Edinburgh

[addictfreak]

Keep the ideas coming guys, and thanks to those who have posted already.

On reflection I probably should have booked the premier inn at Haymarket, I choose the other one as its described as 'central'. But still looking forward to the trip.

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

[QUOTE 2154420, member: 1314"]Bobby's Bar (seriously nice food). Cafe Royal bar - seriously nice seafood.[/quote]

Seconded, the Cafe Royal is nice, and the pub next door, The Grenville... Is it? Is good for ale, and its only across the road from Waverly too, so you don't have long to stagger if needed.

It does get busy though as a result.

 

[ianjmcd]

princes st or st james centre for shopping and of course harvey nicolas

few nice pubs in the grassmarket if you can put up with the tourists as another poster says bobbys bar is excellent and right next to greyfriars bobby statue that you just have to have your picture taken with

carlton hill for magnificent views

and no forgetting mary kings close for the spookieness of the place

 

[dellzeqq]

there is a Vermeer and three Gauguins (including my all time favourite painting in the world) at the Scottish National Gallery, and the National Museum of Scotland is really very fine. The parliament building is the world's most expensive architectural joke.

 

[Archie_tect]

and no forgetting mary kings close for the spookieness of the place

Save your money and wander down the closes either side for nothing!

 

[Archie_tect]

The parliament building is the world's most expensive architectural joke.

I thought that until I went on a tour... I liked it then, but still can't accept the ridiculous cost, but that's down to poor cost control and the contractors using the indecision to load up their claims rather than the extravagance of the design. [I feel a similar, irrational dislike for Zaha Hadid's designs which I might like if I ever visit any of them].

 

[Archie_tect]

Don't go to the Georgian House if they are having one of their infamous 'costume' days. They are mindbogglingly awkward and irritating.

 

[dellzeqq]

I thought that until I went on a tour... I liked it then, but still can't accept the ridiculous cost, but that's down to poor cost control and the contractors using the indecision to load up their claims rather than the extravagance of the design. [I feel a similar, irrational dislike for Zaha Hadid's designs which I might like if I ever visit any of them].

I was irritated by the balustrading and went in to one. Until one of my colleagues, standing right next to me, said 'er, Simon....I did the drawings for those'. Whoopsie.............

 

[Scoosh]

[QUOTE 2154949, member: 1314"].... (people from Edinburgh don't say they are from there, but from, for example, Leith);[/quote]
Ah - the errors and misconceptions from the non-Embra person .

Edinburgh was a Royal Burgh from way back; as was Leith (the port for Edinburgh). Being a royal burgh meant you could have your own trades guilds, who could certify apprentices and the like (or something simlar). This really hacked off the burghers of Edinburgh (the capital city, royal court, etc etc).

Not too surprisingly, Leithers made the distinction - and still do ! Back in the day when licensing laws had pub opening times, Edinburgh and Leith had different opening hours. One bar down Leith Walk, which straddled the licensing boundary, had access doors in both burghs. When Leith's opening hour arrived, they opened the Leith-side door, then, an hour later, they opened the 'Edinburgh door'; when Leith's closing hour arrived - close 'Leith door'; then an hour later - close 'Edinburgh door. Result - extra drinking time for all ! It's still there now - called the Boundary Bar, on Leith Walk just opposite Pilrig Street (never been there, mind - but it's a good and true story.

One great thing about Edinburgh is that there is plenty to see and do irrespective of the weather or (aye, right !)

For not-, Castle, Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat are all good. For , Royal Scottish Museum (Chambers Street), art galleries (foot of Mound), Portrait gallery (Queen St) and galleries of Modern Art (Belford Rd) are all free and have good cafes .


When are you coming up - I may be free to give you a wee 'potted tour' ... should you so wish.

 

[Lee_M]

good luck, I was stuck in the airport there for 7 hours yesterday, then they sent me home via Heathrow (I live 15 minutes from London City), which added a nice 2 hour tube journey to the end of my day

 

[Archie_tect]

Go by train next time Lee, Waverley to Kings X in 4.5 hours! ...and the views of the coast round Berwick are fantastic!