A much-loved Category A listed Edinburgh pub reopens this week following a major refurbishment by Heineken-owned Star Pubs, which is headquartered in the city. The investment has turned Joseph Pearce on Elm Row into a top-class neighbourhood pub with a stunning new décor. The landmark pub formally opens its doors at 12pm 24 July following nearly seven weeks closure for the extensive works. Edinburgh born-and-bred Paul Henderson – a local resident and former regular – is movin

Asu, the latest culinary project from the team behind Glasgow’s much-loved Five March, is set to open at Brown’s of Leith this month. Launching on Friday 24th July, Asu will bring the vibrant flavours of Asia to The Shore in Edinburgh. Owned by restaurateur Joanna Nethery, Asu is her latest venture, which will boast a menu of fresh and exciting Asian-inspired dishes. The menus and kitchen team will be led by Five March’s executive chef, David Cleary, who previously headed u

The Tollhouse has unveiled a refreshed line‑up of seasonal menus, introducing updated lunch offerings, an expanded prix fixe, and a renewed Sunday roast service. The move marks a deliberate push to strengthen neighbourhood dining options while spotlighting producers from Edinburgh, Fife, the Borders and surrounding regions. Weekday Lunch Gets a Revamp One of the most notable changes is the updated weekday lunch menu, now running Monday to Friday from midday until 3pm. The res

Amorino, the luxury Italian gelato brand, announced that its first Scottish venue would open in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town on Friday 17 July 2026. After much anticipation, the new venue opened its doors at 12pm at 27 North Bridge, just steps away from the city’s iconic Royal Mile. The launch marked a significant milestone in the brand’s UK expansion, bringing its internationally renowned gelato experience to Scotland for the first time. The Edinburgh opening drew stron

My youngest daughter sits at the table. She is approaching middle age. Well, all three are! There is a plate of pasta before her… pappardelle, wonderful luscious ribbons, folding soft, enfolding and yielding. This pasta must surely be the king or queen of the pasta world; a pasta that is reliable and substantial; a pasta with presence which distinguishes itself at any gathering; demands attention; and a pasta which is never eaten al dente should that be your choice, though ne

One of Edinburgh’s most popular neighbourhood cocktail bars is shaking things up with a £100,000 interior makeover in time for this year’s Fringe Festival. Since opening its doors in 2012, The Blackbird on Leven Street in Tollcross has established itself as one of the capital’s most popular independent food and drink venues. Located just two minutes from King’s Theatre in a lively hub for culture, dining, and shopping, The Blackbird is also home to a unique beer garden t

Edinburgh’s cocktail scene has a new summer initiative as Signature Group launches the city’s first Daiquiri Dash, a month‑long celebration of rum, creativity and customer‑led ideas. Running 1–31 July, the Dash brings together five standout bars across the capital in partnership with Angostura Rum, each serving its own £10 signature daiquiri to mark National Daiquiri Day on 19 July. The concept comes from Emma Hazzard, a cocktail lover and marathon runner from East Lothian, w

A new independent cheese store is set to open its doors to customers on Edinburgh’s Broughton Street Saturday 1st August. ‘The Big Cheese’ will initially stock over 50 carefully selected varieties of fine cheese from around Scotland, the rest of the UK and Europe. Around half of the cheeses at ‘The Big Cheese’ are not currently available to buy from any of Edinburgh's other speciality cheese shops. Unique varieties are smoked over whisky barrel chips, washed in red wine

The Scottish Government’s proposal to introduce statutory caps on essential food items has sparked contentious debate around Scotland’s fragile food infrastructure. Ministers argue that intervention is needed to protect households from rising costs. Retailers warn of distortion and disruption. And somewhere between the political noise and the economic modelling, deeper issues emerge around Scotland’s food systems and supply chains. Many stakeholders have already questioned th