Edinburgh checklist On the Edinburgh side we suggest you sample a great old-man pub, leer at a hen night and share a bed with some strangers
WHERE TO . . . ✓. . . TAKE A WALK
Set off for Cramond Island from the picturesque Cramond Village and walk through the woods along the riverside, or brave the mile-or-so trip out to the island when the tide’s out. Disused WW2 lookouts over the Forth are very atmospheric. (Niki Boyle) The Botanic Gardens (entry from Inverleith Row) because joggers are banned. Begone smug Lycra. (Rosalie Doubal)
✓. . . HAVE A DRINK Leith’s The Roseleaf (23-24 Sandport Place) is now open until 1am seven days a week, meaning there’s yet another reason (alongside the vintage typewriters, decent food and cocktails served in teapots) why it’s an Edinburgh favourite. (Jonny Ensall)
The Shore
The upper floor of the Arcade Bar (48 Cockburn St) is a well- kept secret, accessible only from a shady side- alley. Within, you’ll find around 80 reasonably priced varieties of vodka, with knowledgeable bar staff to guide you to the best mixer combination. Just watch out for the 95% stuff. Nasty. (NB)
✓. . . GET FOOD ON A NIGHT OUT
mass frisbee games, illegal barbecues, and not a spare inch of grass when the sun’s out. (LE) Portobello Beach for a casual stroll past vicious rugby-playing children, followed by nachos at Espy (62-64 Bath Street). Or try Seton Sands (end of the line for the 26 bus) for a less crowded beach alternative. (JE)
✓. . . SEE A GIG
The Roxy Art House (2 Roxburgh Place) is great, endearingly tiny downstairs, and the band gets to stand on a rug. (RD) Electric Circus (36-39 Market St) has a very decent live and local programme, with the added possibility of a hen night
wandering past on their way to a karaoke booth. (David Pollock) The Roseleaf
✓. . . WATCH A FILM The Dominion (18 Newbattle Terrace) has reclining chairs and complimentary Pringles. (Alice Sinclair)
At Brass Monkey (14 Drummond St) you can watch a DVD on a large bed with loads of strangers, while struggling to balance your beer in the holes in the funny little tables. (LE)
✓. . . GO DANCING Sneaky Pete’s (73 Cowgate) is the ultimate sweatbox with a suitably weirdo soundtrack and live bands that can’t help spilling
Palmyra (22 Nicolson St) has been known to give out the occasional free pizza at 2am and often extra chicken in exchange for a dance or song, if you’re in a tuneful mood. (RD)
It’s not every European capital that boasts a late-night chippy, with resident live DJs, and deep-fried Mars bars and pizzas. Cafe Piccante (19 Broughton St) offers all of the above. Paris and Berlin are apparently very jealous. (Claire Sawers)
✓. . . SPEND A SUNNY AFTERNOON The Meadows is perfect in Summer, with its ever-present drumming hippies,
off the tiny stage. (Henry Northmore)
Cabaret Voltaire (36 Blair St) is still Edinburgh’s premier club spot. As at home with underground club nights as big name superstar DJs. (HN)
✓. . . HAVE A SLAP-UP MEAL At The Shore Bar & Restaurant on Leith’s cobbled quayside (3 Shore) the walls are wood-panelled and hung with gilt mirrors, the waiters wear starched white aprons and there's classy comfort food on the menu: a dozen oysters, slow roasted pork belly or steak and kidney pie. Edinburgh, old and ingrained. (Donald Reid)
ADVERTORIAL
FOUR OF THE BEST
Cultured Cafés As one of Edinburgh’s most bohemian destinations, lively Broughton Street is a one-stop shop for shopping, eating and drinking - all a stone’s throw from the city centre. This issue we continue our guide to Broughton Street’s best finds, looking at some of its renowned ‘cultured cafés’. For even more inspiration visit www.edinburghshopper.com
CAFÉ NOM DE PLUME This whirlwind of Parsian flair opened its doors last year and is the perfect haunt for watching the world go by. Even dogs are welcome! The licensed cafe boasts colourful decor illuminated by fairy lights. Serving coffees and teas, traditional lunchtime eats and homemade cakes, the cafe even offers an extensive drinks menu including real ales, draught, fruit and wheat beers and organic ciders. The venue also boasts free WiFi and an outdoor seated smoking area.
THE GLOBE DELI A prime place for morning coffee, the locally owned Globe opens at 7am daily. Serving up rolls and baguettes with a wide variety of delicious fillings on the delicatessen counter, the daily specials board offers hot pies, salads, soups, stews and juices at bargain prices. Take a seat inside and relax with the daily papers, or simply grab something enviable to go. THE BAKEHOUSE Co. Ushering a strong nod to the bygone era of old fashioned tearooms, The Bakehouse Co. combines contemporary surroundings with vintage finds. Fill up on homemade soups and sandwiches, platters and salads or even treat yourself to one of their lovingly homemade cakes. Everything is made on the premises using fresh, organic and locally sourced ingredients.
BLUE MOON CAFE The Blue Moon Cafe has been a Broughton Street institution for over 20 years - a cafe, bar and restaurant all rolled into one. It’s known for big, satisfying eats and a leisurely, minimalist atmosphere. Spend hours over a brunch of fried eggs, smoked salmon, muffins or muesli. Later in the day? Pop in for lunch and choose from a selection of wraps, paninis and baked potatoes or enjoy a relaxed dinner with mains ranging from hearty burgers to lasagne and continental salads. 1–15 Apr 2010 THE LIST 25