Welcome to WishList, your guide to all things festive. Whether you’re seeing a show, storming through your shopping, dressing up for drinks or locking the door to solo binge the Die Hards, we’ve got Christmas covered.
Our gift guides are stacked with great ideas, plus we’ll help you find the very best Christmas markets and fairs. We’ve got piles of pantos, places to eat and drink, telly to stream and the books of your dreams. There are cosy walks with the dog, spots to see Santa, and last-minute gifts you can purchase from the comfort of your own armchair. And if all of December is simply a set of days to tick off until you get to Hogmanay, we’ve got NYE covered too. Christmas starts here. From all of us at The List, we wish you a merry one.
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Christmas isn’t Christmas without . . .
Some colourful characters from just down the road at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre drop by List Towers to tell us what makes their Christmas special
Buttons (Jordan Young)
For most people Christmas is all about belting out some Mariah, but I’m a man with exquisite taste, I’ll only rock around the Christmas tree to DJ Patrick Prins’ ‘Bits And Pieces’. Maybe if I’m lucky this year I’ll get a big smooch aff Cinders under the mistletoe . . . or some chocolate buttons!
Faerie May (Allan Stewart)
Ooh well, what makes Christmas magical for me is making it magical for others. A little bit of fairy dust and a carriage is all you need because Christmas isn’t Christmas without a trip to the ball. I always make it home for midnight too. You’d be laughing, but no’ happy, if your carriage turns back into a pumpkin on Christmas!
Baroness Hibernia Fortuna (Grant Stott)
Oi shoosh, listen alright: I don’t want a lot for Christmas. There’s just one thing I need. I don’t care about presents underneath the Christmas tree. I just want it for my own. More than you could ever know. Make my wish come true. All I want for Christmas is . . . a Boxing Day victory for my gorgeous Hibees. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without it!
n Jordan Young, Allan Stewart and Grant Stott star in Cinderella, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, Saturday 23 November–Tuesday 31 December.
CONTRIBUTORS
CEO Sheri Friers
Editor Jo Laidlaw
Art Director
Bradley Southam
Subeditor Paul McLean
Writers
Ailsa Sheldon, David Kirkwood, Isy Santini, James Tait, Jo Laidlaw, Kevin Fullerton, Murray Robertson, Paul McLean
Cover Illustration Daiquiri
Print & Digital Content Manager Murray Robertson
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The spectacular Torchlight Procession will be lightingup the city with presenting partners EventScotland.
Bring in the bells, with live music, dancing, and the spectacular Midnight Fireworks!!
Tickets £30.00 / EH Postcode £24.00 (plus fees & 50p charity donation) FREE live music and performance throughout the city centre on New Year’s Day, featuring spectacular artists and collaborators inc. Karine Polwart, Valtos, Dead Pony, Mamma Terra and much more…
Scottish music icons Texas mark their 35th anniversary, with a greatest hits show that will have you dancing into 2025 beneath the spectacular Midnight Fireworks from Edinburgh Castle.
Tickets from £72.50 (iplus fees & 50p charity donation)
Photos: Andy Catlin
The biggest and best events for a fantastic festive season
12 days
HOOLIE IN THE HYDRO
Scottish traditional music’s biggest night out is always a belter. This year, they’re commemorating 100 years of Scottish trad music with Capercaillie, Skerryvore, Mànran and RURA on a packed bill. They’ll be performing to an astonishing 10,000 revellers in what’s essentially one gigantic ceilidh. n OVO Hydro, Glasgow, Saturday 7 December.
KEVIN QUANTUM’S CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
One for the whole family with Quantum bringing the smoke and mirrors, along with an array of special guests. Expect festive fun and a whole heap of ‘but how does he do that?’ Part of Edinburgh International Magic Festival, taking place across the city from Tuesday 17–Monday 30 December.
n Church Hill Theatre, Edinburgh, Monday 23, Tuesday 24, Friday 27–Monday 30 December.
1 2 3
THE NUTCRACKER
Perhaps the most Christmassy of all the classical ballets; parts of Tchaikovsky’s score have become woven into the fabric of the festive season. With new choreography from Christopher Hampson, Scottish Ballet’s production is equal parts wonder and joy as we join Clara on Christmas Eve. n Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Friday 6–Monday 30 December; then touring to Edinburgh, Inverness and Aberdeen.
PICTURE: ANDY ROSS
5 of Christmas
SWAMPLESQUE
Fabulous meets festive: after taking Australia and the Fringe by storm, this adult-only ogre-inspired burlesque and drag parody is set to switch up your Christmas night out in style. After all, green goes with everything, right?
n Assembly Hall, Edinburgh, Thursday 5 December–Saturday 4 January.
CASTLE OF LIGHT
See Edinburgh Castle as you’ve never seen it before in this spectacular fusion of colour and light. Walk in the footsteps of history and don’t forget to look down from the ramparts onto the lit-up streets below: a unique perspective on a city celebrating its 900th anniversary.
n Edinburgh Castle, Friday 22 November–Saturday 4 January.
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SANTA DASH
There’s just something so gorgeously wholesome about a fun run in a Santa suit, especially when it’s raising money for a good cause. Bring the family to Glasgow Green and run, jog, walk or take the sleigh to do this 5k, all in aid of Beatson Cancer Charity. n Glasgow Green, Sunday 8 December. 4
THE NIGHT AFORE
All eyes will be on Texas at Hogmanay’s Concert In The Gardens, but the cool kids always have a pre-party. Dance through the decades at Hot Dub Time Machine in Princes Street Gardens or head for an intimate night with indie rockers Idlewild (pictured) at the Assembly Rooms.
n Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, Monday 30 December.
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THE FERRY HOGMANAY CEILIDH
It’s one of the best-value Hogmanay nights out around (book ahead because it always sells out). The Coila Ceilidh Band welcome the bells in traditional fashion: you don’t even have to know the steps as they have a brilliant caller. Stripped-back fun.
n The Ferry, Glasgow, Tuesday 31 December.
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WEEGIE HINK AE PANTO?
Viral sensations, stand-up stars and self-styled comical dafties
The Weegie Boys are back to tilt at the Christmas windmills. Definitely not your average panto: expect songs and parodies aplenty.
n Òran Mór, Glasgow, Friday 20 & Saturday 21 December.
ILLUMINATE RSPB SCOTLAND LOCH LOMOND
A wholesome way to bring nature into your Christmas. Design your own lantern, then meander down a magical moonlit trail around the nature reserve. Spot nocturnal creatures before warming up with a hot choc.
The RSNO’s festive programme is full of gems, but this familyfocused concert version of A Christmas Carol will surely start your December off with all the right feels and none of the humbug. With the RSNO Children’s Chorus.
n Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Sunday 1 December; Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Sunday 8 December.
LIVE AT CHRISTMAS Co-headlined by Sara Pascoe (pictured) and Phil Wang, and featuring Jen Brister, Rhys James, Steen Raskopoulos and more. There are still a few tickets left for these packed line-ups of comedy big-hitters in relatively intimate surrounds. Get on it for some top-notch ho-ho-ho action.
n Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Sunday 15 December; O2 Academy Glasgow, Monday 16 December.
PICTURE: MATT STRONGE
FESTIVE MOVIES
Family affair
Jo Laidlaw rounds up some family activities to make your festive season fly, even if it does take half an hour to find everyone’s gloves and hats first
Sometimes the best way to spread Christmas cheer is to leave the actual house. In Edinburgh, Christmas At The Botanics returns for 2024 and remains an unforgettable experience, even for the repeat visitor (Thursday 21 November–Monday 30 December). All the colours of the rainbow dance across the shadowy park, with glimpses of Father Christmas along the way. Stunning. Edinburgh Castle’s Castle Of Light is equally beautiful, with immersive displays, interactive installations and music bringing 900 years of history to life on the castle walls (Friday 22 November–Saturday 4 January). New for this year, visitors will also get a chance to ‘fire’ Mons Meg.
Starry Nights returns to Dean Castle Country Park in Kilmarnock; the same folk also take the Christmas reins at Beecraigs Country Park, by Linlithgow (Friday 13–Monday 23 December). Expect festive food, Santa grottos, cheery elves and various events including carols and cocktails. Commendably, both have early entry slots for those who need things to be a little quieter. Monteviot Castle in the Borders continues the trail theme: Monteviot Lights shines bright like a diamond in a gorgeous outdoor experience (Friday 6–Sunday 22 December).
Moving indoors, Dynamic Earth’s World Of Winter Wonder (Saturday 30 November–Monday 23 December) is worth a look in Edinburgh, particularly on a bad-weather day. You can see Santa in his frozen grotto, learn more about polar animals and gaze at real footage of the northern lights in the planetarium, where they’re also showing classic Christmas movies on selected dates.
In Glasgow, the Irn-Bru Carnival is back, back, back (Friday 20 December–Sunday 12 January). Europe’s largest indoor funfair has a lot going for it (not least the fact that it’s indoors). They do a great job of making it accessible for all ages, with a big inflatable play area where wee ones can burn off steam for 40 minutes while the adults catch their breath and the teens go on those big scary rides we’re too feart to write about. Genius.
Irn-Bru Carnival
Monteviot Lights
PICTURE: JOHN CLARK PHOTOS
WStorytellers' Afternoon Tea
hen you want to do more than just catch-up at your Christmas catch-ups, wrap up warm and go exploring (preferably with a cup of hot booze in hand). Edinburgh’s Christmas is always a good starting point for cosy snacks and drinks (until Saturday 4 January). Look out for the Mulled Winter Warmer, a Monkey Shoulder x Innis And Gunn collab that’s sure to put the pep in your step.
George Street has an all-new Polar Ice Bar (Monday 25 November–Saturday 4 January). The chairs, tables and even the glasses are sculpted from ice, but fear not: the ticket includes jacket and glove hire. It’s set slots so book in advance. For Boxing Day revels, how about a ceilidh? Bonnie & Wild’s White Heather Club falls conveniently on the 26th this year, or for a pre-shoogle try Edinburgh Ceilidh Club, who host Teannaich at Assembly Roxy (Friday 20 December). For something a little more refined, The Festive Storytellers’ Afternoon Tea at The Sheraton has a classy menu inspired by Edinburgh’s UNESCO City Of Literature status (Wednesday 27 November–Saturday 4 January).
Glasgow has a double Christmas market to explore (St Enoch Square, until Sunday 29 December; George Square, Saturday 23 November–Sunday 5 January). When you want to warm up, Vega is just a hop, skip and jump away for food, drinks and bowling: don’t miss the disco lift for the world’s shortest dance-off. The Science Museum Christmas Lates (Wednesday 18 December) is also a great shout, with maths-based decoration making, mulled wine and epic carol singing sessions proving science is totally fun.
If you want to find your inner Dutch master but need a bit of Dutch courage first, Boozy Brushes is the ideal way to get into the Christmas spirit (Saturday 7, Saturday 14 & Saturday 21 December). Their drag queen-tutored parties come with equipment and a bar. Talking of, if Christmas isn’t Christmas without a little bit of day-drinking, you’ll want to bookmark The Corset Club: their Xmas Brunch parties include pancakes, fizz and entertainment (Sunday 15 & Sunday 29 December).
Because there’s more to Christmas than plain old Christmas drinks . . . Jo Laidlaw casts her eyes over grown-up attractions to level-up your celebrations
Adult advent-ures
Boozy Brushes
Dame on!
Nothing says Christmas quite like a show. From classic pantos with local twists to scare-free performances for wee ones, we’ve picked out the best
EDINBURGH
A Christmas Carol
While the future of The Brunton Theatre remains in jeopardy, Christmas props to the company who have adapted with aplomb. Splitting their run between Musselburgh and Haddington hopefully means even more hyper-local jokes for what’s always a brilliant community-focused show.
You shall, of course, go to the ball with this line-up of Edinburgh legends: Allan Stewart, Jordan Young and Grant Stott are all present and correct, the latter celebrating his 30th year in panto. But even with a carriage packed with pantomime royalty, Cinders still needs to get home before midnight . . .
n Festival Theatre, Saturday 23 November–Tuesday 31 December.
The Gift
Specially designed for under-5s, this award-winning show is bursting with energy, dance, sounds and colour. Celebrating the power of the imagination, it’s playful, magical fun that tinies will love, without the scary bits.
n Festival Theatre, Saturday 14–Tuesday 31 December.
Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Donny Osmond stars as Pharoah in the global juggernaut that is Joseph. While not exactly a Christmas show (’cos Old Testament) there’s still more than enough joyful family feels to count as a festive treat if you and yours fancy a change from a traditional panto this yule.
n Edinburgh Playhouse, Tuesday 3–Sunday 29 December.
Treasure Island
X marks the spot . . . or does it? With buckets of sea shanties and piles of Jolly Rogers, Young Jim Hawkins leaves Edinburgh’s finest accommodation for reformed pirates and journeys over the water to find Captain Flint’s hidden treasure. In Orkney. And that’s plenty far away, kids.
n Lyceum Theatre, Thursday 28 November–Saturday 4 January.
Cinderella
The Gift
Treasure Island
GLASGOW
Beauty And The Beastie
Things aren’t too tranquil in Cludgie Castle. Can Prince Lorenzo break the curse and change his ways? With a cast of well-kent faces including Liam Dolan, Stephen Purdon, Jack Jester and Valissa Scott, this traditional panto brings all the fun.
n Pavilion Theatre, Thursday 28 November–Sunday 12 January.
Peter Pan
Comedy legend Elaine C Smith leads the gang in The King’s 60th year of panto. Expect thrills and spills as Wendy journeys into Neverland, with plenty of songs and laughs to keep the whole family involved.
n King’s Theatre, Saturday 23 November–Sunday 5 January.
If the thought of even setting foot in town makes you want to cry, don’t forget good old Dobbies They’ve got Santa’s Grottos set up in all their stores and events including Santa breakfasts. Santa Paws also makes a welcome return if you want to bring the dog (brilliantly, bairns are not compulsory). If you fancy making a daytrip of it, The Scottish Deer Centre near Cupar is (naturally) a fan of sleigh-based transportation. Winter Wonderland includes a grotto trip and wee gift, with hot chocolate on the go too. Dalkeith Country Park’s Santa Experience is magical and includes entry to Fort Douglas if energy needs burned off before or
Peter Panto And The Incredible Stinkerbell
West End Wendy is whisked away from the safety of her Byres Road home to face sharp-toothed crocodiles, salt’n’sauce on her chips and the truly evil Captain Hook and his bumbling side-kick Anita Wee-Wee. Jonny McKnight’s pantos are a national treasure for sure.
n Tron Theatre, Friday 22 November–Sunday 5 January.
Rumpelstiltskin
Platform’s panto is fast becoming an institution for its cockle-warming community ethos, which extends into accessible, pocket-friendly pricing. It’s panto for everyone, bursting with heart and soul. Will Rumpelstiltskin ever make friends? We think you know the answer to that one . . .
n Platform, Easterhouse, Tuesday 3–Tuesday 24 December.
Weans In The Woodlands
Carlotta Kelvinbridge and Shuggy (so poor his mammy couldn’t afford a surname) are best pals, but they definitely don’t fancy each other, right? But when evil Lady Titania Of Townhead decides there are too many weans in the world, they’ve got to do something about it. Martin McCormick offers a different take on panto (for 14+).
n Òran Mór, Tuesday 26 November–Sunday 5 January.
Grotto fabulous
Nothing warms the cockles more than a wee seat on Santa’s lap, so grab someone age-appropriate and get ready for some magical memories
after. Or head to Dundee’s Waterfront, where the big man has parked his sleigh just a hop, skip and stag leap away from the Christmas village in City Square.
In Edinburgh, Santa Stories is back in St Andrew Square. There’s also a brand-new twinkling Christmas Tree Maze to explore (and a discount for EH postcodes, in nice cozzy livs work from St Nick). In Glasgow, why not go by bus? The Red Bus Ride Along With Santa includes a tour of the city to see the lights as well as meeting the red-suited dude himself. Or, if it’s baby’s first Christmas (and you’re quick off the mark), there’s a chance to get your picture taken with the Lord Provost. M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park near Motherwell is also going all out: there’s a festive train ride, a circus and Believe In Santa, which includes storytelling and a visit.
Beauty And The Beastie
Dobbies
PICTURE: STEWART
Ring in the new
Tired of the same old Hogmanay telly tat? Drag yourself off the sofa and bring in the bells in style with our round-up of New Year highlights
As always, Edinburgh is the heart of Hogmanay celebrations. A cracking set of festivities starts with the Torchlight Procession (Sunday 29 December), where the city is transformed by a parade of flickering firelight from 20,000 participants. A family-friendly event in The Meadows, with entertainment from The Beltane Society, kicks things off and it all ends with a fiery finale right under the castle.
The Night Afore gets a new look with two events (Monday 30 December). Hot Dub Time Machine headline The Night Afore Disco Party in Princes Street Gardens, with revellers dancing through the decades to Tom Lowndes’ time-travelling set. Local heroes Idlewild start the celebrations for their 30th anniversary year with The Night Afore Concert, a rare chance to see them in the intimate setting of the Assembly Rooms.
Hogmanay itself centres around Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Castle. Susie McCabe hosts the iconic Texas (plus guest Callum Beattie) for The Concert In The Gardens. Fresh from a mammoth sold-out Hydro show this autumn, there’s no doubt Sharleen Spiteri and co will be bringing their A-game. The Street Party brings 45,000 revellers to town, with live music, DJs, and pipes and drums all leading up to a glorious ‘midnight moment’. If that all sounds a bit too outdoorsy, New Year Revels: Maximum Ceilidh Edition has two ceilidh bands over two dance floors, including the brilliantly named Jimi Shandrix Experience. Or, for a complete change of pace, pause for reflection at the Candlelit Concert
At St Giles’ Cathedral; Michael Harris directs the Cathedral Choir in three cantatas from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio
New Year’s Day moves out of the city centre. Vitamin C At Portobello Town Hall features The Vaselines, Sacred Paws and a DJ set from Django Django. Vic Galloway and Andy Wake are in charge. The New Year’s Day Club Night is at Leith Arches, where Hayley Zalassi presents an all-female line-up of old skool house. For something more contemplative, Scottish Chamber Orchestra’s afternoon New Year Gala pits both the Strausses against Bernstein in a Vienna vs New York play-off.
While Glasgow doesn’t have an ‘official’ Hogmanay festival, there’s still plenty to do. If you want to welcome 2025 with a laugh, Mickey Bartlett headlines The Stand’s Hogmanay Specials (Friday 27–Tuesday 31 December); Ray Bradshaw hosts, with Susan Riddell and Liam Farrelly. The Ashton Lane Street Party brings together local bars with outdoor food stalls, street performers and live entertainment for a fun way to ring in the bells. SWG3 take the 31st seriously: at their NRG NYE Special, 999999999 plus Cadzow and Dken will take over the whole joint for a night of hard techno. If you want glamour, head to The Corset Club for their Studio 54-themed bash, while Magic Nostalgic at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut sounds fun: the wheel of destiny spins every half hour, landing on a genre of music that’s played exclusively until the next spin.
Fair game
Get your Christmas shopping sorted but make it bougie (and support local) with our pick of fairs and markets
Alchemy Festive Markets
Clockwise from below: Edinburgh's Christmas, Jupiter Christmas Fair, Mary’s Meals Christmas Market, Riverside Museum Christmas Market
Small but perfectly formed, this Byres Road space rotates seven local artists, makers and brands, so you can choose from a different selection of hand-picked vendors each weekend.
n The Alchemy Experiment, Glasgow, Friday 30 November & Saturday 1 December; Saturday 7 & Sunday 8, Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 December.
Bowhouse Christmas Market
Bowhouse’s big barn smells like Christmas morning throughout this bustling event, with a strong selection of gifts alongside their usual food and drink exhibitors. The street food area makes it well worth a day trip.
n Bowhouse, St Monans, Friday 13–Sunday 15 December.
Edinburgh’s Christmas
The traditional Christmas markets return once more, with fairy-lit wooden cabins offering crafts and gifts for sale alongside mulled wine and bratwurst in East Princes Street Gardens. There’s also a Winter Warmer zone in the West Gardens to help keep things cosy. n Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, until Saturday 4 January.
Glasgow Winterfest
George Square and St Enoch Square transform with lights and fun. There are plenty of things to bribe the kids with, including the traditional ice rink, while you peruse decorations, jewellery and other gifts.
n St Enoch Square, Glasgow, until Sunday 29 December; George Square, Glasgow, Saturday 23 November–Sunday 5 January.
Hopetoun House Christmas Shopping Fair
Around 50 exhibitors gather at Hopetoun Estate for this sell-out festive shopping fair. It’s not for the fainthearted, but it will tick a lot of items off your to-buy list. Bonus: the setting is simply glorious.
n Hopetoun House, South Queensferry, Friday 29 November–Sunday 1 December.
Jupiter Christmas Fair
Jupiter Artland’s annual Christmas fair sees the Steadings transformed into a winter wonderland, with artisan stalls, live music, mulled wine, Santa visits, an elf workshop and, of course, the Jupiter donkeys.
n Jupiter Artland, Wilkieston, near Edinburgh, Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 December.
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival
Funfair rides, live entertainment, boat tours and Santa visits (at Sea Life) as well as stalls with gifts, food and more. The idea is to spend the whole day getting imbued with Christmas spirit on the bonnie banks and there's certainly plenty to see and do for the whole family.
Thirty stalls hosted by Mary’s Meals’ volunteers feature goods made by small local businesses, with lots of hand-crafted gifts and treats. It’s all under cover too: a brilliant way to put a dent in your Christmas shopping while supporting a charity.
n Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Saturday 30 November & Sunday 1 December.
Out Of The Blue Winter Arts Markets
With over 100 local indie artists over three days (a new Friday night session has been added for 2024), the always popular Out Of The Blue art market is a great stop for original gifts. There’s mulled wine too.
n Out Of The Blue Drill Hall, Edinburgh, Friday 6–Sunday 8 December.
Riverside Museum Christmas Market
Part of the fun of this market is that it’s set inside the iconic Zaha Hadid-designed museum. It’s a great way to make a day of it, with around 40 stallholders plus the impressive transport collection to admire.
n Riverside Museum, Glasgow, Saturday 30 November & Sunday 1 December.
Tea Green Winter Markets
If you’ve got jewellery, print, ceramics and beautiful objects on your shopping list, you’ll likely find what you’re looking for at one of Tea Green’s carefully curated markets in arty locations around Scotland.
n National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh, Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 November; V&A Dundee, Saturday 30 November & Sunday 1 December; Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum, Glasgow, Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 December.
Winter Artists And Makers Market
Wasps Studios champion Scottish makers: you can expect ceramics, textiles, jewellery, aromatics, prints and greetings cards to be all present and correct at this eclectic artisanal market.
n The Briggait, Glasgow, Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 December.
107 West George Street | G2 1QR 1313 Argyle Street | G3 8TL iolla.com
Gone are the days of purchasing a new pair of glasses only when your prescription changes.
IOLLA believes in buying glasses like any other fashion accessory, empowering consumers to have different pairs for different looks and occasions.
TRAKKE
100 Eastvale Place | G3 8QG trakke.co.uk
From our workshop in Glasgow’s West End, Trakke make weatherproof waxed canvas bags & accessories. Founded on a passion for adventure and a commitment to sustainability, Trakke uses premium materials and local manufacturing to create practical, long-lasting products designed to accompany you on any journey.
VALHALLA’S GOAT
441 Great Western Road | G12 8HH valhallasgoat.com
Things you will find at Valhalla’s Goat: an abundance of craft beer, a wide variety of carefully curated wines, lesser-spotted malts, small-batch spirits, high quality cigars, the perfect present for someone special, free and fancy gift-wrapping, a knowledgeable and passionate team, beloved regulars, great chat, nice crisps.
RICKSHAW & CO
9-17 Partick Bridge Street | G11 6PN @ rickshawandco
Rickshaw & Co. features gourmet street food inspired by the vibrant markets of India and Bangladesh. Dishes include various small plates, tandoori grills, biryanis, wraps, tiffin boxes, and curries that cater for all dietary requirements including vegetarian and vegan. It’s a modern take on roadside street food to high street cocktails.
VEGA
260 Argyle Street | G2 8QW vegaglasgow.com
Elevate your festive brunch, Christmas parties and NYE celebrations. Enjoy festive brunches and a brand-new seasonal menu with delicious cocktails, along with a side of bowling, it’s the perfect night out. All from the 7th floor of YOTEL Glasgow.
The Social Hub is a place where the world comes to learn, stay, work and play. Located in bustling Merchant City, we’re a hotel for travellers and professionals, accommodation for next-gen students, a coworking space for big thinkers, and a city meeting place for locals.
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Shopping close to home is not only good for the local economy, it's good for the environment too. So give independent businesses your support this Christmas and check out this fantastic selection of shops, restaurants and other enterprises: one of them could be just what you're looking for
TING THAI
19 West Nile Street | G1 2PS 94 Byres Road | G12 8TB tingthai.co.uk
Authentic Thai served in a relaxed atmosphere. Ting Thai is here to make your taste buds go wild. Fast, affordable and incredibly tasty Thai food freshly prepared. Visit us in the City and West End of Glasgow.
PASTÉIS LISBOA
280 Byres Road | G12 8AW pasteislisboa.co.uk
Come watch the most authentic pastel de nata in the UK being handmade from scratch daily in Scotland’s first specialist pastelaria to a 5th-generation, award-winning recipe from Lisbon. Enjoy a Dear Green coffee with your nata, and browse our unique range of artisan deli goodies from Spain and Portugal for the perfect foodie gifts.
CIVERINOS
9 Radnor Street | G3 7UA civerinos.com
The UK’s Best Independent Pizza restaurant and slice bars! Welcome to Civerinos, the home of authentic NY style pizza. A firm favourite in Edinburgh for over 10 years, now also open in Glasgow! We love pizza… but we love you more!
A working pottery and shop in Glasgow’s South Side, selling the work of potter Jen Smith. Find handmade mugs, plates, soap dishes, vases and much more for your home and table. Also on offer are a beautiful range of gifts including locally made soap, jewellery, cards, prints, and wrapping paper.
HOUSE OF GODS
61 Glassford Street | G1 1UG houseofgodshotel.com
It’s our first Christmas in Glasgow and we’re all set to make it one to remember. The Sacred Garden is serving our special festive menu, along with our Christmas cocktail selection in our lounge. Of course if you want that really special gift, theres our infamous Luxury Hampers.
Now firmly a Glasgow institution, this social enterprise is located in the east end of the city. Offering jewellery classes for absolute beginners to experts, whether it’s short taster experiences or weekend and block classes. They also offer gift vouchers and produce top-class, high-end bespoke jewellery.
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PORTAL LEITH
59 Bernard Street | EH66SL portalleith.com
Step inside our cosy wee metaphysical shop this Yuletide to nd rare crystals, mystical essentials and witchy gifts. We have a gorgeous selection of artisanal crafts, art, jewellery, vintage and antiques, as well as daily Tarot readings, all within a magickal 300 year old building at the heart of Leith Shore.
KAMPONG AH LEE
28 Clerk Street | EH8 9HX kampongahlee.co.uk
We are the longest lasting Malaysian restaurants in Edinburgh, rst open our door in August 2007, we are proudly showing you a slice of our culture and amazing food.
ONE SQUARE BAR & BRASSERIE
1 Festival Square | EH3 9SR onesquareedinburgh.co.uk
Festivities begin at One Square where the Sheraton Grand brings people together, whether it’s a festive Champagne Afternoon Tea or enchanting cocktails and seasonal menus, or a more relaxed festive celebration. Make Christmas more memorable with One Square.
SOUL VEGAN
46 West Richmond Street | EH8 9DZ soulvegan.uk
We are a local Vegan restaurant serving authentic Malaysian cuisine, sourcing the ingredients locally, with our south east Asia cooking technique and serving you exotic avourful Vegan dishes.
DRINKMONGER BRUNTSFIELD
11 Bruntsfield Pl | EH10 4HN drinkmonger.com
We’re here to help you nd the perfect bottle to share, gift, and enjoy. From rare whiskies to festive wines, local gins and more, let our friendly experts guide you with recommendations you can trust. Come in and brighten your festivities with something truly special, expertly chosen for you.
VIRGIN HOTELS
1 India Buildings, Victoria St | EH1 2EX virginhotels.com/edinburgh
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh has two amazing restaurants serving delicious food and drinks at the top of Edinburgh’s famous Victoria Street. Our stylish Afternoon Tea is a hidden gem and our Weekend Roast in Commons Club Restaurant comes with sides till your hearts content. Indulge in something different this weekend.
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WHEEL OF FATE
63 Causewayside | EH9 1QF wheeloffate.co.uk
Wheel Of Fate is Edinburgh’s home for folk arts and witch crafts. Visit this cosy Causewayside studio for workshops on bookbinding, broom making, wool spinning and more. Get a reading or see local art inspired by heritage crafts, the natural world, myths and folklore. The magic is in your hands!
HOLYROOD DISTILLERY
19 St. Leonards Lane| EH8 9SH holyrooddistillery.co.uk
This Christmas, gift the experience of Holyrood Distillery in Edinburgh’s Southside. Enjoy a tour of the distillery, complemented by tastings of their award-winning spirits, and check out the series of winter events on offer, including festive cocktail masterclasses, cosy tastings, and much more.
CARNIVÀLE
51 Bread Street | EH3 9AH 21-22 Albert Place | EH7 5HN vintageedinburgh.com
We excel at providing 100 years of quality vintage clothing and accessories from the 1890s to 1990s. With shops in the Old Town and Leith Walk, we have an eclectic variety of items lovingly curated which make ideal gifts for you or others!
BORO GALLERY
7 West Register Street | EH2 2AA @ boro_edinburgh
Boro is a contemporary gallery and arts space located just a minutes walk from Waverly Station, on the same block as the iconic Cafe Royal. Enjoy a coffee or a glass of wine and take in striking works from painters, photographers, illustrators and sculptors in Edinburgh’s vibrant city centre.
MERCHANTS
17 Merchant Street | EH1 2QD merchantsrestaurant.co.uk
Tucked away in the Old Town, Merchants is a recently re-opened family run restaurant offering a candle-lit, cosy atmosphere to enjoy locally sourced produce. Whether it’s a drink, or something heartier in the cold Edinburgh months, Merchants has something for everyone. Oh, and did we mention, dog friendly.
DYNAMIC EARTH
Holyrood Road | EH8 8AS dynamicearth.org.uk
Step into a world of winter wonder at Dynamic Earth. Gaze up at the aurora borealis in our new Planetarium show: What’s Up? Winter Wonderland. Enjoy festive classics such as The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Holiday and Love Actually like never before. There’s more to explore at Dynamic Earth.
Create the ultimate foodie gift for a loved one with a range of seasonal treats. Find everything you need to make up a beautiful bespoke hamper from handcrafted chocolates to vegan wine, local spirits & biscuits in festive packaging, there is something for everyone.
EAST COAST CURED
Fife/Online eastcoastcured.com
From stocking fillers to party supplies, East Coast Cured has your festive feasting covered with their award-winning locally cured meats. Made in Leith, ECC’s small team cuts, ferments, smokes, cures and slow-matures all of their products by hand, producing a wide range of pork salamis and whole muscles. Bowhouse, Fife on 13-15 December.
DUNDEE’S CHRISTMAS
Dundee
City Square | DD1 3BG dundeeschristmas.co.uk
Christmas is coming to Dundee! Featuring ice skating, a Christmas Market, an immersive Santa Experience and a funfair, Dundee’s Christmas is bringing festive joy to the heart of the city. For visitors and locals alike, this is the ideal way to celebrate the festive season. Discover your new Christmas tradition!
NARTURE CIC Ayr
30-34 Newmarket Street | KA7 1LP narture.co.uk
Celebrate the season with Narture’s handmade treats and support Ayr’s creative revival. Each loaf sold funds art projects and workshops that transform empty spaces into lively hubs. Visit 22 Sandgate, 30-34 Newmarket Street, or their Winter Festival on 14th December. Discover more at narture.co.uk.
NB DISTILLERY
North Berwick
Halflandbarns | EH39 5PW nbdistillery.com
NB Distillery is located in the beautiful coastal town of North Berwick. Producers of artisanal craft spirits, including their awardwinning NB Gin, voted World’s Best London Dry Gin in 2015 and exceptional Scottish Rums. Visit the distillery, shop online or book a 5* Experience to “Learn, Sample & Relax”.
ELIE SEASIDE SAUNA Elie and Earlsferry
Elie Harbour | KY9 1EG elieseasidesauna.com
Elie Seaside Sauna is the perfect Christmas warm-up! A super-cosy way to get together with friends and relatives, over the Christmas season.
Bookings for Cellardyke Sauna, also available. St. Andrews Seaside Sauna opening January 2025.
Honey Bee Good beeswax wraps, £14, honeybeegood.co.uk
5. Cleanse, tone and moisturise set, £53, upcirclebeauty.com
6. Recycled sari wrap top, £28, ethicalroots.co.uk
Waffle hot water bottle, £35, cosypanda.com
Recycled glass bowl, £8, sharedearth.co.uk
Zero waste wooden chopping board, £25, woodenchoppingboards.co.uk
Leon coffee on-the-go set, £15, boots.com
Talking turkey
If the words ‘let’s get the gang together before Christmas for some food’ strike fear into your tinsel-draped heart, we’ve got you. David Kirkwood and Ailsa Sheldon share their guide to some gorgeous gathering spots that are ideal for groups
BANCA DI ROMA
This stunning space of swirling staircases and frescoes offers a remarkably large set menu, featuring ample Christmas classics (with Italian riffs): try pumpkin soup with taleggio and mascarpone, or burrata with winter vegetables. Follow with venison ragu and fettuccine, or a turkey and ’nduja pizza. n bancadiroma.co.uk
THE BUTCHERSHOP BAR & GRILL
If your tinsel and comedy jumper threshold is low, steakhouses tend to be a place of respite: this is one of the best without being savage on the wallet. Dark shades of wood and leather keep things classy and food includes steak and duck, with turkey paupiette if you want a bit of both worlds. n butchershopglasgow.com
Vega
Matinee
DRYGATE BRASSERIE
The East End taproom comes alive with big groups. The kitchen is a cut above your average bar food, and the winter brasserie menu runs throughout December. Steak sandwiches and jerk roast chicken are both great and set menus bring entry to festive disco nights (Friday) or ceilidhs (Saturday).
n drygate.com/bar-and-kitchen
HILLHEAD BOOKCLUB
Quirky Christmas options for the young and the young at heart, with Christmas karaoke on Thursdays and office parties with live entertainment on Wednesdays. Festive buffets make food less of a focal point without it becoming an afterthought, and while there is a set menu, there’s not a turkey in sight.
n hillheadbookclub.co.uk
TURKIYE EFES
Every weekend’s a busy one in this Merchant City Turkish spot that does big tables and grilled meats marvellously. The festive menu starts with complimentary balloon bread with garlic butter, and then it’s business as usual: shish kebabs, pides and slow-cooked casseroles. It’s a prime location to move on from once the eating is over too.
n turkiyeglasgow.co.uk
FIVE AT PHILLIES
In the first festive stretch since Five March took the kitchen reins at Phillies, the energy of the bar spills into the dining area where their food gets into the spirit. Think harissa salmon, kimchi sprouts, limoncello and raspberry tiramisu, plus curated wines from adjoining wine shop Curious Liquids.
n fivemarch.co.uk/five-at-phillies
THE LANDSDOWNE
What could be more Glaswegian than curry on your Christmas night out? Under the safe stewardship of the Mother India group, this basement stretches way back and can accommodate serious numbers. Expect great curries, as well as street food and small plates.
n motherindia.co.uk/restaurant/the-lansdowne
VEGA
Glasgow’s not the prettiest city, but it’s still an impressive skyline looking towards the river from Vega’s seventh-floor location. It’s about the fun around the food here: festive disco brunches on Sundays, drinks packages where you can pimp up your prosecco, that view, and tenpin bowling on your private lane.
n vegaglasgow.com
ARDFERN
Keep your festive gathering relaxed with small plates to share, delicious cocktails and interesting wines at Ardfern. It’s a exible way to dine, perfect for when you don’t quite know where the evening will take you. That said, don’t miss the hash browns.
ardfern.uk
CANNONBALL RESTAURANT & BAR
Cannonball’s 17th-century grandeur feels even more atmospheric at Christmas. Their three-course festive menu celebrates local produce, including plenty grown in the Contini kitchen garden. Try the North Sea roast cod with black garlic, burnt onion and Jerusalem artichoke.
contini.com/cannonball
HENDERSONS
A salad haven in heavy-eating season, vegetarian dishes star at Hendersons. There isn’t a set festive menu: wintery favourites include vegetarian haggis and a hearty Sunday roast. Book the big private room if you’re planning a gathering of the clans.
hendersonsrestaurant.com
BONNIE & WILD
While ordering from their individual kitchens is a great option for varied budgets and dietaries, Bonnie & Wild works for groups. Their private dining room (12–18 diners) has a choice of menus and The Tryst Bar is bookable for bigger bashes.
bonnieandwildmarket.com
DISHOOM
It’s always worth rustling up a crowd for Dishoom’s Christmas feast menu (and if you’re going à la carte, there’s a whole new menu to explore). For feasting, think slow-cooked turkey raan, okra fries, jackfruit biryani and plenty of warm roti and naan. Save room for the mince pie kul for afters.
dishoom.com
KAHANI
This classic curry house is an Edinburgh institution, but the avours still pop at Kahani. The Christmas menu is a riff on a great-value banquet option: it’s a set price with BYOB so there’s no bill-splitting stress at the end of the night.
kahanirestaurant.co.uk
PICTURE: ALIX MCINTOSH
KYLOE
It may be Christmas, but sirloin steak and proper chips are firmly on the festive menu at Kyloe, alongside roast chicken, curried cod, and tempting squash, mushroom and beetroot pithivier. Fully gluten-free and vegan menus promise to keep everyone happy and well fed. n kyloerestaurant.com
Edinburgh
SOTTO
This new Stockbridge Italian hangout is a great place for relaxed get togethers over big plates of pasta. Have a drink and snacks in the bar upstairs, then settle into the downstairs trattoria: go for the four-course chef’s choice sharing menu for cosy family-style dining. n sottoedinburgh.com
PICTURE: TINA LEAHY
christmas market
70+ stalls workshops festive food + drink
7-8 december | 11am-5pm | £3 entry
The management reserves the right to refuse entry
Edinburgh
Afinal resting place for Edinburgh’s dearly departed, Warriston Cemetery is also an amazing wildlife haven. Enter via Warriston Gardens and meander past monuments and catacombs in beautiful mature landscaping (dogs on lead, please). Stroll on to Canonmills to enjoy pizza and a pint at pup-friendly One Canon Alternatively, wander through the immaculate sculpture-packed gallery grounds of Modern One and Modern Two and along the Water Of Leith, taking in picture-postcard Dean Village and St Bernard’s Well. Pop out at Stockbridge for a fine selection of independent beers on cask and keg at The Stockbridge Tap: expect plenty of doggy punters with their humans. Feeling energetic? Pull the walking boots on and tackle the (almost) continuous green ribbon of Holyrood Park, The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links which throws up multiple possible routes. There are plenty of wide-open spaces for four-legged fluffballs to run themselves ragged too. Then get all toasty with Rover by the roaring fire in handsome, heritage-listed Bennets Bar at Tollcross.
Take a hike
Paul McLean and David Kirkwood map the way to the pub
Need to protect your peace over the season of joy? Grab the dog and the family members you actually like and head out for fresh air and pints.
One Canon
Start at Govan Underground for this Govan-Partick Bridge meander (parking is easier on this side). Cross the new footbridge, pass the museum, turn right, nip through a tunnel and you’re at SWG3, the best spot in the city for street art. Head to The Clydeside Distillery for a delightful café with soup, sandwiches and whisky flights, then cross back over the Millennium Bridge to tootle back to the station.
Seven Lochs is the biggest urban parkland in Scotland, and it’s less than ten minutes away from Dennistoun. Circling Hogganfield Loch (the nearest of the seven) makes for a pleasant 30-minute stroll, or venture far further. Big Feed are in residency at Golf It! so you and the dug are sorted for coffee, mac and cheese toasties, and even a bar.
The train from Queen Street gets you to Dalreoch in half an hour; it’s handy for Levengrove Park and probably the happiest dogs in the land. On the Firth Of Clyde, there’s many a bench for people/pup/boat watching, and cracking castle views. Cross the Leven on the way back to reach The Glencairn Lounge for a great pint and hearty pub grub.
Govan-Partick Bridge
Boxing clever
Laugh out loud
GARTH MARENGHI’S DARKPLACE
This idiosyncratic horror parody from Matthew Holness and Richard Ayoade presents the ‘lost footage’ of a fictional 80s TV series replete with atrocious production values. Genre legends Matt Berry and Alice Lowe round out a sublime cast. Channel 4
GHOSTS US
This transatlantic translation of the beloved BBC comedy series retains the original’s essential charm while wisely forging its own path. BBC iPlayer
MID MORNING MATTERS WITH ALAN PARTRIDGE
Before his spectacular return to TV, Norfolk’s favourite broadcaster was stuck in the purgatory of digital radio. It’s here that he’s joined by Sidekick Simon (Tim Key), a partnership that still (just about) endures. BBC iPlayer
THIS COUNTRY
Daisy May Cooper and her brother Charlie created and starred in this hilarious and touching mockumentary following two cousins dossing about in the Cotswolds. BBC iPlayer
Escape it all
SLOW HORSES
One of the best British shows in years, this adaptation of Mick Herron’s books is brought to the screen by former stand-up comedian Will Smith. Featuring top performances by Gary Oldman and Jack Lowden, it’s at its best when the duo share the screen. Apple TV
COBRA KAI
Loosely based on a theory that ‘hero’ Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) was the real bully in 1984’s The Karate Kid Cobra Kai (initially) focuses on his nemesis, Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka, brilliant), a down-on-his-luck handyman out for revenge. Netflix
THE LAST OF US
This spectacular take on the PlayStation classic features the perfect pairing of Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. But its most cherished episode barely features either, instead focusing on Nick Offerman’s survivalist, Bill. Now TV
THE TRAITORS
Twenty-two strangers are thrown into a Scottish castle and divided into ‘faithful’ and ‘traitors’. The former are tasked with identifying and banishing the latter but it’s a fools’ errand. The main takeaway is people really do like to follow a crowd. BBC iPlayer
A bit of Christmas down-time is the perfect excuse for catching up on your must-watch list. Think of Murray Robertson as your 2024 version of the Radio Times: just don’t draw circles on him
Darker treats
BABY REINDEER
Based on his 2019 Edinburgh Fringe show (and incorporating his 2017 Comedy Award-winning show Monkey See Monkey Do), Richard Gadd took the world by storm with this miniseries about a man terrorised by a stalker (Jessica Gunning in a career-de ning role). Netflix
THE CURSE
Comedian Nathan Fielder joined forces with actor/director Benny Safdie for this satire about a couple (Fielder and Emma Stone) renovating homes in New Mexico for a TV series. Unrelentingly awkward with an extraordinary nale. Paramount+
INSIDE NO. 9
Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton’s masterwork is now complete, with 55 episodes of exemplary genre TV. Veering from pitch-black comedy to outright horror, there’s a stand-alone tale for all tastes. BBC iPlayer
SUCCESSION
Brian Cox towers over this Murdoch-in uenced satire about a squabbling family (a superb ensemble cast of horrors) trying to position themselves as heir to his throne. Now TV
Festive feels
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
Almost 60 years on, this beautiful animation endures thanks to its progressive attitude to mental health. A distinctive soundtrack exquisitely combines traditional Christmas music with soft jazz. Apple TV
THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
Arguably (editor: not even worth arguing) the de nitive adaptation of Dickens’ festive parable. Michael Caine is perfect as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, surrounded by a menagerie of Jim Henson’s iconic creations. Disney+
GREMLINS
This dark Christmas fable from horror maestro Joe Dante is a deliberately subversive antidote to the traditional festive warmth of It’s A Wonderful Life. A cute but dangerous pet spawns a gaggle of evil offspring: chaos ensues. Apple TV
THE SIMPSONS: SIMPSONS ROASTING ON AN OPEN FIRE
The very rst Simpsons episode to be broadcast (originally scheduled as the eighth) is a surprisingly sweet festive story that sets out the family dynamics nicely. Disney+
21st November 2024 – 5th January 2025 24 – January 2025
Book smart
Stumbling around a bookstore in a blind panic on Christmas Eve? That’s no way to live: Paul McLean takes the pressure off with a humdinging dozen sure to thrill the bookworms in your life
Cooking the books
Culinary crackers for all abilities
YOU CAN COOK EVERYTHING VARIOUS
CAFÉ COOKING
GILLIAN VEAL
This all-encompassing collection is designed for beginners and more experienced cooks alike. Easy-to-follow instructions and lush photography break essentials down subject by subject; you’ll be rustling up pasta and making your own bakes in no time. DK
The beautiful grounds at Cambo House in Fife are worth a visit any time of year, especially the terrific café run by Gillian Veal (who also has The Parlour in Dundee). In this collection, she conjures up delicious seasonal dishes inspired by Cambo’s gardens. Kitchen Press
MIDWEEK RECIPES
JESS ELLIOTT DENNISON
From her creative hub in Edinburgh’s Marchmont, Jess Elliott Dennison’s latest book shines a light on how she cooks Monday to Friday: think crisp-edged kimchi and cheddar fritters, fluffy flatbreads or chocolate self-saucing pudding. As she says, these are joy-filled recipes to flop on the sofa with. Self-published
Debut dazzlers
Fantastic fiction from first-time authors
THOUGH THE BODIES FALL NOEL O’REGAN
Michael lives in the family home on a picturesque Irish headland. But these cliffs are a well-known suicide spot and, when his sisters ask him to sell the land, Michael is caught between breaking free and his duty to continue the work of his late mother: saving the lives of ‘the visitors’. An intimate, haunting tale. Granta
EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS
OISÍN MCKENNA
In this firecracker debut, past lives and present realities collide over two sweltering summer days in London. An addictive brew of social history, politics and family drama, fizzing with sex and sexuality, it distils the essence of life in the capital at a specific moment in all its gritty, sweaty glory. 4th Estate
RABBIT HOLE KATE BRODY
This dark, absorbing evocation of grief, loss and strained familial ties revolves around Teddy Angstrom, whose father drives off a bridge and kills himself on the tenth anniversary of her sister’s disappearance. It’s a page-turner that painfully captures how damaging the search for answers can be on those left behind.
Bloomsbury
Brief encounters Wild
cards
For those who
prefer their stories
short Embracing the outdoors and rural life
A SUNNY PLACE FOR SHADY PEOPLE
MARIANA ENRIQUEZ
The acclaimed Argentinian writer’s third short story collection coalesces around a theme she returns to time and again: haunting. With aspects of the supernatural and horror permeating her disturbing tales, Enriquez weaves a macabre exploration of love, counterculture and her country’s sometimesbrutal past. Granta
NORMAL RULES DON’T APPLY
KATE ATKINSON
The award-winning novelist is a masterful storyteller with an enviable back catalogue. Here she turns her hand to the short form with 11 interconnected tales, featuring (among others) a queen who can’t keep her promises, a secretary watching over the life she’s just departed and a man who encounters a lucky horse. Penguin
DOGS AND MONSTERS MARK
HADDON
Best known for hit novel The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time, Haddon dives into the world of ancient myth and updates it with a modern-day spin in this set of short stories. The result is eight enthralling fables which confront readers with the sometimes-fine line between human and animal. Chatto & Windus
BOTHY: IN SEARCH OF SIMPLE SHELTER KAT HILL
In her thoughtful, atmospheric exploration of bothy life, Kat Hill neatly intertwines history and memoir to compose a lyrical hymn to the humble huts providing shelter for weary walkers the length and breadth of the UK. It’s a book which offers fresh perspectives on the concepts of nature, wilderness and escape. William Collins
WILD ISLE STYLE BANJO BEALE
Based on Mull, the bubbly Aussie designer is becoming a household name through shows like Scotland’s Home Of The Year and Designing The Hebrides. This is Beale’s inventive, accessible vision of ‘resourceful and sustainable interior design ideas’. Quadrille
THE SELF-SUFFICIENCY GARDEN HUW RICHARDS & SAM COOPER
Feed your family and save money: that’s the enticing mantra of this lovely guide to eating home-grown food all year round. Taking cost, space and time into consideration, the authors have trialled and perfected a month-by-month growing plan to help you meet those five-a-day demands. DK
Mulled Winter Warmer is the authentic Scottish festive tipple, made by infusing Innis & Gunn Original Beer with Monkey Shoulder Scotch Whisky, spices and orange zest. Delicious, warming, and sure to put you in the mood for the festivities.
AVAILABLE AT ALL THE EDINBURGH CHRISTMAS MARKET BARS.
Drinking Games
In an extra-special edition of Drinking Games (aw shucks, aren’t they all?), The List’s regular columnist Kevin Fullerton suggests a few tipples you can buy for your nearest and dearest this festive season. Let’s just hope he doesn’t get fired in the process
Dear HR department
I write to you for the third time in as many weeks about the same employee. Yesterday afternoon, Kevin Fullerton entered The List office dressed as Santa Claus, carrying a giant brown sack and insisting on giving gifts to every ‘boy and girl’ (his words). This may have been regarded as quirky fun had he not shown up five hours late, with the excuse that ‘a Santa costume is really difficult to source in autumn’. Interrupting a high-priority meeting, the ‘A-list celebrity drinks journalist and world-famous influencer’ (definitely his words) emptied his ‘bulging sack’ onto the floor and began doling out a variety of bottles and tins to coworkers.
He proceeded to brandish Woven Whisky (£45, 70cl) at the depressed middle-aged man we keep on staff out of pity, pouring him a glass before shouting ‘HO HO HO’ at the top of his lungs and insisting ‘isn’t this hilarious?’ to the silent room. Our middle-aged man (I forget his name) later told me this was clearly an expert blend, both low on burn and smooth on palate. I admit the bottle of this Leith-based whisky looked sleek and modern, appropriately championing a fresh-faced generation of distillers. Our man took it home and, he confessed with a smile, cradled it in bed. He’s not been the same since Martha left.
Now drenched in sweat, Kevin ran towards our young intern, who appeared to be crying, lobbing a bottle of Pentire Coastal Spritz (£27.80, 70cl)
towards her, which she caught in what looked like a blind panic. ‘Nice catch,’ he shouted. ‘Honestly, this is a great day.’ He poured her a glass of the non-alcoholic botanical spirit; she seemed impressed by its rich blood-orange overtones and sharp tang. No one could claim it packs the punch of an alcoholic spirit, but it did have the same complexity and mouthfeel of a premium bottle of cask-flavoured gin.
After handing out signed photographs of himself to everyone, Kevin approached our resident salesperson and whipped out a Café Solo Original Coffee Liqueur (£30, 70cl) from his sack. He then (and we were all surprised by this) expertly mixed it with espresso coffee and vodka with an almost alarming proficiency. We would have been impressed, and maybe even forgiven him for this desperate display, had he not repeatedly claimed, ‘I’m exactly like Tom Cruise in Cocktail. Maybe even more handsome, eh?’ Despite this, we found the liqueur complemented a finely balanced Espresso Martini, strong enough to be satisfying and delicate enough to never overpower the whole.
With that, Kevin bellowed ‘my heart has grown three sizes today’ and fled the office. He was here for 55 minutes, during which time he produced no work whatsoever. I request that he be fired with immediate effect.
Yours sincerely
Employee X, The List HQ
Online’s just fine
GET CRAFTY
It’s cold. Dark. Christmas Eve. And you completely forgot about Auntie Jean. Fear not: Isy Santini’s at-home present guide puts the good times into online for those last-minute buys
The perfect present for that creative friend, Craftiosity delivers a unique craft box every month, complete with tools, materials and step-by-step photo instructions as well as a video tutorial. Each project is different; one month you may end up with your own terrazzo-speckled clay dish, or you could nd yourself creating a scented candle from scratch the next.
n Craft gift set subscription, from £28, craftiosity.co.uk
READY, STEADY, COOK
Thai cuisine is among the world’s most fragrant and avoursome. Give your foodie friends an experience they won’t forget with one of Chaophraya’s cooking masterclasses. They’ll learn to prepare a two-course Thai meal under the tutelage of an experienced chef, as well as receiving a welcome drink and taking part in a delicious tasting session.
n Cooking masterclass, from £89, chaophraya.co.uk
SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR
Treat your loved ones to Johnnie Walker’s signature experience, with live performances, light shows and a chance to discover their personal avour pro le, which is then used to tailor three whisky cocktails to their tastes. If that’s not enough, there’s 10% off merchandise and at the bar on the day.
n Johnnie Walker Journey Of Flavour giftcard, from £30, johnniewalker.com
SILVER SCREEN SAVIOUR
Edinburgh’s independent cinema, The Filmhouse, plans to re-open its doors next year with improved accessibility and even a new screen. For now though, they’re busy with refurbishment and logistics. A crowdfunder donation on behalf of the lm buffs in your life will get access to great rewards like pre-screening invites.
n Filmhouse Open The Doors crowdfunder pledge, from £20, crowdfunder.co.uk/p/filmhouse-openthe-doors
Craftiosity
Johnnie Walker Journey Of Flavour
Chaophraya
EASY DOES IT
Everybody needs to relax. Ocho Spa in Glasgow offers online vouchers valid for any treatment, whether it’s a massage, manicure or facial. You can even go all-in with a luxury pamper day, which includes two treatments of your choice along with a two-course lunch in the adjoining bistro.
Spa gift voucher, from £5, ochospa.com
SMELL THE COFFEE
Cairngorm Coffee Roasters have been an Edinburgh staple for a decade; now get coffee right to your door with their subscription service. Choose how much you get, as well as the grind size, and then sit back and enjoy. Selections include their signature Guilty Pleasure blend as well as unique coffees from all over the world.
Coffee subscription, from £39, cairngorm.coffee
STAY AND PLAY
Sexy-luxe-Victoriana is the theme at House Of Gods’ Edinburgh and Glasgow hotels. As well as gift vouchers, their beautifully wrapped hampers make a real impact under the tree and include an invitation to enjoy their ‘Treat Me Like I’m Famous’ package, with every indulgence included.
House Of Gods voucher, from £20, houseofgodshotel.com
READ ALL ABOUT IT
There’s nothing better than curling up with a good book. Scottish Book Trust subscribers get a different one every month, hand-selected by Scottish authors: each comes with a postcard explaining the choice and a list of reading recommendations. There’s also a children’s subscription for mini-bookworms.
Book subscription, from £45, shop.scottishbooktrust.com
Ocho Spa
House Of Gods
Scottish Book Trust
Canopy, located within the historic Old Royal Infirmary now The Edinburgh Futures Institute, offers informal, all-day dining for visitors to our city and locals alike. Located on the leafy Meadows Walk, Canopy offers a menu of locally sourced classics and seasonal dishes in a biophilic interior design that reflects its natural surroundings.
Give your loved ones a gift they can truly savour with our range of gift vouchers.
Share the magic of our signature Journey of Flavour experience, discover our underground cellar with our e-gift vouchers or let them choose from a range of exclusive whiskies, clothing and accessories with our Whisky Gift Card.
