Issue 01
Summer 2018
Grand Times
Welcome to the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa Summer has finally arrived in Edinburgh, the festival capital of the world.
From the Edinburgh Film Festival to the first class Edinburgh International Festival, we are excited to bathe in the euphoric atmosphere brought by guests and locals alike. One thing I value most about this city is that there is always something happening and places to explore. At the Sheraton Grand we pride ourselves on being an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, inviting our guests to relax in the iconic rooftop Hydropool
After a day of sightseeing, enjoy Afternoon Tea at One Square You are in for a treat, you never have to try the same afternoon tea twice as we change our themes and menus with every season. Choose from our many fine enveloped teas, or speciality loose-leaf varieties, brewed at your table with a traditional Russian Samovar. Of course, no Afternoon Tea would be complete without a delicious assortment of sandwiches, scones and home made preserves, not to mention a tempting selection of sweet treats – courtesy of our expert pastry chefs. One Square is located on level 2 of the hotel. 2 | SHERATON GRAND HOTEL AND SPA, EDINBURGH
of our award-winning on site spa One Spa (pictured on the front cover), to tucking into the fantastic local produce served in our Modern Scottish Brasserie One Square. We hope you have a fantastic stay with us and relish in all that Edinburgh has to offer.
Tristan Nesbitt, General Manager
It’s no secret: spas have played a big part of human health and wellbeing ever since the Roman Times in Belgium, and they still do today.
Be Mindful at One Spa FAST FORWARD TO the 21st Century and life has become extremely busy. It is easy to get caught up with a hectic work schedule or sucked into the world of social media, but sometimes we just need to stop what we are doing and reflect. Every now and then, we need some time to switch off our brains (and smartphones). There is no better place to unwind and collect oneself than in One Spa. Well renowned amongst guests and locals alike as an ‘escape haven’ within the vibrant city. A spa day lightens your mood, calms the mind and rejuvenates the body and if that’s not enough reason to visit, here are some fabulous offers throughout the summer to entice you even more. Just dial ‘0’ and speak to our guest service agent if you too, are in need of ME TIME. One Spa can be accessed via the bridge on level 5 of the hotel.
Image: One Spa rooftop Hydropool
July New You Spa Day includes: Salt & Oil Scrub, Face & Back Facial and Escape at One*, £135 per person (Treatment time 1hr 45mins)
August Festival Reviver Spa Day includes: Relax & Rejuvenate Uplifting Facial, Mindful Moments Back Massage and Escape at One*, £135 per person (treatment time 1 hr 45mins)
September Autumn Essentials Spa Day includes: Essential Body Massage, Intensive Facial and Escape at One*, £150 per person (treatment time: 1hr 50mins) *Escape at One is for the duration of 3 hours on top of the treatment time. *Valid Monday to Friday only. Subject to availability. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. Treatments and Escape at One to be used on the same day.
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Edinburgh’s most instagrammble spots by Shawna Law
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@exploringedinburgh
Shawna is a local Edinburgh Instagrammer who fell in love with the city shortly after moving here to study. Five years later, she’s as much in awe of the city’s beauty and is passionate about capturing Edinburgh’s most picturesque places.
Circus Lane
Tucked away in Stockbridge is Edinburgh’s most beautiful lane. The lane has its own special charm all year round but truly comes into its own during spring and summer.
The Shore
The Shore is often overlooked by most visitors and even some locals but with Instagram-worthy views plus great cafés and restaurants dotted along the water, it’s definitely a hidden gem!
The Meadows
If you’re visiting Edinburgh during June and July, be sure to visit the Meadows to catch a glimpse (and plenty photos) of the spectacular cherry blossom trees which line the paths!
The Vennel
Hidden away in a corner of Edinburgh’s historic Grassmarket is a set of steps which boasts one of the best views of Edinburgh Castle and the perfect place to snap a unique angle which most visitors miss.
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Dean Village
It’s hard to believe that this tranquil oasis hidden along the Water of Leith walkway is only a 10-minute walk from Princes Street! There’s a great Instagram opportunity awaiting you around every corner in Dean Village.
Victoria Street
If Circus Lane is Edinburgh’s most beautiful lane, Victoria Street is Edinburgh’s most stunning street! To truly appreciate the street and more importantly get a great Instagram photo, head up to its terrace which overlooks part of the Grassmarket and George Heriot’s School.
Image Courtesy of CND™
Fabulous seasonal offers July - ALL about the eyes: HD Brows and LVL Lashes, £60 *patch test required 12 – 48 hours prior. Treatment time 1 hr 30mins. August - Autumn Treats: 20% off all Salt of the Earth Manicure and Pedicure treatments*. Treatment time varies. September - Stay Polished: Complimentary file and polish with Salt of the Earth Ultimate Hand or Foot treatment. Treatment time 45 minutes.
NOW by One Spa NAIL IT this summer with NOW by One Spa’s top summer nail colours. SUMMER IS ALL about those peep toe sandals, vibrant colours and floral patterns. It’s no secret that maintaining our hands and tootsies is on everyone’s mind. At NOW by One Spa we offer a wide range of treatments for your hands and feet, from CND Shellac manicures to Salt of the Earth pedicures; or keep it simple with a Vinylux polish manicure (we will even throw in a hand massage). To make things easier for you, our beauty insiders have been speaking to trendsetters and fashionistas from across the globe to find out what nail colours are bang on trend for summer 2018.
Terms & Conditions. Available Monday – Sunday. Subject to availability. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. * Valid on SOTE Manicures, Pedicures, Ultimate Hand and Foot Treatments only.
According to powerhouse Vogue two of the main colour palette trends are opposites (well opposites attract right?): Lavender will dominate the season; however Chocolate Brown is intense and enveloping, it will be hard to resist this shade. Cosmopolitan on the other hand think summer is a time to embrace bold colours and experiment depending on your mood: Choose warm copper to switch it up from conventional bright summer hues whilst still making that bold statement or opt for Bright Orange to make your nails pop. The underdog of the season seems to be fifty shades of white. White is taking the nail world by storm. From milk shades to artsy white, this colour won’t go unnoticed and is also the perfect base if you want to add nail art. Danae, Senior NOW by One Spa Therapist says ‘Summer is our favourite season in the salon as we get to experiment with amazing colours and it is definitely the season for nail art. We enjoy giving our customers that perfect mani or pedi whether it is for a summer holiday in the sun or a mid-week pick me up.’ NOW by One Spa is located inside One Spa and can be accessed via the bridge on level 5 of the hotel. Treatments start from £15.
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The River Tay, Perth. © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Scotland produces some of the world’s finest larder. From Orkney Scallops to Inverurie lamb, foodies from across the globe travel here to get their taste buds tingling.
Scotland in season AT ONE SQUARE we pride ourselves in using only the freshest produce provided by local suppliers. Scottish larder is a true passion for One Square Executive Chef, Craig Hart. Craig works closely with cheesemakers, farmers and fishermen to make sure he is bringing the best produce to the table. We asked Craig for his favourite summer ingredient and of course a recipe to use it in. Craig is a big fan of the famous Scottish strawberries. From May to October, Scottish strawberries are the crème de la crème of soft fruit. Scotland has the perfect climate to grow ‘berry’
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“ The idea of this dish was to encapsulate the thoughts of summer” Craig Hart, Executive Chef
nice strawberries as cooler summers help the fruit ripen. The best areas in Scotland to grow the berries are Perthshire and Fife, just across the Queensferry Crossing from Edinburgh.
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Fresh Scottish Strawberries © VisitScotland
Fresh Scottish strawberry tarts Serves 4
INGREDIENTS FOR TART FILLING 4 egg yolks 60g caster sugar 25g plain flour 2 tsp cornflour 280ml milk 400g strawberries 10g icing sugar 4 sweet cooked 8cm pastry tartlet cases
METHOD Beat the egg yolks and sugar for a few minutes until pale and slightly thickened. Whisk in the flours. Heat the milk in a saucepan until it starts to boil. Whisk the milk into the egg mix. Put the whole lot back into the pan, stirring constantly until thick and boiling. Take the pan off the heat, cover with cling-film to prevent a skin from forming and, once the mixture is chilled, put in the tartlet cases. Slice the fresh Scottish strawberries layer over the crème patisserie and dust with icing sugar.
Experience the best Scottish produce at One Square Our seasonally changing 5 course Tasting Menu paired with Scottish beers and spirits is one of a kind in the city. Available Thursday – Saturday between 6-9pm, £65 per person including drinks. To book please dial ‘0’ and speak to our guest service agent.
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© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam, all rights reserved.
Festival fever
Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival 13th– 22nd July
170 gigs to choose from across the city. Recommend: Davina & Vagabonds, Festival Theatre pm, Thu 19th July and Fri 20th July
We may be biased, but we think Edinburgh is the best city in the world when it comes to festivals. Throughout the summer there is a diverse range to choose from. Whether you prefer the arts or comedy, there are shows and events suitable for all. edinburghfestivalcity.com
Edinburgh Art Festival 26th July – 26th August Includes over 40 exhibitions in leading galleries and museums. Recommend: In Focus Scottish Photography, City Art Centre 7th July – 12th May 2019
Edinburgh International Festival 3rd – 27th August Features six major theatres and concert halls celebrating performing arts. Recommend: Cold Blood, King’s Theatre 4th – 6th August
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 3rd – 27th August The world’s largest arts festival. Recommend: Neil Delamere, Controlled Substance, The Gilded Ballon 3rd – 26th August
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 3rd – 25th August Known as an Edinburgh Institution. Includes: Massed pipes and drums, military bands and cultural troupes on the Castle Esplanade
Edinburgh International Book Festival 11th – 27th August Over 900 authors from household names to rising stars take part. Recommend: The One Hundred Nights of Hero by Isabel Greenberg 11th Aug, St Andrew’s Square Spiegeltent
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Launch of the Soak your Senses Bath Experience at Edinburgh Castle
Soak Your Senses and feel... RELAXED For a relaxing experience, we recommend a Soothing Bath Oil and green light, the colour of balance and healing, to help you unwind. Great with some meditative music on the stereo. There’s no better way to get ready for our Sheraton Sleep Experience. Pair with: Jasmine Pearls & Petals or Pure Camomile
ENERGISED Busy day? Recharge with some energising red light and ESPA’s Fitness Bath Oil, a deeply warming bath oil to soothe and relieve tired muscles. Best enjoyed with some upbeat jazz. Pair with: Mighty Assam
FOCUSSED
Festival season is upon us and as the population trebles, so do the jam packed schedules of guests and locals alike. It’s hard to switch off and take a little time to relax and reflect. If you don’t have time to visit One Spa, we have launched a bespoke bath experience for time poor travellers. Soak Your Senses offers you a holistic experience from the comfort of your room, combining light therapy with aromatic bath oils in just 20 minutes. Priced at £20 including a 15ml ESPA bath oil that will last for 1-2 baths; freshly brewed loose leaf tea and an exfoliating wash glove.
Guests can order the experience by calling guest services from their room, via Concierge
In need of a little clarity? Select the yellow light, together with ESPA’s zesty Energising Bath Oil for a revitalising boost to awaken the senses. Try with some mellow jazz if you like. Pair with: The Earl
INSPIRED For a joyful and creative start to the day, we suggest the orange light setting, along with a Detoxifying Bath Oil to uplift the spirit and soften the skin. Try with some acoustic soundtracks. Pair with: Emerald Dragon Oolong
CALM + CENTERED Find inner peace with our calming blue light and ESPA’s Restorative Bath Oil, with its rebalancing scent to comfort the senses. Combine this oil with your favourite classical album and a warming cup of tea. Pair with: Simply Sencha
REVIVED If you are feeling run down, pair the healing green light with ESPA’s Resistance Bath Oil to fuel your body’s natural defences and give a sense of wellbeing – best with some mindful ambient sounds. Pair with: Moroccan Mint with Rose
or through the hotel’s ‘Let’s Chat’ service using WhatsApp, iMessage or SMS.
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Q&A Tobiasz, Bar Manager One Square, located on level 2 1. How long have you been in the industry? I have worked in various bars and hotels for the past 12 years! I began my career with an American Restaurant chain and after 2 years I moved to Sheraton Sopot which is where my love for the drinks industry flourished. I started off as a bar back and worked my way up from there.
2. What’s the standout feature that makes One Square different from any other bar? Without a doubt it has to be the amazing team. They are what makes One Square, the number one gin bar in the city. From their passion to their thirst for knowledge, they are exceptional. Also our extensive gin collection, 107 and counting! And we are delighted to be one of five finalists in the Scottish Gin Bar of the Year category in the Scottish Gin Awards 2018 for the second year.
3. What is the best advice anyone has ever given you? Expect the best. Prepare for the worst. And be patient!
4. What’s your favourite gin and why? Of course it is One Square! However if I was to choose another it would be Isle of Harris due to its unique botanical combination.
5. Can you share your favourite cocktail recipe with us? It would have to be a Gin Gimlet, simple yet full of flavour: 35ml camomile infused gin 15ml lime cordial infused with caraway seeds. Hard shaken and served straight up
Calm on Canning Street is a yoga sanctuary nestled in Edinburgh’s West End, only a 3 minute walk from the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa. We believe the essence of yoga is not the shapes we make but the way we feel after we practice and how we step off the mat and back into the world. We are delighted to offer guests of the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa a discounted rate of £10 for all of our classes. Please check our website at www.calmoncanningstreet.com for the class timetable. Scan the QR code to book a Drop In Class. 16 Canning Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EG – ask concierge for directions
Scottish Gin Bar of the Year
Concierge confidential Our Head Concierge, Lukasz shares his Hidden Gems of Edinburgh BEING A CONCIERGE has given me the opportunity to explore the city and discover hidden gems for my guests. I have gathered quite a few over the past decade! I love that Edinburgh has the charm of a small comfortable town, yet all the spectacle of one of the great capitals of the world. Edinburgh wears its past proudly, from the towering volcanic crag of its castle to the modern day parliament.
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
Farmer’s Market, Castle Terrace
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is a private members club in the East of the city; you can only access the building with a card provided by members. Fortunately I have built a great relationship with the members who have granted me permission to give a secret key to guests. You can purchase unusual whiskies that are not available to purchase in shops, you can also have a whisky connoisseur tasting which I highly recommend!
Looking for fresh local produce or a light bite to eat? Head over to the Farmer’s Market on Castle Terrace every Saturday, just a 2 minute walk from the hotel. You can expect to find farmer specialities with an organic beer to match; I suggest you try ‘Oinks’ famous hog roast it is delicious.
Mimi’s Bakehouse If you are after something a little more sweet Mimi’s bake house down by the Shore is my favourite place for afternoon tea, tuck yourself away in this quaint little easy to miss cafe and indulge in some truly mouth-watering treats.
Edinburgh’s Oldest Gastro-pub: The Doric Experience great Scottish cuisine, local spirits and a little bit of history all under one roof, with a
lively atmosphere and home to cask conditioned ale. It is strongly recommended to reserve a table to sit and soak in the atmosphere.
Gilmerton Cove After you have explored Edinburgh, head to the suburbs and explore the hand carved passageways and chambers underneath the city! With plenty of theories to keep your mind wandering as to how or why these man made tunnels were built, how old they are is still an unknown fact.
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AN UNRIVALLED TASTE OF SCOTLAND Introducing the first tasting menu in the capital paired with Scottish beers and spirits. One Square’s unique new tasting menu has been created by head-chef Craig Hart, and fuses locally-sourced produce with Scottish beers and spirits to deliver an unrivalled taste of Scotland. We have partnered with the finest local producers to bring you everything from hand-dived Orkney scallops to Inverurie lamb, and the best in Scottish drinks, including Innis & Gunn Rum Cask Finish Ale and 15 year-old Springbank Whisky, as well as our very own One Square Gin.
Our seasonal Tasting Menu is served Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 6pm—9pm in One Square, located on level 2 of the hotel. £65 per person, including drinks.