STORIES FROM THE BALMORAL, EDINBURGH’S ICONIC HOTEL Summer - Issue No.4
WELCOME FROM RICHARD COOKE - CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS INTERVIEW WITH IAN G. BLACK - THE BUBBLE EXPERIENCE - CHRISTMAS & HOGMANAY 2020
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A warm welcome from our General Manager The Balmoral has been an icon of hospitality and strength in Edinburgh for decades. I am thrilled that on 1st August 2020 we were able to open our doors, to offer you the warmth and excellence of world class hospitality once more. This summer, without the usual Fringe and International festivals taking place we see Edinburgh in a new light. Explore the city like a local and experience the abundance of green spaces, the charming cobbled streets and the local markets. I hope that your time with us is comfortable, memorable and that we can truly bring a smile to your face in the new world we find ourselves in.
Richard Cooke, General Manager
CONTRIBUTORS Richard Cooke
Lauren Robertson
Ian G Black
General Manager
Associate Director of Marketing
Scottish adventurer and social media photographer
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CONTENT
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CONCIERGE
Recommendations from our concierge on the best places to discover in Edinburgh.
10 IAN G. BLACK An interview with Ian G Black, a Scottish adventurer and social media photographer.
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12 BUBBLE EXPERIENCE Our timeless and intimate private dining rooms have been reimagined with families in mind.
14 CHRISTMAS & HOGMANAY 2020 There’s no better time to plan your festive staycation.
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SUMMER 2020
CONCIERGE
SUMMER 2020
CONCIERGE RECOMMENDS
THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS Celebrating 350 years in 2020. Daily: 10am – 5pm www.rbge.org.uk
THE NEIGHBOURGOOD MARKET The Grange Club, Stockbridge Wednesday to Sunday Throughout August www.theneighbourgoodmarket.com
NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP Edinburgh Zoo Various dates throughout September www.edinburghzoo.org.uk
CONCIERGE
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The Icon Reawakens The Balmoral reopened its doors on Saturday 1st August, marking a new chapter in our colourful history and bringing life back to our beautiful building. The entrance was dressed in rainbow coloured flowers to make the people of Edinburgh smile and as a nod to all the efforts the NHS has made, and continues to make today.
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EAT OUT TO
Help Out
Throughout the month of August we’ll be supporting the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme at both Brasserie Prince and Bar Prince. Dine on our bar or brasserie menu – why not try the sensational 35-day dry-aged ribeye, only £14 on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays this August. View our menus
Did you know? The Balmoral featured on a Channel 5 docuseries exploring the most iconic and amazing hotels around the world. ‘Inside the world’s greatest hotels’ aired earlier this year featuring some of the leading characters that make our hotel tick. Catch up now and learn about the history behind our majestic building including a glimpse behind the scenes of our famous clock tower. View now.
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Interview
IAN G. BLACK
Tell us a little about yourself... My name is Ian G Black. I am a Scottish adventurer and social media photographer. I love flying the flag for Scotland and it’s beautiful vistas from cityscape to seascape. But when I’m at home in beautiful rural Perthshire I am just dad to my 3 children. When did your passion for photography begin? It was really Instagram that got me into photography (rather than the other way around). I posted a wide range of images from my sojourns around the country but when I discovered just how popular Edinburgh photography was I made it my muse. The city has made me the photographer I am today and I’m forever grateful to her. I take photos all over Scotland now but Edinburgh is still my number one photo destination. What makes Edinburgh a ‘must-snap’ destination? Edinburgh is a UNESCO designated World Heritage City with stunning medieval, Georgian and Victorian architecture. From the minute you leave Waverley train station next to the hotel and walk up into the Old Town you are literally stepping back centuries in time. The wide streeted symmetry of the New Town is equally beautiful. It’s simply most photogenic city ever...come rain and hail in those moody winter months to sun in the summer. What makes your Instagram tour so unique? The Balmoral was the first hotel in the county to run Instagram walking tours with the idea being that, as a local, I know every nook and cranny of the city and how to capture them. It’s a must for photographers as well as those looking for some picture perfect memories 10 - The Icon - The Balmoral
from their grid. It’s very much an insider tour if the city unmatched by any others. The tours are generally for small groups and we spend 4 hours or so in each others company. I have made some of my best friends around the world on these tours. What part of your tour do you enjoy the most? I really love meeting people, learning about who they are, where they come from. I love Edinburgh and Scotland so I feel a sense of responsibility to make this tour day the best it possibly can be, particularly if it’s the visitor’s first time in Scotland and the weather is throwing us a curveball! It’s Scotland it happens - and actually the best shots come out of the worst weather. What is your favourite corner of The Balmoral to photograph? Hmm, so many, I’ll plump for Palm Court! Those pillars are perfect for framing a shot and that domed ceiling....I love the challenge of bringing its bygone elegance to life through my lens. If you could visit one place in Scotland on a day-trip from Edinburgh where would it be and why? Glencoe. One of the most breathtaking, jaw dropping other-worldly places on planet earth. Fact.
What is your top tip for photographers in the making? I spend a lot of time on Instagram finding and following photographers of styles I like. I try to emulate cool editing styles they use whilst adding something of my own unique style. If you are just starting out it’s cool to use your smartphone and start out my experimenting with styles you like – that’s how I got into photography before progressing to using the camera I have today – some of the latest smartphone cameras take outstanding quality images! Edinburgh is architecturally beautiful, what is your favourite building to capture? For an exterior I think The Balmoral or Scott Monument... these are the heavyweights of the skyline and give you so much to work with but also present a challenge as they’re so large. Inside the Scottish National Portrait Gallery has to be one of my favourite interiors with its myriad of architectural detailing. For more information or to book an Instagram Walking Tour with Ian click here.
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The Salon Privé BUBBLE EXPERIENCE Our timeless and intimate private dining rooms, with views across Edinburgh’s iconic skyline, have been reimagined in a new layout to create a home-fromhome salon where you can dine and relax in privacy with friends and family. Our beautiful private dining rooms offer natural daylight in abundance during the day and a twinkling backdrop in the evening. A comfortable salon area and dining table are set within the room, allowing you to celebrate within the privacy of your own 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. Make your small gathering memorable with a menu inspired for you - nostalgic dishes, inspirational cuisine or family-friendly dining will allow you to spoil your guests and celebrate those belated get-togethers, birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions in style. Your dedicated event manager 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 bring your gathering to life.
Menu from £55 per person. To book or for more information contact: events.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com or call 0131 622 8843 The Icon - The Balmoral - 13
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Christmas & Hogmanay 2020 Whether it’s diner with the family, a decadent Afternoon Tea or an overnight stay in one of our beautiful suites, the best way to experience the festive season is with loved ones. Our warmhearted approach is embodied in our Christmas traditions from our enchanting decorations to our New Year celebrations. Discover the Balmoral this festive season and allow us to take care of you and your loved ones. Overnight experiences in December from £200 bed and breakfast. For more information or to book, contact: events.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com
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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