and tested: the latest muscle and body sculpting technology 36 2021 events to book now 46 A Season of Style: Fashion for lazy days at home, Zoom parties and outdoor ventures. 52 My Style: Microblading specialist Amy Daly on shoulder pads, chunky trainers and places to shop. 56 Beauty Notes: Must-try products and treatments. 58 A Christmas Like No Other: Unique décor ideas for an Insta-worthy Christmas. 64 On the Food Radar: Foodie finds, events and must-try menus. 66 Best of Edinburgh: Ben J Kaelin, aka DJ Prospect, shares his favourite city spots.

Directors Jo Morris, Laura Wood Design Sam Hinks Editor Nicky Howden, Features Editor Carrie Mitchell, Digital Content Editor Graham Turner, Account Director Amy Falconer, Head of Photography Susie Lowe Published by Treacle Productions Ltd, @The Basement, 29-35b Hamilton Place, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH3 5BA, Tel: +44 (0)131 555 4126, Email info@ionmagazine.co.uk, www.ionedinburgh.com All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All prices correct at time of going to press but are subject to change. i-on magazine cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. The views and opinions by contributors in this magazine may not represent the views of the publishers. i-on magazine takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisements in this publication. i-on is a trademark of Treacle Productions. ©Treacle Productions Ltd 2020.

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WIN…

an exclusive whisky collection from Johnnie Walker

his year Johnnie Walker is raising a glass to 200 years of its world-famous Scotch whisky. To celebrate they’ve launched a special collection of exclusive releases and luckily for one i-on reader, we’ve managed to get our hands on three limited edition bottles. The winner will receive the collectable Johnnie Walker Blue Label 200th Anniversary Limited Edition Design, a bottle adorned with intricate illustrations of some of the great cities and countries which have been part of Johnnie Walker’s journey from Scotland to the rest of the world. The

prize also includes the John Walker & Sons Celebratory Blend, an authentic reimagining of the brand’s first commercial blend (Old Highland Whisky from the 1860s) and the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Legendary Eight; a blend brought to life using hand-selected, rare single malts from eight legendary distilleries which all existed in 1820 when founder John first opened his grocery shop in Kilmarnock. Terms and conditions apply. All entrants must be over 18. To find out more about Johnnie Walker and the brand’s 200-year story, visit www.johnniewalker.com.

Congratulations to last month’s winner Frances McLennan who won a luxury overnight stay at Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club. For more exclusive prizes, subscribe to the i-on weekly newsletter Love, Edinburgh at www.ionedinburgh.com.

I-ON PRIZES

or WIN…

a Christmas blanket from Johnstons of Elgin

e’ve also teamed up with Scottish luxury cashmere manufacturer Johnstons of Elgin to make time at home a little more magical this Christmas. Innovators of luxury and fine woollen products for over 220 years, Johnstons of Elgin’s timeless pieces are the perfect way to show those closest to you how much you care.

THE PRIZE

Celebrate with cashmere this festive season and shop Johnstons of Elgin’s Christmas selection at the Edinburgh store (11 Multrees Walk, EH1 3DQ) or online at www.johnstonsofelgin.com.

For your chance to win an exclusive whisky collection from Johnnie Walker and/or Johnstons of Elgin Christmas blanket, visit www.ionedinburgh.com by noon on Monday 18 January 2021 and leave your details. The winners will be notified by email and announced in the spring edition of i-on.

One lucky reader will be in with the chance to win a Limited Edition 2020 Christmas Blanket. Made from the finest lambswool yarns, the Christmas blanket showcases seasonal shades of red and white and can be treasured for a lifetime. Timeless and wonderfully warm, the generously sized blanket is both versatile and elegant, offering luxury in one super soft accessory.

TO ENTER

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GIFTS FOR HIM 1. Clan Brewing Company Gift Set of 4 Craft Beers**, 4 x 330ml, 77050815 £20; 2. Aesop Moroccan Neroli Post-Shave Lotion, 60ml, 45950702 £37; 3. Polo Ralph Lauren Earth Jacket, Recycled Nylon, Sizes S-XXL, in Dark Loden, 37706312 £265; 4. Google Nest Mini Hands-Free Smart Speaker*, 2nd Gen, in Charcoal, 83810609 £49; 5. Bose® QuietComfort® Earbuds*, 89730307 £249.95; 6. John Lewis & Partners Beer Gift Bag**, (see online for contents), 54630402 £20; 7. John Lewis & Partners Full Felt Slippers, Sizes 7-11, in Charcoal/Red, 39077301 £25; 8. Acqua Di Parma Colonia Hat Box Fragrance Gift Set, (see online for contents), 46850521 £110; 9. John Lewis & Partners + Solovair Leather 8-Eyelet Derby Boots, Sizes 7-12, in Black, 39182831 £175; 10. Sandqvist Kim Ground Organic Cotton Backpack in Blue/Dusty Blue, 51542318 £85; 11. De’Longhi Magnifica S Smart Coffee Machine*, 85506802 £449.99

*2 year guarantee included. **Please note that, by law, products containing alcohol can only be purchased by customers aged 18 or over

FEATURES

O U R TO P G I F T S E D I T F I N D S O M E T H I N G F O R E V E RYO N E O N YO U R L I S T 1

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*5 year guarantee included. **2 year guarantee included

GIFTS FOR HER 1. Clarins Mini Candle Trio Collection, 3 x 50g, 46210401 £25; 2. Charlotte Tilbury The Super Nudes Easy Eye Palette, in Multi, 46448006 £45; 3. Gaiam Yoga Kit, 35732210 £47.49; 4. Orla Kiely Flower Stackable Mug, 300ml, in Green 68285005, Pink 68285006, Orange 68285003, Citrine 68285004 £10 each; 5. Simplehuman Sensor Freestanding Mirror* with Touch Control Brightness, in Rose Gold, 80910114 £179.99; 6. Monica Vinader Bracelet from the Siren Range, Moonstone, 41249144 £125; 7. Yvonne Ellen Cocktail Hour Cheetah Glass Ice Bucket & Wood Lid, 3.8l, in Clear/Natural, 84891009 £30; 8. KitchenAid 125 Artisan 4.8L Stand Food Mixer** in Cream, 85543711 £399; 9. And/Or Eddie Cheetah Print Leather Flatform Trainers in White, Sizes 4-8, 13194331 £89; 10. John Lewis & Partners Bird Russian Dolls, 74230505 £25; 11. John Lewis & Partners JL111 Floral Print Sewing Machine in White/Multi, 58321019 £150; 12. Neom Organics London Wellbeing Pod & Bedtime Essential Oil Gift Set, (see online for contents), 78741431 £110; 13. Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Triplet, 75ml each, 46470308 £37; 14. Kate Spade New York Photo Frame, 4 x 6” (10 x 15cm), in Blush, 73017703 £45; 15. Sony WH-1000XM4 Over-Ear Headphones**, Noise Cancelling, Wireless, Bluetooth, NFC, High Resolution Audio, in Silver, 89711307 £349

O U R TO P G I F T S E D I T F I N D S O M E T H I N G F O R E V E RYO N E O N YO U R L I S T

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E N J OY T I M E AT H O M E 1. John Lewis & Partners Cast Iron Fondue Set, 16cm, 81372003 £49; 2. Diptyque Feu de Bois Scented Candle, 190g, 46800805 £47; 3. Decorate Your Own Gingerbread Men, 78401102 £7; 4. Sonos Move Speaker* in Lunar White, 82340102 £399; 5. John Lewis & Partners Games Compendium, 76740511 £90; 6. Peloton Bike**, £1,750; 7. Rico Needle Punch Cushion Kit, Age 12+, 56100402 £46; 8. Lego® Creator 10267 Gingerbread House^, Age 12+, 73210201 £84.99; 9. John Lewis & Partners Loen Suede Sheepskin Mule Slippers, Sizes S/M/L, 39072901 £49; 10. Bose® Noise-Masking Sleepbuds II*, 89730309 £229.95; 11. Monopoly The Mega Edition^, Age 8+, 75113803 £25.99

*2 year guarantee included. **1 year guarantee included. It is recommended that you consult your doctor before starting any new exercise programme. ^Warning! Choking hazard – not suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts that may cause a choking hazard

FEATURES

O U R TO P G I F T S E D I T F I N D S O M E T H I N G F O R E V E RYO N E O N YO U R L I S T

* Warning! Not suitable for children under 6 months. ±Not suitable for children under 3 years. Warning! Choking hazard – not suitable for children under 3 years due to small parts that may cause a choking hazard. ^Not suitable for children under 5 years. Protective equipment should be worn. Not to be used in traffic. **2 year guarantee included. ^^Do not leave in cot when child is sleeping

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GIFTS FOR KIDS 1. Manuscript Lionheart Benji’s Big Day Activity Book For Children age 3+, 76486006 £10; 2. John Lewis & Partners 3D Rocket Children’s Backpack, H30 x W24 x D8cm, 53768201 £18; 3. Little Home at John Lewis Unicorn Animal Head, H30 x W25 x D30cm, 41378702 £20; 4. V Tech Feathers & Feelings Peacock*, Age 2+, 78952211 £22; 5. Toniebox Starter Set±, Age 3+, H12 x W12 x D12cm, 75170545 £69.95; 6. John Lewis & Partners Wooden Train Set±, Age 3+, 50 pieces, 75600102 £30; 7. Micro Scooters Maxi Micro Deluxe Eco Scooter^, Ages 5-12, 75361927 £129.95; 8. Fitbit Ace 2 Wristband**, in Night Sky Neon, 85913067 £59.99; 9. Steiff Elmar Teddy Bear Soft Toy^^, H40cm, 78990144 £80; 10. John Lewis & Partners Wooden Mini Kitchen±, Age 3+, H30 x W33 x D25.5cm, 75610403 £35; 11. Nintendo Switch 1.1 32GB Console** with Joy-Con controller, in Neon, 82641813 £279.99

HAVE YOURSELF A SCOTTISH SKICATION Winter is here and it’s time to explore the best ski spots for snow obsessives to hit-up in Scotland. Here’s our rundown of the homegrown hills to try when travelling abroad to your favourite ski resort may not be on the cards.

Photography Paul Tomkins ©VisitScotland

IS WINTER H T T U O B A G IN LK WHAT WE’RE TA

THREE OTHER FUN ACTIVITIES TO DO IN THE SNOW 1 DO A SLED DOG SAFARI Bet you didn’t even know it was possible to do a sled ride pulled by husky dogs in the Scottish Highlands? It is, from the Cairngorm Sled Centre near Aviemore and apparently, the whole experience is pretty awesome. 2 BUILD AN ICE HOTEL You’ll definitely make memories on a snow hole expedition, building your own home for the night after a winter mountain climb. One for lovers of the great outdoors and colder climates. 3 TRY A CYCLE IN THE SNOW To cycle a snow-covered woodland trail near Aviemore you’ll need a fat bike to do it. Basically a bike with oversized tyres will help you negotiate the terrain. www.Bothybikes.co.uk

Ski conditions in Scotland tend to get a bit of a beating from the uber-critical but, while it’s often a far cry from the champagne powder of the US or Japan, there are still plenty of fun, soft, snowy days to be had at Scottish resorts. Yes, you need a wee bit of luck with the weather but that’s true of skiing and snowboarding anywhere. When the snow arrives, beginners can get their fix at The Lecht. Situated in Aberdeenshire and about a three-hour drive from Edinburgh, the Lecht is an ace spot to learn the basics and develop technique. There’s a choice of five nice and accessible nursery slopes, and lots of blues once you start to feel a bit more comfortable on your skis or board. For those somewhere between novice and pro, you can hone your skills at Glenshee – Scotland’s biggest resort – or Cairngorm mountain, with their famous funicular railway. They’re situated at either end of the Cairngorms National Park, but each has a unique feel and, in time, you’ll find your favourite. There’s plenty of varied terrain at both, and over recent years they’ve stepped up their grooming, park features, and uplift facilities to offer an awesome day out

for any level of rider. If you’re an experienced skier or snowboarder and you’re looking for something a little different, Scotland naturally provides a spectacular backdrop for a spot of ski touring or splitboarding. Armed with the right equipment, you can head out into the backcountry and make the most of Scotland’s fantastic ‘right to roam’ laws. Areas like the Ben Lawers range were popular ski areas back in the 1930s and can still provide thrills if you don’t mind getting yourself to the top of the hill. Just make sure you grab a transceiver, probe and shovel, and learn how to use them before you go. Avalanches are a risk, even with Scotland’s modest snow levels.

Due to ongoing tier levels and travel restrictions, at time of going to press, Nevis Range ski resort had announced that it wouldn’t open at the start of the season as planned. Glencoe, Glenshee, Cairngorms and The Lecht all plan to open by mid- December. For further updates, vsit www.visitscotland.com/see-do/ active/skiing-snowsports

2 Our new weekly newsletter Love, Edinburgh is full of features and relevant information to help you get the most out of life in this wonderful city, all cherry-picked by us. It’s becoming the place to go to find out all the latest things that are happening around town. Here’s a handful of news stories, recipes and offers we’ve shared so far that we think you should know about…

THE GIG TO BOOK NOW

In 2020 style, who better to do an online world tour than virtual band, Gorillaz. Catch Damon and crew at 7pm on Sunday 13th December by booking your ticket at www.gorillazlivenow.com

Near Surgeon’s Hall at the time of Burke and Hare, the Anatomist is a brilliant immersive escape room experience, and a fun thing to do with a small group of friends. It’s warm, indoors and safe… 25% OFF A BRILLIANT and i-on readers get an exclusive NEW ESCAPE ROOM 25% discount if you EXPERIENCE book for four or more players, until 31 January 2021. Use code ION25 at www.escapethepast.co.uk/book

EXCLUSIVE i-on OFFER

DRIFT INDOORS OPENS FOR BUSINESS

For a view with your flat white, pop into Drift after a North Berwick beach walk. The perfect way to spend a Sunday.

MEANDER APPAREL POPS UP ON GEORGE STREET

Until mid-January you’ll find the full range of sustainable, technical clothing by Edinburgh brand Meander Apparel, along with other like-minded brands, popping up at 33 George Street.

EASY PASTA RECIPE TO MAKE ANY DAY OF THE WEEK

Simple, unctuous, satisfying… we’ve got smoked haddock, pea and chorizo macaroni cheese. See the recipe at www.ionedinburgh.com/ food/recipes

NEW FOOD STORE FOR 27 ELLIOTT’S

21 Elliott’s, just along the road, is filled with all the open kitchen’s favourite ingredients, homeware and useful cooking kit. Follow @elliottsedinburgh

ONLINE MASTERCLASSES YOU’LL LOVE

For more information like this direct to your inbox on a weekly basis, sign up to receive our Love, Edinburgh newsletter at www.ionedinburgh.com

Experiential event specialists Rogue Village take their signature feel-good vibes online with a series of masterclasses and workshops. You can learn floristry, calligraphy, baking, soap making, wild cooking by some of the UK’s finest. £35 per course. www.thevillageschool.co.uk

WONDERFUL

WINTER WALKS Baby, it’s cold outside and there’s nothing like a short sharp burst of chilly winter air to blow away the cobwebs. When you’re looking for a walk that’s short enough for the whole family to enjoy, these picture-perfect trails around Edinburgh will more than do the job.

Pressmenan Woods A really lovely woodland near Stenton in East Lothian, Pressmennan offers three wellmaintained pathway trails so check the map before you start. You may spot an otter or two in Pressmennan Lake and the kids will absolutely love the circular sculpture trail where they can go on the hunt for Glingbobs and Tooflits, little wooden figures whose homes are in the trees. Give them a few pennies to leave at the doors for their efforts.

Lauriston Castle Located between Davidson’s Mains and Cramond, the grounds of Lauriston Castle are a beautiful tranquil spot with views overlooking the Firth of Forth. It’s also home to a pretty award-winning Japanese garden, and Mimi’s Bakehouse is open from 10am to 5pm, offering hot drinks and cakes to go and outdoor seating in the courtyard. Free entry to the grounds and limited parking available onsite.

Teresa Sumerfield Photography

FEATURES

The Forth Bridge

VisitScotland Kenny Lamb

You’ll get the best view of the Queensferry Crossing by walking the 2.5k long Forth Road Bridge. It has footpaths and wide cycle lane, and the views across to Edinburgh are pretty spectacular. Refuel at Down the Hatch café in Port Edgar Marina. You can book a table in advance or use their click and collect service by downloading the app.

Aberlady Dunes We absolutely love this walk. Park up to the east of Aberlady Bay and walk across the ‘Footbridge to Enchantment’ to the beautiful local nature reserve. It’s known as a bird watching spot but if you’re lucky, you may see a roe deer along the way. The one-way trail opens out onto a beautiful , vast expanse of golden sands with sweeping views back to Edinburgh. Kids will love the sand dunes, even more so if you remember to take a sledge with you. Who needs snow?

Newhailes House and Gardens

VisitScotland Kenny Lamb

This one is a winner for peaceful woodland walks, burn jumping (bring wellies), bird watching and 17th century architecture. It’s a beautiful oasis of nature with great views across the North Sea. The really good news is there’s a wee Christmas market open every weekend, 10am-6pm, in December in the run to the 25th, with stalls to shop and food and drink to keep you warm.

Lord Ancrum’s Wood A beautiful little spot in the grounds of Newbattle Abbey in Eskbank. Cross over the bridge into the woodland and enjoy wild garlic, bramble or rosehip picking depending on the season, and try spotting the ice house and the ‘cavern’ known as the ‘priest hole’. It’s eerie enough for a spot of fun and the ancient trees are amazing.

Glencorse Reservoir There is many a decent reservoir walk in the Pentlands and Glencorse is a nice easy one to do. It’s along one path, up a wee slope obviously, but the good thing is you can turn back when you’ve had your fill of fresh air. You’ll need to park the car by the Flotterstone Inn but it gets busy quickly at weekends so an early walk may be the way forward. Beautiful at this time of year for the changing light. Wrap up warmly though.

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The UK’s top chefs offering heat at home national delivery menus

ome delivery menus from Edinburgh’s top restaurants have been our absolute highlight of 2020. Better still, we recently discovered that lots of the most prestigious restaurants and chefs in the UK are offering the same, and delivering nationwide. Whilst we’d love to be swanning off to the Lakes, Yorkshire or London for a fancy weekend full of food and wine, that’s not always possible - and is especially tricky just now. Thankfully, food prepared at Michelin-starred restaurants by some of the country’s top chefs can now by served by us, in the comfort of our homes. Here are some of our favourites...

Stein’s at Home

FOOD ROAD TRIPS

Hame by AH

@home by James Knappett

Kitchen Table, Central London With a cooking philosophy that highlights the best of British produce, captured in dishes using techniques refined from chef James Knappett’s time at the incredible noma in Denmark and Per Se in New York, Kitchen Table’s pedigree is clear to see - and it has two Michelin stars to prove it. It’s all about the tasting menu here, served in a unique and intimate environment. If you’re lucky enough to get a place at the Kitchen Table you’re served a 12-course tasting menu, prepared and meticulously plated at the specially built, bar-top style seating that surrounds the kitchen area. So, although plating up in your home may not have the same effect, the &home by James Knappett tasting menu is just as fancy, and there are two to choose from; seven or 11 courses (£150 and £250 respectively). There’s no compromise on the quality of ingredients or innovation of the dishes so expect a show-stopping dine at home experience. Pre-orders must be made by midnight on Sundays for delivery on Fridays. www.Jamesknappett.com.

Rogan & Co, Cartmel, Lake District

Chef Simon Rogan and his restaurants have become synonymous with Michelin stars. Situated in the quaint village of Cartmel, in a picturesque cottage beside a stream, Rogan & Co perfectly captures the feeling of the laid-back English countryside. The chef patron isn’t just about pleasant aesthetics though; he’s established himself as a pioneer of presenting classic gastropub fare with flair. Rogan at Home combines the heartiness (and affordability) of Rogan & Co’s country bistro offerings with the sense of adventure that he regularly employs at nearby two Michelin-starred restaurant, L’Enclume. For example, the latest menu, which changes weekly, includes dishes like Teriyaki glazed beef short ribs, beetroots and wilted chard and three courses is available for £45 per person. www.simonroganathome.co.uk.

Frog by Adam Handling, Covent Garden, London

In the heart of Covent Garden is Frog by Adam Handling, The MasterChef: The Professionals finalist’s highly successful flagship restaurant. Here, guests experience what the young Scottish chef is best known for; exciting, intense flavour pairings with savvy cooking techniques and the restaurant is one of the hottest tickets in town. His home delivery offering - Hame by AH, is a mouth-watering one. There’s a la carte to choose from or the Hame packages like the brilliantly-named ‘who are you trying to impress?’ package. It’s the most expensive option at £305 for two but includes the works - sourdough, a jar of chicken butter, wagyu and caviar tartare, ‘lobster wagyu’, Beef Wellington, clotted cream mash, spring greens, roast carrots, Tarte Tatin, Truffled Tunworth whole cheese and a bottle of own label English sparkling wine - you won’t forget it in a hurry. Comes complete with a QR code to scan, and you’ll be taken to a video which shows you how to prepare the food. Pure sorcery. www.adamhandling.co.uk/hame.

Made in Oldstead

Rick Stein, Cornwall

One of the UK’s original celebrity chefs who taught us it’s okay to enjoy fish back in the day, Rick Stein’s restaurant emporium encompasses his globetrotting escapades while still retaining a quintessentially British feel. His love of fresh Cornish seafood and classic British dishes has been translated into Stein’s at Home - the chef’s take on home delivery, organised into different ‘boxes’ that capture the best of home and away, something we’ve seen him do on TV for years. Each box (there’s six to choose from) serves two, with a starter, main and dessert. But, for us, if we’re dining Rick Stein, it’s the Lobster box all the way, with grilled scallops and a classic lobster thermidor – especially if we’re allowed skinny fries on the side. Delivery available every Friday. www.rickstein.com.

Gymkhana, West End, London

It wouldn’t be much of a home delivery list without a curry option. And with the Michelin-starred Gymkhana being one of the best in the country, it’s a pretty good option. Famed for its colonialstyle gentleman’s club aesthetic, Gymkhana’s food reflects its upscale opulence with beautifully realised renditions of all your curry house favourites, prepared to Michelin star perfection. The restaurant’s online shop, Ambassador General Store, sells the very best cook-athome family feast kits, signature dishes and drinks from Gymkhana and its sister restaurants Trishna and Brigadiers. It will up your Indian takeaway game big time. www.ambassadorgeneralstore.com

The Black Swan, North Yorkshire

This place has many ‘best’ accolades and the chef, Tommy Banks, was Britain’s youngest Michelin-star chef in 2013. Hidden down a country lane amongst Yorkshire countryside farmed for generations by the Banks family, The Black Swan leans on the family’s knowledge of British produce with a contemporary menu, using produce from their own farm, garden and local hedgerows. The Made in Oldstead food boxes bring a flavour of the English countryside to your dining table, offering three and five-course menus which change weekly. They sell out quickly though so don’t be tardy. You may want to get first dibs on the Classic Weekend box when you’re feeling particularly indulgent/ lazy. It offers two different three course meals for two people – your weekend dining sorted for £85. Orders open on Thursdays for delivery on the following Friday. www.tommybanks.co.uk.

NOW ON SHOP NOW IN STORE AND ONLINE BOCONCEPTSCOTLAND.COM

BUCHANAN GALLERIES, GLASGOW PRINCES SQUARE, GLASGOW R O S E S T R E E T, E D I N B U R G H

BOCONCEPTSCOTLAND.COM

WHETHER IT’S FOR YOU OR A CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR A FOODIE FRIEND, THE BEST KIND OF PACKAGE TO RECEIVE IS ONE FILLED WITH DELICIOUS TREATS – HERE’S A FEW YOU CAN ORDER FROM SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE LOCAL FOOD AND DRINK BUSINESSES FOR A DELICIOUS DELI PLATTER… Edinburgh charcuterie maker, East Coast Cured, has teamed up with some of their favourite independent producers to introduce a new hamper collection including a selection of their award-winning salamis and sliced meats alongside locally-made sweet and savoury treats. Hamper from £25 to £55. To order, visit www.eastcoastcured. com or pop into the shop. 3 Restalrig Road, EH6 8BB.

FOR A WINE TASTING AT HOME… The experts at Edinburgh’s Spry Wines will put together a case of their favourite bottles for you or you can choose from their ever-changing list. Minimum order six bottles or £100. Free same-day delivery in Edinburgh and they also deliver nationwide. To order, email matt@sprywines.co.uk, call 0131 557 0005 or pop into the shop, now open Wed to Sun, 12pm to 8pm. 1 Haddington Pl, EH7 4AE.

FOR A CHEESE & WINE NIGHT… Smith and Gerturde is delivering amazing wine and cheese packages to your door. The five cheese and wine package includes the key components for a classic cheese board; 5 x 100g cheeses (from a never-ending selection), Sfoglie crackers, chutney and, of course, a great bottle of wine, all finished with S&G tasting notes and packaged up beautifully. To order visit www. smithandgertrude.com/sg-home or if you want to go in person, the wine shop remains open. 26 Hamilton Pl, Stockbridge, EH3 5AU.

FOR AN ADULT CHRISTMAS EVE BOX

Christmas parcel by James McNeish

BOX CLEVER

Edinburgh-based private chef James McNeish, formerly of Le Gavroche by Michael Roux, has launched the Christmas Parcel, a box of festive joy which can be collected from Leith on 23 December. A celebration of Scottish ingredient-lead dishes, the feast is Christmas Eve in a box and enough for the whole family to enjoy. For £65 it includes salmon gravadlax or clove studded ham, pork, apple and fennel en croute, mulled wine, chutney, chocolate tart and poached pears, and homemade Christmas crackers. Follow on Instagram @tablejamesmcneish, or to order email jamesmcneish@ frommytabletoyours.co.uk.

THE PERFEC T CHRISTMAS GIF T V O U C H E R S AVA I L A B L E F R O M J U S T Â£ 5 0

FEATURES

Fireside Favourites Thistledown Cunning Plan Shiraz 2019 Produced in the McClaren Vale region of Australia by a Scottish company, this wine has ripe plum and blackberry flavours with the spice of a Shiraz behind it. This is a real fireside wine and it’s only £15.99 per bottle.

Let’s face it, we’re going to drink a lot of wine at home this winter. Here, Sue from Edinburgh’s Vegan Tipples gives her recommendations for the best winter wines. They’re all full of flavour, 100% vegan, and perfect to enjoy by the warmth of a roaring fire.

Simonsig Pinotage One of the biggest producers in the Stellenbosch region, this is a real South African stunner. Grapes are from 125- year-old vines that give depth and unique flavour to this red. £13.25 per bottle.

Paparuda Pinot Noir 2019 This Romanian wine is a real revelation. It’s much fruitier than what’s usually associated with a Pinot Noir, just like drinking fruit cake. And at only £8.99 per bottle, it’s excellent value for the quality of the wine.

Delaforce Fine White Port What’s not to like about white port? This one’s from the oldest wine company in Portugal. It is medium sweet and a great accompaniment to cheese. It’s amazing quality for a price tag of £14.99.

*READER

OFFER

All available at www.vegantipples.co.uk i-on readers receive 10% discount with code ion1

Mad Dry Furmint 2016 We had to throw a white in here too. This wine, £14.99, has apricot and peach flavours with a ginger spice and is somewhere between a Loire Chenin and a Chablis in style.

Made in Scotland chen shelf) Pimp your coffee table (or kit es m with one of these beautiful to

For badass women

From the author of last year’s Warriors and Witches and Damn Rebel Bitches: Scottish women to live your life by; this new book presents the inspiring true tales of 30 barrierbreaking women from all three Celtic nations. From prophets to photographers, artists to activists, these women will inspire you to face your own modern-day dilemmas in true badass style. Feisty and Fiery and Fierce: Badass Women to Live Your Life by from the Celtic Nations of Scotland, Ireland and Wales by Mairi Kidd (Black & White Publishing, £14.99).

For interiors lovers

Scotland’s newest destination hotel, The Fife Arms, launches a beautiful tome dedicated to its stunning artinspired interiors, featuring specially commissioned murals and sculptures by modern artists alongside works by Lucian Freud, Louise Bourgeois, Pablo Picasso; and HRH Queen Victoria. Perfect for travel enthusiasts and lovers of the finer things in life too. The Fife Arms by Dominic Bradbury (Phaidon, £90).

FEATURES

For home cooks

Established in 2016, Ullapool’s seafood shack quickly became a famed foodie destination beloved for its fresh, vibrant, ballsy dishes. In their first book, owners Kirsty Scobie and Fenella Renwick share 80 down-to-earth recipes plus essential tips on preparing fish and shellfish at home. Whether it’s their signature haddock wrap for a mid-week dinner or their garlic & thyme langoustines for a weekend treat, this is food that is simple and quick, but more importantly, delicious to eat and a joy to cook. The Seafood Shack: Food & Tales from Ullapool by Kirsty Scobie & Fenella Renwick (Kitchen Press, £20).

For fashion lovers

With an extraordinary heritage of innovation and creativity, tweed is one of Scotland’s greatest gifts to the world. Crafted by artisan weavers in remote mills, the fabric is as beloved on Scottish streets as it is on the international catwalks. In this new book, Edinburgh master tailor Vixy Rae explores the landscapes, textures and patterns of this authentic, rugged cloth. The Art of Tweed by Vixy Rae (Black & White Publishing, £14.99). Out now. For a signed copy featuring Limited Edition Stewart Christie & Co. tweed cover, visit www.stewartchristie.com/store.

For outdoors types

The second collaboration from the clever Edinburgh women behind bestselling wild swimming book Taking the Plunge, this ode to nature is a beautiful collection of stories and photographs exploring the connection between people and trees. Featuring Chris Packham, Dame Judi Dench, Kirsty Wark and more; it’s a story of why trees matter - now, more than ever before. For the Love of Trees by Vicky Allan and Anna Deacon (Black & White Publishing, £20).

r blues..? What winte py and energised this winter. Five steps to help you stay hap

We don’t need a crystal ball to predict that winter 2020 won’t be up there with the best of them. But negative thoughts, stress and worries are instant energy zappers, make us susceptible to disease, and do little to lift our spirits. Here’s a handful of ways to help us stay upbeat, positive, and full of beans when times are tough.

Check your mindset

Eat well and top up your vitamins

Increase your organic veg quota to include lots of iron-packed spinach, broccoli and kale. An orange each day will top up your vitamin C and garlic has anti-bacterial and antiviral properties. But, even if you eat organically, it’s difficult to get enough vitamins from your food so take a good quality vitamin and mineral each day from quality brands such as Viridan and Bio Care. During the winter months, try taking 500mg a day of the Ester-C (this is a buffered highly absorbable form of vitamin C and dose-wise is equivalent to the 1000mg products) combined with your choice of multivitamin. And don’t go lacking in your vitamin D intake either, especially important for us living here in bonnie Scotland. Rule

of thumb; take a daily dose of 400IU until the clocks go forward in March, to keep muscles and bones healthy. Turmeric can also give a new lease of life and help boost your immune system. Part of the ginger family, the yellow-coloured spice has been used in cooking and medicine, specifically Ayurvedic medicine, since ancient times. Taking a turmeric supplement can significantly lower fatigue levels.

Add butter to your coffee

In contrast to a quick espresso hit, adding a couple of teaspoons of butter and coconut oil to your caffeine fix can give it far reaching benefits. Butter coffee is said to provide a steady, long-lasting energy boost without a blood sugar crash as the fat slows digestion so the caffeine is absorbed into the body slower.

You create your life with thoughts. Every thought you have leads to an emotion, which then leads to a decision, which leads to an action. Your thoughts shape your reality. Write down your goals and visualise yourself having achieved them. And stay focused. Focus is a powerful tool for achieving goals and attaining happiness. Whatever you focus on grows, whether positive or negative. Identify clear goals like losing weight and you will have more chance of achieving them.

Reharmonise your biosphere

Yes, that’s right. Did you know that continued low energy levels could be a sign that your body’s energy field is in need of reharmonisation? We’re talking about your aura here and the damage caused by the invisible pollution around us through our mobile phones, televisions, electrical appliances, road traffic, computers and Wi-Fi. With home working now the norm and increased devices in our personal spaces, our constant exposure to wireless devices can

BOOKS FOR HAPPINESS We all need to check in with ourselves now and again. Here’s our list of books that help us to do just that. Think like a monk, Jay Shetty Ex monk Jay reveals how to overcome negative thoughts and habits, and access the calm and purpose that lie within all of us.

put our body under electro-stress. A bioDOT is a magnetic disc programmed with harmonic interface (Phi) energy worn as a pendant or bracelet. It releases natural frequencies to remind your energy field of its optimum state, so you feel calmer, more focused and more energised. Likewise, use a smartDOT alongside a bioDOT to retune EMFs emitted by wireless devices. They’ve had very decent reviews and at under £25, they’re worth a try. www.energydots.com

Be kind to yourself

One of the biggest challenges to your body and your immune system is stress. Centre on the positive things in your life by writing down three good things that happen each day. Re-read them and try to hold onto the positive effect they have on you. It’s also important to take some time each day just for you and work at putting your mind into a positive space. Even taking 10 minutes out to have an essential oil bath - tea tree, rosemary and lavender all have antimicrobial and antibacterial actions - with the lights down and a candle burning can make you feel better. Meditating, talking to a friend, or even a quick break to dance around the house to your favourite song are all ways to bring more positive energy into your life. Taking small steps to create a more positive outlook can have long lasting energy benefits.

Daring Greatly, Brene Brown Brene Brown, darling of TED talks, believes that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. When we shut it down, we shut down our true selves.

The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse, Charlie Murray A beautiful book about friendship, life and the importance of kindness.

The Chimp Paradox, Prof Steve Peters Recognise how your mind is working and understand and manage your emotions and thoughts.

Merry Christmas FEATURES

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take my health and fitness seriously but despite working out regularly and eating well, I’ve always had problem areas. So, when I heard about a new revolutionary muscle and body sculpting technology in Edinburgh, I was keen to give it a try. Available exclusively within Dr Nestor’s Medical Cosmetic Centre on Dundas Street, TruBody is a complete body shaping technology that pairs body sculpting and muscle sculpting to remove fat, build muscle and

tighten skin. It also has medical benefits and can improve strength after surgery, chronic illness or injury. For me, it was correcting my ‘mum tum’ and sculpting a fuller, more rounded bum. After a thorough consultation with Dr Nestor, my treatment plan started with a powerful monopolar radio-frequency fat dissolving session called TruSculpt ID, focusing on excess fat and loose skin across my abdomen. As the device went over my problem areas, working deep into the fat layers, it was seriously relaxing, almost like a hot stone massage. The following week I was back for my first of four TruSculpt Flex (electrical muscle stimulation) sessions. Now, whilst this wasn’t painful, I certainly knew it was working. It was like an intense workout with a personal trainer. As I’m a regular gym goer, I opted for medium intensity but the therapist can control the strength and frequency of the muscle stimulation should it be too much initially. My Flex sessions took just two weeks but I actually started seeing results the next morning - within four weeks, friends and family could really see changes and the full results came within 12 weeks. The excess fat on my

lower stomach was greatly reduced, as were my love handles. The loose skin courtesy of having two kids close together seemed tighter and my tummy more toned. My bum had lifted and seemed fuller. I was finally in the best shape of my life. TruBody packages start at £1,750. For more information, visit www.drnestor.co.uk or call 0131 467 1450

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2021 EVENTS

W TO BOOK NO

In 2021, if we can, we’re going to do EVERYTHING! Here’s a smorgasbord of events to look forward to, some rescheduled, but all with the chance to book tickets now…

FOR A RIGHT GOOD SHOW We booked our tickets for the hugely talked about Broadway musical The Book of Mormon when they were announced in 2019. Little did we know we’d be waiting until June 2021 to watch it. From South Park creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the story of a pair of mismatched missionaries is what The Book of Mormon is all about. It has been called ‘the best musical of this century’ so expect remaining tickets to sell fast. Catch it if you can from 09-26 June 2021 at Edinburgh Playhouse. Another classic will also be at the Playhouse next year with Disney’s beloved stage musical Beauty and the Beast scheduled from Thursday 21 October until Saturday 27 November, as part of a UK tour. Spectacularly revamped but bursting with the charm and elegance audiences expect from Belle, the show will also feature the iconic songs Be Our Guest and Beauty and the Beast in its soundtrack. Tickets on sale now. www.atgtickets.com/Edinburgh

In Festival Theatre, Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show is back on 26 April and the Scottish Ballet’s beautiful performance of Swan Lake is scheduled for 08-10 April, with The Nutcracker due to run from Wednesday 01 to Friday 31 December 2021. And 2020’s panto at the King’s, Sleeping Beauty, has been rescheduled from 27 November 2021 to 16 January 2022. Starring all the old favourites, Allan Stewart, Andy Gray, Grant Stott and Jordan Young, it will be the last pantomime to be staged at the King’s before the theatre undertakes its major refurbishment in the summer of 2022.

FOR GIGS AND FESTIVALS At time of going to print, the world of live music was still a very uncertain place but there’s hope on the horizon with the lineup for Edinburgh’s Summer Sessions in Princes Street Gardens already announced. Huge stars including Lionel Richie, Michael Kiwanuka, Simple Minds, Tom Jones and Travis will return for rescheduled shows for 2021’s festival, from 08-15 August. Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.co.uk We’re still holding out hope for the Edinburgh International Film Festival to take place at the end of June – at least in the form of online screening and drive-in movies - and Jools Holland and his rhythm and

blues orchestra and singer and saxophonist Curtis Stiger have both already confirmed their rescheduled performances on 17 and 18 July resepectively, as part of the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival. Elsewhere, The Godfather of Brit Pop, Paul Weller is due to perform a fairly intimate gig at Usher Hall on 05 July and Manchester band Elbow, having already rescheduleld twice, is hoping that it’s third time lucky by pushing back their gigs until 08 and 09 September. Songstress Paloma Faith is also back in the Burgh on 19 September with a gig sprinkled with favourites from her back catalogue as well as songs from her latest album, Infinite Things. Over at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro, Harry Styles rescheduled his sell-out 2020 tour appearance until 16 March 2021 and, although we may have missed out there, there’s a whole host of pop royalty due to perform including Stormzy, Dua Lipa, and Little Mix. We’re equally as happy to see Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds due to make an appearance on 20 April, Blondie will be there in November… oh, and Ru Paul’s Drag Race world tour is in town on 16 May.

FOR SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS On 16 May, 5,000 cyclists from all across the country will descend on the area around Pitlochry to take on one of the most breathtaking rides through the Highlands. Riders in the Etape Caledonia event can choose a gruelling 85-mile route which includes a climb of Mt Schiehallion, or a more mellow 40 miler. Whatever the route, views and a good time are guaranteed. www.etapecaledonia.co.uk. Runners will be delighted to hear that the Edinburgh Marathon Festival is back on 29 and 30 May. From the full bhuna (26.2miles) to a 5k, there’s something going on for all abilities and, despite all the hills in Edinburgh, the marathon follows a pretty flat route, along the coast to East Lothian. The main event happens on Sunday with the full, half and team relay options all available. The 5k and 10k runs and events for the little people in your life take place in and around Holyrood Park on Saturday 29th. For more info and to enter, visit www.edinburghmarathon.com. Hopefully, women will be wearing their bras and parading them proudly through the streets of Edinburgh on 12 June, for the half moon (13.1 miles) or full moon (26.2 miles) power walk. Moon Walk, now in its 15th year, is an epic event with oodles of camaraderie and good spirit, raising funds for Breast Cancer Awareness. Register your interest at www.walkthewalk.org. One for all the family, Race for life returns to Edinburgh on 20 June with 5k or 10k options. Everyone is encouraged for the 5k event and it’s possibly one of the most humbling events of the year with participants, old and young, walking, talking, jogging or

running, often in memory of loved ones who have battled cancer, in a bid to raise funds for life saving research. www.events.cancerresearchuk.org. Or if you’re ready to challenge yourself to the ultimate test of courage, endurance and teamwork, Tough Mudder is back on 03 and 04 Jul at Dallkeith Country Park, with three different events encompassing various distances, obstacles and challenges. When the grafting’s done, there’ll be the usual big blow-out at Mudder village with food, drink, DJs and a general air of well-earned smugness. www.toughmudder.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS GIFTS WORTH GIVING

www.cambridgeimprint.co.uk

When you’re lacking inspiration on the old gift buying front, these present ideas are so good they’d make even the Christmas elves proud

XMAS GIFT GUIDE 2 We all need some sparkle and joy in our lives. Can ours come in a little package like this, please? Beautiful 18ct white gold diamond drop pendant, £2,045 at Laings, www.laingsuk.com.

We’d happily stay wrapped up in this gorgeous wool muffler scarf by Kapital until spring. Soft, warm, crafted in Japan and beautiful to look at, it’s a keeper to be cherished forever. £220 at www.epitomeofedinburgh.com.

Afternoon tea at sea is becoming quite the thing at Fingal in Leith Docks. And the luxurious ship hotel is getting quite the reputation as the place to go to enjoy the old tradition. Gift vouchers for the ultimate afternoon treat are available at www.fingal.co.uk.

4 If you’re in the market for a food hamper, Restoration Yard has put together a fine selection of their favourite food and drink products and they’re available online. The Wine & Chocolate hamper (pictured) costs £85, or pop in-store to create your own. www.restorationyard.com/shop/online-store/

5 Scottish skincare products made with donkey’s milk from Sardinia? Beauty junkies will love the first skincare collection by new beauty brand Smart Ass Beauty. Super effective anti-ageing products packed with natural organic ingredients, with prices starting from £15.95 for the cleansing bar. www.smartassbeauty.co.uk/our-products/

7 Ætla Jewellery Boutique is popping up in Stockbridge at @spaceatseventeen on St Stephen Street in time for Christmas, with exclusive one-of-a-kind styles. You’ll be hard-pushed to choose just one piece but we wouldn’t say no to this effortlessly beautiful pendant, £995, by designer Ellis Mhairi Cameron. www.aetla.co.uk @_aetla_.

6 Cosy in for Christmas at home with Biscuit. Visit us online or pop into our local Edinburgh and Glasgow stores for a gorgeous selection of clothing, homewares and festive gifting ideas to suit everyone. www.biscuit.clothing 132 Bruntsfield Place, EH10 4ER, 22 Thistle Street, EH2 1EN, 135 Hyndland Road, G12 9AJ Restrictions on hours may apply. www.biscuit.clothing/collections/gifts.

9 Morningside Gallery’s extensive website carries all of its artwork and includes full details, along with views of artworks on a wall for scale. You’ll find sections for original framed paintings, sculpture and ceramics and a wide range of small, unframed original paintings, all priced at £500 and under. www.morningsidegallery.co.uk.

8 Someone would be in for a very special staycation with a luxurious getaway at Archerfield. Voted one of the ‘Top Hotels of the World’ by The Sunday Times, an overnight stay in the Pavilion Suites, with a two-course meal and a signature Scottish breakfast is £235 per room per night for stays until March 2021. Visit www.archerfieldhouse.com/offers.

10 Candles, perfume, facemasks, designer clothing, luxury winter accessories, glasses chains, cashmere, a fashion themed coffee table book....Jane Davidson has many unique Christmas gift ideas. Or make sure the woman in your life gets what she really wants with a gift voucher. It can even come gift-wrapped. www.janedavidson.co.uk/christmas-gift-guide/.

XMAS GIFT GUIDE

11 Give something back this Christmas. Edinburgh Food Social teaches young people and communities about food. During lockdown, they cooked over 65,000 meals for those who needed them. Buy one of their range of seasonal gins distilled by Edinburgh Gin, or hampers stuffed with homemade goodies and artisan treats to help support the good work they do. www.edinburghfoodsocial.org.

12 Give the past as a present this Christmas with a Historic Scotland gift membership. With many sites across the country and 5,000 years of history to explore, you’ll be taken on an exciting journey of discovery. www.members.historic-scotland.gov.uk/gift.

Dear Santa, this Christmas we would be overjoyed to receive this beautiful silk scarf by Scottish designer Iona Crawford, £155. Known for her interiors and stunning fabrics, you’ll find it along with a whole range of scarves and a curated collection of home accessories in her online boutique at www.ionacrawford.com/ boutique

15 Bagged a Munro, or know someone who has? These mugs (£10 / £12) are designed and made by Edinburgh-based Heather and Haggis. You’ll find loads more gifts, art and homewares inspired by Scotland at www.heatherandhaggis.co.uk, all carefully hand-printed in their studio or proudly made in Britain.

14 Whether it’s a bifold, trifold, card holder or coin pouch, at Frontiers Man they’ve got you covered with an extensive selection of Il Bussetto small leathers. Hailing from Milan, prices range from £49 to £85. Just one example of gifting ideas for all the men in your life; the store has many. 18 Stafford St, EH3 7BD, www.frontiersman.com.

These gorgeous zodiac necklaces by Rachel Jackson are a lovely gift to receive, and are especially sentimental for mums who can wear their kid’s birth sign. Priced at £45 for sterling silver and £55 for gold-plated, they’re available in store at ALC, at 61 Thistle Street, and online at www.alceshop.com, and come in a lovely gift box.

Treat the foodie in your life to a seafood feast to enjoy ‘At Home’ from White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar. These delicious kits are packed full of tasty dishes such as lobster and monkfish and can be shipped nationally. The Seafood Feast costs £95 at www.whitehorseoysterbar.co.uk.

18 Golf holidays may be off the menu right now but the industry leading TrackMan simulator at the Archerfield Performance Centre will let the golf lover in your life play some of the best courses around the world, or practice with accurate stats and tracking. Voucher bundles start from £50 at www.archerfield.wearegifted.co.uk.

19 Say goodbye to single use plastic forever with the new titanium collection from Swedish sustainability specialists Light My Fire. Made in Sweden from 100% titanium, the spork and straw kit, £49.95, is presented in a recycled merino wool case, perfect for backpacks or pockets. Available at www.nordicoutdoor.co.uk.

20 We Love Prints is a bit of a find. There’s more than 600+ wall art print designs and a choice of 10 frames, all with a distinct style, available in different sizes, and from as little as £14.99. We’d love to have a series of the fragrance prints hanging in our bedroom… just saying. www.weloveprints.co.uk

XMAS GIFT GUIDE

22 This signature cashmere from luxury brand Ganni would make anyone’s Christmas the happiest yet, and this beauty also comes in black. Other hard to find labels and accessory brands you’ll find instore include Anonymous Ism, Carla Colour, Clarks Originals, Hestra, Kurt Lyle, Meadows and Neul. 16b Stafford St, EH3 7AU, www.frontiers-woman.com.

21 More than just a pretty face, the world renowned potter and designer Jonathan Adler’s signature head-turner Dora Maar also adorns this mug, £24. Inspired by the French photographer, poet, and painter best known for being a lover and muse of Pablo Picasso. Jonathan’s Muse drinkware starts its journey in his Soho pottery studio where the models are hand-sculpted with body parts - faces, breasts, lips - to create a surreal style. www.padlifestyle.com

23 The Tartan Blanket Co’s wonderful Build Your Own Gift Boxes could be the answer to many prayers. Spread love and warmth by choosing your favourite woolly goodie you’d love to send, add some little treats, and they’ll take care of the rest, including a handwritten gift note. www.Tartanblanketco.com

24 They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So he’ll be in truly, madly, deeply with a steak to-die-for from Chop House restaurant, delivered to his home. The steak feast, £85, serves two to three people and is packed full of your choice of sharing cut, sides, wine, and cocktails, all ordered online. Nationwide delivery also available. www.chophousesteak.co.uk/shop-at-home

Inspired by the shapes of ice, water and rock, Sheila’s Arctic Stream pendant, £179, is a gift that will sparkle this Christmas. This sterling silver pendant is beautifully highlighted in opalescent enamel and accentuated with five cubic zirconia. www.sheilafleet.com

FASHION

A SEASON OF STYLE FROM SOFA TO CELEBRATION, WHATEVER YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE DOING THIS WINTER, DO IT IN STYLE AND COMFORT

Mango

FASHION

Miss Selfridge

FOR

HER

Zip-up sweatshirt, £29.50, Marks & Spencer

STAYING HOME IT’S ALL ABOUT LUXE LEISURE WEAR IN THE SOFTEST FABRICS

Alex Mill t-shirt, £45, Frontiers Man

Desmond & Dempsey ‘Soleia’ printed cotton pyjamas, £150, Harvey Nichols

H&M

FOR

HIM

Chinti and Parker cashmere trousers, £295, Jane Davidson

Beck Sondergaard bra, £38 and matching briefs, £19, Biscuit

Ribbed hooded knit, £109, Whistles

Grey Twill Joggers £19.99, TOPMAN

Grey logo sweater, £75, meanderapparel. com

Slippers, £28, John Lewis

Birkenstock Wool Boston Slippers, £70, John Lewis

Earrings, £12.99, Zara

Topshop

Black wide leg jeans, £99, Whistles

Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Lip Creme Lipstick, Very Merry Cherry Edition, £27.00, Harvey Nichols

Red leopard ruffle blouse, £13.99, New Look

Sequin top, £129, Whistles

THE ZOOM XMAS PARTY

Borg slippers, £30, John Lewis

Beck Sondergaard Macara Multi Hairclips, £12 for set of two, Biscuit

FOR

HER

THINK GLAM UP TOP, COMFORT DOWN BELOW…

FOR

Jersey organic cotton lounge pants, £25, John Lewis Billionare Boys Club black logo cotton t-shirt, £75, Harvey Nichols

Black leather ‘Walter’ slides, £75, Dune London

PU shirt, £49.99, TOPMAN

Leopard knit, £34.99, TOPMAN

River Island

HIM

FASHION

Suncoo Pedro rose knit, £168, Biscuit

Check overshirt, £39.50, Marks & Spencer Quilted gilet, £39.99, TOPMAN

FOR

HER

FOR

HIM

Universal Works at Frontiers Man Ecru padded coat, £79.99, TOPSHOP

Anthropologie

WINTER WALKS STAY COSY IN JEANS, JUMPERS AND THE BIGGEST COAT YOU CAN FIND Jeans, £34.99, H&M

J Brand Tate Boy fit jeans, £275, Jane Davidson

Cameron Taylor cashmere gloves, £85, Epitome

Boots, £185, Whistles

Trango jacket, £449, Berghaus Blueprints by Kestin Folk beanie, £45, Frontiers Woman

Fracap ‘M120’ navy leather boots, £225, Frontiers Man

Khaki rucksack, £35, Marks & Spencer

H&M

FASHION Yaya sand teddy bear scarf, £39.95, Biscuit Cross body bag, £139. Whistles

Leopard print lined lambskin gloves, £30, John Lewis

Dress £29.99. Zara

FOR

HER TOPMAN

Leopard Print Coat, £99.99, TOPSHOP

OUTDOOR DRINKING

‘Pranca’ boots, £160, Dune London

GO FOR CHIC LAYERS AND A STATEMENT WINTER COAT

FOR

HIM

Nudie ‘Lean Dean’ indigo slim-leg jeans, £95, Harvey Nichols

Shirt, £34.99, H&M M&S Autograph pure cashmere jumper £99, Marks & Spencer All Saints ‘Harley’ suede boots, £188, John Lewis

FASHION

MYSTYLE

Amy Daly

Fashion fanatic, make-up artist and specialist in microblading and HD brows, Amy Daly talks shoulder pads, chunky trainers and her obsession with Zara SIGNATURE STYLE I like my outfits to be bold and make a statement. Structure is something I’m always drawn to, especially in a jacket or blazer, and I like a pointy boot to make a frilly dress less girly. I also love ’80s fashion. TYPICAL DAY It’s either mum life or working life and I love mixing up my style accordingly. I’ve recently invested in some Lulu Lemon pieces so the causal mum style looks more sleek and put together. I like wearing all black with a funky trainer. WARDROBE MUST-HAVE I’m obsessed with tailored blazers; they go over anything – a floaty dress or a classic jean. I also love anything with a shoulder pad; the bigger, the better. I even had them put in my wedding dress. FASHION NO-NO I love chunky trainers but I’m a size six and personally find they look gigantic with all the extra sole. It’s important to feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing and to consider if it suits you or your style.

There’s a lot of things I love on other people but they just wouldn’t look right on me, like the Balenciaga Triple S trainers or ‘shackets’, which drown me. INSPIRATION I’m a Pinterest fanatic. There’s nothing you can’t find on that app. On Instagram I follow @taramays25 who is great for pushing fashion boundaries, skin god @carolinehirons, @kjg_home and @aylin_koenig. STYLE ICON My daughter, Savannah. She’s only eight but we have the same mad suggestions on what would look cool. She always pulls it off too. I channel a lot of my style through her but she’s very outspoken about what she wears/agrees to wear. ADDRESS BOOK Most of my wardrobe is Zara, purely because the cut of their clothes fits me so well. However, the quality is a hit or miss. Mango has some fabulous blazers this season and Marks & Spencer always has the best quality. I like H&M for dresses or, for better quality, there’s a company called Elle Belle Attire which always has some great, statement styles. For boots, Russell & Bromley all the way. For the girls, I love Bon Tot in Stockbridge. Follow Amy on Instagram at @amyclare_daly or find her at All About Eve beauty salon in Bruntsfield.

BOLD ACCESSORIES #FOLLOWFRIDAY @PASCALE.BANKS Pascale started her fashion and lifestyle blog Style-Mum back in 2013. She now has 46.5k followers and shares an honest account of her everyday life and stylish, (mostly affordable) wardrobe essentials. www.style-mum.com

Christmas party wear might not be as high on the agenda this year but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress up that cable knit with statement earrings. These 18kt goldplated heart drop earrings by Soru Jewellery will be top of our Christmas wish list. £145 at www.harveynichols.com.

TH E

DROP YOUR NEED-TO-KNOW FASHION NEWS

BRAND OF THE MONTH Jo Gordon

WHAT IS IT? Luxury designer knitwear for women, men and home. WHERE DO YOU GET IT? You’ll find a colourful collection of gloves, hats and scarves from £69 at Frontiers Woman or at www.frontiers-woman.com.

WHY WE RATE IT... Contemporary and stylish, we’re all for the graphic, bold prints and colour combos of this quality knitwear. Produced in Scotland using locally spun wool, Jo Gordon knitwear is made by expert craftspeople using traditional methods and it’s guaranteed to brighten up a grey, gloomy day.

COLLECTION TO COVET

IDOL, the new premium capsule collection from Topshop, features textured leathers, heavier lush fabrics and rich colour palettes for maxi dresses, coats and gorgeous chunky knits. You’ll also find this striking green velvet suit. Wide leg trouser, £39.99, and suit blazer, £65.99, www.topshop.com.

FASHION

STYLISH FACEMASKS For leopard print, tartan, tweed and floral face masks, Totty Rocks boutique, offers a variety of washable and reusable options priced from £10-12 instore at 45-47 Barclay Place or online at www.tottyrocks.co.uk.

I-ON LOVES…

Folk clothing AW20. From statement short, boxy jackets to wool tees and faux fur coats, contemporary casualwear for men and women never looked so good. Available at Frontiers Man and Frontiers Woman in the West End Village just off Princes Street. www.frontiers-man.com.

MONSTER SOLES

Tough meets luxe with extreme chunky sole footwear this season. For some great hiker styles try Vagabond at Office, Dune or Zara.

FIVE MINUTES WITH…

SIOBHAN MACKENZIE We grabbed a quick chat with the Scottish fashion designer renowned for contemporary kilt designs When did the label start? I started the business in 2014, five days after graduating with a First Class BA Honours degree in Fashion Design & Production. Your inspiration? The collection was inspired by my roots and heritage - I was born and raised in The Black Isle in The Highlands - and it very much formed the core of the brand. Everything is made in Scotland. How would you describe your designs? Tradition reinvented – classic items with modern design thinking. The kilts utilise innovative techniques to remaster an iconic piece of Scotland’s history. Instead of a traditional kilt with full tartan pleats we alternate every pleat with a tartan and block colour. The hero pieces of the collection? The signature red kilt made in a dark navy wool with a diagonal splash of Wallace tartan across the back pleats and a touch of tartan on the waistband and fringe. It’s the perfect contemporary statement piece. Where can people find your designs? Online at www.siobhanmackenzie.com. Lately there’s been more of a demand for customised designs which is absolutely no problem as we can tailor every item accordingly. There is a lead time of four to six weeks and prices start from £400.

i-on LOVES…

CHANEL N°5 Holiday bath and body essentials featuring five new textures for the body and five ways to wear the N°5 scent. The shower gel, body lotion, body cream, deodorant and hair mist are on counter now, priced from £40. www.chanel.com.

BEAUTY EXPERT

BEAUTYNOTES

Pixi Global Director of Education and Artistry, Amanda Bell, shares her top tips

Must-try products and treatments

Three festive crackers we really want…… 1. This lip and lash duo with mini Wonder Perfect Mascara 4D and Joli Rouge in 705 Soft Berry is perfectly sized for on-the-go application. £10 at Clarins counters. 2. L’Occitane’s Festive Crackers include mini shower gels and hand creams in four of the best-selling ranges. £21 for a set of four at www.uk.loccitane.com. 3. A gorgeous trio of treats from Jo Malone London featuring Peony & Blush Suede cologne (9ml), Wood Sage & Sea Salt body & hand wash (15ml) and a Wild Bluebell body crème (15ml). £32 in boutiques and at www.jomalone.co.uk.

BRAND TO TRY

Smart Ass Beauty hit the market earlier this year with its first skincare collection, a wrinkle rewind ‘super serum’, wrinkle rewind ‘mega moisture’ and cleansing bar. Formulated in Scotland, the products are packed with natural organic ingredients, pure fresh donkey milk, Vitamins, Omega 3+6, ceramides and pro-biotic lactic acid. From £15.95 at www.smartassbeauty.co.uk.

The treatments most people need but don’t have regularly enough… Switching from a manual exfoliator to an *acid* helps to maximise the health of the skin. Multi-masking is also fantastic. You use two masks; one prescriptive (giving your skin exactly what it needs) and one booster. I’d recommend Glow 02 Mask and BeautifEYE Eye Patches. Your top winter beauty tip… Layering moisture. I add a humectant base and soothing mist as my final step. Hydrating Milky Mist from Pixi is weightless and gives thirst quenching hydration. Best way to look polished on zoom calls… Use a primer to ensure your base looks fresher for longer. Add a couple of drops of a liquid illuminator like Pixi +C VIT brightening perfector for an airbrushed finish. Use a peach colour corrector under the eyes to neutralise dark circles and a tinted stain or nourishing tinted lip balm on lips if you are going to be doing a lot of talking. Finish with a make-up fixing spray to lock down pigment and keep it flawless. Pixi Beauty is available in Harvey Nichols Edinburgh and www.pixibeauty.co.uk.

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Christmas like no other Transform your home into a festive haven with these unique dĂŠcor ideas

58 Photo: Claire Fleck, Luxe Wreath available at www.styleyourspaces.co.uk

INTERIORS

EXPERIMENT WITH COLOUR Swap traditional red and green for something more sophisticated, says event stylist and florist Katie Brigstock aka styleyourspaces. “Christmas will be different this year so embrace the change with something special for your Christmas table. We went for a warmer, softer feel with a blush pink, orange and peach colour palette featuring a couple of standout items such as these bold linen napkins and a collection of coloured glassware. Coloured candles are making waves on Instagram too this year and we’ve styled some mini green tea beeswax candles arranged in fresh grapefruit and plums. It’s a nice touch to include dried fruits in your Christmas wreath too – our Luxe Wreath is created on a fresh Nordmann Fir base generously decorated with eucalyptus, pink feathery Miscanthus grass, dried statice, asparagus fern, and a hint of gold Grevillea then adorned with dried limes, cinnamon and orange slices.” The Style Your Spaces Luxe Wreath, £120, is available to order now at www.styleyourspaces.co.uk and can be collected at the pop-up Christmas shop at 12 St Stephen Street where Katie is also selling taper candles and a selection of fresh and dried flowers.

HONE YOUR CRAFTS Rather than buying all your decorations, embrace this year’s home-making trend and create your own. At Danish furniture store BoConcept, they’re encouraging customers to try a little Christmas DIY. Start small with some simple paper cuttings, and if you’re feeling brave, have a go at a floating dried flower cloud. “There’s something comforting about making your own decorations,” says BoConcept Scotland’s Christopher Lynch. “These delicate paper cuttings inspired by Danish fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen, are the perfect Christmas DIY, adding an elegant touch to your gift wrapping or table decor. Simply print out the template from our website, staple it to your paper and start cutting.” Visit your local BoConcept store to learn more, get assistance, and pick up gloss paper and cuttings (handed out on a first come first served basis). You’ll also find a how-to video for this stunning pampas cloud at www.boconceptscotland.com.

DISPLAY VINTAGE FINDS “Vintage items can add so much character to your space and they lend themselves beautifully to festive décor,” says Amy Convery aka @popsandpiaf. “Keep an eye out for anything brass - a festive staple in my book, especially when accompanied by foraged foliage. Vintage glass items also work perfectly to reflect all that wonderful, seasonal light. Select items in a neutral colour palette that you can use year after year and add in some festive cheer by using colourful, patterned paper (eco-friendly, of course!) and naturally dyed silk ribbons. You can use theses to wrap your gifts and use any leftover pieces to make your own colourful decorations.” Brass bells, magnifying glass and trumpet, all available at www.popsandpiaf.com; Esme Winter patterned papers made with sustainably sourced, archival papers, www.esmewinter.co.uk; and origami paper decorations by Meg Fatharly @printcessmeg.

HAVE SOME FUN

“For Christmas this year we’re embracing the topsy-turvy world we’ve been living in throughout 2020 and there’s a thread of fun and nostalgia running through everything that we have in the Christmas shop,” says Claire McLoughlin of Jeffreys Interiors. “We expect our festive celebrations to be smaller this year, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t enjoy them. Instead of the perfectly coordinated and styled trees of years gone by, we’re leaning towards more fun and personal items.” Jeffreys Interiors Christmas shop is open on North West Circus Place but if you can’t make it along, visit @jeffreysinteriorsshop on Instagram, for a selection of decorations and to order for delivery (free within Edinburgh). www.jeffreys-interiors.co.uk

INTERIORS

KEEP IT SIMPLE If a glitzy, colourful Christmas tree isn’t your style, embrace a Danish attitude to the season with natural details and subtle decorations. “We like a simple, natural look - but this doesn’t mean it’s a minimalist approach to Christmas styling. The Danes love Christmas and we really go all-out to decorate the whole house, making it a cosy and welcoming haven through the winter months,” says Sofie Biehl Kleberg of Nordic Living by Biehl in Bruntsfield. “I always try to bring nature indoors at Christmas, and use berries, pine cones and fir branches throughout the house and on the table. Gather branches in a tall glass vase to reflect candlelight and hang some delicate folded paper shapes in dusky pink, grey and silver, like our selection in store from Broste Copenhagen (pictured). I’ll build from there, adding vintage-inspired glass baubles in candy colours, plus delicate gold and silver metal stars, leaves and bells to reflect the lights and add some sparkle.” www.mynordicliving.co.uk

MAKE CONSCIOUS CHOICES If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that the world is more fragile than we thought and many of us will undoubtedly be making more thoughtful decisions when it comes to Christmas consumerism. One easy place to start is with your wrapping paper. Instead of buying rolls and rolls of glittery (likely unrecyclable) gift wrap, go for simple brown paper, sustainably sourced handprinted designs or even fabric. As part of their ‘Art of Japan’ Christmas theme, John Lewis suggest a wrapping technique called Furoshiki, where parcels are covered in fabric and secured with a neat knot. Fabrics: left, John Lewis 100% Linen Tea Towel, pack of 2, £18; right, Silk Small Geo Pocket Square, £18.75; Mistletoe Birds Charity Christmas Cards, £5.50; Snowy Trees Blue Charity Christmas Cards, £5.

INTERIORS

SITTING PRETTY

STATEMENT WALLPAPER

We’ve always been a fan of the funky footstools by East Lothian based homeware company Dwelling Bird but now we can add its Stargazing Wallpaper to our list too. At £90 per 10.05 metre roll (52cms wide) it’s not cheap but it will transform any room. Find a selection of Dwelling Bird homewares at Dragonfly Gifts on Broughton Street, Archerfield Walled Garden or online at www.dwellingbird.co.uk. Use IONXMAS at checkout for 10% off all products.

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK

Add warmth to your interiors with a pop of orange. From accessories to furniture, it’ll help create a cosy setting whilst brightening dark spaces. Heather dining chair, £99 at www.cultfurniture.com.

Make this year’s Christmas table as worthy as the feast served upon it. Edinburgh-based business Truffle Tablescapes can provide all the pretty props you need for an insta-worthy meal from candles and candlesticks to linen and flowers. These beautifully crafted tablescapes in a box are then yours to enjoy again and again. From £195 for a table of four at www.truffletablescapes.co.uk.

HO M E

REPORT Interior news and what to buy now

DOBBIES IN STOCKBRIDGE

Dobbies’ first small format store, Little Dobbies, is now open on Raeburn Place. It offers a range of houseplants and gardening products, indoor and outdoor pots and selection of home décor and gifts. Find out more at www.Dobbies.com.

FREE VIRTUAL DESIGN SERVICE

Create your dream space with the help of the free interior design service or virtual design Service at BoConcept. The remote service takes the stress out of designing your home or finding a statement piece of furniture. Swatches and samples of all fabrics, leathers and veneers are also now available online at www.boconceptscotland.com. For more information, call the Edinburgh store on 0131 357 6281.

ON THE FOOD

RADAR New openings, must-try menus and foodie finds

Sharing is caring

We’re sure we speak for everyone when we say we’re desperate to have friends round to dinner. When we do, we’ll be indulging in the newly-launched six-course sharing feast from Chop House. If it’s as good as the iconic steakhouse’s Chop House “At Home” steak feast, we’re in for a real treat and will have friends clambering to join us. It may even be our Christmas dinner alternative this year, just because we can. www.chophousesteak.co.uk

The cocktail delivery service to order now…

For some of Edinburgh’s best cocktails from the comfort of your sofa, Tonic at Home, brought to you by the guys behind Tonic on North Castle Street, features a range of individually handmade cocktails, delivered free to your door. The delivery service includes 10 of the bar’s most popular drinks (…Pornstar, Starburst and Espresso Martini…) and a few classics all made to perfection. All you need to do is add ice to a shaker (or jam jar if you don’t have one), pour in the cocktail, shake vigorously for 30 seconds, then strain into a small cocktail glass such as a coupette and add the dehydrated garnishes provided. Easy! Good news is they stay fresh for up to three weeks so we suggest you order your NYE drinks now. Cocktails are £6 each and gift sets are available for a Pornstar & Starburst Martini Kit, £65, and Mix & Match Box, £80. Free delivery to all EH postcodes every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, to Glasgow and Falkirk on Thursday, and Fife on Friday. To order visit www.tonicathome.co.uk.

FOOD AND DRINK

TIERS OF JOY

Three of the best places to take afternoon tea with a festive twist Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club The historic country hotel minutes from the city centre is offering a traditional tea with seasonal additions from turkey and cranberry sandwiches to mini mince pies which can be enjoyed by a roaring fire in the luxurious lounge. You’ll feel miles away from home. From £16.95 per person throughout December. To book, call 0131 333 1845 or enquire online at www.dalmahoyhotelandcountryclub.co.uk.

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh Peacock Alley is a great setting for an afternoon tea in town but the five-star hotel is also delivering a festive afternoon tea at home. That way you can enjoy a bottle of Laurent Perrier Champagne with the festive sweets and savouries, delivered in style by a kilt-wearing driver. £99 for two at www.waedinburgh.co.uk. The Balmoral Hotel A festive afternoon tea under the twinkling lights of the Palm Court features tier upon tier of finger sandwiches, scones and a special selection of seasonal pastries including the Mulled plum and coconut gâteau opera and the Chocolate and orange financier with cranberry crème fraiche. Available until 01 January, from £50 per person. To book, call 0131 622 8843 or email events.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com.

CHRISTMAS DAY DELIVERED TAKE THE TOIL OUT OF YOUR CHRISTMAS DINNER WITH ONE OF THESE FABULOUS RESTAURANT DELIVERY SERVICES

WEDGWOOD THE RESTAURANT

Modern Scottish fare with a flourish is on the menu with five courses including grouse ham, butternut squash velouté, smoked halibut, pheasant breast (or turkey if you’d rather), and a brandy sauce panna cotta. £125 for two people, including national delivery and delivery in Edinburgh on Christmas Eve. To book, call 0131 558 8737 or email info@wedgwoodtherestaurant.co.uk.

LITTLE CHARTROOM

The much-loved Leith Walk bistro is offering a four course Christmas Day feast for two starting with cured & smoked trout with caviar followed by Turkey Wellington and all the trimmings then cheese and dessert; £165 including a half bottle of Champagne and a bottle of wine. Order at www.the-little-chartroom.myshopify.com for delivery across Edinburgh on Christmas Eve. A New Year’s Eve menu will also be available.

LA GARRIGUE

Inject some Gallic flavour into your festive feast with the French institution’s extra-special five course lunch featuring a patridge and pheasant terrine, parsnip soup, salmon or venison en croute, Roquefort with quince then a chocolate and praline log. £150 for two, including Pousse Rapière liquor, a half bottle of Champagne, a bottle of wine, luxury crackers, organic bread and Chocolate Papillotes. Book online now for collection or delivery on Christmas eve. www.lagarrigueathome.co.uk

BEST BITS

Coffee: Commuting down south every week means my Monday morning coffee at Wellington Coffee on George Street is an essential. Cocktails: Tonic launched a great delivery system during lockdown and it’s really cool. I’m not usually a cocktail guy but my fiancé ordered them and we tried everything from their Pina Colada Daiquiri to Starburst Martini. They taste amazing.

THEBESTOFEDINBURGH

Ben J Kaelin

DJ Prospect shares his favourite city spots

Burger: The Cambridge Bar on Young Street is my goto every time. Pizza: The good people at Civerinos. Great pizza with good vibes every time. Brunch: The Pantry in Stockbridge for their hot smoked salmon Eggs Benedict, and fresh OJ.

Sunday roast: Hamilton’s in Stockbridge or The Ox on Broughton Street both do a great roast. Afternoon tea: I tried Tigerlily’s home delivery of afternoon tea during lockdown and I’ll definitely be going back for more.

Fine dining: The Secret Garden is like a different world when you step inside. It’s something special.

Fish & chips: Fishers on the Shore. A bit posh for fish and chips but worth it. Live music: Music is my life. It’s sad to think of venues lost over recent years. When restrictions allow it’s important we support our live music venues and events. We have some amazing offerings in Edinburgh, from chilled nights at The Jazz Bar on Chambers Street to spotting up-and-coming acts at Sneaky Pete’s and new festivals such as Fly Open Air. Not to forget the club events that entertain our city week in, week out. At my Sunday club night, Tipsy @ Lulu, just prior to lockdown we had the likes of chart topping Rapper Giggs and Young T & Bugsey, the guys behind Don’t Rush.

Film: There has been a few orchestral accompanied film screenings at Usher Hall. They are a wicked way to enjoy a classic. Art: Jupiter Artland is a hidden gem. You should go if you haven’t been before. Grooming: My good friend “Modizle” has just opened his own barber on Great Junction Street called Trim2Fresh. Remote working: I can do my job from anywhere in the world but I like The Refinery on St Andrew Square when I’m in town. My lockdown lesson: A little bit of kindness goes a long way. Check in on everyone around you and help where you can. Follow DJ Prospect on Instagram @djprospect

harvey nichols

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