Edinburgh

I boarded the Trans-Pennine Express last weekend with my girlfriend, Jennifer. Three hours later, after some incredible scenery, a packed lunch and one, okay, two rum and cokes we had arrived in Edinburgh.

Having only ever visited the city once many years ago I was amazed by the beauty of the place with its stunning architecture (old and new), secret tunnelled passageways, cobbled streets and hoards of American tourists sporting big bright white trainers and puzzled expressions.





Day one was spent wandering aimlessly, getting lost and eating Haggis Bon Bons. Having not studied any maps or guides we found some amazing shops. Here are a few we thought you might like:

- Analogue Books
This is small but well stocked book shop is a great haven for all creatives visiting the city.
Link - Analogue Books

- Moleta Munro
Another small shop off the beaten track in the old town stocking contemporary interior and lifestyle products. Unfortunately we must have visited at a bad time as the shop had more similarity to a stockroom than a clean design store. Nonetheless the products were very on trend and showcasing key designers so well worth a visit.
Link - Moleta Munro

- Tangram
Just down the street from Moleta Munro is Tangram a beautiful contemporary furniture and interiors shop.
Tangram provide solutions for clients requiring furniture, lighting or textiles in almost any environment. Whether you are an architect, designer, business or domestic client this in the know team will help you benefit from their extensive knowledge and access to many of the best brands and designers.
Link - Tangram

- My girlfriend had a particular interest in Anthropologie. A store we have never visited before. This is a lifestyle shop selling everything from dresses and shoes to door knobs and plant pots.
Link - Anthropologie



Shopped out we made our way back to the hotel. Whisky and Haggis Bon Bons were order of the day. That evening we eat at a fantastic restaurant called TigerLily. Although typically "trendy" and not our normal scene the food here is fantastic and if you can get a table it s well worth a visit (I recommend the duck).

Most of our three days were filled visiting the city's many art spaces. Highlights for us were the Ingleby Gallery which we initially couldn't find only to be told it was directly under our hotel. This space is the largest privately owned contemporary gallery outside of London. Their graphic design really caught our eye - clean and considered it is definitely worth a visit.



The main National Galleries in Scotland were equally as stunning. From the recently refurbished Portrait Gallery to the breathtaking National Museum of Scotland with it's Animal World collection being a 'must see'.



The Museum of Modern Art set in a peaceful landscape, within two spectacular buildings was where we spent a very sunny Sunday. The Celebrating Sculptures exhibition was a great surprise to see with its diverse range of work including one of Ron Mueck's hyper-realistic sculptures titled 'A Girl'.



Our Edinburgh trip was fantastic. If you are planning a trip soon, I would recommend this cultural, historic place.



One last thing, if you find yourself a bit peckish when in Edinburgh… head to Peter's Yard for the more adventurous 'chicken, orange segment, pomegranate and feta cheese sandwich' would be a must. However if you're more of 'ham salad' guy like myself the coffee and Scandinavian inspired cakes are a must.