Icon Issue 8

STORIES FROM THE BALMORAL, EDINBURGH’S ICONIC HOTEL Autumn/Winter 2021 - Issue No.8

A WARM WELCOME FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER - CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS - SPOTLIGHT ON: SCOTCH CLUB - A DELIGHT FOR THE SENSES - INTRODUCING...IMOGEN RUSSON-TAYLOR: THE BALMORAL’S SCENT BUTLER - WINTER OF WARMTH - MAGICAL SUITE ESCAPES WELCOME TO THE FESTIVE GATHERINGS - ST JAMES QUARTER - #BALMORALMOMENTS

Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8

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Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8

A warm welcome from our our General Manager Autumn has well and truly commenced in Edinburgh. As the cityscape changes with the colours of a new season, we invite guests to seek respite from the cooler weather and bustling Edinburgh streets by experiencing our ‘Winter of Warmth’ as it arrives at the hotel.

Whether it be settling in for a serve of The Macallan at Scotch, seeking out a scent masterclass with our very own Scent Butler or escaping to our much loved J.K. Rowling Suite, we have the perfect getaway for those looking for something different as the colder evenings roll in.

In this issue of The Icon, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Scotch Club in partnership with The Macallan. Offering prime real estate in our iconic property, whisky connoisseurs can become a member of this elite club and enjoy bottle residence accompanied by a fountain of knowledge from our Whisky Ambassadors at Scotch.

We also welcome Imogen Russon-Taylor, Founder of Kingdom, Scotland’s first fragrance house. As our newly appointed Scent Butler, Imogen will tell us what she loves about the city and how she has brought to life the power of scent through her fragrance collection.

Our dedicated concierge team has hand picked some of the finest experiences on offer in Edinburgh in the coming months and we feature one of our most magical suites, named after the worldrenowned author J.K.Rowling.

We invite you to join us as we celebrate the very best of Scotland as the ‘Winter of Warmth’ begins.

Richard Cooke, General Manager

CONTRIBUTORS Richard Cooke General Manager

Katherine MacKenzie Senior Communications Executive

Imogen Russon-Taylor Founder of KINGDOM Scotland

Cameron Ewen Bar Manager of SCOTCH

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Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8

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CONTENT

SPOTLIGHT: SCOTCH CLUB

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6 CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS

The Balmoral’s very own whisky bar has unveiled its new Scotch Club in partnership with The Macallan.

Recommendations from our concierge on the best places to discover in Edinburgh in the coming months.

14 A DELIGHT FOR THE SENSES

In partnership with Kingdom Scotland, The Balmoral is bringing to life the power of scent with their Scent Butler experience.

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22

INTRODUCING...

IMOGEN RUSSONTAYLOR, THE BALMORAL’S SCENT BUTLER

ST JAMES QUARTER

A destination like no other – bringing together brands from global to local, convenience to luxury.

We sit down with the Founder and Owner of Kingdom, Scotland’s first fragrance house, to find out more about the inspirations behind her fragrance.

23 #BALMORALMOMENTS

18 WINTER OF WARMTH

A range of new winter experiences, to reconnect with friends, fall in love with Edinburgh and discover world-class hospitality.

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AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS

AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS EDINBURGH ZOO SPOOKTACULAR Edinburgh Zoo 9th Oct — 31st Oct Edinburgh Zoo is opening its gates after dark to invite you on a family friendly spooktacular trail through the zoo, celebrating all things Halloween, with a magical illuminated trail where you will meet lots of different characters along the way.

PRINCE PHILIP: A CELEBRATION Palace of Holyroodhouse

Now Open The Palace of Holyroodhouse hosts a special display to commemorate the remarkable life and legacy of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Britain’s longest-serving consort. Themes explored in Prince Philip: A Celebration, include The Prince’s early life and naval career, his role as consort and his support for the sovereign at home and abroad.

CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS

AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

JOHNNIE WALKER PRINCES STREET Princes Street Now open The eight-floor new visitor experience for one of the world’s best-selling Scotch whisky, has officially opened in the heart of the city. Using world’s first technology to re-imagine the traditional whisky tour experience. Visitors will be taken on a personalised journey of flavour and discovery, which identifies unique flavours and tastes tailored to you, as you learn about the fascinating 200-year-old journey which is brought to life by actors.

SCOTTISH BALLET: STARSTRUCK Festival Theatre 14th Oct — 16th Oct Escape to the glamour and grace of Paris, 1960. Step into the studio, watch the dancers warm up and hear the piano start to play – a new show is taking shape, a show where jazz meets ballet.

CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS

AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST THE MUSICAL Edinburgh Playhouse 21st Oct — 27th Nov The original creative team reunited to bring the Beauty And The Beast musical back to the stage in 2021, starring Courtney Stapleton (Dear Evan Hansen) as Belle, Emmanuel Kojo (Girl From The North Country) as Beast and X-Factor winner Sam Bailey as Mrs Potts.

EDINBURGH ART FAIR Edinburgh Corn Exchange 18th — 21st Nov Recognised as the UK’s leading, most prestigious art fair outside London, the fair will return this year, exhibiting 65 galleries from around the UK and abroad and over 500 artists from around the globe.

CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS

Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8

Spotlight on:

SCOTCH CLUB As the colder months arrive in Edinburgh,

keeps that don the entrance to SCOTCH,

rates to turn their visit into a vacation in one

step through the doors of SCOTCH. The

The Balmoral’s world renowned whisky bar.

The Balmoral’s finest suites.

Balmoral’s very own whisky bar has unveiled

Keeping the Scottish amber nectar under

its new Scotch Club in partnership with The

lock and key, The Balmoral’s expert Whisky

The

Macallan, offering a personalised membership

Ambassadors will offer Scotch Club members

members of the Scotch Club in the

experience to whisky connoisseurs around

a whisky concierge service.

Summer, with a waiting list open for the

the world.

began

accepting

12

remaining 23 keeps which will be released Whisky Ambassadors will be on hand to

As one of the world’s leading single malt

create a cocktail or suggest a perfect serve

whiskies, renowned for its outstanding quality

for your own expression of The Macallan

and dedication to craftsmanship, The Macallan,

Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. A

together with The Balmoral – have utilised

range of exclusive benefits mean members

their shared respect for the international

can entertain in style with an annual

Whisky world and hospitality industry, to

complimentary whisky tasting for two with

create an experience like no other.

exclusive use of the elegant surroundings of SCOTCH, graciously hosted by a Whisky

The elite club offers bottle residence in one of

Ambassador. Members also receive advance

the sought after, personally engraved whisky

invitations to whisky masterclasses and special

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Balmoral

later this year.

Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8

Cameron Ewen, Whisky Ambassador and

them as individuals and deliver an

Manager of SCOTCH said:

outstanding, memorable occasion on each and every visit to SCOTCH. We have

“Together Together with The Macallan we have

some rare and extraordinary expressions

created a unique membership experience

from The Macallan available for the

in an iconic Scottish location. To have

Scotch Club and I hope that they allow

your name engraved on one of only 35

each member to join with their family and

whisky keeps in the heart of

The

friends in the comfortable surroundings

Balmoral is really special and something

of Scotch and keep the conversations

which we hope will be coveted by whisky

about whisky going for generations to

fans around the world.

come.” come.

Our members will experience an entirely

Contiued on page 12.

bespoke service. We want to get to know

Our members will experience an entirely bespoke service.

We want to get to know them as individuals and deliver an outstanding, memorable occasion on each and every visit to SCOTCH. The Icon - The Balmoral - 11

Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8

The Macallan: Chris Anderson, Head of Edrington Brands, Edrington UK said:

“We’re We’re delighted to be collaborating with The Balmoral, to offer such an exceptional opportunity to whisky fans worldwide. The membership is a fantastic way for members to experience The Macallan and some of our most distinguished expressions in a completely different way and continues our prestige journey within the most exceptional venues around the world.” world.

The Balmoral’s whisky bar, SCOTCH, is a unique homage to the art of whisky in Edinburgh, and this is reflected in the subtle lighting and visual depth of the bar’s interior, designed by Olga Polizzi, which echo an aged spirit. New enhancements to the whisky bar include limited edition artwork from The Macallan’s Red Collection and a beautiful back bar installation featuring The Macallan Red Collection 40 Years Old. Apply to become a member of the club or discover more here: scotchclub@roccofortehotels.com

OUR WHISKY AMBASSADOR, CAMERON EWEN, RECOMMENDS:

Elchies 485 NAMED AFTER THE 485 ACRE MACALLAN ESTATE

This cocktail is inspired by the malting of barley during whiskies production and has distinct notes of cereal, sweet toasted sesame and candied walnuts. Using such an exquisite whisky as The Macallan Sherry oak 12 year old we are able to balance the exquisite rich, nutty and spicy character of the whisky with a toasted sesame vermouth to create a cocktail inspired by a classic Rob Roy. Available to order in SCOTCH

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unique experiences

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Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8

A DELIGHT

for the Senses

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Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8

The Balmoral, has launched a new Scent Butler

offering a flavour profile of subtle herbaceous

experience for those staying in their Bowes

and citrus notes to perfectly complement the

Lyon signature suite. The recently refurbished

fragrances.

Suite aptly blends heritage and modernity, style and character and guests can now enjoy

In addition, after each scent masterclass guests

a private scent masterclass in the comfort of

can bring home a bottle of Scotland with their

the luxurious suite with founder and owner of

very own Kingdom fragrance chosen from the

Kingdom Scotland, Imogen Russon-Taylor.

collection; Metamorphic, Albaura, Portal and Kingdom Botanica.

Working with The Balmoral, Imogen has created a truly unique experience to bring to

The Bowes Lyon suite offers a verdant

life the power of scent. Bottling Scotland up in

aesthetic with walls donned proudly with

a way that encapsulates the country’s stories,

rhododendrons. The soothing tones of heather

experiences and the inspiration behind her

create a relaxing ambience in the bedroom,

fragrance collection – the drama of the Scottish

promising a restful night’s sleep. Partnered

landscape and nature.

with a unisex Kingdom fragrance, a stay in the suite offers a truly unique and heightened

Guests will be taken on a journey through

experience for the senses. With unique

scent, with an exclusive masterclass detailing

porthole-style

the influences behind each expertly crafted,

velvet furnishings and leafy drapes, guests are

matured and bottled fragrance. As well as

offered a tranquil countryside ambience whilst

immersing themselves in the debut Kingdom

overlooking the bustling views of Princes

collection, guests can also indulge in a taste of

Street, evoking peaceful tranquility, right in

The Balmoral’s exclusive Scottish gin ‘Baile

the heart of the Scottish capital.

windows,

exquisite

green

Mhoireil’, created in partnership with the Secret Garden Distillery. It’s perfect serve The Icon - The Balmoral - 15

Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8

Introducing

IMOGEN RUSSONTAYLOR

The Balmoral’s Scent Butler 16 - The Icon - The Balmoral

Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8

You will be transported in scent to some of the most beautiful and dramatic places in Scotland Tell us a little bit about Kingdom Scotland and

Profits go towards global biodiversity research

best time to nose and evaluate ingredients and

its ethos?

in the face of climate change.

scent profiles. I am also working to scale my business internationally – so am looking at

Kingdom Scotland is a timeless realm explored

Tell us about being The Balmoral’s scent butler.

in scent. My perfumes celebrate the drama

investment options. There is so much interest across the globe for Kingdom Scotland – people

and majesty of the natural world and each

I am thrilled to be working with The Balmoral

are desperate to get their hands on our scents in

tells a story in scent. Having worked in the

as their Scent Butler. Together we have created

Europe and the States. The build up to Christmas

whisky industry for 15 years, I have always

such an exclusive scent experience that is

is such a busy time in the world of fragrance.

been fascinated with the complexity of aroma.

offered to the guests of the Bowes Lyons Suite.

This year, we have an exciting window display in

I really feel our sense of smell is so powerful

You will be transported in scent to some of the

Belgravia, London, events scheduled at private

and personal, and often overlooked. Kingdom

most beautiful and dramatic places in Scotland

members clubs and a whole set of awards and

Scotland is Scotland’s very first fragrance

- and explore your own scent landscape -

PR interviews to finalise. Then comes school

house, and each scent is expertly crafted using

sampling some beautiful accords and individual

pick up and a myriad of activities where I am

the finest sustainable and ethical ingredients.

notes. You will be introduced to the realm of

mainly the snack machine and chauffeur…

Our complex, unisex scents are created,

Kingdom Scotland. Our perfumes are available

matured and bottled in Scotland.

in the Spa at The Balmoral and on request at

What is your favourite thing about Edinburgh.

the concierge.

What inspires your Metamorphic, Portal, Albaura and Kingdom Botanica fragrances?

Edinburgh has to be one of the most beautiful Why do you feel The Balmoral and Kingdom

cities in the world. So difficult to choose. I

Scotland work well together as luxury brands?

moved back here at 18 to study Geography at

Celebrating the natural world is central to

Edinburgh University – and the city is in my

everything we do. This has utterly inspired

Kingdom Scotland has a natural fit with The

heart. I love that we have dramatic forms right

the first four scents. Our scent Metamorphic is

Balmoral. We both are driven to seek out the

in the capital – ancient volcanoes of Castle Rock

inspired by the most complex of rocks, woven

very best in services, ingredients and experiences.

and Arthur’s Seat, the volcanic sill of Salisbury

throughout the landscape of Scotland. It also

We also both embody the Scottish landscape,

Crags, the cityscape has been built on eroded

includes a note to my love of Islay malt whisky.

The Balmoral in its pallet of colours and

glacial terrain. Then there is the rich cultural

It is a rich, smouldering, woody and addictive

design, and Kingdom Scotland in its evocative

history – you can really feel this just walking

scent. Portal eau de parfum is a gateway to

scent collection. And we both bridge heritage

through the old town. Plus great restaurants

the ancient Caledonian forests of Scotland –

and modernity, bringing something new and

and bars…and the festival! Can’t wait for that

an escape to a sylvan wonderland. Albaura is

memorable to our clients and guests.

to come back into force next year.

What is a typical day like for you?

Do you have a favourite scent?

berries, arctic poppy, rock moss and ambergris.

Busy! No day is the same. I have 3 children aged

Now, that is difficult! So many to consider.

This is a bold and pure beauty. Our fourth

9, 11 and 15 so my day starts by getting them

But I love the smell of vetiver. I think it is my

scent - Kingdom Botanica was created in

ready for the day – breakfast and off to school

favourite fragrant note. There is an amazing

collaboration with The Royal Botanic Garden

with all that they need. Then comes my matcha

vetiver in the Kingdom Scotland perfume Portal

Edinburgh. This is an extraordinary scent 350

tea – I really find this gives me the energy and

– it has a deep woody, bark like aspect, a soft

years in the making, each ingredient has been

focus for the day of work ahead. I have been

earthiness and a slight, delicate smokiness. I find

carefully selected to celebrate centuries of

working on an exciting new collaboration to

it very comforting and grounding.

plant adventure and protection at the RGBE.

launch later this year. I find the morning the

a scent in tribute to the Arctic explorer and Scottish botanist, Isobel Wylie Hutchison.

The freshness of snow and ice, blended with

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Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8

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Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8

Magical Suite Escapes Whisk your family away for a magical stay in

final book in the Harry Potter series.

The Balmoral’s world renowned J.K. Rowling

The signed bust reads: “J.K. Rowling finished

suite. The suite was aptly named after the

writing Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows

author completed ‘Harry Potter and The

in this room (552) on 11th Jan 2007.”

Deathly Hallows’ in the suite in January 2007.

Enter the suite, past the owl door knocker, and

The Signature Suite offers a magical escape,

walk through the star-filled entranceway into

with stunning views across the inspiring city

the lounge and see the marble bust of Hermes,

including Calton Hill and the historic turreted

signed by the author in elation at finishing the

alcoves of Edinburgh adding charm and wonder to an unforgettable family stay.

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Festive Gatherings

Gatherings at The Balmoral invites small

Festive Gatherings allow groups of 12 to 30

groups to enjoy an innovative, bespoke family-

guests to experience elevated sharing plates

style banquet this festive season. The evening

alongside paired wines, featuring the finest,

will be tailored specifically to diners’ tastes,

seasonal ingredients and produce the Scottish

delivered with a sense of theatre, all within one

larder has to offer – making this year’s

of Edinburgh’s most beautiful private dining

celebrations truly unique. Every detail of the

spaces majestically overlooking the Castle.

evening is personalised, from the drinks and menu to the dressing of the room. As the menu

This personalised experience starts with The

is presented, a narrative is provided around

Balmoral’s Executive Chef, Gary Robinson

each course by one of the chefs, showcasing

collaborating with you via a one-to-one

the history of each dish, method of cooking

consultation to curate a bespoke festive menu

and its connection to local suppliers, giving

and evening. As an elevated dining experience,

guests an exclusive insight into the stories and provenance behind each dish.

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Festive Gatherings S AM P L E M E N U

Festive snacks

Sourdough, whipped Edinburgh butter

Tweed Valley beef carpaccio, beetroot, crowdie, kale and mandarin salad, maple and Amontillado sherry dressing Belhaven hot and cold smoked salmon platter, langoustine Mary Rose, classic garnish

Turkey ballotine, roast rooster potatoes, panache of vegetables, mulled red cabbage, brioche bread sauce Baked gammon with clove and anise, roof top honey, Granny Smith apple and crackling Jerusalem artichoke macaroni, wild mushroom, horseradish, sage and parsley, hazelnut and truffle gremolata

Sambirano 68% chocolate tart, Belle Helene style Coconut tapioca, lime curd, compressed pineapple with passionfruit and ginger bubbles

St Andrews cheddar, Oatcakes, grapes & chutney

Balmoral blended coffee and the Rare Tea Co. tea served with mulled wine flumps, pistachio nougat and mince pies

Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8

ST JAMES QUARTER

St James Quarter is a destination like no other – bringing together brands from global to local, and convenience to luxury.

Located in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, St James Quarter is the new place to be for those visiting Edinburgh. Tourists will be welcomed with rooftop bars overlooking iconic sites including Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill and Arthur’s Seat. They can enjoy cuisines from all over the world whilst planning a day exploring the city’s East End, now filled with inspiring, attractive, and vibrant outlets for people to live, shop, experience, and play.

St James Quarter is a vibrant hub for art, culture and fashion bringing people from all walks of life together. The new shopping district will support the city’s world-renowned cultural offering and support its dynamic 22 - The Icon - The Balmoral

events calendar throughout the year.

Inside the St James Quarter shopping galleria there will be 80 retailers and over 30 bars and restaurants for locals and tourists to explore.

St James Quarter is home to the capital’s first food marketplace, Bonnie & Wild food hall. The Scottish marketplace have brought together some of Scotland’s best independent food and drink producers to bring guests a truly unique and exciting social dining experience.

The Galleria inside St James Quarter is the ultimate destination for fashion in Scotland with brands such as & Other Stories, Stradivarius, Bershka, and Pull&Bear debuting for the first time. With an extensive and ever evolving list of global, independent, innovative, and exciting brands such as

Zara, H&M, Mango, Next, Rituals, IOLLA, Tommy Hilfiger, Boots, Superdrug and Peloton guests have everything they need under one roof. Still to come to St James Quarter is Scotland’s first W Edinburgh hotel, a boutique Everyman Cinema, a Roomzzz Aparthotel, and residential apartments.

Visitors are welcomed to embrace every aspect St James Quarter has to offer, creating memories that will last a lifetime as they explore the biggest retail and leisure space the city has ever seen.

For more information or to plan your day at St James Quarter visit stjamesquarter.com @stjamesquarter

@StJamesQuarter

Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8

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Autumn/Winter - Issue No. 8

0131 556 2414 The Balmoral, 1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel BalmoralEdinburgh @The_Balmoral @thebalmoral