So you may have noticed if you follow me on Instagram that I went on a jaunt to bonnie Edinburgh recently. If you’re from the UK or know anything about the region, you’re probably thinking, quite rightly “why would anyone in their right mind visit Scotland in February?”. If you know nothing about Scotland, fyi, it’s cold. It rains most of the time, and summer is confined to about one week in July.
It was pretty much dire in terms of weather so unfortunately I have no outfits to share with you, but I was wearing about a gazillion layers anyway and looked like Joey in that friends episode so you’re not missing out.
My boyfriend has ancestors from Scotland somewhere down the line, so we went to watch his football team and visit some friends. We spent most of our time in the Grassmarket area, which is awash with cute bars and fun eating places. Edinburgh is one of those cities where you feel like there’s always something happening just around the corner, and you need to spend some time there to learn its secrets. I’m not quite there yet, but I thought I’d share a few of the things I got up to nonetheless.
WHERE I ATE: MUSSEL AND STEAK BAR
This place does what it says on the tin, serving up delicious steak and mussel dishes at affordable prices. I went for the mussels in shallots, garlic, white wine and cream sauce alongside chips in beef dripping, and it was scrumptious. I didn’t get a picture though as the steak was far more photogenic, and equally yummy!
Mussel and Steak Bar
110 West Bow
Grassmarket
EH1 2HH
WHERE I SHOPPED: W. ARMSTRONG AND SON VINTAGE EMPORIUM
I love digging through a good vintage store, and this is got to be one of the best I’ve been to. Unfortunately it was lunchtime and we had seriously growly bellies, otherwise I could have spent hours scouring the place for vintage gems.
The shop decor feels like it was put together by an eccentric granny with a hoarding problem. There are splashes of colour on every surface, tinsel and disco balls hanging from doors, and you can’t move without bashing into an Egyptian sarcophagus or getting tangled up in a ream of bunting. The menswear was particularly unusual, with some gorgeous military jackets and kilts aplenty!
W. Armstrong and Son Vintage Emporium
83 The Grassmarket
EH1 2HJ
WHERE I DRANK: UNDER THE STAIRS
This cosy bar was the perfect spot to shelter from the rain with a couple of cocktails and some good company. We went for a quick drink, but ended up staying for hours. It’s super homely with comfy armchairs, a fireplace and even a fish tank, and the cocktail menu is amazing. If you don’t tend to stray from a safe mojito, this is not the place for you. One of (the many) cocktails I tried was an eclectic mix of albelha cachaca, apple liquer, avocado, maraschino liqueur, amontillado sherry, and peanut butter. Weird, but good weird!
Under The Stairs
3a Merchant St.
EH1 2QD
Despite getting so soggy and windswept we thought we’d never be warm again, I’m resigned to the fact that I’ll probably be going back to Edinburgh again soon. There are still so things to see and do! Have you guys been to Edinburgh? I’d love to hear any tips you have to share!
All of these pictures are amazing! I love Edinburgh, I was undecided between going to university there and in Canada and ultimately chose Canada but it would have been cool to be there too!
xxx
Camilla
https://avenuecamilla.com
The shopping and the food looks amazing !!! I haven’t been to Edinburgh in a while you’ve tempted me to take a cheeky visit!
Serene xoxo
https://www.imserenel.wordpress.com
i spent a large portion of my four years at uni in the grassmarket. Looks like you experienced the best of edinburgh with these picks, armstrongs is renowned vintage store
Lauren
livinginaboxx
I have never been there but it looks lovely!
https://fashionillustrationsbymc.altervista.org/
Happy Monday! Glad I stopped by! I’m SO inspired by this!! Makes me wanna visit ASAP!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.whatwouldvwear.net
I love these photos! I live near Edinburgh and I’ve never been to W, Armstrong and Son Vintage Emporium but I really want to go. If you’re back in Edinburgh then go to Pie In The Sky on Cockburn Street, it’s a great vintage store!
Carolyn x
Carolyn’s Simple Life
Love your photos, Edinburgh is such an amazing place, the city is breathtakingly beautiful and the people are nice. Can’t wait to go back. :) xo
https://www.barbirellafashionrunway.blogspot.com
THESE PHOTOS!!! OMG, you make me want to travel!! So jealous! Thanks for sharing my friend.. – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Love al the pictures and your blog. Nice post :)
Regards,
http://www.agirlinafrica.com
Diana
lovely photos!
TheVogueWord
TheVogueWord
Wow, I am just in awe of Edinburgh. I love all of these photos.
Kay of Pure & Complex
http://www.purecomplex.com
Your photos are so pretty! I absolutely loved Edinburgh when I visited and now I’m wanting to take another trip back :) xx
Love and Marmalade
You managed to get lots of beautiful photos, and have a lot of fun it seems, despite the bad weather! :)
Away From The Blue