The Icon - Issue 11

SPRING 2023 ISSUE N º 11

in Bloom Balmoral

4–5

A WARM WELCOME FROM RICHARD COOKE

A warm welcome from Rocco Forte’s UK Managing Director.

6–8

CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS

The Balmoral’s Chief Concierge, David Musk, has curated a list of things to do in the city over the coming months.

10–11

FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE’S 2023 STAR AWARDS

The Balmoral retains its position as the only hotel in Scotland to receive a Five Star Rating in Forbes Travel Guide’s 2023 Star Awards for the third year running.

12–13

IN CONVERSATION WITH PAUL HART, EXECUTIVE CHEF

Paul tells us what his vision is for the future and his favourite things about Edinburgh.

14–15

SPOTLIGHT ON... THE GLAMIS SUITE

Designed by Olga Polizzi, this royal suite is one of the city’s most impressive spaces.

16

EASTER AFTERNOON TEA AT PALM COURT

Celebrate family this April and enjoy Easter favourites.

17–19

LIVE MUSIC IN BAR PRINCE

Bar Prince live music sessions are returning throughout March with a selection of The Balmoral’s favourite artists.

20–21

WHISKY MONTH AT SCOTCH

Celebrate Scotland’s national drink with a cocktail recommended by Whisky Ambassador, Cameron Ewen and meet the team.

CONTENTS

A WARM WELCOME FROM RICHARD COOKE, UK MANAGING DIRECTOR

The Balmoral is excited to welcome the Spring months with delicious cuisine, creative cocktails and drams aplenty. As we enter a new season, we see a fresh line-up of live music sessions in Bar Prince, an Easter Afternoon Tea in Palm Court and we raise a dram in SCOTCH to mark whisky month, a time dedicated to celebrating Scotland’s national drink.

The Balmoral team are also honoured to announce that for the third year running, the hotel has retained the accolade as the only Five Star hotel in Scotland in the Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards.

With so much happening in the city this Spring, our concierge team have pulled together their very best recommendations for the perfect getaway in Edinburgh. We look forward to welcoming guests over the next few months for an unforgettable stay at The Balmoral.

RICHARD COOKE, CLUSTER MANAGING DIRECTOR

CONTRIBUTORS

Richard Cooke Cluster Managing Director

David Musk Chief Concierge

Paul Hart Executive Chef

Cameron Ewen Whisky Ambassador of SCOTCH

ONCIERGE RECOMMENDS

Spring Market

25 TH AND 26 TH MARCH

EDINBURGH ZOO

Visit the Edinburgh Zoo marquee for a host of crafters, artists, makers and creators selling their amazing work with nature at the heart of it! From bird tables to feeders, support local and stop by to protect, value and love nature.

WWW.EDINBURGHZOO.ORG.UK/EVENTS

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory

29 TH MARCH–15 TH APRIL

EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - The Musical tells the story of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectionary wizard Willy Wonka. Featuring memorable songs from the iconic 1970s film as well as a host of new numbers, this musical will take you to a world of pure imagination.

WWW.ATGTICKETS.COM/SHOWS

Edinburgh Science Festival

1 ST – 16 TH APRIL

VARIOUS EDINBURGH VENUES

The 2023 Edinburgh Science Festival embraces the concepts of experimentation, innovation, creativity, curiosity and invention.

WWW.SCIENCEFESTIVAL.CO.UK

Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty

11 TH – 15 TH APRIL

FESTIVAL THEATRE, EDINBURGH

Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty reawakens, celebrating 10 years since its premiere, when it became the fastest selling production in the company’s history. Enjoy sumptuous sets and costumes, evocative lighting and masterly storytelling, the beloved fairy tale is brought to life.

WWW.CAPITALTHEATRES.COM/WHATS-ON

Candlelight: A Tribute to Ludovico Einaudi

14 TH APRIL

ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL

Enjoy a host of concerts illuminated by candlelight and performed by live musicians in some of the most iconic venues in Edinburgh. Discover the music of Ludovico Einaudi at St Mary’s Cathedral under the gentle glow of candlelight.

WWW.FEVERUP.COM

Beltane Fire Festival 2023

30 TH APRIL

CALTON HILL

Beltane Fire Festival is a living, breathing re-interpretation and modernisation of an ancient Iron Age Celtic ritual and is the largest of its kind, bringing people from all over the world to join and revel in the birth of the Summer and the fertility of the land since 1988! Glowing bright fires, the pounding of drums, and a cavalcade of characters emerge onto Calton Hill to bring about the end of the long nights.

WWW.BELTANE.ORG

Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder

NOW – 1 ST MAY

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND

A thrilling exploration of the science behind the long-running hit series, Doctor Who, featuring eight zones filled with immersive, hands-on experiences.

WWW.NMS.AC.UK/EXHIBITIONS-EVENTS

The Balmoral announces...

FIVE STAR RATING IN FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE’S 2023 STAR AWARDS

Forbes Travel Guide is the authority in genuine five-star service. In 2021 The Balmoral became the first hotel in Scotland to receive a five star rating and has continuously worked to secure its position as an icon of luxury hospitality.

Cluster Managing Director, Richard Cooke said:

It is an incredible honour to share that we have been awarded a five star rating for 2023. Forbes truly demands the very best standards for guests and we are extremely humbled to have received such acknowledgment for three years running.

The Balmoral team works hard every day to provide our guests with unforgettable experiences that showcase the very best of Scottish hospitality and we look forward to continuing to deliver incredible service and experiences for our guests.

A gold standard in the hospitality industry since 1958, Forbes Travel Guide’s luxury travel rating recognises the world’s finest properties. Anonymous inspectors check into a hotel for at least two nights, then test up to 900 objective standards with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travelers select the world’s best luxury experiences.

The hotel has retained its position as the only hotel in Scotland to receive the world-renowned accolade for the third year running.

UMBER ONE

Visit The Balmoral’s 4 AA Rosette fine-dining restaurant Number One and experience a range of wine cellar experiences and incredible cuisine.

Built in partnership with award winning Champagne house, Charles Heidsieck, the solid oak wine cellar offers guests the chance to view, select and taste the restaurant’s extensive selection of fine wines and Champagnes that live within the cellar walls.

Number One, offers over 350 wines on display with the bespoke temperature controlled space offering a beautiful addition to the restaurant’s rich interiors. The wine cellar houses over twenty wines by the glass, bottles from more than sixteen countries and vintages from the 70s and 80s through to 2021.

The restaurants Head Sommelier Damien Trinckquel can assist you in picking the perfect wines to accompany Chef De Cusine Mathew Sherry’s menu. Mathews’s dishes are fashioned using seasonal ingredients, carefully sourced from an exceptional list of trusted suppliers, fusing Scottish cuisine with modern flair.

In conversation with… EXECUTIVE CHEF PAUL HART

A warm welcome to The Balmoral’s Executive Chef, Paul Hart. Paul joined The Balmoral family in October and tells us what his vision is for the future and his favourite things about Edinburgh.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CULINARY STYLE?

I am classically French trained and I think that reflects in everything I do. I have been cooking for so long that part of the fun is trying out different styles and techniques. There are always so many new styles and trends to play around with, but I do think my French training remains at the core of everything I do.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE BALMORAL?

My vision begins with looking at the offerings in each of our different restaurants and bars and ensuring we are pushing our creative boundaries, whilst exceeding the quality our guests are expecting. I’ll also be working hard to showcase the very best of the Scottish culinary landscape, whilst building on my relationships with preferred suppliers, sourcing only the best produce available.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE DISH?

My favourite dish has to be a Sunday Roast. There is really nothing better than gathering the family and sitting down for a roast together. It’s not just about the food, it’s a social occasion in our house. My wife makes a great roast and no matter what the meat, Yorkshire puddings are a must!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT EDINBURGH?

I have to say the strong culinary scene and I’m planning on spending some time going out to do some more market research. I’m always hearing recommendations, so I’ll be trying some places on my list now that I am in the city more.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE A CHEF?

I really sparked my passion for cooking at sixteen. I worked in a small hotel and the General Manager introduced me to a Chef who had worked with some incredible and notable figures in the industry. Watching him work in the kitchen and learning from him really ignited my passion and thirst for knowledge for becoming a Chef.

The city has so much to offer on top of incredible cuisine, it’s got landmarks and culture aplenty.

Spotlight on… THE GLAMIS SUITE

Named after Scotland’s most beautiful castle and the childhood home of The Queen Mother, the Glamis Suite evokes the majesty of its namesake in every carefully chosen design detail.

Designed by Olga Polizzi, Rocco Forte Hotels’ Director of Building & Design, and sister to Sir Rocco Forte, this royal suite is one of the city’s most impressive spaces. Large windows cast natural light upon the spacious salon, with its magnificent velvet sofas, tasteful antiques and original fireplace, and the sophisticated dining room, with its Scottish baronial furniture and antique chandelier, provides an elegant area for entertaining.

A lush colour palette of emerald and amethyst sets the tone for a scheme in which rich fabrics meet antiques selected personally by Olga Polizzi from her travels throughout Europe. Historic period features including ornate cornicing are complemented by exquisite drapes and hand-picked collections of books and records make this spacious haven homely.

The showpiece Shinola record player and vinyl collection is a nod to the Rock ‘n Roll greats who frequent the hotel. Available for guests to enjoy, the record menu offers an ever-growing collection tailored to guests’ music tastes.

Baile Mhoireil is best served with tonic, dried grapefruit, a sprig of rosemary and a spritz of lemon verbena.

We recommend relaxing in the suite, listening to David Bowie’s Legacy on the record player, whilst sipping on The Balmoral’s own premium gin Baile Mhoireil.

A STAY IN THE GLAMIS SUITE...

Perfect for music and art lovers alike, the paintings that don the walls of the suite offer the perfect aesthetic for a cultural retreat. Thoughtfully hung above the record player lives a stunning painting by the artist Dame Elizabeth Violet Blackadder (1931–2021). Blackadder has been a much-loved Scottish artist for over half a century. The first woman to be elected to both the Royal and Royal Scottish academies, she was made a dame in 2003 and appointed Her Majesty’s painter and limner in Scotland in 2001. The artwork perfectly complements the interiors selected by Director of Design, Olga Polizzi.

TO BOOK A STAY IN THE GLAMIS SUITE VISIT: WWW.ROCCOFORTEHOTELS.COM

ASTER AFTERNOON TEA AT PALM COURT

The expert Pasty team, led by Executive Pastry Chef Ross Sneddon, have created the perfect Easter Afternoon Tea experience for guests to dine on and raise a glass of the finest champagne to mark the occasion. With a range of luxury sweets and savouries, Palm Court offers the perfect destination to gather the family and celebrate Easter together this April.

Enjoy Easter favourites such as Duck Egg Crème Brûlée, Simnel Tart, and Hot Cross Buns. Sip on a tea from the Palm Court tea menu, with over 88 tea leaves to choose from, whilst relaxing under the beautiful installations of sparkling trees that sit proudly in the centre of the room.

TO BOOK A TABLE PLEASE VISIT: WWW.ROCCOFORTEHOTELS.COM OR EMAIL: PALMCOURT. BALMORAL@ROCCOFORTEHOTELS.COM

IVE MUSIC IN BAR PRINCE

Whether you’re in the mood for a signature cocktail or a light bite, settle in to Bar Prince with a drink in hand and listen to a programme of musicians offering a mix of jazz, blues, country and popular music. The Bar welcomes back Amy Reader, Hayley McKay and Catherine Ward this March.

Enjoy the relaxed, decadent surrounds, listening as the pop of Champagne corks and rattle of cocktail shakers in the background while the musicians play. The expert Mixologists can create the perfect cocktail for the evening. Whether you like a classic Prince Martini, a Balmoral Collins or a Negroni with a twist, Bar Prince offers the perfect spot in the city for live music and drinks aplenty.

The extensive drinks menu offers classic and bespoke cocktails, Champagnes, Scotch, British gins, Old and New World wines and more.

Hayley McKay

THURSDAY 23 RD MARCH

5.30PM–8.30PM

Displaying an incredible vocal range with a distinctive all-round style, which can effortlessly leap from earthy and soulful raw emotion to soaring and ethereal angelic tones, Hayley has been likened to Eva Cassidy, Joni Mitchel, LeAnn Rimes and Kate Bush. Hayley won UK Single of the Year at The International Singer Songwriter’s Association in Atlanta, USA.

Catherine Ward

SATURDAY 25 TH MARCH

1.30PM–5.30PM

Catherine Ward is a singer and pianist based in Glasgow. She has been performing throughout Scotland for over ten years and during this period has built up a varied and extensive repertoire which includes jazz standards through to modern pop and indie classics –— and everything in between.

Amy Reader

THURSDAY 30 TH MARCH

5.30PM–8.30PM

Amy Reader is a well known face on the Edinburgh scene, a singer and guitarist, her repertoire ranges from Pop to Swing and Jazz and everything else in-between.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: BARPRINCE@ROCCOFORTEHOTELS.COM

CELEBRATE WHISKY MONTH AT SCOTCH

A time to celebrate Scotland’s national drink, SCOTCH is offering the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a dram of your choice. With over 500 whiskies to choose from, the bar’s very own Whisky Ambassadors can share their expertise in selecting the perfect dram for you. The oak whisky cabinets that take centre stage in the bar hold a wide selection of vintages, and blends perfect for whisky connoisseurs and novices alike.

CAMERON EWEN, WHISKY AMBASSADOR, RECOMMENDS: PRISMA COCKTAIL

PRISMA is all about refreshment. In a highball, mix Peach and Fennel Cordial, The Macallan Whisky and floral Jasmine Soda and serve.

Join the Scotch Club

SCOTCH offers the chance to become a member of their exclusive Scotch Club, in partnership with The Macallan. Limited to only 35 exclusive members annually, members receive access to their own personalised bottle keep for the duration of the year.

Adorning the entrance to SCOTCH, the Scotch Club bottle keeps will securely store your choice of The Macallan to enjoy at your leisure in the intimate surroundings of SCOTCH. You’ll receive a personally engraved keep and be provided with exclusive member benefits throughout the year to ensure your Scotch Club membership is entirely bespoke.

TO BECOME A MEMBER EMAIL: SCOTCHCLUB@ROCCOFORTEHOTELS.COM

MEET THE WHISKY AMBASSADORS

Cameron Ewen

Cameron is the Bar Manager of SCOTCH and hailing from the North East, can tell you a thing or two about the regional whiskies. As well as the other 500 whiskies that SCOTCH has on offer.

Dario Orsili

Dario is the cocktail connoisseur of SCOTCH and has a passion for learning about the history and landscape that influence Scotland’s national spirit.

Fraser Souness

Fraser is an expert in the richer style whiskies, with a keen understanding of why each cask influences each individual whisky.

Ross Barr

Ross’ expertise is flavour driven and he always offers incredible tasting notes to any of the whiskies held inside the bar’s oak whisky cabinets.

TO VISIT THE BAR AND SPEAK TO ONE OF THE WHISKY AMBASSADORS OR TO BOOK A TASTING PLEASE CONTACT: SCOTCH@ROCCOFORTEHOTELS.COM

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