STORIES FROM THE BALMORAL, EDINBURGH’S ICONIC HOTEL Summer 2021 - Issue No.7
A WARM WELCOME FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER - CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS - SPOTLIGHT ON: INSIDE THE BALMORAL: SCOTLAND’S FINEST HOTEL - INTRODUCING HEAD CHEF MATHEW SHERRY - SUMMER OF LOVE - THE PERFECT BLOODY MARY RECIPE - THE LION’S DEN
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A warm welcome from our General Manager As I see the buzz of the city return, I am thrilled to welcome you for a Summer like no other. Refreshed and revitalised, we are ready to help you rediscover Scotland’s beautiful capital and reconnect with your loved ones here at The Balmoral. In this issue of The Icon, we say hello to Mathew Sherry who joins us as the new Head Chef of our Number One restaurant. Mathew talks us through developing his incredible new seasonal menu and our concierge keeps us informed of what’s on in Edinburgh this Summer. Over the past year we welcomed cameras into the hotel to capture a truly extraordinary time in The Balmoral’s history, documenting the day to day life of members in our dedicated team. ‘Inside the Balmoral: Scotland’s Finest Hotel’ aired on channel 5 throughout May and June and you may well spot some of the faces who contributed to the documentary during your stay. We have opened our doors to a ‘Summer of Love’, inviting guests to revive their travel plans, enjoy spending time with those dear to us, whilst falling in love with the city of Edinburgh once again. Join us over the coming months for cocktails, fine dining and unforgettable experiences. I wish you a wonderful Summer ahead. Richard Cooke, General Manager
CONTRIBUTORS Richard Cooke
Katherine MacKenzie
Mathew Sherry
General Manager
Senior Communications Executive
Head Chef of Number One
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CONTENT
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CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS
Recommendations from our concierge on the best places to discover in Edinburgh this Summer.
10 SPOTLIGHT ON INSIDE THE BALMORAL: SCOTLAND’S FINEST HOTEL The Balmoral is starring in a new four-part documentary series on Channel 5.
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12 INTRODUCING MATHEW SHERRY Meet the new Head Chef of Number One.
14 SUMMER OF LOVE A range of new summer experiences, to reconnect with friends, fall in love with Edinburgh and discover world-class hospitality.
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SUMMER 2021
CONCIERGE
SUMMER 2021
CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS
THE NEIGHBOURGOOD MARKET Explore the contactless open air market filled with stalls from local food and drink vendors, providing a safe and vibrant environment in the iconic community culture that has become synonymous with Stockbridge and the city of Edinburgh. 19th May to 11th July 2021 Wed/Thur/Fri 12pm - 9pm Sat/Sun 10am - 9pm www.theneighbourgoodmarket.com
EDINBURGH ZOO AFTER DARK Take a wander through the zoo and enjoy the long summer evenings. With a host of local food and drink kiosks available, you can relax to the sound of an acoustic set by the main lawn, follow a new digital trail or simply soak up the atmosphere and enjoy your visit at your own pace. Various adults only and family evenings available from: 5th of June to 14th of August www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/events-and-experiences/afterhours
CONCIERGE
SUMMER 2021
FILM FEST IN THE CITY A whole week of free outdoor cinema in St Andrew Square, in partnership with Unique Events and Edinburgh International Film Festival. 18th to 25th August.
ST JAMES QUARTER Opening June 2021, the St James Quarter boasts a world-class retail, leisure, hotel and residential offer and injecting over £1 billion of investment into Edinburgh, an inspiring, attractive and vibrant destination for people to live, shop, dine, experience and play. Opening 24th of June. stjamesquarter.com
THE FRINGE Edinburgh’s world-famous Fringe will return this August. The festival caters for everyone and includes theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, cabaret, children’s shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions and events. 6th to 30th August www.edfringe.com
EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL The Edinburgh International Festival is back for 2021 live and outdoors in some of Edinburgh’s most historic and picturesque settings. This year sees a programme of events that are diverse and inspiring, providing a joyful route back to live performance. www.eif.co.uk/whats-on
CONCIERGE
SUMMER 2021
CONCIERGE
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Spotlight on
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INSIDE THE BALMORAL: SCOTLAND’S FINEST HOTEL The Balmoral is starring in a new fourpart documentary series, featuring neverbefore-seen access as our staff deliver 24/7 luxury. Episode one of the four-part series premiered on Friday 21st of May at 7pm and follows our team as we navigate through the challenges and triumphs of a truly extraordinary year. The series offers glimpses behind the scenes of the kitchens, concierge and visits from Sir Rocco Forte, Chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels, and his sister Olga Polizzi, Director of Design at Rocco Forte Hotels as they support the team throughout some exciting projects. Richard Cooke, General Manager of The Balmoral, said: “Over the past year we welcomed a film crew into the hotel to capture a year in the life of The Balmoral. Along with the hospitality industry throughout the world, we could never have imagined what was ahead. For me, this documentary is about the people who give The Balmoral personality - our guests, the many suppliers who work with us and our incredible team, the custodians of our beautiful property. I’m truly delighted to see their genuine character shine through each episode, demonstrating their love for hospitality and world-class service.” To catch up on the series visit: www.channel5.com/show/inside-thebalmoral-scotlands-finest-hotel The Icon - The Balmoral - 11
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Introducing MATHEW SHERRY What are you most excited about now you have returned home to Edinburgh? I’m most excited to cook in the city I call home. Edinburgh has always had a really amazing food and drink scene, it’s really great to be back and become a part of that.
MEET THE NEW HEAD CHEF OF NUMBER ONE “We have an exciting future planned for Number One and I am really looking forward to sharing it with everyone”
What are you most looking forward to this Summer? Edinburgh always comes alive over the Summer months. There are some exciting big developments happening in the city such as the St James Quarter opening and the return of some of the world-famous festivals, so it’s great to be back and experience everything that the city has to offer and hopefully the sun will be shining too. What inspired you to become a Chef? Honestly, I have never wanted to do anything else - I have always loved eating great food, so that is where the interest started. Being in the kitchen is a real passion. Finding ingredients that have been grown with love and seeing that reflected on the plate - it’s a really great feeling. What scottish ingredients do you most look forward to using? Seafood, definitely seafood. There is an incredible supply in Scotland...Scallops, langoustines, fresh fish. A lot of great seafood comes from the islands and our suppliers are vast and varied from across the country.
How would you describe your cooking style? My style is classic flavour pairings, brought up to date. It’s important for the whole process to be thoughtfully considered, from sourcing the ingredients to plating and service.
Can you tell us a bit more about your menu? Of course, we have designed a seasonal seven course menu, which features ingredients such as Loch Duart Salmon, Hand Dived Orkney Scallop and Salt Aged Hereford Beef. I want people to walk away satisfied and feeling that the whole tasting experience has a flow, so each course is building on the last. What is in store for Number One? It is very clear that people have greatly missed the Scottish hospitality industry over the past year. We have an exciting future planned for Number One and I am really looking forward to sharing it with everyone. This is definitely a really exciting time to be entering the Number One kitchen, trialling dishes, working with chefs and having creative freedom. Our main aim is for our diners to leave feeling comfortable, happy and like they have just experienced something truly special. Discover Mathew’s menu or book a table at Number One: www.roccofortehotels.com/number-one
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The Balmoral is inviting guests to reconnect with friends, fall in love with Edinburgh and discover world-class hospitality with our new summer experiences.
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Free Spirit Escapes The Balmoral has crafted a new Cultural Free Spirit Escape for those who wish to make the most of their time exploring Scotland’s capital city. Enjoy a complimentary room upgrade and in room breakfast on your two night stay and immerse yourself in the highlights of Edinburgh. With prosecco in hand,
experience an exclusive red carpet, private tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia followed by a private Instagram Walking Tour of Edinburgh, exploring the stunning medieval, Georgian and Victorian architecture of the city, led by Scottish adventurer and popular Instagrammer Ian Black.
Book Summer Free Spirit Escapes from £424 per night. To make a reservation reservations.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com or call 0131 556 2414. www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel/summer-of-love/. 16 - The Icon - The Balmoral
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Champagne Brunch at Brasserie Prince Host a decadent brunch at the most iconic spot in the city with Brasserie Prince’s new weekly Champagne Brunch available now. The newly curated menu offers an extensive Champagne and cocktail selection, paired with delicious brunch dishes, including: sweet brioche french toast, caramelised
banana and crème fraîche; crushed avocado on toasted sourdough; and cider and smoked bacon Shetland mussels. Champagne Brunch is served in the relaxed surroundings of Brasserie Prince every Saturday between 11.30am and 4pm.
Book Champagne Brunch from £23. To make a reservation reservations.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com or call 0131 556 2414. www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel/summer-of-love/.
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Neighbourhood Cocktail Club at Bar Prince
On Friday evenings guests can step into the convivial surroundings of Bar Prince and join the new Neighbourhood Cocktail Club. Surrounded by the ‘pop’ of Champagne corks and the rattle of cocktail shakers, the Neighbourhood Cocktail Club welcomes those looking for an evening filled with laughter and decadent drinks. The bar’s expert
mixologists have developed a new range of classic cocktails with a twist, from a Raspberry Bramble to a Scottish Bloody Mary, there is a tipple to suit every taste and occasion. The Neighbourhood Cocktail Club is open every Friday from 5pm to 7pm at Bar Prince.
Book Neighbourhood Cocktails from £13. To make a reservation reservations.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com or call 0131 556 2414. www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel/summer-of-love/. 18 - The Icon - The Balmoral
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Afternoon Tea Abundance In anticipation of loved ones reuniting for a special afternoon together, Palm Court’s tea collection has been newly extended, offering a selection of 88 thoughtfully curated loose leaf teas to choose from. The collection, one of the largest in Scotland,
compliments the new seasonal Afternoon Tea menu created by the hotel’s dedicated team of pastry chefs and has been designed to enjoy under a new installation of blossom trees that proudly don the centre of Palm Court.
Book Afternoon Tea from £45 per person. To make a reservation reservations.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com or call 0131 556 2414. www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel/summer-of-love/.
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Time in the Med The Balmoral Spa has launched a new summer treatment to transport you, in spirit, to the sunshine of the Mediterranean. Step into the hotel’s serene urban spa and experience Time in the Med where you will be welcomed by your personal Irene Forte Skincare Therapist who will guide you into complete
relaxation, using sustainable, natural skincare that nourishes the skin from the outside in. Following your two hour bespoke treatment, relax with a refreshing Sicilian lemonade in the comfort of Bar Prince.
Book Time in The Med for £180 for 180 minutes. To make a reservation reservations.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com or call 0131 556 2414. www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel/summer-of-love/. 20 - The Icon - The Balmoral
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THE PERFECT
Bloody Mary INGREDIENTS 50ml vodka 150ml tomato juice 35ml Bloody Mary spice mix Garnish - cucumber, lemon, celery & dried tomato For the Spice mix: Mix together chillies, horseradish, peppercorns, soy sauce and worchester sauce. Leave the mix in the fridge for 24 hours before preparing your drink. METHOD
Measure and pour 50 ml of vodka and add 35 ml of your pre-made spice mix. Next add 100 ml of fresh tomato juice and throw the liquid by straining the cocktail mix from one tin into another via a long pour. Repeat this four or five times. Finally add your garnishes, cucumber, lemon, celery and dried tomato. To try the Balmorals very own secret Scottish Bloody Mary recipe (pictured) with a Lagavulin whisky twist, join the Neighbourhood Cocktail Club at 5-7pm on Friday evenings.
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on the coverage of the Guinness Pro14 in the UK with Premier Sports; Heineken Champions Cup Rugby with BT Sport and during the 6 Nations he commentates with ITV Sport. Scott also runs the sports and events business, Hi Events Ltd and writes a regular rugby column for The Times Scotland newspaper.
THE LIONS’ DEN
JOHN BEATTIE John Beattie presents the BBC Radio Scotland drive time programme 4-6 every evening. He has had regular newspaper columns, covered Commonwealth games and Olympics for radio and TV, plus commentated on and presented radio and tv programmes on many different sports. John presented the Panorama “Rugby and the Brain” in 2015 before that year’s rugby world cup and that programme is widely credited with changing the sport’s view of concussion. He won 25 caps for Scotland, and is one of only three Scottish rugby players to have been picked for three British and Irish Lions tours South Africa 1980, New Zealand 1983 and the cancelled South African tour of 1986 – the Lions played two games against the rest of the world in 1986 instead. He retired from rugby in 1987.
The Balmoral presents an evening in the Lions’ Den with Scott Hastings and John Beattie on the 24th of June 2021 at 6.30pm. Ahead of the British Lions first ever appearance at BT Murrayfield for their South Africa tour warm up game against Japan, join these two Lions for an evening of great chat accompanied by traditional Balmoral Hospitality. SCOTT HASTINGS Scott is Scotland’s most capped rugby centre-threequarter with 65 caps. He played in 51 internationals with his brother Gavin and they are the only brothers to have played on two British Lions Tours, to Australia in 1989 and to New Zealand in 1993. Scott is a former Captain of the Scotland 7s team and played in tournaments around the world including Dubai and Hong Kong. Following Scott’s retirement from the game he moved into broadcasting. He has also appeared on various television programmes including BBC’s Question of Sport, Question Time and Celebrity Eggheads! Scott is a regular commentator on the HSBC Sevens World Series and continues to work
Tickets £45 per person to include supper and a flight of 3 malt whiskies. Places are limited and all enquiries by email to sales.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com 24 - The Icon - The Balmoral
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CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY AT THE BALMORAL Mark Father’s Day this year with one of our Number One or embarking on one of Scotch bar’s incredible celebration experience gift vouchers. whisky journeys, a day at The Balmoral is the Whether it be an overnight stay and lunch in perfect gift for an unforgettable Father’s Day. Brasserie Prince, dining in Michelin starred Terms and conditions apply, for more information on our gift certificates visit https://balmoral.skchase.com/vouchers
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0131 556 2414 The Balmoral, 1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel BalmoralEdinburgh @The_Balmoral @thebalmoral