As the autumn glow settles over Edinburgh, the city’s social calendar is anything but winding down. Last week marked the celebratory crescendo of Negroni Week (September 22-28), and what a week it was for lovers of this iconic Italian aperitivo.
The highlight of my Negroni Week had to be the exclusive invitation to Contini’s sophisticated Negroni Party during the weekend. Nestled in their elegant setting, the evening was a masterclass in Italian hospitality, where the perfect balance of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth flowed as freely as the conversations between Edinburgh’s food and drink enthusiasts.
It was the kind of evening that reminded you why the Negroni has maintained its status as the ultimate aperitif – simple, sophisticated, and utterly sociable.
But if you’re lamenting the end of Negroni Week, fear not. Edinburgh’s cocktail scene is about to get even more exciting with Cocktail Week launching Friday, 3 October – 12 October. This ten-day celebration offers something truly special: the opportunity to sip sumptuous five-pound cocktails at more than a hundred of Edinburgh’s top bars, plus of course, the Cocktail Village at Festival Square.
Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or simply someone who appreciates a well-crafted drink, Cocktail Week presents the perfect excuse to explore Edinburgh’s diverse bar scene without breaking the bank. From hidden speakeasies in the Old Town to trendy rooftop bars in the New Town, there’s never been a better time to discover your new favourite haunt. Buy your wristband quickly!
Dancing Through Dinner
For those seeking an experience that combines exceptional dining with authentic Scottish culture, the Ceilidh Supper Club at the Scottish Café and Restaurant offers something truly unique. You can enjoy a carefully crafted three-course seasonal supper, the sounds of a live in-house Ceilidh band, and traditional Scottish dancing – all from 7-11 pm in one unforgettable evening.
The next opportunities to join this celebration of Scottish hospitality are 24 October and 28 November. Whether you’re a seasoned ceilidh dancer or someone who’s never set foot on a dance floor, these evenings promise to be both welcoming and wonderfully entertaining.
So mark your calendars, Edinburgh. Whether you’re planning to cocktail-hop through the city’s finest establishments or dust off your dancing shoes for a ceilidh, this autumn promises to be one for the social history books.
