THE LATEST MICHELIN guide saw Edinburgh gain two new stars for Lyla and Avery respectively, while Condita retained their award for a sixth consecutive year. Since I last visited, we’ve had Brexit, the Covid pandemic and a change of UK Governments. “It’s been too long, Phil” owner Mark Slaney jokingly reminded me. Talking of change, there’s a new man behind the stove here in the shape of Tyler King, who took the reins after the departure of Conor Toomey a year ago. I was eager to find out how the restaurant had evolved. Lying unassumingly on Salisbury Street, in the southside of the city, Co ..read more

 I GOT excited a few weeks back when I saw the signage for a new pizza joint opening in Newhaven whilst en route to the gym. The branding really stood out, so I’d casually walk by in anticipation as the shop transformed from a tired Chinese takeaway into the swish new Stone Fired Artisan Pizza. A quick Google search revealed they’re an already established business with a shop in Prestonpans and, most importantly, the reviews looked promising. Naturally, I’d have to find out for myself.Now, the pizza game in Leith is strong so I was keen to find out how the new kid on the block would grab ..read more

EDINBURGH AND GLASGOW are very different and not just from a culinary perspective. I believe the capital does fine dining better, while the western city takes the crown when it comes to casual eating.  Who is the overall winner? I’ll let you decide. For now, let’s talk about Sugo.  From the people behind the hugely popular Paesano Pizza, Sugo builds on the same well-priced, high-turnover model perfected in their pizzeria. The menu consists of 10 main course options, a small specials offering as well as a range of the usual Italian sides, all with a keen focus on reg ..read more

 Those of you who know me will be acutely aware of my love of ‘90s music. The recent announcement of an Oasis reunion has awoken our love of guitar music, just as the Manchester band did 30 years ago with their debut release, Definitely Maybe. Watching live music in Glasgow is always a treat and, while Ride may not be the most obvious name that comes to mind from that era, they are one my favourite indie groups. With the prospect of several pints being sunk, we’d need adequate sustenance beforehand with Thundercat being the support act. Part of the Buck’s Bar group, Thundercat is a spin ..read more

 I LOVE WANDERING from Princes Street over the Bridges. There is such a melting pot of culinary cultures in this part of Edinburgh that excites me every time. We were actually en route to Tanjore on this rather dark and chilly July evening when, unsurprisingly, a drizzle of rain fell causing us to take evasive action and dive, conveniently, into Jimmy’s Express Chinese. Now I must admit Chinese food is not one my favourite cuisines, but Jimmy’s had caught my eye on Instagram so was duly added to my ‘must visit’ list.  An enthusiastic waiter greeted us warmly and we gratefully t ..read more

 I love going to the pub. Whether it’s catching up with friends, watching live sport, or just sitting quietly with a casual pint in the afternoon. Pubs aren’t just social spaces; they help create the culture and identity of a place and in Leith, where I have lived for nearly 15 years, we are lucky to have an abundance of independent bars that help mould the character of the milieu. Now, more than ever, pubs need our help to turn a profit yet alone thrive, particularly in Scotland where hospitality rates relief isn’t passed on as in other parts of the UK. So here are a few of my regular wa ..read more

I love going to the pub. Whether it’s catching up with friends, watching live sport, or just sitting quietly with a casual pint in the afternoon. Pubs aren’t just social spaces; they help create the culture and identity of a place and in Leith, where I have lived for nearly 15 years, we are lucky to have an abundance of independent bars that help mould the character of the milieu. Now, more than ever, pubs need our help to turn a profit yet alone thrive, particularly in Scotland where hospitality rates relief isn’t passed on as in other parts of the UK. So here are a few of my regular watering ..read more

I LIKE TO think I’m a man that knows what constitutes a good burger. I discovered Fat Hippo on George Street whilst out walking last week and needed a quick bite beforecatching James Acaster’s show at the Playhouse. Now, I’m a huge fan of Butta Burger, which also happens to reside on this street and I was interested to see how they’d compare. Hailing from Newcastle, Fat Hippo now has 14 sites across the UK with their first Edinburgh branch being a concession within Lane 7 on Rose Street. We occupied one of two banquettes by the window in what was a virtually empty restaurant; thankfully it ..read more

Love Mexican food but bored of the usual fajita recipe? Then give my turkey taquitos recipe a bash - it'll revolutionise your Mexican dinners! I recently discovered Fresh Mex seasoning sachets in my local ASDA and, although I've had this recipe for a while, knew they'd take it up a level with their freshly ground spice blends.  I first tasted their delicious burritos in their award-winning burritos at their Lothian Road restaurant branch and was delighted to be able to get their products in the supermarket.   This recipe takes no time to prepare and the turkey mix will easily ..read more

When Michel Roux Jr. announced the forthcoming closure of his legendary Le Gavroche restaurant at the end of the summer, I went straight on their website to book a table for my upcoming 40th birthday.  With a trip to London arranged, I perused their menus to develop a short list of other places to dine in.  As the list grew and grew, a seed of doubt came into my mind that perhaps Roux’s establishment might be the wrong choice and, in one of those “close your eyes and click” moments, I hit the ‘cancel’ button and booked Trinity instead. I just hoped my instincts wouldn’t let me ..read more