09 Sep 2024
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee in Edinburgh
Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Platinum Jubilee in 2022, which marks 70 years since she came to the throne. To honour this incredible milestone, there will be a four-day bank holiday running from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June in the UK, which is the perfect opportunity to get your pals together and sample some of the amazing cuisine that Edinburgh has to offer. Here are the five best venues in the city to toast a glass of bubbly to Her Royal Highness and enjoy some of that bank holiday sunshine.
Stockbridge is the perfect place to spend a long bank holiday weekend with its neighbourhood charm, swanky boutiques, and its great selection of independent bistros and bars. The Raeburn is a well-loved local spot, located just a stone’s throw away from Inverleith Park, which makes it the perfect pitstop after a leisurely stroll in the sun. The Raeburn has plenty of outdoor seating, which is great for soaking up those glorious rays and enjoying some cocktails in the buzzing courtyard. It also has a stylish and comfortable indoor space if you’re looking to dine inside, where it serves a great range of gastropub-style dishes. And if that’s not enough to entice you, it’s also dog-friendly – so feel free to bring your Corgi along to celebrate the occasion!
What better way to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee than with a luxury Afternoon Tea fit for royalty? Located on the fourth floor of Cheval The Edinburgh Grand, The Register Club sits within the stunning former interiors of The Royal Bank of Scotland. The dining room has a sophisticated, contemporary feel and serves as the perfect backdrop for a glitzy high tea. As part of the Afternoon Tea menu, you can enjoy some delicious sweet and savoury delicacies and a wonderful selection of loose-leaf tea or coffee. You even have the option of upgrading to a glass of Champagne with your high tea – in true royal fashion! The Register Club’s Afternoon Tea is £32 per person, or £42 with Champagne, and runs from 2pm – 5:30pm daily.
Why not make like the Queen and dine at The Balmoral? Whilst we don’t mean the Queen’s Scottish residence, the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh is the next best thing if you’re looking for a regal dining experience. Brasserie Prince is a truly exquisite restaurant located within one of Edinburgh’s most notable hotels, in a truly remarkable building. You’ll find a delicious marriage of classic French cuisine, Scottish produce, and elegant dishes which are fit for a queen. Here you can enjoy plates such as Loin of Venison and Balmoral Smoked Salmon – two delicacies that the Queen reportedly adores. You’ll also find irresistible dishes on the menu including Fillet of Beef, Isle of Mull Scallops and Balmoral Fish Pie. Make sure you book ahead of time for this popular venue.
If you’re looking for a vibrant atmosphere this bank holiday as well as outdoor seating to soak up the summer sun, head on over to One Square. This popular gin bar located within the Sheraton Hotel has a sun-drenched rooftop terrace and has been named as having one of the ‘best views in the UK’. The menu includes artisanal cocktails, incredible food platters and a wide range of refined dishes. One Square also boasts an impressive gin collection, which is perfect for sipping on the Queen’s favourite alcoholic spirit. It has been reported that the Queen adores a gin cocktail before tucking into her lunch – so why not honour Her Majesty by ordering a round of Negronis for you and your pals at midday?
This well-loved gastropub is the ideal place to cosy up on the bank holiday and enjoy some seriously good food, local cask ales and incredible whisky. The Queen’s Arms is a great spot for all the family, with a fantastic menu for the little ones and kids packs to keep them entertained throughout the meal. If you’re visiting on the bank holiday Sunday, we highly recommend ordering ‘The Queen’s Famous Sharing Roast’ – served with its famous roast beef and all the trimmings for two people. There are also single-portion and vegetarian options on the roast dinner menu, as well as a wide range of refined pub classics to choose from. Tables are always in high demand on a Sunday, so booking is essential.