January Roundup: Kicking Off 2025 in Style!

January has been packed with events, achievements, and cultural highlights. Here’s a look back at what’s happened in the capital this month:?

?? Food and Drink??

Edinburgh’s culinary scene continues to shine with a host of new openings and accolades this month:??

• Memed Barbecue Grill & Meze Bar in Newington was named the Best Kebab House in Scotland.??

• Henry Dobson, formerly of one of the world’s top restaurants, Noma, has opened Moss in Stockbridge, offering a Scandi-inspired farm-to-table experience.??

• Brooklyn-based coffee chain Blank Street launched its first Scottish store on Victoria Street, with a second location opening on Princes Street in February.??

• The Canny Man’s on Morningside Road was named in The European Bar Guide’s ‘Top 100 Bars in Europe’ for 2025.??

• Four of the five Scottish restaurants shortlisted for the Good Food Guide awards are from Edinburgh: Lyla, Timberyard, Montrose, and The Palmerston.??

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??? Achievements and Milestones??

Edinburgh ranked 13th globally in Time Out Group plc ’s ‘Best Cities in the World’ list, placing second in the UK behind London. The city also ranked fourth in the ranking for green spaces and access to nature. Judges said, ‘we challenge anyone not to fall in love with Edinburgh’.?

Forth 1 celebrated its 50th anniversary on 22 January, marking five decades of broadcasting excellence in Edinburgh and the Lothians.??

Scottish Rugby received an independent evaluation of its overall economic value to Scotland. Covering June to December 2024, the report assessed the impact of home matches for the national men’s and women’s teams, fixtures for Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors, and concerts and events hosted at Murrayfield—amounting to an incredible ￡120.4 million.?

?? Cultural Celebrations??

Braving the elements, locals across Edinburgh took to the beach to welcome the new year with traditional Loony Dooks hosted at South Queensferry, Portobello and Ratho’s Lost Shore Surf Resort , adding a splash of excitement to their January.??

The First Footin’ Festival, co-curated by Aidan O’Rourke, featured an incredible line-up of live performances across folk, indie, jazz, and hip-hop genres. From Karine Polwart at St Giles’ Cathedral to Bella McNab’s Dance Band at Portobello Town Hall, this festival brought music to every corner of the city.??

To end the month, we toasted Scotland’s national bard for Burns Night. Across Edinburgh, celebrations featured traditional suppers, poetry recitals, and lively ceilidhs including Burns Turns it Up at Leith Depot which put on a creative evening of songs and poems inspired by the life and spirit of Scotland’s Bard. At Bonnie & Wild's Scottish Marketplace in St James Quarter , a week of Burns-inspired dining and events culminates in a free ceilidh for up to 400 guests on 30 January.?

?? Community Highlights??

The Doddie Aid 2025 campaign brought cyclists and walkers together with record-breaking adventurer Mark Beaumont for a loop around Arthur’s Seat.??

Finally, global music superstar Ed Sheeran delighted young musicians at West Pilton Community Centre, launching his Ed Sheeran Foundation and supporting local talent through the Tinderbox Collective.??

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As we step into February, Edinburgh’s calendar remains packed with exciting events, new openings, and cultural moments. Stay tuned for more updates!??

#ForeverEdinburgh #Edinburgh #TourismScotland??