Bumper line-up announced for city’s ‘Eat Out Edinburgh’ campaign

The organisers of a new campaign to attract the people of Edinburgh and the Lothians back to the capital’s city centre restaurants, bars and hotels this spring have revealed their bumper line-up of participating venues.

Essential Edinburgh, the capital’s dedicated Business Improvement District (BID), has already signed up over 25 venues for the ‘Eat Out Edinburgh’ campaign, which is aiming to increase footfall and bookings within the city’s Business Improvement District from 14th to 27th March, as part of the Covid recovery process. Even more venues and offers are expected to be added to the Eat Out Edinburgh campaign website over the coming days at www.EatOutEdinburgh.com.

The collection of ‘Eat Out Edinburgh’ campaign venues are all located between George Street, Princes Street, Rose Street, St James Quarter and the Johnnie Walker Experience at the West End, including some of the city’s best loved restaurants, bars and hotels. 

Celebrating the best of food, drink and hospitality, Bonnie & Wild at the St James Quarter; Contini George Street; Edinburgh-based Signature Group and the Johnnie Walker Experience are amongst the bumper list of businesses announced today as part of the campaign. 

Each of the venues will be promoting special tasting menus, set menus, events and exclusive offers to attract bookings and increased footfall throughout the campaign period. 

From business breakfasts to leisurely lunches and evening gatherings over dinner and cocktails, the Eat Out Edinburgh campaign has been designed to bring friends, family and colleagues together whilst helping to support the city’s vibrant hospitality sector.

Carina Contini, owner of Edinburgh’s Contini George Street; as well as The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant and Cannonball Restaurant & Bar, said:

“We’ve been serving the people of Edinburgh, the Lothians and beyond for over 16 years at Contini George Street, so we’re really excited to be part of the Eat Out Edinburgh campaign, offering our famous Contini welcome to all our loyal, local customers once again and seeing all those familiar faces.

“From day one, we’ve served fresh, seasonal and authentic Italian food. And as third generation Italian Scots, we still buy from some of the producers our grandparents worked with. We also stay true to our Italian Scots roots and maintain tradition and authenticity in our menus and service to attract custom and tourism to Edinburgh. Our food is perfect for sharing in a fun, informal and very special family restaurant.”

Commenting on the Eat Out Edinburgh campaign, Kate Russell, General Manager, Bonnie & Wild, St James Quarter, said:

“Bonnie & Wild is proud to champion Scotland's world-class food and drink producers, providers and purveyors as part of the Eat Out Edinburgh campaign. It's at the heart of who we are and what we do. We believe in high quality, socially responsible sourcing, in promoting sustainability, provenance and traceability. And we're proud to have so many independent producers on the menu within our Scottish Marketplace.

“We're also a marketplace of food and drink, of individuals and ideas. Bonnie and Wild's Scottish Marketplace is a melting pot of chefs and producers, of entrepreneurs and start-ups. 

“We're passionate about supporting those smaller businesses who perhaps wouldn't be able to have a high-profile, city centre outlet otherwise. We're also passionate about delivering a first-class customer experience. 

“We've a highly trained Front of House team passionate about making everyone who comes through our doors feel welcome and nourished. When guests visit our Scottish Marketplace, we want them to experience the very best of Scottish food, drink and hospitality.”

Hannah McConnachie from Edinburgh-based Signature Group, added: 

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to some of our most popular city centre restaurants and bars as part of the ‘Eat Out Edinburgh’ campaign.

“From Badger & Co on Castle Street to Element on Rose Street and The Huxley on Rutland Street, plus The Boozy Cow on Frederick Street and Copper Blossom on North Castle Street, we have something for everyone.

“Each of our venues is unique, taking inspiration from its surroundings and customers, with food and drink offerings sourced locally to showcase the best of Scottish produce.  Our Edinburgh venues are well known for their historic architecture and community involvement.

“Our vision is to nurture destination venues for socialising and experiencing the best of Scottish, independent hospitality for locals and visitors alike. We take pride in building a reputation for great people, great products, fantastic customer experiences and most importantly, consistently brilliant customer service.”

Roddy Smith, Chief Executive & Director, Essential Edinburgh, said: 

“Edinburgh City Centre has an unrivalled variety of bars and restaurants, catering for everyone’s own individual taste and preferences.  Eat Out Edinburgh has been designed to enable our residents, visitors and office workers to enjoy what’s on offer with special menus, events and offers for city centre workers. 

“After the last two years of on/off restrictions for our hospitality industry this also gives everyone a great reason to get back into the city centre and enjoy some quality time with friends and family in world class hospitality premises.”

For more information and to keep up to date with the campaign, visit: www.EatOutEdinburgh.com and www.EdinburghCityCentre.co.uk  

People can also follow the campaign on social media, including Facebook https://www.facebook.com/EdinCityCentre, Twitter https://twitter.com/EdinCityCentre and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/edincitycentre, using the hashtags #EatOutEdinburgh and #Edinburgh