STORIES FROM THE BALMORAL, EDINBURGH’S ICONIC HOTEL Autumn/Winter 2021 - Issue No.8
A WARM WELCOME FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER - CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS - SPOTLIGHT ON: SCOTCH CLUB - A DELIGHT FOR THE SENSES - INTRODUCING...IMOGEN RUSSON-TAYLOR: THE BALMORAL’S SCENT BUTLER - WINTER OF WARMTH - MAGICAL SUITE ESCAPES WELCOME TO THE FESTIVE GATHERINGS - ST JAMES QUARTER - #BALMORALMOMENTS
Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8
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Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8
A warm welcome from our our General Manager Autumn has well and truly commenced in Edinburgh. As the cityscape changes with the colours of a new season, we invite guests to seek respite from the cooler weather and bustling Edinburgh streets by experiencing our ‘Winter of Warmth’ as it arrives at the hotel. Whether it be settling in for a serve of The Macallan at Scotch, seeking out a scent masterclass with our very own Scent Butler or escaping to our much loved J.K. Rowling Suite, we have the perfect getaway for those looking for something different as the colder evenings roll in. In this issue of The Icon, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Scotch Club in partnership with The Macallan. Offering prime real estate in our iconic property, whisky connoisseurs can become a member of this elite club and enjoy bottle residence accompanied by a fountain of knowledge from our Whisky Ambassadors at Scotch. We also welcome Imogen Russon-Taylor, Founder of Kingdom, Scotland’s first fragrance house. As our newly appointed Scent Butler, Imogen will tell us what she loves about the city and how she has brought to life the power of scent through her fragrance collection. Our dedicated concierge team has hand picked some of the finest experiences on offer in Edinburgh in the coming months and we feature one of our most magical suites, named after the worldrenowned author J.K.Rowling. We invite you to join us as we celebrate the very best of Scotland as the ‘Winter of Warmth’ begins.
Richard Cooke, General Manager
CONTRIBUTORS Richard Cooke General Manager
Katherine MacKenzie Senior Communications Executive
Imogen Russon-Taylor Founder of KINGDOM Scotland
Cameron Ewen Bar Manager of SCOTCH
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Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8
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CONTENT
SPOTLIGHT: SCOTCH CLUB
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6 CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS
The Balmoral’s very own whisky bar has unveiled its new Scotch Club in partnership with The Macallan.
Recommendations from our concierge on the best places to discover in Edinburgh in the coming months.
14 A DELIGHT FOR THE SENSES
In partnership with Kingdom Scotland, The Balmoral is bringing to life the power of scent with their Scent Butler experience.
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22
INTRODUCING... IMOGEN RUSSONTAYLOR, THE BALMORAL’S SCENT BUTLER
ST JAMES QUARTER
A destination like no other – bringing together brands from global to local, convenience to luxury.
We sit down with the Founder and Owner of Kingdom, Scotland’s first fragrance house, to find out more about the inspirations behind her fragrance.
23 #BALMORALMOMENTS
18 WINTER OF WARMTH
A range of new winter experiences, to reconnect with friends, fall in love with Edinburgh and discover world-class hospitality.
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AUTUMN / WINTER 2021
CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS
AUTUMN / WINTER 2021
CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS EDINBURGH ZOO SPOOKTACULAR Edinburgh Zoo 9th Oct — 31st Oct Edinburgh Zoo is opening its gates after dark to invite you on a family friendly spooktacular trail through the zoo, celebrating all things Halloween, with a magical illuminated trail where you will meet lots of different characters along the way.
PRINCE PHILIP: A CELEBRATION Palace of Holyroodhouse
Now Open The Palace of Holyroodhouse hosts a special display to commemorate the remarkable life and legacy of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Britain’s longest-serving consort. Themes explored in Prince Philip: A Celebration, include The Prince’s early life and naval career, his role as consort and his support for the sovereign at home and abroad.
CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS
AUTUMN / WINTER 2021
JOHNNIE WALKER PRINCES STREET Princes Street Now open The eight-floor new visitor experience for one of the world’s best-selling Scotch whisky, has officially opened in the heart of the city. Using world’s first technology to re-imagine the traditional whisky tour experience. Visitors will be taken on a personalised journey of flavour and discovery, which identifies unique flavours and tastes tailored to you, as you learn about the fascinating 200-year-old journey which is brought to life by actors.
SCOTTISH BALLET: STARSTRUCK Festival Theatre 14th Oct — 16th Oct Escape to the glamour and grace of Paris, 1960. Step into the studio, watch the dancers warm up and hear the piano start to play – a new show is taking shape, a show where jazz meets ballet.
CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS
AUTUMN / WINTER 2021
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST THE MUSICAL Edinburgh Playhouse 21st Oct — 27th Nov The original creative team reunited to bring the Beauty And The Beast musical back to the stage in 2021, starring Courtney Stapleton (Dear Evan Hansen) as Belle, Emmanuel Kojo (Girl From The North Country) as Beast and X-Factor winner Sam Bailey as Mrs Potts.
EDINBURGH ART FAIR Edinburgh Corn Exchange 18th — 21st Nov Recognised as the UK’s leading, most prestigious art fair outside London, the fair will return this year, exhibiting 65 galleries from around the UK and abroad and over 500 artists from around the globe.
CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS
Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8
Spotlight on:
SCOTCH CLUB As the colder months arrive in Edinburgh,
keeps that don the entrance to SCOTCH,
rates to turn their visit into a vacation in one
step through the doors of SCOTCH. The
The Balmoral’s world renowned whisky bar.
The Balmoral’s finest suites.
Balmoral’s very own whisky bar has unveiled
Keeping the Scottish amber nectar under
its new Scotch Club in partnership with The
lock and key, The Balmoral’s expert Whisky
The
Macallan, offering a personalised membership
Ambassadors will offer Scotch Club members
members of the Scotch Club in the
experience to whisky connoisseurs around
a whisky concierge service.
Summer, with a waiting list open for the
the world.
began
accepting
12
remaining 23 keeps which will be released Whisky Ambassadors will be on hand to
As one of the world’s leading single malt
create a cocktail or suggest a perfect serve
whiskies, renowned for its outstanding quality
for your own expression of The Macallan
and dedication to craftsmanship, The Macallan,
Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. A
together with The Balmoral – have utilised
range of exclusive benefits mean members
their shared respect for the international
can entertain in style with an annual
Whisky world and hospitality industry, to
complimentary whisky tasting for two with
create an experience like no other.
exclusive use of the elegant surroundings of SCOTCH, graciously hosted by a Whisky
The elite club offers bottle residence in one of
Ambassador. Members also receive advance
the sought after, personally engraved whisky
invitations to whisky masterclasses and special
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Balmoral
later this year.
Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8
Cameron Ewen, Whisky Ambassador and
them as individuals and deliver an
Manager of SCOTCH said:
outstanding, memorable occasion on each and every visit to SCOTCH. We have
“Together Together with The Macallan we have
some rare and extraordinary expressions
created a unique membership experience
from The Macallan available for the
in an iconic Scottish location. To have
Scotch Club and I hope that they allow
your name engraved on one of only 35
each member to join with their family and
whisky keeps in the heart of
The
friends in the comfortable surroundings
Balmoral is really special and something
of Scotch and keep the conversations
which we hope will be coveted by whisky
about whisky going for generations to
fans around the world.
come.” come.
Our members will experience an entirely
Contiued on page 12.
bespoke service. We want to get to know
Our members will experience an entirely bespoke service. We want to get to know them as individuals and deliver an outstanding, memorable occasion on each and every visit to SCOTCH. The Icon - The Balmoral - 11
Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8
The Macallan: Chris Anderson, Head of Edrington Brands, Edrington UK said:
“We’re We’re delighted to be collaborating with The Balmoral, to offer such an exceptional opportunity to whisky fans worldwide. The membership is a fantastic way for members to experience The Macallan and some of our most distinguished expressions in a completely different way and continues our prestige journey within the most exceptional venues around the world.” world. The Balmoral’s whisky bar, SCOTCH, is a unique homage to the art of whisky in Edinburgh, and this is reflected in the subtle lighting and visual depth of the bar’s interior, designed by Olga Polizzi, which echo an aged spirit. New enhancements to the whisky bar include limited edition artwork from The Macallan’s Red Collection and a beautiful back bar installation featuring The Macallan Red Collection 40 Years Old. Apply to become a member of the club or discover more here: scotchclub@roccofortehotels.com
OUR WHISKY AMBASSADOR, CAMERON EWEN, RECOMMENDS:
Elchies 485 NAMED AFTER THE 485 ACRE MACALLAN ESTATE
This cocktail is inspired by the malting of barley during whiskies production and has distinct notes of cereal, sweet toasted sesame and candied walnuts. Using such an exquisite whisky as The Macallan Sherry oak 12 year old we are able to balance the exquisite rich, nutty and spicy character of the whisky with a toasted sesame vermouth to create a cocktail inspired by a classic Rob Roy. Available to order in SCOTCH
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unique experiences
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Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8
A DELIGHT
for the Senses
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Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8
The Balmoral, has launched a new Scent Butler
offering a flavour profile of subtle herbaceous
experience for those staying in their Bowes
and citrus notes to perfectly complement the
Lyon signature suite. The recently refurbished
fragrances.
Suite aptly blends heritage and modernity, style and character and guests can now enjoy
In addition, after each scent masterclass guests
a private scent masterclass in the comfort of
can bring home a bottle of Scotland with their
the luxurious suite with founder and owner of
very own Kingdom fragrance chosen from the
Kingdom Scotland, Imogen Russon-Taylor.
collection; Metamorphic, Albaura, Portal and Kingdom Botanica.
Working with The Balmoral, Imogen has created a truly unique experience to bring to
The Bowes Lyon suite offers a verdant
life the power of scent. Bottling Scotland up in
aesthetic with walls donned proudly with
a way that encapsulates the country’s stories,
rhododendrons. The soothing tones of heather
experiences and the inspiration behind her
create a relaxing ambience in the bedroom,
fragrance collection – the drama of the Scottish
promising a restful night’s sleep. Partnered
landscape and nature.
with a unisex Kingdom fragrance, a stay in the suite offers a truly unique and heightened
Guests will be taken on a journey through
experience for the senses. With unique
scent, with an exclusive masterclass detailing
porthole-style
the influences behind each expertly crafted,
velvet furnishings and leafy drapes, guests are
matured and bottled fragrance. As well as
offered a tranquil countryside ambience whilst
immersing themselves in the debut Kingdom
overlooking the bustling views of Princes
collection, guests can also indulge in a taste of
Street, evoking peaceful tranquility, right in
The Balmoral’s exclusive Scottish gin ‘Baile
the heart of the Scottish capital.
windows,
exquisite
green
Mhoireil’, created in partnership with the Secret Garden Distillery. It’s perfect serve The Icon - The Balmoral - 15
Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8
Introducing
IMOGEN RUSSONTAYLOR
The Balmoral’s Scent Butler 16 - The Icon - The Balmoral
Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8
You will be transported in scent to some of the most beautiful and dramatic places in Scotland Tell us a little bit about Kingdom Scotland and
Profits go towards global biodiversity research
best time to nose and evaluate ingredients and
its ethos?
in the face of climate change.
scent profiles. I am also working to scale my business internationally – so am looking at
Kingdom Scotland is a timeless realm explored
Tell us about being The Balmoral’s scent butler.
in scent. My perfumes celebrate the drama
investment options. There is so much interest across the globe for Kingdom Scotland – people
and majesty of the natural world and each
I am thrilled to be working with The Balmoral
are desperate to get their hands on our scents in
tells a story in scent. Having worked in the
as their Scent Butler. Together we have created
Europe and the States. The build up to Christmas
whisky industry for 15 years, I have always
such an exclusive scent experience that is
is such a busy time in the world of fragrance.
been fascinated with the complexity of aroma.
offered to the guests of the Bowes Lyons Suite.
This year, we have an exciting window display in
I really feel our sense of smell is so powerful
You will be transported in scent to some of the
Belgravia, London, events scheduled at private
and personal, and often overlooked. Kingdom
most beautiful and dramatic places in Scotland
members clubs and a whole set of awards and
Scotland is Scotland’s very first fragrance
- and explore your own scent landscape -
PR interviews to finalise. Then comes school
house, and each scent is expertly crafted using
sampling some beautiful accords and individual
pick up and a myriad of activities where I am
the finest sustainable and ethical ingredients.
notes. You will be introduced to the realm of
mainly the snack machine and chauffeur…
Our complex, unisex scents are created,
Kingdom Scotland. Our perfumes are available
matured and bottled in Scotland.
in the Spa at The Balmoral and on request at
What is your favourite thing about Edinburgh.
the concierge. What inspires your Metamorphic, Portal, Albaura and Kingdom Botanica fragrances?
Edinburgh has to be one of the most beautiful Why do you feel The Balmoral and Kingdom
cities in the world. So difficult to choose. I
Scotland work well together as luxury brands?
moved back here at 18 to study Geography at
Celebrating the natural world is central to
Edinburgh University – and the city is in my
everything we do. This has utterly inspired
Kingdom Scotland has a natural fit with The
heart. I love that we have dramatic forms right
the first four scents. Our scent Metamorphic is
Balmoral. We both are driven to seek out the
in the capital – ancient volcanoes of Castle Rock
inspired by the most complex of rocks, woven
very best in services, ingredients and experiences.
and Arthur’s Seat, the volcanic sill of Salisbury
throughout the landscape of Scotland. It also
We also both embody the Scottish landscape,
Crags, the cityscape has been built on eroded
includes a note to my love of Islay malt whisky.
The Balmoral in its pallet of colours and
glacial terrain. Then there is the rich cultural
It is a rich, smouldering, woody and addictive
design, and Kingdom Scotland in its evocative
history – you can really feel this just walking
scent. Portal eau de parfum is a gateway to
scent collection. And we both bridge heritage
through the old town. Plus great restaurants
the ancient Caledonian forests of Scotland –
and modernity, bringing something new and
and bars…and the festival! Can’t wait for that
an escape to a sylvan wonderland. Albaura is
memorable to our clients and guests.
to come back into force next year.
What is a typical day like for you?
Do you have a favourite scent?
berries, arctic poppy, rock moss and ambergris.
Busy! No day is the same. I have 3 children aged
Now, that is difficult! So many to consider.
This is a bold and pure beauty. Our fourth
9, 11 and 15 so my day starts by getting them
But I love the smell of vetiver. I think it is my
scent - Kingdom Botanica was created in
ready for the day – breakfast and off to school
favourite fragrant note. There is an amazing
collaboration with The Royal Botanic Garden
with all that they need. Then comes my matcha
vetiver in the Kingdom Scotland perfume Portal
Edinburgh. This is an extraordinary scent 350
tea – I really find this gives me the energy and
– it has a deep woody, bark like aspect, a soft
years in the making, each ingredient has been
focus for the day of work ahead. I have been
earthiness and a slight, delicate smokiness. I find
carefully selected to celebrate centuries of
working on an exciting new collaboration to
it very comforting and grounding.
plant adventure and protection at the RGBE.
launch later this year. I find the morning the
a scent in tribute to the Arctic explorer and Scottish botanist, Isobel Wylie Hutchison. The freshness of snow and ice, blended with
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Magical Suite Escapes Whisk your family away for a magical stay in
final book in the Harry Potter series.
The Balmoral’s world renowned J.K. Rowling
The signed bust reads: “J.K. Rowling finished
suite. The suite was aptly named after the
writing Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows
author completed ‘Harry Potter and The
in this room (552) on 11th Jan 2007.”
Deathly Hallows’ in the suite in January 2007. Enter the suite, past the owl door knocker, and
The Signature Suite offers a magical escape,
walk through the star-filled entranceway into
with stunning views across the inspiring city
the lounge and see the marble bust of Hermes,
including Calton Hill and the historic turreted
signed by the author in elation at finishing the
alcoves of Edinburgh adding charm and wonder to an unforgettable family stay.
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Festive Gatherings
Gatherings at The Balmoral invites small
Festive Gatherings allow groups of 12 to 30
groups to enjoy an innovative, bespoke family-
guests to experience elevated sharing plates
style banquet this festive season. The evening
alongside paired wines, featuring the finest,
will be tailored specifically to diners’ tastes,
seasonal ingredients and produce the Scottish
delivered with a sense of theatre, all within one
larder has to offer – making this year’s
of Edinburgh’s most beautiful private dining
celebrations truly unique. Every detail of the
spaces majestically overlooking the Castle.
evening is personalised, from the drinks and menu to the dressing of the room. As the menu
This personalised experience starts with The
is presented, a narrative is provided around
Balmoral’s Executive Chef, Gary Robinson
each course by one of the chefs, showcasing
collaborating with you via a one-to-one
the history of each dish, method of cooking
consultation to curate a bespoke festive menu
and its connection to local suppliers, giving
and evening. As an elevated dining experience,
guests an exclusive insight into the stories and provenance behind each dish.
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Festive Gatherings S AM P L E M E N U
Festive snacks
Sourdough, whipped Edinburgh butter
Tweed Valley beef carpaccio, beetroot, crowdie, kale and mandarin salad, maple and Amontillado sherry dressing Belhaven hot and cold smoked salmon platter, langoustine Mary Rose, classic garnish
Turkey ballotine, roast rooster potatoes, panache of vegetables, mulled red cabbage, brioche bread sauce Baked gammon with clove and anise, roof top honey, Granny Smith apple and crackling Jerusalem artichoke macaroni, wild mushroom, horseradish, sage and parsley, hazelnut and truffle gremolata
Sambirano 68% chocolate tart, Belle Helene style Coconut tapioca, lime curd, compressed pineapple with passionfruit and ginger bubbles
St Andrews cheddar, Oatcakes, grapes & chutney
Balmoral blended coffee and the Rare Tea Co. tea served with mulled wine flumps, pistachio nougat and mince pies
Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8
ST JAMES QUARTER
St James Quarter is a destination like no other – bringing together brands from global to local, and convenience to luxury. Located in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, St James Quarter is the new place to be for those visiting Edinburgh. Tourists will be welcomed with rooftop bars overlooking iconic sites including Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill and Arthur’s Seat. They can enjoy cuisines from all over the world whilst planning a day exploring the city’s East End, now filled with inspiring, attractive, and vibrant outlets for people to live, shop, experience, and play. St James Quarter is a vibrant hub for art, culture and fashion bringing people from all walks of life together. The new shopping district will support the city’s world-renowned cultural offering and support its dynamic 22 - The Icon - The Balmoral
events calendar throughout the year. Inside the St James Quarter shopping galleria there will be 80 retailers and over 30 bars and restaurants for locals and tourists to explore. St James Quarter is home to the capital’s first food marketplace, Bonnie & Wild food hall. The Scottish marketplace have brought together some of Scotland’s best independent food and drink producers to bring guests a truly unique and exciting social dining experience. The Galleria inside St James Quarter is the ultimate destination for fashion in Scotland with brands such as & Other Stories, Stradivarius, Bershka, and Pull&Bear debuting for the first time. With an extensive and ever evolving list of global, independent, innovative, and exciting brands such as
Zara, H&M, Mango, Next, Rituals, IOLLA, Tommy Hilfiger, Boots, Superdrug and Peloton guests have everything they need under one roof. Still to come to St James Quarter is Scotland’s first W Edinburgh hotel, a boutique Everyman Cinema, a Roomzzz Aparthotel, and residential apartments. Visitors are welcomed to embrace every aspect St James Quarter has to offer, creating memories that will last a lifetime as they explore the biggest retail and leisure space the city has ever seen. For more information or to plan your day at St James Quarter visit stjamesquarter.com @stjamesquarter
@StJamesQuarter
Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8
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Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8
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