Archive for the ‘B+B Edinburgh’ Category

Abracadabra: it’s the Edinburgh International Magic Festival

Thursday, May 2nd, 2013

Magicians have seen a resurgence of sort in recent years, after street magicians such as David Blaine, Derren Brown and Dynamo brought their art to the public to show us that it’s not all sparkles and glamorous assistants and that you can be mesmerised by even the simplest trick, provided the magician is engaging and intelligent enough to persuade you that magic really did just take place.

The perfect place to showcase the world’s top magicians – from the sequin-clad traditionalists to the hoodie-wearing new breeds therefore is surely the Edinburgh International Magic Festival. It has become one of the city’s most talked-about events, holding demonstrations of classic illusions and modern tricks. The festival is hosted from 28th June until the 5th July.

Opening Gala
Starting with huge gala on opening night, you will see some of the world’s top magicians and illusionists showing you what incredible things they have in store for you. The Magic Dinner is an amazing spectacle which will transport you to Wonderland using the talents of a Sleight of Hand Artist, an illusionist, a classically trained singer, a pianist and physical theatre performer. They will all work together to bring you a three-course-meal you will never forget, unique in both style and substance.

Booking
You must pre-book tickets for most of the events included in the festival, although there are free events on offer, including a full show at SKYbar and many street performers eager to show you their talents. There are also workshops for those looking to get into the profession of magic, either for fun or as a serious career change. Professional magicians will show you some of the tricks of the trade too and peak your interest to get you performing to friends and family upon your return.

For all the Family
This is a festival that can be fun for all the family and as it runs over such a long period of time, you can take your kids without missing school. There are some wonderful family shows including a swash-buckling stage show called ‘A Great Adventure’ by family-friendly magicians Morgan & West who have been performing at fringes and festivals for many years. They will be premiering this particular show at the EIMF so it is one not to be missed. Younger children can be entranced by Scotland’s ‘Children’s Entertainer of the Year’, Tricky Ricky, who’s polished performance is perfect for keeping the whole family smiling. His fast-paced and crazy show is exciting and witty and will keep adults and children entertained.

There are shows involving close-up magic from mind-reading to card tricks and shows combining comedy with magic, including some of the UK’s top comedians. Compelling late-night magic shows such as Colin McLeod, Marcus Gordon and Elliot Bibby’s “Late Night Myths”, is an exciting look at mind-boggling mental manipulation. The program is extensive and this really is a must-see for anyone slightly interested in the world of magic and illusion.

If you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh for the International Magic Festival or one of the other international events hosted, make sure to make our bed and breakfast your base in Edinburgh.

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Edinburgh’s Christmas Extravaganza takes inspiration from New York

Friday, December 7th, 2012

Visitors from across the Atlantic, or those searching for a city with it all will feel at home in Edinburgh this Christmas.

Edinburgh is set to rival the world’s major cities with a New York style ice-rink. It is being unveiled as one of many winter wonderland attractions. Half a million people are expected to flock to the city. If they can’t skate, they will certainly be inspired to on their visit.

A huge 22ft Christmas tree covered in over a thousand lights will stand strong and bright beside the rink. Weary skaters will be able to rest beside it in an après ski area with a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine to flush away any aches.

The ice rink is just one of the new attractions planned to make the event even bigger and better than last year. “The site is looking better than it has ever looked, it is beautiful and really spectacular”, said the event producer, Nickie Gott.

“We have new elements like the 3D cinema and we’ve tried to 
create more of a Times Square experience”.

 

Get the Party Started

The extravagant show takes inspiration from the city’s history of invention and engineering. A giant Saint Claus wearing a kilt will lead other festive characters through the crowds of revelers and up The Mound towards Edinburgh’s christmas tree.

Ongoing festive fun

Visitors will be entertained throughout the month.

• See reindeer in St Andrew Square, December 9-23, visit them between 11am-3pm.

• Edinburgh’s Ice Rink, November to 6 January 2013.

Christmas comfort

Not all of the attractions can be enjoyed to the full in a short visit; B+B Edinburgh are aiming to match the cities New York inspiration with copious American comfort and famous Scottish hospitality. Our plentiful breakfast range and modern rooms provide the perfect retreat after a thrilling day enjoying the festive celebrations.

Image provided by flicker.

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Worlds largest bottle of whiskey visits Edinburgh

Wednesday, October 31st, 2012

The worlds largest bottle of whiskey

Scotland and Edinburgh enjoy a rich and pleasurable history with the liquor, which spans centuries.

This is made clear at the Scotch Whiskey Experience, which has become the home of a 105.3 litre bottle containing quality single malt scotch.

It has travelled from its birthplace in Tomintoul for this unique experience where visitors to gaze upon, and of course sample, the nations favourite tipple.

Whiskey lovers work together

In order to achieve a Guinness World Record, two Tomintoul businessmen commissioned the enormous bottle, cork and label required to contain it. Fourteen individuals filled it with single 70cl bottles.  A hammer was used to place the cork and a hairdryer utilized to seal the wrapping.

It stands at 4ft 9 inches and weighs 164kg.

Visitors can photograph this monument to quality spirits on the Scotch Whiskey Experience tour from the 25th of October.

The Scotch Whiskey Experience is situated right next to Edinburgh Castle. Visitors can admire the entire city from a-top its famous medieval walls.

A perfect view from every angle

B and B Edinburgh have views of the city to match Edinburgh Castle from their centrally located modern rooms; they pride themselves on endorsing a stylish take on traditional bed and breakfast hospitality.

Bright rooms with plush features provide a warming contrast to a city steeped in brilliant history.

 

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Festive Fun in Edinburgh

Wednesday, October 24th, 2012

Edinburgh is certainly known to be one the best places in which to spend some time over the Christmas and festive period, with celebrations spanning across 6 weeks each year. 2012 is no exception and is set to be one of the cities best celebrations to date, kicking off on November 29th and continuing on all the way through to January 6th. If you are considering a visit, or lucky enough to already be booked, below are some of the cities highlights this Christmas.

 

Edinburgh Christmas Ice Rink

November 24th – January 5th

Just below the ancient Edinburgh castle will be one of Europe’s largest open-air ice rinks. Wrap up warm and marvel at the cities fabulous skyline whilst enjoying (or embarrassing) yourself on the ice. The area around the rink and in Princes Street gardens will also have festive music, theatre performances and the best seasonal food and drink during this period.

 

Traditional German Christmas Market

November 26th – January 5th

Keeping tradition, Edinburgh is host to an authentic German Christmas Market, to be located in the Mound Precinct, the stallholders are traveling from Frankfurt to display their food drink and wares. The German Market has become popular to Edinburgh’s festive season and provides visitors a chance to sample some great food, such as crepes, potato cakes and of course German sausage, fantastic German beer and a combination of classic and contemporary Christmas gifts and decorations.

 

The Edinburgh Wheel

Open everyday.

Although this attraction isn’t just at Christmas, taking a spin on the wheel during the festive season is perhaps one of the best times to do so. Towering 33 metres over Princes Street, the wheel allows you to take in panoramic views of the Scottish capital and enjoy the city as its lit up for Christmas.

 

Santa’s Gardens

November 24th – January 5th

Enjoy the magic of Christmas at West Princes Street in Santa’s gardens, complete with Santa’s grotto, real reindeer, ice sculpting, choirs and Christmas inspired performances. Additionally, the Snow Globe is certainly an exciting new addition to the celebrations. Here, visitors are able to stand amongst falling snow, get some great photographs and have a lot of fun. The Santa express is a railway set up to ride around the gardens and other fun activities include bubblepods and the bungee snow dome. This area is great for adults, children and families.

 

The Real Scottish Christmas Fair

December 3rd – 8th

Open between 10am – 6pm, this authentic Christmas Fair is located on Castle Street and displays the best of both a traditional and contemporary approach to a Scottish Christmas. With music, traditional food, tastings, a warm welcome and plenty of Christmas shopping options, visitors will enjoy this great alternative experience.

 

Christmas lunch at the Castle

December 6th – 24th

Enjoy a traditional Christmas meal within the most iconic building in Edinburgh. The castle is laying on lunch each day from 12.30pm in the festively decorated Jacobite room. Free entry to the castle is also included in the £35 per person charge, giving a great excuse to make a morning and afternoon of the experience. Book early to avoid disappointment.

 

Santa Race

date tbc

Join or watch the hundreds of Santa’s that sprint around Princes Street Gardens this Christmas, all in the name of charity. The odd but incredibly enjoyable sight makes for a really fun evenings entertainment and festive spirit.

 

Traditional Highland Village

Throughout December

Set up in East Princes Street gardens, just below the castle and just above the ice rink, this winter wonderland of a village is everything ‘highlandish’. This fun, friendly and incredibly vibrant market is packed with numerous Scottish inspired and traditional foods, producers, farmers and local retailers. Wooly hats and Scottish teddy bear stalls sit next to local venison burger makers ‘Well Hung and Tender’. The other stalls sell everything from clothes to jewelry and crafts. Shopping has rarely been so pleasurable.

Book now to enjoy this multitude of exciting events at one of Edinburgh’s most unique bed and breakfast providers.

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34 Years of Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival and Still Going Strong

Sunday, June 17th, 2012

Scotland is very quickly gaining notoriety as a country to visit for a truly brilliant festival experience. Between Edinburgh’s constantly growing and increasingly popular Fringe festival to the newly established Live at Loch Lomond festival there is an enormous range of festivals to be attended, with a an impressive variety of genres and styles.

One of the most anticipated Scottish festivals each year is Edinburgh’s “Jazz and Blues festival,” which despite its age of over 33 years old is a constantly updating and modernising experience. Considering the range and variety which apply to the genres of Jazz and Blues it can be a quite a feat to keep up with the most modern and popular acts as well as keeping hold of the classic and experienced groups who make the festival what it is. In fact Edinburgh’s Jazz and Blues festival is officially the oldest running festival in Britain, and yet it still remains one of its most culturally relevant and contemporary events.

The festival itself is hosted between 12 different venues around Edinburgh. These range in style and taste from modern and chic venue, The Hub which boasts a mix of “contemporary design and classic Victorian architecture,” to the more retro themed and aptly named The Jazz Bar which is “An atmospheric and dedicated basement jazz bar, presented in classic cabaret style.”

The Jazz and Blues festival is also becoming known as an ideal place for bands and musicians to get attention. It’s widely played by lesser known or unsigned bands who are looking, not only to play with like minded musicians and to like minded fans but who are also looking to build up their reputations. It seems as if Edinburgh Jazz and Blues festival is the perfect place for both long established and newly founded bands alike to make a name for themselves amongst fans and bands who share their taste in music.

Although the listings for Edinburgh’s Jazz and Blues has not been fully released yet, the ability to book tickets for specific shows at particular venues means that waiting doesn’t have to mean missing out. 2011’s festival saw an enormous variety of acts, from ex Cream bassist and blues rock legend Jack Bruce and his band taking the stage at the Queen’s Hall to the eclectic and lesser known Hypnotic Brass Ensemble playing their unique blend of jazz, funk, street and hip hop at The Spiegeltent stage.

This year’s line up is already confirmed to include the incredible Jools Holland and his R n’ B orchestra, who swing between boogie woogie, jazz, soul and funk and have played with a variety of guest musicians including vocalist Lu Lu.

The Jazz and Blues festival also includes a variety of other activities within the collective of venues, including a hands on university run jazz music workshop for musicians and non musicians alike, to an set of educational and interactive lectures plus question and answer sessions on jazz music of all eras and styles.

About the author: This article was written by travel blogger and music enthusiast John Pauline who is writing on behalf of Sky Park Secure. For cheap parking when travelling by air to music festivals in Edinburgh he recommends the use of an Edinburgh airport parking company.

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Come To Edinburgh For Your Golfing Holiday

Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012

Whilst its ancient origins are often debated, the modern game of golf is known as being one of Scotland’s finest exports, dating back as far as the 15th century.

The only annual major championship in the game to be held outside of the US is the British Open, for which England and Scotland share hosting responsibilities. However, it is arguably the links courses north of the border that has the greatest appeal to the professionals.

The most famous Open Championship courses on the Scottish coast include Carnoustie, Royal Troon and of course, the home of golf, St Andrews; all of which are within a 90-minute drive or so from Edinburgh.

For this reason, Scotland’s capital can make the perfect base for a golfing holiday; offering the opportunity to be in a central location between the historic courses, as well as being a great city to unwind in when evening rolls around.

If you are daunted by the prospect of the playing a round at one of the previous locations, many in and around Edinburgh can still offer you the chance to sample world-class golf, whilst being within touching distance of the historic city.

Current British Open course Muirfield, which is set to welcome the championship in 2013, is open to visitors and located 45 minutes east of the city. Should you wish to indulge in some Golf history Musselburgh Links, a former Open Championship course and recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest golf course in the world, is only a 20-minute drive from the city-centre. Courses like Gullane and Dalmahoy also offer outstanding challenges to visitors, and are just two examples of the many courses within close reach of Edinburgh.

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B+B Edinburgh opens in time for festival month

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

Following the acquisition of the former Melvin House Hotel and 6 months of renovation, B+B Edinburgh is now officially open! Located at 3 Rothesay Terrace in Edinburgh’s posh West End, our newest property has 22 beautifully designed bedrooms, ranging from singles to family suites. True Scottish hospitality includes a fully licensed bar where guests can enjoy a drink in front of the open fire in the library lounge. Rates start from £99 per room per night and include a full Scottish breakfast freshly cooked to order or a continental breakfast. Venturing south? Check out our B+B Belgravia in London or B+B Weymouth on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast!

 

 

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