Category: Out and About

One Square Gin Terrace: where it’s always sunny

Caroline von Schmalensee June 10, 2016 April 4, 2017

It’s always sunny on the One Square Gin Terrace

Pickerings and One Square at the Sheraton have got together to create a gin terrace at the front of the hotel. With summery colours, warmth from heaters, you can make believe you are on the beach even in poor weather.

We loved the Marvellously Mixed Musical Martini Maker which has been created especially for the Gin Terrace. A first in the world of gin, this brand new labour-saving device has been designed to perfectly stir mixed drinks to the rhythm of 78rpm. It uses the Pickering’s patented musical infusion technology to create perfectly poured cocktails from the brand new Peacocktail and One Square cocktail collections that are available throughout the summer.

We loved the small bites including haggis balls with a dipping sauce and crispy courgette with hummus. Definitely worth a visit!

Check out the Martini Masterclass and Meet the Maker Events in June and July.

Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2016

Caroline von Schmalensee June 6, 2016 May 16, 2017

Kerry was delighted to attend a glittering awards ceremony celebrating the best of Scottish Food and Drink at the EICC on Thursday night, where over 800 people gathered to see the winners crowned.

Chef Simon Rimmer from TV’s Something For the Weekend did a sterling job of keeping the show on the road and presenting the awards.

Guy Taylor, Head Chef of Leith’s at the EICC, and his team produced some amazing canapes of which the pea and supernature truffle oil tarts and roast Scottish beef fillet with walnut and watercress pesto were Kerry’s favorites. Dinner was a potted cullen skink, Highland venison followed by a Perthshire heather honey and Stirlingshire cream bavarois with shortbread crumble topping and Leith’s lavender biscuits and chocolate sauce. All showcased the wonderful ingredients and flavours that Scotland is so fortunate to have.

Twenty businesses were selected from 245 entries and announced as recipients of the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2016, Scotland’ most prestigious food and drink awards. The awards are run by Scotland Food & Drink in partnership with RHASS. The title sponsor was Asda and the awards were supported by Think Local.

These awards recognise those business and individuals in Scotland who lead the way with innovation, enterprise and quality.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. Particular mentions were given to Jim Walker of Walkers Shortbread for his ‘Outstanding Contribution to Food and Drink’, to chef Fred Berkmiller of L’escargot bleu, awarded Food Pioneer. Product of the Year was awarded to ‘Macamoon’s Scottish Selection’ macarons. Kerry’s very much looking forward to getting her hands on some of those!

For details of all the nominees and winners, visit Scotland Food and Drink’s website.

Breakfast Heaven!

Caroline von Schmalensee May 22, 2016 January 27, 2017

I kicked off World Whisky Day early with breakfast on Calton Hill on Friday morning. Hosted by Glengoyne, it was odd to be drinking whisky at 8 am whilst admiring the view.

World Whisky Day 2016

Caroline von Schmalensee May 21, 2016 August 22, 2016

World Whisky Day (21 May 2016) invites everyone to try a dram and celebrate the water of life. From sunrise in New Zealand to sundown in California, thousands of revellers will be getting involved. And the best bit is, it’s completely free. World Whisky Day is all about trying new…

The Rise and Rise of Food Assemblies

Caroline von Schmalensee May 10, 2016 January 15, 2017

Originating in France, where organic growers provided produce to a central point for collection, Food Assemblies are giving us the chance to buy local produce on a regular basis.