The London Lounge

Any not to miss places to visit, eat, drink in Edinburgh, Scotland?

Michael

When will you be there?

Climb Carlton Hill for a great view of the City and the Firth of Forth. If you are feeling exceptionally energetic and the weather is clement climb Arthur's Seat. For history visist the castle and the Palace of Holyrood House.

There are many excellent art galleries. Sartorially speaking, however, there is little of interest.

Cocktails at the Balomoral Hotel, probably.

Eat at Tom Kitchin's restaurant in Leith (Edinburgh's port district).

Yes, Calton Hill for relatively easy access to a great view.

If you must have cocktails, there's the Balmoral or perhaps the new Hotel Missoni, but the traditional pubs are really where it's at in Edinburgh. For well-kept ales, there are several options in or near the centre of town. In the Old Town - just behind the Royal Mile and down the hill and across the road from Hotel Missoni - is the Bow Bar (West Bow/Victoria Street). Across the road is Mellis's cheese shop and also Walker Slater, one of the sartorial highlights as far as Edinburgh goes. Other good, traditional pubs include Kay's Bar in the New Town (Jamaica Street), The Blue Blazer (Spittal Street), Cloisters Bar (Brougham Street), Thomson's Bar on Morrison Street (legendary steak pies, with beans and gravy, between 12 and 2) and, a bit further out, Leslie's Bar on Ratcliffe Terrace. Cafe Royal on West Register Street doesn't carry a huge selection of ales but it's a nice venue. There are a handful of others.

Many of the above also carry a good selection of whiskies. However, for real whisky aficionados, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society offers something you can't really get anywhere else: a huge selection of whiskies that have been taken straight from an individual cask and bottled without any messing about with them. The Queen Street venue offers Georgian splendour and a dining room open to non-members. The original Society venue at the Vaults in Leith is more gentleman's clubby and, in my view, has the edge over its New Town counterpart. I believe there is a system whereby those who are considering becoming members can have access for a day. Failing that, find a member to take you.

A wander around the Old and New Towns is recommended in any event (for a silly, but entertaining nighttime tour of the Old Town, there's the 'Witchery Tour'). In terms of actual tourist attractions, though, it's probably better to ask a non-resident!

Azdak

Michael:

On your trip to Scotland, make a point of arranging a visit to Harrisons of Edinburgh. You might want to take your video gear along, on the off-chance Harrisons are willing to participate in a short feature for the Dress with style section.

JMB