The Round-Up: Issue #8
Keeping you up-to-date with what's going on in Edinburgh's bars and restaurants.
Welcome to the latest edition of The Round-Up! Things seem to be starting to get a bit busier again, thank God, so there’s a bit more to update you all on than last time!
I also want to thank everyone who read my previous piece on individuality at work, It’s Not All Twirly Moustaches and Suspenders, where I chatted all about maintaining your sense of self while working in hospitality, if you missed it, read it here.
THE BRIEFING
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The Edinburgh Bar Show is back for its third year! From the 13th-15th of April, all hospitality professionals are invited to attend world-class seminars, learn from top industry professionals, forge meaningful connections with our favourite brands, and then party all night. I’ve been to EBS for the past two years, and already have the time booked off work to attend this year, and it’s something I have recommended to every other bartender, server, host, barback I’ve met to come along to. Not only do you leave with a breadth more knowledge about drinks and hospitality, each year I’ve left with new friends from all over the country. Now, the events programme has not been published yet, but you can usually expect different seminars during the day, global takeovers in the early evening, and then wrap parties each night. It’s obviously a lot of boozing, so over the years my friends and I have come up with some rules and traditions to get through it. For example, you have to do at least one seminar each day - no seminar means no party later! And the day after the final Show day, we do a cold plunge at Porty beach - I was skeptical at first, and I very much struggle to do it, but my God does it help the hangover. The entire bar show is completely free to attend for all hospitality professionals, however you’ll need to register for a trade pass to be able to access all seminars and events. I’ll be posting updates leading up to EBS to tell you what’s going on.
Eat Out Edinburgh is back for the month of March. Over 50 top Edinburgh restaurants are taking part this year to bring you some of the best food deals you’ll see all year. Find the list of participating venues here, where you’ll be able to see what deals are on offer and menu information.
Old Pal are inviting you to join them for some fried, fizzy fun at their Fried Chicken & FIOL event on the 4th. For £35 the team will treat you to a two-course meal, a glass of FIOL, and obviously a welcome cocktail to set the mood. Bookings are required for this event, which can be made here, or e-mail the team directly at enquiries@oldpal.co.uk.
Tickets have went on sale for the annual, and highly anticipated, Cork & Cask Summer Fair. Cork & Cask are taking over St Giles Church on the 30th of May for what is commonly considered the wine fair of the year. With over 150 participating brands, this is the perfect opportunity for the public to not just explore and try exciting products from various local breweries, distilleries and wineries, but also meet the makers themselves and learn all about all the hard work goes into their products. All of this, plus Alby’s slinging out their beloved hot dogs to line the stomachs means this event isn’t to be missed. The £25 ticket fee covers all of your samples on the day, where you’ll also be given a tasting booklet that contains a further 10% discount voucher to use in Cork & Cask. These events always sell-out, so I recommend getting your ticket while you can.
The Doghouse has teamed up with Portobello’s The Rusty Seagull for their latest food pop-up which is being described as ‘fast food, done properly’. Serving their gourmet hot dogs, spicy wings, loaded fries and more until April. This is a great way to support two independent Portobello businesses, and get some tasty scran too
THE DEBRIEF
A massive congratulations to all our friends at the Top 50 Awards last week! A massive well done Panda & Sons, Hey Palu, Nauticus who were flying the flag for Edinburgh, what achievements for you all! Also, exciting to hear Daddy Marmalades from Glasgow getting the recognition they deserve. It’s always encouraging to see Scottish bars succeeding, well done team!
We recently heard the sad news of Mara’s closure. This was such sad news to hear from somewhere that made such an impact on the scene in very little time. We’re sending all of our love and support to their brilliant staff, who I’m sure will still go on to do excellent things in the future. This news comes following a string of multiple venue closures here in Edinburgh. It’s no shock that the hospitality industry is in trouble, it’s something I’ve spoken about in previous publications so I won’t drone on about it now, but I do want to stress the importance of supporting your local bars and restaurants at this time. The hospitality industry has been struggling for a while, and it doesn’t seem as though things will get any better any time soon, so please, if you can, support local.
#HIRING
Lost in Leith are looking for part-time bar staff as well as a Duty Manager, find more details and apply here.
Custom Lane are looking for a FOH team member, send your CV to hello@customlane.co.
Ardfern are looking for a sous chef to join their restaurant team, e-mail your CV to kitchen@thelittlechartroom.com.
Company Bakery are hiring for multiple roles, including a Head of Sales and Marketing position, find more info and apply here.
DEALS
Vessel are offering some mid-week drink deals from Sunday-Wednesday, you’ll be able to grab a £5 pint, a £4.50 glass of wine, or a non-alcoholic cocktail for £5.
If you have something, or see something, you think should be featured on The Round-Up, please send it over to me on Instagram.
The Round-Up is a free publication, but if you’re enjoying the content and want to support me on this journey, I’d be very grateful if you bought me a coffee!
See you soon.