i-on magazine | October 2017

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Contents

Issue 141 / October 2017

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REGULARS

09 Win... A Coach designer handbag worth £795 11 We Can’t Wait To… This month’s unmissable events 31 The Lifestyle Edit Local news in Edinburgh and Glasgow 80 Take To The Streets We headed to Bruntsfield to steal your Halloween fancy dress ideas 82 A Day In The Life Of… Chloe Milligan, Creative Director at Mud Urban Flowers

FEATURES

46 Stylish Staycations From city breaks to chic country escapes, you don’t have to travel far to find the perfect weekend destination 72 Gin Jolly Charlotte Hulme broadens her gin horizons on a boozy distillery tour

INTERIORS

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Home Décor Emily Murray, founder of award- winning blog The Pink House, wants us to learn from her mistakes

FASHION

27 Iolla We chat to Iolla eyewear founder Stefan Hunter, winner of the i-on

Breakthrough Awards

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BEAUTY

48 Lust List Our favourite new season scents

CULTURE

64 5 Things You Need to Know About…

Rag ‘n’ Bone Man

FOOD & DRINK

71 06

71 D.I.Y Doughnut Tantrum Doughnuts reveal their secret tasty doughnut recipe 76 Small Taste, Big Flavour The trend for tiny tapas-style dishes continues at two new city spots

Great British kitchens Direct from the manufacturer.

Autograph Elements and Contour kitchen £3,466 For all these fully built kitchen units 

Glasgow

Great Western Rd, G15 6SA 0141 611 9503

Stirling

Springkerse Park, FK7 7TL 01786 241 397

Dundee

Aberdeen

Boulevard Retail Park, AB11 5EJ 01224 432 025

Edinburgh

01382 281 333

Paisley

Hamilton

Kirkcaldy

Kingsway West, DD3 8RX

Abbotsinch Park, PA3 4EP 01412 128 143

Palace Grounds Park, ML3 6AD 01698 622 270

Hemiston Gait, EH11 4DG 0131 322 8818 Central Retail Park, KY2 6QL 0345 127 7008

65 showrooms nationwide, visit wrenkitchens.com Priced kitchen is for units only and does not include the price of handles, worktops, appliances, sink, tap, props, accessories or small worktop appliances. Price taken 22/08/2017

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INTRODUCTION

I-ON THIS MONTH It’s here! The excitement has been building for months so we’re very happy to finally present our i-on Breakthrough Awards special recognising and rewarding the people and the businesses making waves in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

I must confess that when I moved home from London back in January, I expected to find things moving at a much slower pace here; less innovation, less creativity, less things happening; because all the influencers move to London, right? WRONG. It has been an absolute joy to discover so many game-changers at work right here in Scotland, setting the trends, breaking the mould and paving the way for change in their respective industries. The judges had a seriously hard time whittling down our impressive entrants but after much deliberation, they chose some very deserving winners – turn to page 18 to find out who walked away triumphant. You’ll meet many of them throughout this issue – just look for the BOOM logo on the page to mark out our

ionmagazineuk

chosen superheroes who we’ll be supporting throughout 2018.

Another individual who’ll be celebrating this month is reader Donna Hay, who is the lucky winner of last month’s competition to win a handcrafted ANTA rug worth £595.

This month’s glamorous giveaway comes courtesy of NY fashion brand Coach who are offering up a designer handbag worth £795. So, if you’re looking for some new season arm candy, or a special gift for the missus, turn to page 14 for your chance to win. I’m just gutted I don’t get to throw my own name into the hat.

Saying that, I imagine the only bag I’ll be sporting for the foreseeable is a mammoth changing bag overflowing with nappies and baby paraphernalia.

Yup, I’ll be heading off to discover the joys of motherhood as our little girl is due to arrive later this month. I just hope she doesn’t decide to show up on her actual due date, Friday 13th.

It might be a great name for a horror movie but it doesn’t sound like the most fortuitous day to be having a baby, does it? Wish me luck.

ion_magazine

ion_magazine

Carrie Mitchell, Acting Editor

ion_magazine

i_online

Published by Treacle Productions Ltd, Suite 9, 2 Commercial Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH6 6JA Tel: +44 (0)131 555 4126, Email info@ionmagazine.co.uk, www.ionmagazine.co.uk Directors Laura Cully, Jo Morris, Creative Director Paul Dickson, Editor Nicky Howden, Acting Editor Carrie Mitchell, Lifestyle Editor Susie Cormack Bruce, Contributing Editor Carine Seitz, Editorial Intern Charlotte Hulme, Digital Editorial Manager Rebecca McCosh, Digital Content Executive Lucy Cruickshank, Account Director Amy Falconer, Account Manager Michelle Clancy, Head of Creative Solutions and Brand Development Zoe Schmid, Business Development Manager Amanda Southey, Finance Manager Cath Tait, Head of Photography Susie Lowe, Contributors David Pollock, Jess Shurte, Cat Thomson, Holly Tracey 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 2017.

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FEATURES

9

NEWS

WE CAN’T WAIT TO… The i-on team shares their must-dos this month

1 …go down to the woods “Winner of the UK's Best Cultural Event, The Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry’s Faskally Wood is an amazing outdoor sound and light experience which had over 70,000 visitors last year - two of which were me and my son. And it was so good, the pair of us are going again this year. Believe the hype, this is not to be missed.” Runs until 29 October. Book online at enchantedforest.org.uk Paul Dickson, Creative Director

2 10

…get stuck in “As a massive fan of Bake Off winner Nadiya – not to mention just food in general — I’m pretty excited about the return of the BBC Good Food Show to Glasgow’s SECC this month. As well as pop-up restaurants, a speciality food market and a dedicated drinks zone, there’ll be live cooking demos from Tom Kerridge, Tom Kitchin, John Torode, The Hairy Bikers and Nadiya herself.” Tickets available from bbcgoodfoodshow.com/glasgow Carrie Mitchell, Acting Editor

3 …laugh out loud “I caught Luisa Omielan’s debut What Would Beyonce Do?! randomly on TV one night and laughed so hard, I immediately bought tickets to her new show Am I Right Ladies?! at The Stand in Edinburgh on 29 October. She'll also be at Glasgow's Oran Mor on 27 October for those of you in the West.” Tickets for both shows at tickettext.co.uk Carine Seitz, Contributing Editor

NEWS

D E S I G N E D

&

M A D E

I N

O R K N E Y,

S C O T L A N D

Matrix

NEW HANDSET STONE RINGS

Topaz, Peridot, Amethyst, Diamond bright gemstones set by hand add a twinkle and spark of colour to our textured gold and silver rings

Join Sheila for

Meet the Designer

at Jenners in Edinburgh 26-29 Oct O R K N E Y | E D I N B U RG H | G L A S G OW | LO C H LO M O N D

01856 861 203 | sheilafleet.com

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NEWS

Going Up POKE The latest street food trend (pronounced pok-eh) has arrived in Edinburgh from Hawaii. These tasty bowls of raw fish will be served up at Broughton Street bar & kitchen Treacle, as part of a new menu. Aloha!

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FIREPITS Summer might be over but with fireworks night around the corner, there’s still time to get some use out of this backyard burner. Just wrap up, buy some sparklers, and invite some friends round for a blaze.

BIJOUX Geordie Shore fans will rejoice at the news that the cast’s fave Newcastle bar is to open in Merchant City next year, with producers planning to film more episodes up here too. Joy…

Barometer

Get down with Doo Wop Literally counting down the days for this one. Iconic album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill performed live in its entirety by an incredible group of musicians and vocalists at Edinburgh’s Summerhall on 19 October.

It sold out in London to rave reviews and they’ve just added a second date here on Friday 20. Bring it on.

Tickets available for £16 at summerhall.co.uk Jo Morris, Director

Going Down STRESS It might not feel like it at times (hello trams and traffic queues) but Edinburgh has been voted the least stressful city in the UK and number 7 in the whole world. What a lucky bunch we are in the East.

BOOZE In a shock move, our own boozehound Amy Falconer has signed up for MacMillan’s Go Sober for October. Lend her your support at gosober.org. uk/users/amy-falconer. You got this, Amy. SEXY COSTUMES Not sure where we all became confused but Halloween is about SCARY costumes, not baring as much flesh as possible. There’s really no need to don a saucy schoolgirl outfit.

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5 …have a spree “Paisley’s annual festival returns with another cracking line up of music, comedy, film, theatre and more.

Locals and visitors like myself will be packed into venues across town having a rare good time from 13 to 22 October. And if you’re one of the lucky few who managed to bag tickets to Paolo Nutini’s homecoming gig or Frightened Rabbit (pictured) performing with the RSNO, you’ll be smuggest of them all.” For full line-up and tickets, visit thespree.co.uk Charlotte Hulme, Editorial Intern

3-Piece Suits for every occasion

From £89 www.slaters.co.uk

165 Howard Street, Glasgow, G1 4HF & 100 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3DF Also available in Aberdeen, Ayr, Dundee, Inverness and Stirling

I-ON PRIZES

WIN A COACH DESIGNER HANDBAG WORTH £795

E

stablished in New York City in 1941, Coach were pioneers in quality leather goods and accessories and went on to define accessible luxury for a generation.

Today, the Coach name is synonymous with effortless New York style, celebrating individuality by blending history and heritage with modern design and fashion relevance.

Following the brand’s 75th anniversary in 2016, this year saw the opening of a brand new Edinburgh store on Multrees Walk where style-savvy shoppers can browse the Fall fashion collection, which includes stunning leather bags, accessories, and shoes all featuring the Coach hallmarks of fine craftsmanship and innovative design.

THE PRIZE One lucky reader will win this Coach 1941 classic The Rogue bag worth £795. Inspired by the Coach girl, the aptly named Rogue is exceptionally well crafted in glovetanned pebble leather in the best-selling shade of oxblood. Top handles and removable straps allow you to carry this spacious suede-lined satchel in hand or wear over the shoulder. Striking hardware, a classic keyhood and protective metal feet add a signature finishing touch.

TO ENTER For a chance to win, visit ionmagazine.co.uk by 19 October and leave your details. The winner will be notified by e-mail and announced in the November issue of i-on magazine.

For more exclusive prizes, subscribe to the i-on weekly newsletter at ionmagazine.co.uk.

Terms and conditions: Coach will outreach to the winner directly on 20 October 2017. If there is no response by the 01 November, Coach will draw on another recipient to receive the prize.

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AUTUMN/ WINTER 17

Nine by Savannah Miller Jacket £69, Blouse £40, Jeans £40. Image courtesy of Debenhams.

FEATURES

MEMBERS’ CLUB

THE IVY ON THE SQUARE EXCLUSIVE LAUNCH PARTY

“

I LOVE BEING IN THE MEMBERS CLUB BECAUSE I GET TO BE ONE OF THE FIRST TO EXPERIENCE NEW PLACES IN THE CITY”

More than 150 i-on members and readers joined us for the exclusive i-on launch party at The Ivy on the Square. Members received priority booking for tickets for the party plus a members’ only booking line three weeks before the general public.

Guests were treated to freeflowing Champagne and delicious canapes including grilled sirloin skewers with truffle mayo and crème brulee doughnuts plus a first look at the menu. With 10,000 bookings already, it was a rare chance to experience the hottest new spot in town.

For your chance to attend exclusive launch parties like this one –and to enjoy a whole host of member benefits, giveaways and upgrades at the city’s best restaurants, bars, shops and spas –join the i-on members’ club now.

Available now for just £5 (for a limited time only). ionmembersclub.com

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

After weeks of frenzied social media activity from the finalists, thousands of reader votes and a day of deliberation from our judges, the results are finally in. Drumroll please... photography Jess Schurte, jessshurtephotography.co.uk

I

t was a joy to be able to finally announce the winners of the inaugural i-on Breakthrough Awards at an exclusive party at The Dunstane Houses, the newest and chicest hotel in the west end of Edinburgh. The selfstyled house party was everything you’d expect from an i-on event: packed to the rafters with all the best people, amazing canapés courtesy of The Dunstane Houses team (think rare steak toasts, smoked salmon blinis, little lemon tarts, and the best tiny brownies we’ve ever tasted…), with good cheer provided by Rocco Prosecco, William Bros Brewery and our headline sponsor Pickering’s Gin. Winners were announced by Penny Wotherspoon of PW and Partners along with i-on director Jo Morris, whose

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hosting skills were just as polished when conducted up a ladder in order to see over everyone’s heads. True story.

All the finalists were invited to give a presentation to the judging panel back in August, after which each judge cast their votes privately and gave them to the i-on directors. “I was hugely flattered to be asked to judge so many successful new businesses in the inaugural Breakthrough Awards,” says Sarah Murray, owner of Jane Davidson boutique on the experience. “All the shortlisted businesses have potential to succeed, and with i-on backing them that potential will become reality.”

We’d like to give a huge and warm thank you to our sponsors, those who took part and everyone who voted.

Without further ado, let us introduce the winners...

BREAKTHROUGH AWARDS

Category Winner Independent Retail

IOLLA

“They’ve put fashion retail into the optical health care experience and disrupted the market in the process. Visionaries…” judge Richard McLelland, Director at Williams Bros.

Brewing Co.

Category Winner Online Influencers

MUD URBAN FLOWERS

“Mud really stood out for me. Chloe has tackled a traditional market and made it modern and relevant,” judge Michelle Haswell, fashion blogger.

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Student ID must be shown at Reception

BREAKTHROUGH AWARDS

Category Winner Creative Stylists and Pop-Up Experiences

THE PITT

“My favourite entrants! What these two lads have done for Edinburgh’s food scene is groundbreaking,” judge Kestin Hare, owner of Kestin Hare Menswear.

Category Winner Food & Drink: Products

Category Winner Food & Drink: People

“I never thought doughnuts could be so different and delicious – the bacon one is amazing!” head judge Michael Laing OBE, owner of Laing the Jeweller, Edinburgh.

“A great concept and a brilliant way of dealing with an important issue,” judge Martin Wishart, Michelin star chef and restaurant owner.

TANTRUM DOUGHNUTS

LAURA WELLS, THE REAL JUNK FOOD PROJECT

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BREAKTHROUGH AWARDS

Overall Winner: IOLLA Category Winner Design

RORY HUTTON

“It’s incredibly challenging to reinvent any kind of menswear but Rory has managed it.

His bow ties are a fresh idea within the men’s accessories arena,” Michelle Haswell.

Category Winner Music, Art & Culture:

MATTHEW HARDY

of Scottish Chamber Orchestra (award collected on his behalf by colleague Catherine Gillespie) “Anyone who puts musical education and performance at the front of our minds for funding can only be good,” Richard McLelland.

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The judging panel voted unanimously for Iolla as the overall winner of the Breakthrough Awards. Impressed with their clever concept of delivering fashionable, affordable eyewear to the optical market, the judges were wowed by their product, and the way in which they have completely disrupted the traditional business model. A clear and deserving winner, we’re looking forward to working with them over the coming year.

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FEATURES

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0131 226 1780

www.murrayandcurrie.com

0131 226 5050

FEATURES

A NEW

VISION

i-on meets Stefan Hunter, co-founder of Glasgow-based eyewear brand IOLLA, the overall winner of the i-on Breakthrough Awards

We started IOLLA because we want to give people a whole new way to shop for eyewear.

In my final year of university, I was connected with local business person Brian McGuire who had experience in optics. The idea for IOLLA was born from asking hundreds of people what their feelings were towards buying glasses. We found that big corporations and healthcare professionals have created an experience that leaves the customer frustrated and out of pocket, so we decided to do something about it.

IOLLA, which launched in 2014, sets out to give the power back to the shopper. We do this by offering our own design of high quality prescription eyewear at the simple, transparent price point of £65. We don’t charge for extras like coatings and thinner lenses, instead we include these as a standard.

Stefan Hunter

Buying glasses should be like buying any fashion accessory. Right now, most people buy their eyewear in a healthcare environment immediately after an eye test but why not the more laid back and pleasurable environment of a fashion boutique? Our lower price point makes it possible for people to switch up their style more often too.

A new pair of glasses can completely transform someone’s look, confidence and mood. I’ve lost count of the amount of

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WINNER

times that our customers have walked out of our showroom with a new found spring in their step because they feel so good about themselves after picking up their new glasses.

When it comes to my own glasses, I like mixing a classic shape with a bright, bold colour. I currently wear a style called Connolly in the Matte Caramel Tortoise colour.

It was such a surprise to take home the top prize at the i-on Breakthrough Awards. We couldn’t be prouder, especially considering the calibre of all the other nominees. Also, to know that such respected judges picked us for

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the top spot really does give us the confidence to continue to expand IOLLA now and in the future.

The next big step for IOLLA is opening our second showroom. I’m so excited to share that we’re bringing IOLLA to Edinburgh very soon. We’re busy designing it right now and can't wait to share it with everyone.

Browse the IOLLA range at iolla.com or pop into the Argyle Street showroom for a look around. IOLLA, 1313 Argyle St G3 8TL, Tel: 0141 334 9044.

“

WE WANT TO GIVE THE POWER BACK TO THE SHOPPER AND CREATE A FASHION-LED SHOPPING EXPERIENCE”

FEATURES

THE SALON THAT OFFERS MORE: CUTTING EXPERTS COLOUR SPECIALISTS EXTENSIONS KEBELO BRIDAL SERVICES SHELLAC NAILS IPL HAIR REMOVAL EYEBROWS NAIL EXTENSIONS WAXING EYELASHES PEDICURE CACI TREATMENTS MEN’S HAIRDRESSING

www.cheyneshairdressing.com 27

lifestyle_EDINBURGH

Scott Kirkham’s

Edinburgh The chef and cofounder of the Pitt - winner of the i-on Breakthrough Award for creative stylists and pop-up experiences on street food, keeping it Scottish, and big plans for the future

What were you doing before you launched the Pitt?

Co-founder Hal and I had our own streetfood setups at a small market in Edinburgh. The idea for the Pitt came about after several years of researching the streetfood scene in other countries, where communities were utilising yard-type spaces to create a fun and exciting way of enjoying food, drink, music and the company of friends and family.

What was the biggest challenge you faced before you launched? It was difficult to find a space that was privately owned so traders could sell their food without the lengthy processes of licensing involved with the city council. We found the spot on Pitt Street in Leith and launched on 12 December 2015.

Since day one, we’ve been amazed at the popularity of the Pitt What do you think about the streetfood scene in Scotland? It’s definitely on the up.

When the Pitt’s first dates were put out there, we heard back from around 20 or so

traders. This year, we had over 50 get back to us, some from outside the country.

What area of Edinburgh do you live in? We both live in Leith, a stone’s throw from the Pitt.

There’s a really fantastic local community who have given us amazing support since the very beginning.

Edinburgh’s best bits Date night Ting Thai Caravan Drinks Bramble Brunch The Pantry Cheap Eats (and good vibes) the Pitt/ Food ‘n’ Flea Pizza Origano Somewhere special Aizle Quick escape Arthur’s Seat

Best and worst things about the city? The people are by far the best thing. The worst? The reluctance of the powers that be to allow small enterprises to get involved and end the domination of out-of-town big boys who provide the same offerings year in, year out. Let’s mix it up and keep it Scottish!

What’s next for the Pitt? We’re continually looking at ways to grow the Pitt and our sister market in town, The Food ‘N’ Flea.

We’ve also taken the Pitt on the road for the first time this year, the highlight being the Pitt village at Electric Fields music festival.

We’ll be moving into a couple of prime locations in Edinburgh too where we will be developing the brand to encompass both a bar and a restaurant…watch this space!

The Pitt is open every Saturday from 12 to 10pm. 125 Pitt Street, EH6. thepitt.co.uk.

Food n Flea runs every weekday from 11am to 3pm, Saturdays 11am to 8pm and Sundays 11am to 5pm. Sibbald Walk, New Street, EH8 8FT.

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EDINBURGH_lifestyle

EDINBURGH (M)EAT TO THE BEAT Do you like music from the last five decades? Do you like er, meat?

Well, your luck’s in because on 20–22 October, Meats & Beats is bringing you both. Yep, think: a street food (indoor) event focusing on sticky, barbequed meat, with a soundtrack that changes decade every hour, starting in the 50s and ending in 2017. Steaks, burgers, ribs and wings, plus craft beer and cocktails. And dancing.

Sounds messy. 20–22 October, 5pm onwards. Assembly Roxy, 2 Roxburgh Place, Edinburgh EH8 9SU. Tickets from eventbrite.co.uk.

NAMASTE Tribe Yoga has opened their brand new shiny premises on Leith Walk and we’re pretty excited. There’s a large studio for yoga and barre classes, and a dedicated Tribe Cycle studio. Changing facilities include showers, and mats and towels are provided. There are various membership options available, or you can drop-in to classes as you like – buy four classes for £25 as an introductory offer. 35-36 Haddington Pl, EH7 4AG. More information at tribe.yoga, Tel: 0131 652 3924.

HIP TO BE SQUARE

It’s all happening on St Andrew Square, where another two of the Big Smoke’s dining stalwarts take up residence alongside The Ivy on the Square, Dishoom and The Refinery. Glamorous Argentine steakhouse Gaucho will open soon, while Vapiano brings its brand of Italian pizza, pasta and antipasti plus a smartcard pay system to the city this month. We hope you’re hungry.

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EXCLUSIVE USE OF THE DUNSTANE HOUSES

Beautifully refurbished and completely unique; both Dunstane House and Hampton House are available for private hire – either individually or as a pair. Book exclusive use of one or both houses and you’ll have up to 35 bedrooms to spread yourselves around, along with a private bar and dedicated staff, and bespoke dining menus at your �ingertips, with full run of the place! Prices start from £5000.

All i-on readers receive a free bottle of Joseph Perrier Champagne when booking one of our luxury rooms in Dunstane House

4 West Coates, Edinburgh EH12 5JQ Tel: 0131 337 6169

LIFE AFTER THE FESTIVAL Did you know that we have increasing demand for short lets throughout the year?

Talk to the team to find out more.

0131 221 1646 info@edinburghfestivalrentals.com Part of the Rettie Group.

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lifestyle_EDINBURGH

WAH GWAN? Amy Falconer finds out what’s going down at Caribbean restaurant Trenchtown

JAMIE PRIMROSE: ‘SERENE EXPRESSIONS’

Best-selling contemporary Scottish artist Jamie Primrose, known for his vivid skylines and sparkling vistas of the Capital, is showing his new collection at Dundas Street Gallery from 03-11 November. Serene Expressions captures vibrant, dramatic winter sunsets from city hilltops overlooking the iconic Old Town and views of Arthur’s Seat, as well as a new Meadows series featuring spring cherry blossom and autumn hues. Oil paintings and limited edition prints will be available to buy. Dundas Street Gallery, 6a Dundas St, EH3 6HZ. Tel 0131 446 9510 / 07947 243 418, jamieprimrose.com

TEA TIME

We can’t think of anything better than filling our bellies with cake for a good cause. For the ultimate daytime treat, round up some mates and head to One Square where they’re raising money for Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a pink-themed afternoon tea. Local artisan chocolatiers from Chocolate Tree have teamed up with One Square’s expert pastry chef to create a delicious array of goodies guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth - all infused with a hint of pink. One Square will donate £5 to Cancer Research UK for every ‘Pink’ Afternoon Tea booked in October. Available daily for £32pp between 2.30pm – 5.30pm. To book, Tel: 0131 221 6422.

The brothers behind the incredibly successful Tuk Tuk have brought a slice of the Caribbean to Tollcross in their sunny new restaurant serving up jerk, rum, rice ‘n’ peas and all tings totally tropical.

On a mission to sample as much as possible, we started with three starters to share: crisp, delicious Sweetcorn Fritters, £4.25, soft, spicy Babi Back Ribs, £5.10 and my favourite, the Trinidadian Doubles, £5.10 – a classic street food dish made of two fresh flatbreads stuffed with curried chickpeas. For mains, my dining partner had the Island Jerk Salmon, £12.50, while I braved the Trenchtown Goat Curry, £9.95. Served with a side of coconut rice an’ peas and Caribbean dumplings, the curry was absolutely delicious. We wrapped up with a simple Coconut ice cream, £4.95 the perfect end to a perfect meal. And I don’t use the word ‘perfect’ lightly. So GO. Go now!

You won’t regret it.

4-8 Lochrin Buildings, Gilmore Pl, EH3 9NB, Tel: 0131 6232 6786, trenchtownsocial.com

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READER EVENT

I-ON EXCLUSIVE READER EVENT

SIP AND SHOP AT ANTHROPOLOGIE

I

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DETAILS The shopping evening at Anthropologie takes place from 6.30pm to 9.30pm on Thursday 05 October at the George Street store in Edinburgh. Entrance £10; Entrance with ring carving workshop, £20. Tickets are expected to sell out fast so get yours today at ion.ticketbud.com.

*Strictly limited to 15 tickets

t's here! Autumn has finally arrived and we've got just the ticket to help you get in the swing of the new season. Join us at one-of-a-kind shopping destination Anthropologie on Thursday 05 October for an exciting evening of shopping, styling and fizz, exclusively for i-on readers.

As well as expert fashion advice from ahead-ofthe-curve Glasgow stylists 'I'll be your Mirror', the professionals from Bobbi Brown will be on hand to provide make-up tips and touch-ups and you'll have the opportunity to make it personal with a live ring carving workshop with Roisin Connolly Jewellery.* All guests will receive a 15 per cent discount on fullprice clothing, home and accessory purchases made instore on the night with the chance to win a fabulous pair of Anthropologie cushions. What's more, if you book dinner at Tigerlily or Rabble for the evening of the event, they'll throw in a free glass of Prosecco for everyone at the table!

FEATURES

YO U R F E S T I V E ESCAPE WHETHER IT’S A CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE, SHOPPING, FAMILY OR ROMANTIC BREAK, MAKE AWARD-WINNING RADISSON BLU EDINBURGH YOUR ESCAPE. Luxury hotel on the famous Royal Mile minutes from the Edinburgh Christmas Festivities Stylish and sophisticated bedrooms & suites Award-winning festive menus Tranquil spa, health club and swimming pool Scottish hospitality with a 100% service guarantee

#myfestiveescape 80 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TH Tel: +44 (0)131 473 6590 www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-edinburgh 35

EDINBURGH_lifestyle

LIVE IN LEITH Make a beeline for Leith on 22–23 October for EH6 Festival, a live music, food and drink festival taking place across 10 local venues including The Biscuit Factory, Leith Depot, The Pitt and Woodland Creatures. Headlining are Alabama 3 (acoustic set) and Big Country, as well as 150 other bands. Throw in craft stalls, art exhibitions, food from all over the world, a beer market and children’s entertainment, and you have a weekend full to keep you busy. More information and tickets at eh6music.com.

RELIVE YOUR YOUTH Tied in with the Luminate Festival 2017 and Scotland’s Year of the Young Person 2018, When We Were Young is a free photographic show exploring how the experience and portrayal of childhood has changed since the 1840s. Featuring old black and white shots alongside contemporary digital prints; it’s a visual journey that will appeal to young and old. 14 October to 15 April, Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh, www.nationalgalleries.org

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lifestyle_EDINBURGH

HANDMADE EDINBURGH RETURNS Three days. Over 100 makers.

The ultimate shopping treat

H

andmade Edinburgh, Handmade in Britain’s annual craft and design event is returning to The Hub. This three-day selling event will offer visitors the opportunity to meet and buy one-off pieces directly from artists, makers and craftspeople from across the country and learn about the ideas and processes that shape their work.

With a stunning collection of ceramics, glass, furniture, textiles, metalwork, jewellery and woodwork.

ARTS THREAD will curate an Emerging Talents exhibition space, showcasing innovative and boundary-pushing new work from a selection of promising recent graduates.

FEATURING CERAMICS from contemporary, functional tableware to abstract, decorative objects, an inspired range of hand thrown and wheel thrown ceramics will be available for the event.

FASHION and TEXTILES featuring bright and bold designs, geometric quilts, handwoven designs and accessories made from Harris Tweed, linens and wax cottons. Glass Including a hand blown contemporary collection, colourful illustrative pieces and functional, contemporary art objects. One-off jewellery and metal designs, traditional and experimental silversmithing techniques and sculptural bronze jewellery and innovative FURNITURE and WOOD sculptures and striking but functional furniture.

Most of the artists are award-winners and only sell through, galleries, exhibitions or by appointment. Book your ticket now.

Advance super-saver three-day tickets £12 (£10 concessions) available from handmadeinbritain.co.uk/edinburgh. Friday 27 – Sunday 29 October 2017, The Hub, Edinburgh Venue: The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NE thehub-edinburgh.com

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EDINBURGH_lifestyle

FRIGHT NIGHT

Give yourself a proper scare this Halloween and pay a visit to Edinburgh’s most haunted spots

EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE THEATRE

The next time you’ve got tickets to a show, ask the man sitting next to you if he’s called Albert. If he is, you might want to change seats.

Albert, believed to be an old maintenance man or stage hand who somehow died in the building, has been seen wearing grey overalls and likes to walk through walls, jangle keys, slam doors and poke people in the back. Still, he doesn’t seem to be a malevolent spirit. In fact he’s become a part of the Playhouse family – the theatre bar, Albert’s, is named in his honour. playhousetheatre.com

MARY KING'S CLOSE

Not actually a close but a warren of narrow underground streets, Mary King’s Close was once open, busy and bustling. However, victims of the 1645 plague were left to die in the street and the area was subsequently quarantined, covered up and abandoned.

Fast forward to 2003 and the underground close reopened to the public and is now the site of a hugely popular tourist attraction, The Real Mary King’s Close. Their Halloween tour, Condemned, runs from 13–21 October and explores Edinburgh’s history with the occult, telling the stories of its infamous accomplices and most ardent opponents. Tickets £16.95, available from realmarykingsclose.com.

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GREYFRIAR'S KIRKYARD

Not only is this one of the most haunted places in the city, it’s said to be one of the most haunted places in the world. Enter the MacKenzie Poltergeist, ghost of George MacKenzie, a 17th-century lawyer responsible for the deaths of around 18,000 of King Charles II opponents, many of whom were imprisoned inside a section of the Greyfriars Kirkyard called the Covenanter’s Prison. There have been hundreds of documented cases of people suffering unexplained bruises and burns, as well as people passing out, during tours of the cemetery. Rather you than me. Tickets £11, available from cityofthedeadtours.com.

Tailors & Gentleman’s Outfitters since 1977 • Independent family business • Specialists in made to measure tailoring using the finest quality fabrics including Holland & Sherry of Savile Row and Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere • Made to Measure suits from £595 • Fabulous selection of ready to wear clothing • Out of hours appointment service

op N en ew at Sh St op af fo no rd w St re et

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CONTEMPORARY, CLASSIC MENSWEAR 16 Stafford Street, Edinburgh, EH3 7AU 0131 225 8119 276 Canongate, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH8 8AA 0131 558 7682

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GLASGOW_lifestyle

Rory Hutton’s

Glasgow Winner of the i-on Breakthrough Award for Design, Rory Hutton talks city style, tenements and dapper bow ties

“I LOVE PEOPLE WATCHING HERE THERE IS A LOT MORE INDIVIDUALITY THAN IN SOME CITIES”

How did you get into fashion?

I went to art school to be a painter and came out a fashion designer. I fell in love with the design process. But I still think of myself as an artist, I love that my art can be worn. I think of my pocket squares as little paintings in my pocket.

Why did you start your label?

I wanted to bring charm to a world of sameness. My designs are playful, they delight and encourage smiles, what could be better than that?

Why bow ties? My grandfather died before I was born so I only knew him from a black and white photograph on my grandmother’s mantelpiece; he was wearing a dinner jacket and bow tie. I thought he looked like a Hollywood star and I wanted to wear bow ties when I grew up. I also design other men’s accessories including socks and pocket squares but bow ties have become my signature.

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What do you think of Glasgow’s fashion scene? Glasgow is an edgy city with a rich design heritage and its full of creativity.

I love people watching here there is a lot more individuality than in some cities, especially around the Art School.

Glasgow’s best bits Drinks CCA Brunch Bread Meats Bread Cheap eats Victoria Cafe at GSA Shopping Princes Square Quick escape The Kimble Palace at the Botanic Gardens Art The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery Night out The Oyster Bar at The Rogano - the art deco interiors provide the perfect backdrop to show off a fine bow tie.

Where in Glasgow do you live?

I live in a tenement flat on the South side; I love the old flats with their stone fronts, high ceilings, big windows and ornate plasterwork. I lived in cramped flats in London for seven years so I feel like I live in a mansion now.

Best and worst things about the city?

Glasgow is full of amazing historic architecture. I’ve become something of an expert on 19th century Glasgow architect Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson since moving here. I’m even considering designing a Greek Thomson collection. The worst thing about the city is that a lot of the magnificent old buildings are in terrible repair, I would love to rescue one.

Sum Glasgow up in three words: Friendly, historic, edgy.

Discover Rory’s eponymous accessory collection at roryhutton.co.uk

A TOUCH OF LUXURY Milano extending table, from £1,189

BOOK YOUR FREE INTERIOR DESIGNER | boconcept.co.uk BoConcept Edinburgh, 19B Rose Street, 0131 226 6367 BoConcept Glasgow, 257 Sauchiehall Street, 0141 341 4920

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GLASGOW_lifestyle

GLASGOW JUST OPENED Bringing a touch of New York’s neo-speakeasy scene to the Merchant City, Tuxedo has been touted as the place to be if you like your nights with a side of swank. Open until 3am at weekends, the underground venue has booth seating, dancefloors, two VIP suites, and attentive waiting staff to deliver concoctions from a speciallycurated drinks menu.

MOVIE WEEKENDER If you’re a sucker for pizza and an old school movie, the Glue Factory should be on your radar from Friday 27 – Sunday 29 October. Gray’s Deli is taking over the venue to do a pop-up cinema experience with special screenings of Pretty Woman, Anchorman, Pulp Fiction and The Big Lebowski, served up with woodfired pizza, £6, and an Aperol Spritz on arrival.

Tickets, £19.50 per person, are available at graysdeli.com/tickets.

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BARKING MAD

BAad is on the hunt for the BAadest Dog of All at the first ever BAad dog show on 15 October (11am-5pm) so get your pooch preened, pampered and looking its prettiest and head along for an afternoon of lunch, lighthearted fun and a chance to check out the dog-related market stalls. baadglasgow.com

FEATURES

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GLASGOW_lifestyle

WHODUNNIT?

To celebrate the release of Murder on the Orient Express (03 November), Twentieth Century Fox and CluedUpp Games are putting on a city-wide, virtual murder mystery extravaganza on 14 October. Your squad of detectives will need to track down 18 virtual-witnesses placed across the city (Pokemon-Go style), eliminating suspects and ruling-out murder weapons, and reporting in your murder case file. There are prizes too, from Best Team Name and Best Team Photo to Fastest Team – and cinema tickets to see the film for the best Poirot themed fancy dress on the day. manhuntglasgow.co.uk

MAD FOR MACKINTOSH

He may have kept his identity under wraps for a portion of his illustrious career in architecture, art and design, but the maverick Charles Rennie Mackintosh is a name we have all come to know.

Celebrating the man and his work, The Mackintosh Festival runs throughout October, with over 40 family friendly events scattered around venues in the city. You can discover a selection of Mackintosh and John Keppie’s drawings at Glasgow Art Club, make a Mackintosh chair at new venue Kelvin Hall, and immerse yourself in Japanese fashion and textiles to celebrate the architect’s love of Japan. To plan your visit and buy tickets, visit glasgowmackintosh.com/festival

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ZOMBIE RUN

Full-on fun and more than a little bit fearsome, Zombie Escape is a live action zombie shooter experience where your quest is to catch and kill the zombies (pretty convincing actors). Great for the ultimate adrenalin rush; not so great for the faint-of-heart. Zombie Escape costs £25 per person and runs from 27-29 October (5.30pm- midnight). For more information visit adrenalineactivities.co.uk/ zombie-escape

WWW.CLINIC13.COM

178 BATH ST, GLASGOW, G2 4HG

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STYLISH STAYCATIONS From a cutting edge city break to the chicest country escape, you don’t have to travel far to find the perfect weekend destination right here in the UK

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TRAVEL

LONDON LIFE Becky Conway mingles with the hipsters in Hoxton

S

tepping into The Hoxton Hotel after a slightly stressful journey, my partner and I were greeted by a bustling lobby, packed with guests and locals alike, sipping on drinks and enjoying their Friday night. Despite being in the epicentre of London’s coolest district, I instantly felt relaxed and at home.

Outside, the streets were fast filling with creative types who’d just clocked off work but in our room, things were cosy and quiet.

So much so, that we opted to spend a couple of hours chilling with the well-thumbed paperbacks and vintage radio before heading back downstairs into the mileu of The Hoxton Grill for dinner.

Potent after-dinner cocktails fast taking effect, we squeezed into the hotel’s photobooth to strike a pose and capture some memories (just in case we couldn’t remember it the next day). Fortunately, the pounding heads were slightly eased in the morning with the welcome arrival of the hotel’s breakfast bag. The light bite and a cup of coffee were enough fuel to get us up and out the door to explore.

Right in the heart of Shoreditch, The Hoxton is the perfect base to discover the area. The streets are lined with art galleries, cool bars and quirky shops – and brightened up with street art almost everywhere you look. Keen to get my shopping fix, our first stop was Boxpark where concept stores and stylish boutiques occupy a stack of repurposed shipping containers. After

WHAT TO PACK

Common Projects, Original Achilles Low Blush, £305, epitomeofedinburgh. com

Metallic weekender, £45, Accessorize

Jacket, £29.99, Zara

T-shirt, £19.99, Zara

Skirt, £40, Henry Holland at Debenhams

“DESPITE BEING IN THE EPICENTRE OF LONDON’S COOLEST DISTRICT, I INSTANTLY FELT RELAXED AND AT HOME” pondering a few purchases, we popped upstairs to the cool cafes and restaurants that occupy the upper level where I had my first taste of coffee made with oat milk (so healthy, it’s hip) before giving into temptation and feasting on the fried chicken at Coqfighter.

The afternoon was spent indulging in a little pampering on nearby Redchurch Street – a manicure at The Cheeky Parlour for me, and a quick tidy up at Murdock London barbershop for him. Then it was onto Merchants Tavern, a former apothecary and Victorian warehouse converted into what is now arguably East London’s edgiest eatery.

Having given into the cocktails once more, we needed some serious sustenance the next day so headed round the corner to The Diner on Curtain Road for a stack of syrupy pancakes before jumping in a cab to Kings Cross and the train home. We’d enjoyed our weekend in hipsterville and I’d like to think we’ll be back at The Hoxton soon - if not in London then maybe one of their sister hotels in Paris, Amsterdam or the soon-to-open Brooklyn hotel, located in Williamsburg, New York’s most happening neighbourhood…obviously.

Rooms from £99/night, thehoxton.com

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IRISH CHARM Susie Lowe discovers a rare romantic retreat in Belfast

B

eing married to a Belfast lad, I’ve flown to the city several times before but this time we opted to turn our weekend into a road trip and take the Stena Line ferry across the Irish sea from Cairnryan. From only £79 each, including the car, it’s no more expensive than flying and a lot more convenient. Celebrating our decision, we opted to upgrade to the Stena Plus Lounge, which is an absolute game changer in terms of comfort and luxury (and only added an extra £16 each to our fares, including unlimited drinks and snacks). Just over two hours later, we reached dry land and made the short drive to the gorgeous Culloden Estate and Spa in Holywood, a stylish suburb of Belfast.

The hotel is a traditional, opulent and elegant pile, which stands in twelve acres of gardens and woodland overlooking Belfast Lough. Despite its urban location, it feels like a country retreat and the perfect place to relax for the evening following our journey.

After dropping our bags in the room, we made a beeline for the hotel spa then took a romantic stroll through the grounds before an intimate dinner in the Cultra Inn, the hotel’s cosy gastro pub.

The following day, we headed into the city and found it’s seen huge changes since the last time we visited. The Titanic Centre and surrounding area is well worth a visit, as is the Crumlin Road Gaol, which gives a great insight into Belfast’s history. Of course, if there is one thing that Belfast does best, it’s hospitality. A weekend doesn’t seem long enough to get around all the bars and restaurants we wanted to try, and believe me, we tried hard. We had a fantastic dinner at Mourne Seafood which served the best oysters I’ve ever tasted, before heading to the Cathedral Quarter with its narrow cobbled streets and lively atmosphere to check out a few bars - The Dirty Onion and Duke of York being highlights.

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TRAVEL

WHAT TO PACK

OrSlow 50’s Coverall Jacket, £310, epitomeofedinburgh. com

Mustard velvet dress, £29.99, New Look

Olympus Pen camera, £549.95, John Lewis

Slim fit trousers, £40, River Island

Tan holdall bag, £30, River Island

We blew the cobwebs away the next morning with a drive around the scenic coastal route, including the stunning Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, before heading back to town for more eating and drinking. On recommendation, we had an amazing dinner at Cyprus Avenue restaurant, named in homage to Belfast’s famous son Van Morrison and owned by chef Richard McCracken, who has previously worked with Tom Kitchin and Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles.

Belfast might not be the first place you think of when planning a romantic city break, but with its cosy pubs, thriving restaurant scene and stunning scenery - not to mention close proximity to Scotland - it certainly deserves a second thought. Just make sure you pack trousers with an elasticated waistband, and possibly some Alka-Seltzer.

Rooms from £115 (B&B) per person, hastingshotels.com. Stena Line crossing from £79, Tel: 08447 70 70 70, or visit stenaline.co.uk.

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NORTHERN SOUL

A

s a woman who enjoys any excuse to leave the daily grind behind for a day or two, there are few things in life that match the temptations of a top-quality spa weekend. So, when I recently discovered the oasis of calm, cool and downright loveliness that is Seaham Hall, I was in heaven.

Set on a clifftop on County Durham’s heritage coastline, Seaham Hall was once the marital home of the late Lord Byron and, probably in a nod to the flamboyant former owner, the hotel’s interior is bold and playful (purple pool table, anyone?). The décor may leave historian purists cold but the individuality of this place had me at hello.

There are no standard double bedrooms – just 22 rather lovely suites, each different from the next but all definitively ‘Seaham Hall’.

The hotel’s standalone Serenity spa is as big as the hotel and more than lives up to its award-winning reputation as Best

Spa in the North. It’s a thriving haven of tranquillity where Durham city dwellers bliss out alongside groups on a girls’ day out, retired businessmen and hotel guests, like me. I was thrilled to discover I didn’t even need to go outside to get there - it can be accessed in fluffy robe from the hotel via an interconnecting tunnel complete with mood lighting and trickling water soundtrack to ensure you’re feeling zen before you even arrive. In addition to the treatment rooms, there’s a pool, relaxation area, sauna, steam rooms, hot tubs and restaurant so you could easily stay there all day long. I did, starting my day with a steam and a swim before reclining on a treatment bed for an Ytsara Skin Drink facial – a relaxing one-hour treatment based on ancient therapies from Thailand. Just the thing to set me up for lunch in the spa’s PanAsian restaurant, Ozone.

But, for me, the best thing about Seaham Hall is the generosity, flawless attention to detail and faultless service. My stay was a real taste of the good life and the VIP touches – big and small – just kept on coming. In the suites alone, you’re treated to a pillow menu and Elemis lavender pillow spray to ensure a good night’s sleep; free premium brand soft drinks (Jing Tea a personal highlight); a tablet to order room service in the morning from an immense breakfast menu; mood lighting to be adjusted depending on the company you’re keeping; and a rubber duck in the sunken bath to put a smile on your face. While downstairs in Byron’s Restaurant, you’ll find an opulent dining room where good cooking prevails – from mackerel doused in elderflower to slow cooked Durham lamb, the food is local and creative without compromising on quality.

Byron was clearly a man with excellent taste.

Book a ‘Starry Night at Seaham Hall’ from £179 based on two people sharing.

Includes luxury accommodation, spa use and breakfast.*Visit seaham-hall.co.uk or Tel: 0191 516 1400.

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*Valid Sunday – Thursday from 01 November 2017 – 31 January 2018 . Excludes Christmas eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve.

Laura Cully enjoys some luxury r ‘n’ r in Durham

TRAVEL

WHAT TO PACK

Amberley satchel, £695, Mulberry

Men’s shirt, £25.99, Zara

Striped top, £17.99, Zara

Grey chinos, £25.99, River Island

Skirt, £49.99, H&M

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OC TOBER L IGH TING SAL E

2-4 St Stephen Place

Edinburgh

EH3 5A J

0131 225 2888

sales@cataloginteriors.com

FEATURES

THE DOs AND DON’Ts of home decor Emily Murray, founder/editor of award-winning interior blog The Pink House, wants us to learn from her mistakes…

Design by 2LG Studio, photo by Megan Taylor, sofa by Sofa dot com

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INTERIORS

O

ver the years I’ve made a fair few home décor errors. There was the garish yellow feature wall in my singleton sitting room; the flop of a futon I dragged like a dead cat around university; not to mention the Victoria Plum wallpaper in my shared childhood bedroom (it clashed nastily with my brother’s Superted paper on the other side of the room).

But if it’s true what they say that messing up is the best way to learn, then I guess that makes me quite the home decor expert. And with a fair few houses, clients and styling projects under my belt, I feel just about qualified to offer up a few home truths of my own now. Listen up…

DO go cushion crazy I get it: not everyone wants to invest in bright blue velvet leopard print armchairs with hot pink trim (though mine do make me very happy). Instead, it can feel less scary to start with a plainer, more neutral sofa or armchair and add colour and fun with cushions, with the added benefit being that it’s easy to switch the look around if you repaint the room - or just fancy a seasonal switch-up. For cushions with year-round wow-factor, look no further than Emma J Shipley, whose designs are now stocked exclusively in Scotland at Edinburgh’s Jeffrey’s Interiors (jeffrey’s-interiors.co.uk). The Neptune designs (above) are my personal favourites.

DON’T skimp on hardware As someone who has transformed a tired old laminate kitchen using little more than a few tins of paint and some kick-ass brass handles (pictured left), I can vouch for the transformative effect of high

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inspiringly different stylish furniture and accessories at:

8 North West Circus Place, Edinburgh

jeffreys-interiors.co.uk

INTERIORS

quality hardware, especially as I’m doing the exact same thing in my new home. My go-to brand is Buster + Punch – their handles might be on the pricier side, but a) they’re of the highest quality, and b) they’re a whole load cheaper than replacing a kitchen.

DO make alcohol look arty We all know about the uplifting effect that drinking alcohol can have, but did you know that elevating alcohol to an art form can literally and metaphorically lift your spirits? Well it can. Booze bottles are some of the bestdesigned products out there (current fave: Forest Gin, as sold in Harvey Nichols (pictured), and the high street is awash with pretty cocktail cabinets and accouterments to show off and complement your tipple of choice. My pick of the bunch is Marks & Spencer’s Webster cabinet, £599 (pictured), which looks lush paired with their Manhattan tumblers, £19.50 for a set of four.

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DON’T think of the children There are countless articles, blog posts and books out there advising you to child-proof your home by stocking up on wipe-clean, rounded-edged super storage smothered in blackboard paint. Yawn. I might have two boisterous, mucky little boys, but when I look around my house, I don’t want to think, “I hate everything in this room, thanks to the kids, but at least it’s clean”. Instead I’d rather think, “I LOVE that velvet sofa, and I’ll leave my little darlings’ pen/chocolate/mud marks to posterity”.

DO think differently You spend about 45 per cent of your life at home, so keeping that home an interesting place to be is crucial.

And one of the best ways to do that is to fill your pad with stuff that makes you smile when you walk through the front door. How about this brilliantly bonkers brass spiked Intrecciato hostess table from Kohr, £950 (pictured).

FEATURES

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www.developmentdirect.co.uk 57

INTERIORS

Or this Monde Mosaic Rodeo Cat Print, £59, Amara (pictured left). Or even some neon art in the form of the Bxxlght White Cloud, £295, Pad Lifestyle (pictured top left).

DON’T forget the flowers When it comes to fresh flowers (nothing lifts a room like them), I highly recommend Bloom & Wild’s new collaboration with floristto-the-stars Nikki Tibbles of Wild At Heart. The 28-stem assembleyourself bouquets are posted through your letterbox, and come with step-by-step instructions on how to arrange them to professional standards. If floristry’s not your thing, Farrow & Ball have a new, noarranging-required floral wallpaper collection (pictured above), which will bring any wall to life.

For more interior inspiration, visit The Pink House at pinkhouse.co.uk or on Instagram at @pinkhouseliving

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REMARKABLE BATHROOMS UNREMARKABLY PRICED Yes you can afford that WOW bathroom! At Victor Paris you’ll find a huge choice of stunning bathrooms to suit all budgets, from walk in showers and steam rooms to space saver bathrooms, you’ll find we have everything. And your ideal bathroom needn’t cost you a fortune, simply visit one of our showrooms today and see for yourself, you won’t leave disappointed.

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BEAUTY

1 2

LUST LIST The finest new season scents

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THE FOREST FORAGER Everyone’s favourite British fragrance house breaks new ground with this blend of English oak with creamy hazelnuts, suitable for both men and women.

Jo Malone English Oak & Hazelnut cologne from £44.

THE STYLE SETTER The new unisex scent from the ever-stylish Olsen sisters is just as chic as you’d imagine, with fresh lavender, honeyed neroli and a touch of musk.

Elizabeth and James Nirvana French Grey Eau De Parfum from £69.

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THE INSTANT CLASSIC Chanel’s first fragrance launch in 15 years is a luminous floral scent featuring fresh orange blossom, creamy jasmine, vibrant ylang-ylang and leathery notes of grasse tuberose. Gabrielle Chanel Eau De Parfum from £79.

THE BROODING BIG BROTHER A woody, spicy blend of rich oud with ginger, cypress, juniper and sage, this intense version of the unisex scent is fuller and darker than the original. Tom Ford Private Blend Oud Wood Intense from £210.

THE EXOTIC JOURNEY This new interpretation of vetiver hails from Haiti where the aromatic roots take on a more subtle, golden scent lending a lighter touch to the woody fragrance.

Diptyque Vetyverio Eau De Parfum, £105 for 75ml.

I am natural.

I am beautiful.

I am me.

You are proud of who you are. But hey, a little help here and there can make you feel even better about yourself. And why not? Our range of non-surgical cosmetic face and body treatments will lift, tighten and restore your shape; so you always look your best.

faceandbody.co.uk 0131 226 9610

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Following her beauty debut last autumn, VB is back with her second make-up collection with Estee Lauder. Built around five looks inspired by her favourite cities, the super-luxe range has a core of illuminating signature products designed to achieve the perfect, glowing base. Our must-buys are the highlighting Aura Gloss, £30 (pictured), and soon-to-launch Skin Perfecting Powder, £62 – which will hopefully ensure we’re ever-camera-ready, just like Victoria.

BEAUTYNOTES Must-try products and treatments JOIN THE CULT Eve Lom’s legendary cleanser now comes in an easy-to-use gel-balm formulation delivering the ultimate cleanse with a lighter texture and no fussing around with a muslin cloth. So if you weren’t a convert already, you’re about to be.

Eve Lom Gel Balm cleanser, £45.

#BETTERTHANSLEEP The perfect buy ahead of party season, Bobbi Brown’s new Instant Full Cover Concealer, £23, comes in 15 skin tone-correct shades, eradicating that lingering look of exhaustion in a single stroke.

3

red lipsticks 1 If it’s a true bright red 2 For a rich berry red in you’re looking for, try a matte finish, you can’t Hourglass Cosmetics’ beat Tom Ford’s ‘Lips Confession Ultra & Boys’ in ‘Nicholas’, Slim High Intensity £29. We’re not sure Refillable Lipstick, who Nicholas is but we £28, in ‘I Crave’. think we like him.

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3 And from the new Rouge Velvet range by Bourjois comes The Brunette, £8.99, a dark-reddish brown that works as well on blondes and redheads.

MOTHERPLUCKER Susie Lowe trades in her tweezers for threading guru Shavata Singh (pictured) Anyone who’s seen my school photographs could be forgiven for thinking I was Frida Kahlo and Noel Gallagher’s love child. I was therefore an early adopter when it came to tweezers and have never looked back.

Since eyebrows have become a ‘thing’ recently, I’ve considered reshaping my thin, upside down ticks into something more luscious but been a little apprehensive that I might end up with two great big slugs above my eyes.

ENTER SHAVATA: When I heard the Queen of Eyebrows herself was coming to town, I jumped at the opportunity of an appointment. Shavata Singh has built an empire of brow studios and it’s easy to see why – reassuring, calm and effortlessly stylish, I instantly trusted her with my face.

The threading treatment wasn’t as painful as I’d anticipated, much the same as waxing and it took around the same amount of time. Shavata also recommended a brow tint, something I’d never considered before but it was a revelation.

THE VERDICT: My eyebrows look neat and groomed and I think my face looks much fresher. I’ve had loads of compliments so will definitely be back for another appointment.

Threading from £18, tinting from £14, Shavata Brow Studio in Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh. Tel: 0131 524 8300.

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FEATURES

things you need to know about…

RAG'N' BONE MAN DAVID POLLOCK ON THE FASTEST-SELLING MALE ARTIST OF THE DECADE AND WHY FAME WILL NEVER GO TO HIS HEAD

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MUSIC

1 He's one of the year's biggest success stories Large, bearded and tattooed, with a confident Cockney swagger, Rory ‘Rag ‘n’ Bone Man’ Graham cuts a distinctive figure before he even opens his mouth. Signed to Columbia, he’s made a big splash since his debut single Human became a hit across the world in 2016.

This year’s debut album – also named Human – followed up by selling 117,000 copies in the week it hit number one in the UK, making it the fastest-selling album by a male artist of the 2010s.

"THE FIRST TIME I SAW STEPTOE AND SON WAS AT MY GRANDAD'S HOUSE WHEN I WAS LITTLE, THE NAME SOUNDED LIKE A BLUES NAME TO ME."

2 The hype is real It’s easy to be cynical about an artist who has won British Breakthrough Act and the Choice Award at the 2017 BRIT Awards, as well as coming second in the same year’s BBC Sound Of… poll. But Graham’s raw, gravelly vocal has a bluesy maturity to it, which proves he has much more substance than a clever marketing campaign. It’s also seen him in demand for credible collaborations with artists ranging from Kate Tempest (on 2014 EP Wolves) to Damon Albarn’s Gorillaz (on their 2017 album Humanz). Refreshingly, he’s also not interested in music for the celebrity that comes with it:“I don’t really want (fame),” he insists. “I think you can’t concern yourself with the fame thing, or what people say about you.”

3 The rap album is on its way Despite the smooth and fairly wholesome sound of his big hits, Graham always wanted to be a rapper. Yet his early days as a drum ‘n’ bass MC – called Rag ‘n’ Bonez – in his hometown of Uckfield, then rapping at open mic nights in Brighton, didn’t give him a clear indication of where his calling lay.

It took some convincing before he appreciated his own voice. “I realised it was in tune,” he recounts. “I realised it wasn’t bad, but I didn’t realise that it was distinctive... old dudes would come up to me at jam nights and be like, ‘I’ve been playing for 40 years and I have to say your voice is f***ing incredible.’”

4 The name really did come from Steptoe and Son Although the reference might be lost on most of his younger audience, Graham took inspiration for his stage name from Ray Galton and Alan Simpson’s classic Brit sitcom about father-and-son London junk traders from the 1960s and ‘70s. “I think the first time I saw it was at my grandad’s house when I was little, sitting there eating our porridge,” Graham remembers. “The name sounded like a blues name to me, so it kinda just stuck.”

5 He's ringing in an all-new New Year in the capital For this year’s edition, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will be run for the first time by the Edinburgh Fringe-regular Underbelly company. Although choosing them over Unique Events - the Edinburgh company which helped Hogmanay establish its reputation - has raised eyebrows, there’s no doubt that this first edition has attracted a large and very contemporary headliner.

We can’t wait to see him take to the stage in Princes Street Gardens.

Rag’n’Bone Man plays the Academy, Glasgow on 17 and 18 November; before returning to Scotland for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay. ragnbonemanmusic.com

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CULTURE

THE HOT TICKET

GUESTLIST

Winner of our Art, Music & Culture category, Matthew Hardy of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, selects his top gigs for autumn...

THE CLUB NIGHTS YOU’LL WANT TO GET INTO

LAU DECADE The UK’s best live folk band, Lau are touring their first retrospective album, taking in some of the finest tracks of the last 10 years. Kris Drever, Martin Green and Aidan O’Rourke’s live performances are not to be missed. Queens Hall Edinburgh. lau-music.co.uk

THU 07 DEC

SCOTTISH BALLET DANCES STRAVINSKY A rare chance to hear two of Stravinsky’s scores in one evening: The Fairy’s Kiss - a dark twist on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ice Maiden and The Rite of Spring, which is so raw and powerful, there was uproar at the premier. Edinburgh Festival Theatre. edtheatres.com

11-13 OCT

MAMMAL HANDS This exciting musical trio has a huge range of influences including jazz, world and electronica.

The have quickly gained a large following and this will be a great gig in the intimate venue of Glasgow’s Nice N Sleazy. mammalhands.com

THU 26 OCT

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COPLAND APPALACHIAN SPRING I had to put one of our gigs in!

Birdsong is rife in the natural world of this lovely programme featuring one of the world’s most original soloists, Maxim Rysanov alongside the SCO and Estonian Olari Elts. Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh on Thurs 02 and Glasgow’s City Hall on Fri 03. sco.org.uk

02-03 NOV

RSNO CHRISTMAS CONCERT Who doesn’t love Howard Blake’s, The Snowman?! The classic family animation is shown on big screen with live music by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra followed by a Christmas singalong. Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on Fri 22 followed by Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall on Sat 23. rsno.org.uk

22-23 DEC

AMELIE LENS 6 October, Tunnels, Aberdeen. The fast-rising, Pan-Potsupported Belgian DJ arrives in Scotland.

LATE NITE TUFF GUY 13 October, Bongo Club, Edinburgh. The Australian DJ brings his touring tribute to Prince to Nightvision.

DENIS SULTA & BIG MIZ 14 October, Reading Rooms, Dundee. Two of Scotland’s finest young DJs join forces at Sulta Selects.

JAYDA G 20 October, Sub Club, Glasgow. The Vancouver DJ and Freakout Cult label owner plays a threehour set for Bigfoot’s Tea Party.

MAXIMUM PRESSURE: HALLOWEEN 27 October, SWG3, Glasgow. Slam relaunch their signature party with the help of Richie Hawtin, Laurent Garnier and more.

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CULTURE

Must-reads for October…

After the Fire

by Henning Mankell (Harvill Secker, £17.99) The last novel from the bestselling author of the Wallander series sees retired doctor Fredrik Welin wake to find his secluded island home ablaze. But how did the fire start and who was responsible? This compelling final novel from the late great Swedish crime writer follows Fredrik on his quest to discover the truth. Out 05 October.

Uncommon Type: Some Stories

by Tom Hanks (William Heinemann, £16.99) Turns out acting isn’t the only talent Tom Hanks has up his sleeve. This collection of short stories from the Oscar-winning star is beautifully and sensitively written alternating between whimsical, moving and melancholy tales, all featuring a humble typewriter at their heart.

Hank’s first work of fiction will hopefully not be his last. Out 17 October.

Logical Family: A Memoir

by Armistead Maupin (Doubleday, £20) The beloved American author of the Tales of the City series finally pens his own life story which chronicles his journey from a curious youth in the old South to a groundbreaking gay rights pioneer in freewheeling San Francisco. An illuminating portrait of the man himself and the members of his tribe who shaped his character. Out 05 October.

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Shows to sink your teeth into this month The wait is over for…

Stranger Things The Netflix sci-fi smash is fiii-nally back with its second series from 27 October. It claims to be scarier than ever. Binge watch the lot…if you dare.

Guaranteed to blow your socks off… Gunpowder Find out what went down under Parliament in this BBC three-parter starring Game of Thrones’ Kit Harington as Robert Catesby, the mastermind behind the plot to kill the king, and Downton’s Tom Cullen as Guy Fawkes.

Reserve your spot on the sofa for… The Walking Dead Back for an eighth series and its 100th episode, we’re starting to wonder if Rick (Andrew Lincoln) actually has nine lives. On Fox from 23 October.

Get nostalgic with…

Red Dwarf XII Following a special screening of episode one at the Edinburgh TV Festival, the 90s cult space sitcom returns to the small screen on Dave from 12 October.

Even better, the original cast are all back too.

You be the judge of… Alias Grace If you loved Channel 4’s The Handmaid’s Tale, get onto Netflix from 03 November when you can see another gripping Margaret Atwood adaptation,this time, focusing on a housemaid serving time for a murder she does not remember commiting.

words Holly Tracey

THE BOOK SHELF

On the box

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IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS Make this Christmas go down in history and enjoy a Christmas Lunch at Edinburgh Castle.

edinburghcastle.gov.uk/festive

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh’s

Ultimate Party Night Join us on a night of festivities with up to 1000 like-minded party-goers which takes you on a journey through a range of our venues each one offering different entertainment.

£29 Per Person 15th, 16th, 21st and 22nd December.

£25 Per Person 14th and 17th of December.

Your ticket includes two drinks, one food voucher, entry to all entertainment and chips at the casino.

To book please call our Christmas Team T: 0131-527-3434 E: christmas@surgeonshall.com www.surgeonshall.com www.tenhillplace.com

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i-on food+drink

D.I.Y DOUGHNUTS

Tantrum Doughnuts have been winning over residents of Glasgow, and lovers of Instagram, with their 21st century take on doughnuts since they opened their first shop on Old Dumbarton Road in December 2015. Thanks to their delicious doughy creations, they’ve just been crowned winners of our Food & Drink: Products category at the i-on Breakthrough Awards. To thank us, they’ve revealed a secret recipe to a tasty filled doughnut. All you need is a handful of the most basic ingredients, your thumb and your filling of choice. At Tantrum they love custards, jams and chocolate cremeux but what you put in it and how you decorate it is entirely up to you. For the full recipe, visit ionmagazine.co.uk.

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GIN JOLLY

Charlotte Hulme broadens her gin horizons on a boozy distillery tour at Pickering’s

“AND THEN COMES THE BEST BIT: THE TASTE TEST. IT MAY BE 4PM ON A MONDAY BUT HEY, IT’S ALWAYS COCKTAIL TIME SOMEWHERE”

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BEHIND THE SCENES

A

self-proclaimed ‘gin-thusiast’, I jumped at the opportunity to tour the Pickering’s Gin distillery at Edinburgh’s Summerhall.

Founded in 2013 by former butler Marcus Pickering and engineer Matthew Gammell, the small batch production distillery is the capital’s first exclusive gin distillery in over 150 years and has recently started welcoming visitors through the doors.

The tour starts at the venue’s Royal Dick bar, where guests are furnished with a complimentary ‘P&T’ before being led by host and distillery manager Victoria to meet Emily and Gert – two 500 litre copper stills named after the founders’ curvaceous and stout grandmothers. Bet they liked a drop or two of ‘Ladies Delight’ in their day.

Pickering’s may be a relatively new gin on the market but it’s based on a ‘secret’ Bombay recipe dating back to 17 July 1947. The handwritten fragment of paper on which the original recipe is written hangs framed on the distillery wall and is eagerly snapped by the collection of tourists, bloggers and media on the tour – perhaps not so secret after all! Like all gins, one key ingredient is juniper berries (which we’re given to taste) but there are eight other botanicals in there too, namely coriander, cardamom, angelica, fennel, anise, lemon, lime and cloves, giving the gins their huge depth of flavours.

Victoria talks us through the gin-making process from botanicals to bottle; the gin is macerated for 24 hours with neutral grain spirit and heated using a system built by founder Matthew. Finally, we are shown how the gin is labelled and sealed by dipping the bottle mouth into hot wax. And then comes the best bit: the taste test. It may be 4pm on a Monday but hey, it’s always cocktail time somewhere. We sample three Pickering’s gins: the 1947 original; an Edinburgh Military Tattoo special edition (housed in a tartan bottle), and an Oak Aged Speyside gin. Each gin features unique notes from herbaceous undertones to caramel fudge flavours and Victoria explains that different mixers and garnishes best compliment the different editions. Lesson learned; the lemon’s days are over. I’ll be experimenting with grapefruit, orange and ginger ale going forward. I’ll just need a few bottles of Pickering’s to help with my research…

MIDNIGHT AT

MANSFIELD HOGMANAY CEILIDH TICKETS £70 PER PERSON Includes a welcome cocktail, hearty buffet & entertainment for the night.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOGMANAY AT MANSFIELD TRAQUAIR  mansfieldtraquair.co.uk/christmas-hogmanay/  mansfield@heritageportfolio.co.uk Limited availability, VIP packages available for £79.50 per person. Terms and conditions apply.

Pickering’s host guided tours and tastings on Mondays and Wednesdays-Saturdays. £10 per person. pickeringsgin.com

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FOOD AND DRINK

FOOD WITH A CONSCIENCE Winner of the Breakthrough Awards Food & Drink: People category, Laura Wells is helping cut food waste through The Real Junk Food Project

I

f you routinely throw away food past its sell-by date, you’re not alone. UK households binned £13bn worth of food in 2015* (that’s £470 per average household), which doesn’t take into account additional food thrown away by supermarkets and other sources. In fact, it’s estimated that roughly a third of food produced for human consumption – approximately 1.3 billion tonnes – gets lost or wasted every year.

Figures like these made Laura Wells want to do something. “I was putting on a charity fundraiser dinner, and approached local shops to ask for surplus food. I advertised it as a pay-as-you-feel event and it quickly sold out. The feedback was so positive I developed the social enterprise from there.”

Through The Real Junk Food Project, Laura intercepts landfill-destined surplus food and serves it at pop-up cafés open to everyone in Glasgow. The project offers training and volunteer opportunities while raising funds for charities, and the pay-as-you-feel policy forces diners to consider how they value food when deciding how much to contribute for their meals. To date, Laura has fed 2500 local people in the region of two tonnes of food that would have otherwise gone to waste.

To learn more and get involved with The Real Junk Food Project Glasgow, visit therealjunkfoodprojectglasgow.wordpress. com. Forthcoming events can be found at facebook.com/TRJFPGlasgow *According to a report published in January by waste and recycling advisory body Wrap

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Two more foodie outlets giving something back

SOCIAL BITE

Edinburgh’s Social Bite feed around 150 homeless people every day and in the evenings invite them back for hot food and support services at ‘Social Suppers’. December sees their first mass sleep out fundraiser in Princes Street Gardens, with sets from Liam Gallagher, Deacon Blue and Frightened Rabbit. sleepinthepark.co.uk.

KILTED LOBSTER

This Stockbridge restaurant’s Cooking up a Storm initiative offers workplace and job training for people with barriers to work; ‘meal banks’ where those facing financial hardship dine for free; and cookery classes for single parent families on a budget. kiltedlobster.com

‘An Aladdin’s cave of

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Come and visit us at 37 Broughton Street or 8 Brougham Street, Edinburgh.

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SMALL PLATES, BIG FLAVOUR The trend for tiny tapas-style dishes continues at these two new city spots

EPOCH Lucy Snow shares six divine courses of fine food at this new addition to Glasgow’s Princes Square

L

engthy tasting menus are not something you’d usually associate with shopping centre cuisine. But then the newly opened Epoch, in Princes Square, isn’t your usual shopping centre restaurant.

Housed in the former Buzzy Wares site, it’s bright, light and very contemporary with seating aplenty, spilling out onto the courtyard for a spot of people watching.

We were expertly attended to by Nick who, on handing us the menus, recommended a great bottle of red, the Carmenere, which hit the spot nicely. At first glance, with the concept of sharing plates and tapas clearly signposted, you’d be excused for thinking ‘same old, same old’ but it’s a little bit of extra finesse in the cooking that helps elevate this restaurant to the next level. And not a slider in sight.

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We gave the six-course menu taster a go, priced at a very reasonable £25 per person (£50 with matching wine), it starts with a mini feast of breads, olives, almonds, crispy squid with aioli and some ponzu, which was the bomb. Next came the pickled and raw veggies with herby mayo; a dish full of flavour and one I’d order again. The combination of the seabream with vine tomato, lemon and pomegranate that followed was wonderful on the palate but had nothing on dish four; steak with a zesty chimichurri. And just when we were about to admit defeat, Nick presented summer on a plate: a scoffable pineapple tart tatin with coconut ice cream. My friend surrendered here but I soldiered on to the final round; a great cheese board selection.

Princes Square was fairly quiet on the Tuesday night we visited, likewise Epoch, but it’s to the restaurant’s credit that there was still a bit of buzz. Once word gets out about the amazing food, I’ve a feeling that Epoch will be a busy place, seven days a week – so don’t delay in checking it out.

Princes Square, 48 Buchanan St, G3 8DT. Tel: 0141 261 0291, princessquare.co.uk

Cocktails | TennEnt’s Tank Beer | DINING ROOMS Editor’s Suite | Private Dining

BOOK online or call 0141 222 2909

www.thecitizenglasgow.co.uk 24 St vincent place | Glasgow | G1 2DH The Citizen is part of

FOOD AND DRINK

THE FAT PONY Michelle Clancy discovers that food is far from an afterthought at this new Edinburgh wine bar

D

ate nights have become somewhat elusive in my household so when my husband and I were invited to try out a new wine bar, we quickly drafted in a babysitter.

While we’re both big fans of a good glass of wine, we were confident the food would be en pointe here too mainly because the man behind the venture is restaurateur David Ramsden of the ever-popular Hanover Street restaurant, The Dogs.

Situated on Bread Street, away from the hustle and bustle, we propped ourselves at the bar and pondered the epic wine list. With a huge selection of whites, reds, rosés, and even a couple of orange wines on offer by the glass, we asked for some much-needed help choosing; an aromatic glass of French white, Jura Les Belemnites (£5.85) for me and a full-bodied Spanish red, the Monastrell (£3.35) for my other half both great recommendations.

To accompany the wine (it’s THAT way round here), head chef Scott Wyse has devised a concise but impressive menu of small plates. From pork and duck gyoza to crab and smoked salmon tortellini, influences are drawn from all over the world but we kicked things off with a simple charcuterie board to share, £14. Featuring a generous selection of cured meats with manchego, olives and bread, it was the perfect beginning. Another glass of wine down, we tucked into the ham hough terrine with pickles, £5.50 - a meaty slice complemented perfectly by the punchiness of the pickles. Then came the hit of the night: a luscious lamb shawarma with mint yogurt,

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“HEAD CHEF SCOTT WYSE HAS DEVISED A CONCISE BUT IMPRESSIVE MENU OF SMALL PLATES” pomegranate, and flat bread, £6. It was so good, we didn’t want it to end.

Torn between ending the evening on dessert or a cocktail (yep, they do more than just wine), I made the wise choice of ordering both. I’ve been in search of the perfect espresso martini

for years and I’m delighted to say The Fat Pony came up trumps – perhaps it was the extra shot of hazelnut that made it a winner. It also made the perfect partner to our dessert, a rich chocolate and blackberry delice with salted caramel ice cream, £5.

It was the perfect indulgent ending to our indulgent date night. Here’s hoping the babysitter is free again next weekend.

47/49 Bread Street, EH3 9AH. Tel: 0131 229 5770, thefatpony.com

FEATURES

FESTIVE FEASTING

E AT , D R I N K & B E M E R R Y

LUNCH 28 | DINNER 32

LUNCH 22 | DINNER 25

Indulge in our deliciously festive 3 course lunch & dinner menus filled with our best low & slow cooked dishes.

Enjoy two courses from our Christmas menu, a bottle of Staropramen or glass of Chandon sparkling on arrival & entry into Opal or Lulu afterwards.

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BIT AT THE BACK

TAKE TO THE STREETS

Halloween’s coming and we’re in need of some costume inspo so we headed out to Bruntsfield to steal your best fancy dress ideas…

“Once, myself and a couple of friends dressed up as Jack, Victor and Naveed from Still Game. That was brilliant.” Matt Hutchison, 21, out exploring the local cafes and bars after just moving to the area.

“Once when I was really young, my friend and I dressed up as a rhino. I was the back and she was the front.

It’s definitely the most effort I’ve ever put into a costume!” Laura Ludvigsen, 20, out playing pitch and putt after her first day at Uni.

“My most commented on costume was when I dressed up as a boxer… not the dog kind!” Jaclyn, 25, spotted out for a walk on the Meadows.

“Has to be the time I dressed as Dougall from Father Ted.” Michael Biggart, 25, spotted on his way home from the library.

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“I went as Little Red Riding Hood last year, with this big, flowing cape. It was cool.”

Emma Rosie Bryce, 19, spotted on her way to the supermarket.

photography by Cat Thomson

“My best ever costume was Sweeney Todd. I had the white face, dark eyes, red lips and even grew my hair long and sprayed it up. I thought it might be dangerous to take a real razor out though.” Mark Finn, 20, over from Dublin to visit his boyfriend.

FEATURES

BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS

Choose from either of our two award-winning venues Festive Fun guaranteed - menus online now

WHISKI Rooms

Festive menu from £25.95 4-7 North Bank St, Edinburgh, EH1 2LP Tel: 0131 225 7224 Email: bar@whiskirooms.com Web: www.whiskirooms.com @whiskirooms whiskirooms

WHISKI Bar & Restaurant Festive menu from £23.95 119 High St, Edinburgh, EH1 1SG Tel: 0131 556 3095 Email: bar@whiskibar.com Web: www.whiskibar.com @whiskibar whiskibar

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BIT AT THE BACK

I WAKE UP… …and reach for my phone to check orders and social media – we post bouquets on Instagram and sell them through our website (one daily design, available in three sizes), as well as bespoke arrangements on request.

After showering, breakfast is avocado on toast or porridge with honey, then I head to the studio in Glasgow’s West End with a possible stop at the flower market en route.

I GOT THE JOB… …by employing myself! I moved back home to Glasgow after living overseas

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF…

Chloe Milligan, Creative Director at Mud Urban Flowers and winner of our Online Influencers category in Sydney, Queenstown and Virginia for three years and started the company less than two months later.

A TYPICAL DAY… …always starts with a very busy morning. I post on social media, reply to emails, print orders and get the bouquets ready and delivered. At lunchtime, I do a spin class or quick run, then I catch up on paperwork, post on social media and prepare for the next day’s bouquet.

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MY CAREER HIGHLIGHT… …is working in Virginia with US floral designer Holly Heider Chapple. She’s a super talented lady with an excellent eye and a big heart, generous with her knowledge and advice.

AFTER HOURS… …I love going to the gym. I put my phone in a locker and don’t think about it for a couple of hours. I like to go out for dinner and drinks with my boyfriend Struan or some girlfriends once a week, but sometimes I drive straight home, get into my PJs and catch up on my favourite TV, like Broadchurch or Grantchester. I try to be asleep by 10pm on weekdays as I’m often up at 6am and I like to get my 8 hours in.

IN 10 YEARS’ TIME… …I’d love to see Mud franchised, definitely in Edinburgh and hopefully other cities in the UK. mud-urbanflowers.com

interviewed by Susie Cormack Bruce

WORK STARTS… …and the first thing I do is check the flower delivery - I order online from the markets so I’m always eager to check the quality and colour in the flesh. Then I catch up with my team: my cousin Nick has been in the industry for 14 years so I’d be lost without him; Laura is one of the best florists I know, and the girls – B and Kat – keep the business fresh.

THE BEST PART OF MY JOB… …is gauging reactions to the different daily designs. We get comments online saying all sorts of things from “love the colour palette” or “preferred yesterday’s!”. The worst part is sitting in traffic or getting lost while out doing deliveries!

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