Unless you live in a blind bubble you’ll know that August -the 4th to the 28th to be precise, is Festival time!
I can’t stop thinking about how much I loved being part of this all encompassing scene last year. The streets alive with performers of a thousand kinds. Theatres, shops, bars, corners of everywhere turned into venues of all shapes and sizes, full to the brim with audiences with no expectation except to be entertained or educated. It’s pure magic. I saw many styles of comedy, a play performed over a game of squash actually on the court and poetry recitals. I watched live interviews with authors I’d never heard of, so captivating I queued for hours after for a signed book. Everything no matter how normal, weird or wonderful was an awesome experience. Here’s a snap-shot to get you in the mood…
See
Particularly memorable moments for me were taking part in the Hendrick’s Emporium of Sensorial Submersion and Le Haggis and of course the Tattoo which needs no introduction or explanation at all!
The theatre of the Hendrick’s experience was genius. The team were in character from the off as they guide their subjects through a tour of audible, palatable and tangible stimulation; and yes, you get to taste gin, quite a lot of gin!
Le Haggis took centre stage of the Spiegeltent in the Assembly Gardens. The rain had been pouring making the tent dark and steamy in more ways than one as the sexy cabaret wooed and wowed audiences in a charming and interactive way. Singing on The Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond and other Scottish anthems at the top of my voice along with the whole audience was a sight, or sound to behold.
Stay
Our accommodation took the form of a budget designer hotel in the centre of the action. Motel One, a recent addition to Edinburgh’s hotel offering sits above the Apple store on Princes Street. The German chain aims to impress with a philosophy of ‘happy guests, happy staff’. It’ price point is refreshing for designer luxe and the welcome guests get makes it obvious that despite the price, service is absolutely central to its operation.
The use of the word ‘budget’ in its marketing, led me to expect something entirely different to what is presented. Quality is reflected in every corner with sumptuous lounges and no expense spared bedrooms.
Each of the 55 hotels embraces its own individual style to respect and reflect its surrounding environment and heritage; Edinburgh Princes Street is extra special. One lounge has a distinctive Royal theme with a contemporary twist. It acts as a lounge, bar and breakfast area in one with plenty of room for groups, couples and families to find their space.
There’s an extra long dining table wit throne chairs, nostalgic boudoir seats and egg chairs, playful lampshades and crystal chandeliers. The scheme is a relaxing chocolate and turquoise with flashes of traditional tartan.
The rooms contains everything required to offer a quality stay whilst omitting anything that’s not conducive to an excellent nights sleep. A box spring bed draped with 100% egyptian cotton sheets, designer lamps, a flat screen TV and rain shower combine to achieve weekend away bliss.
Eat
Cucina – G&V Royal Mile Hotel is an excellent contemporary Italian restaurant with an entrance right on the Royal Mile. Staff are attentive and the menu is small but well rounded with something for everyone. Just great food very well done. I’d advise asking what your waiter recommends as we did. Their choice is described in such detail and with great passion making it hard not to choose as you’re already tasting it.
A great atmosphere runs throughout and cool bold interiors as you’d expect from a restaurant within the G&V Hotel. Even the staff uniforms are cool, incorporating a dash of tartan.
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