Edinburgh’s Georgian architecture is best illustrated along George Street, the backbone of this elegant Scottish city’s most elegant addresses. The mastermind of architect James Craig back in 1766, here a wide street with polished squares frame rural views, establishing this centrally located street as one of the city’s most desirable.
George Street is lined with a collection of Georgian townhouses, once home to Scotland’s elite. Today one of these impressive properties is home to InterContinental, The George, one of the city’s most refined five-star hotels which completed a multi-million-pound refurbishment earlier this year. A polished lobby with neoclassical architecture sets an elegant stage for a team of butlers, smartly dressed in full Scottish attire, rekindling the glamour of Scottish society which dates back to the 1700s.
A variety of ten room types span from double guest rooms up to larger 60 square metre suites with living areas and walk-in showers. An inner-city event hotspot, at the core of the property, is the hotel’s King Hall. With its central chandelier showpiece at the centre of the grand room, it can accommodate up to 300 people. Whilst attracting both hotel guests and a high number of visitors from the city is The George’s award-winning bar and restaurant. A reflection of Edinburgh’s cosmopolitan lifestyle and voted Cocktail Bar of the Year last year, is The Printing Press Bar and Kitchen which offers a balance of classic cocktails complimented by traditional Scottish cuisine.
A short walk across the centre of Edinburgh will take you to the city’s famous Royal Mile at the heart of the ancient old town. Moments from this iconic Scottish street with the castle at one end, leading down toward Arthur’s Seat at the other, is the city’s most popular fish restaurant Ondine. Describing themselves as a ‘proper seafood restaurant’, this smart but relaxed restaurant endeavour to specialise in the finest seafood and shellfish from the east coast of Scotland and beyond, working closely with a network of fishermen who provide both fresh and sustainable produce, executed by the talent of its kitchen. From oyster selections including Lindisfarne, Cumbrae, Carlingford to crispy oysters with mayonnaise, diners can also truly roll their sleeves up with either the hot or cold seafood platters. These include an array of seafood favourites from Eyemouth Lobster, Dunbar Crab, Lindisfarne Oysters, Langoustines, Isle of Mull Scallops, Shetland Mussels, Palourdes, Cockles and Razor Clams served either with garlic butter or over crushed ice.
For those in search of a Scottish events venue that encompasses the dramatic beauty of the surrounding landscape whilst remaining only a few miles from Edinburgh, is the region’s largest expanse of private land: Rosebery Estates. A group of estates that extend from the shores of the Firth of Forth to the uplands of the Pentland Hills and Scottish Borders covering some 30,000 acres. One of the most beautiful properties of the estate is the 13th-century Barnbougle Castle. Having been privately owned by generations of Earls of Rosebery for nearly 400 years, and never previously open to the public, here lies a rich and woven family history within the castle walls.
The private Scottish seaside retreat of a former Victorian Prime Minister, the castle has been closed since his death in 1929, however, over the last years the castle has been renovated to its former glory to become the luxury event venue it is today since opening in May this year. Home to ten thousand books, a dramatic stone spiral staircase and a marble seawater bath, this time capsule takes those who step inside its grand interior back to a time gone by beside the dramatic Scottish waters which lap at its rugged stone foundations.
Edinburgh’s heritage is elevated by those who are devoted to offering the finest experiences. Shining a spotlight on its charismatic culture – book a five-star stay at the newly renovated InterContinental, The George, host the ultimate event at Barnbougle Castle and sample Ondine’s Scottish fruits de mer. A visit to this city also invites guests to hike up Arthur’s seat and visit the castle which is echoed by the distinctive tune of Scottish bagpipes.
FACTBOX:
InterContinental Edinburgh – The George: Standard rooms start from £229. Address: 19 – 21 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PB / 0131 225 1251 / ihg.com.
Ondine Edinburgh: Address: 2 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1AD / 0131 226 1888 / ondinerestaurant.co.uk.
Rosebery Estates: roseberyvenues.co.uk or contact events@roseberyestates.co.uk.
