STORIES FROM THE BALMORAL, EDINBURGH’S ICONIC HOTEL Autumn 2020 - Issue No.5
WELCOME FROM RICHARD - CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS - THE BALMORAL AWARDED FORBES 5* - MEET THE TEAM: OMAR ISMAIL ON FLAWLESS AFTERNOON TEA ETIQUETTE -THE CURFEW CLUB - THE CURFEW CLUB MACARON ‘BURGER’ - RECIPE BY EXECUTIVE HEAD CHEF, GARY ROBINSON AUTUMNAL FREE SPIRIT ESCAPES - FESTIVE: CELEBRATE THIS YEAR IN OUR SALON PRIVÉ
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A warm welcome from our General Manager Over the last few months we have seen the city of Edinburgh come back to life and it has been a pleasure for The Balmoral to open its doors, welcoming guests once again. In September we received the incredible news that The Balmoral has become the first and only hotel in Scotland to be awarded a 5 star rating from Forbes Travel Guide. Receiving this accolade is an honour for me and my team, as it is undoubtedly one of the most sought after hospitality awards in the world. With this in mind, we are delighted to celebrate with our guests. For the remainder of 2020, we will of course ensure all who visit The Balmoral experience a safe stay with us, full of five star hospitality. We welcome you to enjoy a comfortable experience with your family and loved ones in the heart of the city with us - our team will ensure your visit is all you imagine and more.
Richard Cooke, General Manager
CONTRIBUTORS Richard Cooke
Katherine MacKenzie
Omar Ismail
Gary Robinson
Ross Sneddon
General Manager
Senior Communications Executive
Palm Court Manager
Executive Head Chef
Executive Pastry Chef
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CONTENT
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CONCIERGE
Recommendations from our concierge on the best places to discover in Edinburgh.
8 FORBES 5* The Balmoral is the first and only hotel in Scotland to receive a five star award from the worldrenowned Forbes Travel Guide.
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12 THE CURFEW CLUB
Join the club. A range of in-room experiences and retreats.
22 FESTIVE SALON PRIVÉ Our timeless and intimate private dining rooms have been reimagined for families this Christmas.
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SUMMER 2020
CONCIERGE
SUMMER 2020
CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS
BRIGHT SHADOWS - SCOTTISH ART IN THE 1920S City Art Centre 12 September 2020 - 6th June 2021 Marking 100 years since the dawn of the ‘Roaring Twenties’
WONDROUS WOODS Hopetoun House 21st October - 15 November 2020 A stunning creative lighting journey through the winding mystical pathways of the Wondrous Woods.
RAY HARRYHOUSEN - TITAN OF CINEMA Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern Two) 24 October 2020 - 5 September 2021 The largest and widest-ranging exhibition of his work ever seen.
CONCIERGE
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Spotlight on: THE BALMORAL AWARDED FORBES 5* 8 - The Icon - The Balmoral
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The Balmoral, has been named as the first and only hotel in Scotland to receive a five star award from the world-renowned Forbes Travel Guide. Sir Rocco Forte visited the hotel to mark the announcement. Forbes Travel Guide, the expert in genuine Five-Star service and only global rating system for luxury hotels, revealed some 2021 winners early. The Balmoral joins the world’s finest hotels, flying the flag for Scotland on the five-star award list for the first time. A gold standard in the hospitality industry since 1958, Forbes Travel Guide’s luxury travel rating recognises the world’s finest properties. Anonymous inspectors check into a hotel for at least two nights, then test up to 900 objective standards with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travellers select the world’s best luxury experiences. The only way to get a Five-Star rating is by earning it through the independent inspection process.
2021
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Interview
OMAR ISMAIL MANAGER OF PALM COURT ON FLAWLESS AFTERNOON TEA ETIQUETTE
Tell us a little about your time at The Balmoral. I joined The Balmoral 2007 and have worked in many different roles during my time here. I have always felt inspired by the space, from my very first day working in Palm Court. I love speaking with people and the whole experience of Afternoon Tea really gives me the opportunity to get to know our guests, find out what they are celebrating and become a part of their special day - this is something I think The Balmoral really understands and values. What does a typical day look like for you? It is all about ensuring the guests enter Palm Court and are swept off their feet from the moment we greet them at the door, to when we bid them farewell and everything in between. There is so much we can share with them; stories about the room, the teas and the décor. These are the moments I really enjoy, It makes me feel good to see our guests happy- it is instant gratification.
4. First tea, then milk. If you’re ordering a green tea you won’t need any milk but a traditional English Breakfast tea is served with cold milk. 5. Add champagne. Afternoon tea is all about celebrating and what better way than with a glass of champagne. At Palm Court we serve Charles Heisick and it perfectly respects every ingredient we have on our menu, which makes a big difference. Why do you think afternoon tea is so popular around the world? Afternoon Tea is quintessentially British and can be enjoyed by everyone for almost any occasion. At Palm Court we have always understood that there is nothing more special than a celebratory Afternoon Tea. It’s elegant, thoughtful and it’s the perfect way to bring loved ones together, which is why it is loved by so many, of all ages.
What do you think makes What do you think are the Palm Court such a unique spot “Afternoon Tea is key components to the perfect for Afternoon Tea in the city? Afternoon Tea etiquette? quintessentially British and Palm Court is a venue fit for I think Afternoon Tea is such can be enjoyed by everyone royalty. Our menu features an a personal experience that each incredible selection of loosefor almost any occasion.” guest should enjoy it how they leaf teas and our team serves individually wish to. I do have them like no other, pouring the my top tips to make sure the teas tableside, giving guests a experience is the most decadent it possibly can be: bit of theatre, which makes us truly unique. We have the honour of having our very own team 1. Be creative and have fun. It is very easy to pick of dedicated pastry chefs, creating and showcasing a tea that you have tried before, but I recommend the finest pastries in town using the best of Scottish trying something completely different. Our team ingredients. We also have our very own harpist at Palm Court love when a guest asks for our playing from the gallery overlooking Palm Court recommendations. It is all about the storytelling which creates a beautifully serene environment. We and tradition of the teas and we have a wealth of always like to add an element of surprise, we want knowledge to share. our guests to walk away with a lasting memory of their experience. 2. Eat your food in the proper order, savoury first, followed by sweet. Start with sandwiches, then Finally, which tea is your favourite? scones then move to sweets. Of course, Afternoon Personally I love the lemon blend. It’s a vibrant Tea must always be enjoyed in the PM. choice with Lemongrass from Sri Lanka and Malawi blended with some soft, smooth French 3. Make sure your tea is loose leaf. This is a must lemon Verbena. This is the tea I always recommend. to ensure you have the most premium tea on offer.
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The Curfew Club The Balmoral invites guests to join The Curfew Club, offering a range of in-room experiences and retreats. There is an option for everyone - nights in at The Balmoral, truly are the new nights out. For whisky lovers, a selection of whiskies have been thoughtfully handpicked from SCOTCH bar’s collection of over 500 single malts and blends, which will be delivered straight to the room or suite. The hotel’s Whisky Ambassador will share some liquid history, thoughtfully taking guests through the tasting notes of each in his virtual tasting experience. Whether you are a beginner or a connoisseur, the virtual tasting experiences promise to showcase the best of Scotland’s amber nectar. Opt for a family movie night in, with a luxury cinematic experience. All movies will be completely complimentary and a special movie night menu will be provided, inspired
by traditional cinema cuisine. The menu includes; hand-pulled sourdough pizza topped with Balmoral cure smoked salmon, mascarpone, truffle oil, and caviar; a selection of popcorns and the sweet macron burger - a truly decadent evening in, for all. Continue in high spirits with an in-room cocktail creation experience. Guests can try their hand at mixology and create their own cocktails. A selection of glassware, boston shakers and ingredients will be provided, so whether it’s neat or on the rocks, guests can get creative and mix their own cocktails into the wee small hours. The Balmoral invites guests to proudly hang their do not disturb sign, slip into their bathrobes and slippers and join The Curfew Club.
To book a room at The Balmoral, please contact: reservations.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com For more information on The Curfew Club click here.
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Whisky Ta sting at Th e Balmoral
ight ovie N
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The Curfew Club, Macaron ‘Burger’ ROSS SNEDDON, EXECUTIVE PASTRY CHEF What inspired the idea behind the Macaron ‘Burger’? The traditional ice cream sandwich is a great movie night snack. We wanted something that played with this idea in a creative and fun way, and so the Macaron ‘Burger’ was born. What are the ingredients? The ‘bun’ is macarons topped with sesame seeds, accompanied by a chocolate parfait which sits in the middle of the macaron shells to represent the burger patty itself. We then top that with a sheet of ‘cheese’,
which is made from mirabelle plums so that it drapes over the top and we also add a touch of raspberry gel to represent the ketchup. We’ve even poached little slices of pear to represent the gherkins! Why is this the perfect movie night snack? We thought this was the perfect way to finish off the menu. It’s creative, fun and lighthearted but most importantly all of the ingredients really compliment each other. It’s a really quirky and delicious dessert and something very different to what we have done before.
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Autumnal Free Spirit Escapes Our thoughtfully curated selection of Autumnal Free Spirit Escapes provides the change of scene you need, at a time when the autumn colours transform the capital’s green spaces. Let the autumn sunshine in on one of the world’s most stunning cities with a new perspective on an old classic. Embark on a Culinary Experience and enjoy dinner in Michelin-starred Number One with pre dinner cocktails and canapés hosted by Head Chef Mark Donald. Our culinary adventure continues with a private invite to Mellis Cheesemongers, including
a choice of whisky or wine flights to accompany a range of the freshest Scottish cheeses. Or, select a Cultural Escape, explore the city and enjoy a guided tour of Royal Yacht Britannia and a private Instagram walking tour of Edinburgh with Scottish adventurer and popular Instagrammer Ian Black. For the shoppers in your midst, our Retail Experience includes a private shopping spree to luxury department store, Harvey Nichols and Edinburgh jewellers and silversmiths, Hamilton & Inches.
Free Spirit Escapes are available to book for two night stays from Sunday to Wednesday. Two night Escape from £750, Three night Escape from £995 and Five night Escape from £1495 Suite Escapes from £1390 To book, e-mail reservations.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com
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EXECUTIVE CHEF GARY ROBINSON TELLS US HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT
Scrambled Eggs
A perfect combination: soft, creamy scrambled eggs with the subtle smoke of really good salmon. SERVES: 2 6 LARGE FREE RANGE EGGS 150G SMOKED SALMON SLICES 25G BUTTER 50ML DOUBLE CREAM FLAKED SEA SALT AND FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER A PINCH OF FRESHLY CHOPPED CHIVES Melt half the butter in a medium sized saucepan, non stick if possible, over a very gentle heat. As the butter melts, crack the eggs into a clean bowl and beat lightly with a fork (rather than furiously with a whisk), and season with salt and pepper.
disappeared. What will have just happened is that the cream and butter have arrested the cooking process – so no overcooked eggs here – while enriching the end result no end. Finally, and with no further delay, plate your scrambled eggs and layer your salmon slices wherever they may fit on your plate, add a slice of toasted sourdough if you prefer. A further crack or two of pepper and a scattering of chives are all that may be needed to complete the dish.
When the butter starts to foam, tip in the beaten eggs and increase the heat ever so slightly. Work the eggs with a wooden spoon as they cook, making sure none of the egg catches on the bottom or sides of the pan and it cooks as evenly as possible. The very moment the eggs start to solidify and look like they are cooked to your liking, remove from the heat and immediately add the cream and remaining butter. Keeping off the heat, fold these two final magical ingredients into the eggs until the butter has
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The Festive Salon Privé BUBBLE EXPERIENCE Gather your loved ones for an intimate festive experience with private dining rooms and views across Edinburgh’s decorated and iconic skyline. We have re-imagined Christmas this year and with our Salon Privé Bubbles you can enjoy the festivities in the privacy of a homefrom-home salon where you can dine and embrace the festive spirit with your family. Our beautiful private dining rooms offer natural daylight in abundance and a twinkling backdrop in the evening. Festive decor, a comfortable salon and a dining table set within the room, allows you to celebrate the holiday within the privacy of your own festive bubble.
The Balmoral’s team of world-class chefs and dedicated events professionals will bring your experience to life with a variety of service levels to suit your personal circumstances, ensuring you have a festive meal to suit everyone’s taste. The Balmoral’s dedicated team can enhance bespoke experiences and settings to suit your intimate gathering - whether exquisite floral displays, karaoke machines or photobooths for after-dinner fun or games consoles for little ones, we will make this Christmas one to remember. The Festive Salon Privé Bubble experience is subject to Scottish Government restrictions.
To book or for more information contact: events.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com or call 0131 622 8843 The Icon - The Balmoral - 21
0131 556 2414 The Balmoral, 1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel BalmoralEdinburgh @The_Balmoral @thebalmoral