The Dunstane - #TeamDunstane Tour of Brodies 1867

Brodies1867 was established in 1867 by Mr Brodie, Mr Melrose and Mr Drysdale, three enterprising Scottish tea traders and has been producing the finest teas and coffees for almost 150 years now. They say practise makes perfect and #TeamDunstane took a trip to the factory to find out how this perfection is achieved! To start the tour they were given a brief history of the company, which has an amazing history. For starters, in 1892 Mr Drysdale was credited with being the first UK tea manufacturer to produce a breakfast tea...I know many people who would not be functioning at 100% Monday to Friday if it wasn't for Mr Drysdale's creation! This blend is stocked in all our rooms so make sure you try it when you're here! Their next big achievement was the creation of the most popular Brodie's blend, 'Famous Edinburgh' which hasn't changed from the original (and closely guarded) blend since 1928 when it was created.


Over the years Brodie's have been at the forefront of development, experimentation and fashion in the tea and coffee industry, it's easy to see why. During a tour of the factory by the Managing Director, the team saw something familiar in the employees they met - a strong sense of pride, passion and dedication to the work they were doing, Something that we're also very proud of here at The Dunstane too. The tour of the factory was hugely insightful, explaining the roasting process, getting the team involved in feeling the texture of the beans at each stage and helping them to understand what goes into making that cup of coffee they serve guests every day in Skerries.

A treat was in store for them as not only were they learning about coffee, they also go to taste some of Brodie's incredible whisky chaser chocolates - even if you don't like whisky you need to try these, they are divine! I think you'll agree the team look pretty fetching in their hairnets!

But it wasn't all serious, there was a lot of fun to be had too. A coffee making race started between Front of House Manager, Dayne and Food and Beverage Manager, Miguel. The competitive spirit of The Dunstane was out in force and after a hard fought race the winner was....#TeamMiguel! Though I think #TeamDayne will be asking for a rematch in the future, perhaps it'll even become an annual event!! Either way the whole day was well worth it and the team at The Dunstane now have a much better appreciation for the tea and coffee they are serving and its opened up a new topic for guest interaction too.

If you can't wait until your next visit to The Dunstane to try Brodie1867's blends have a look at their mail order catalogue here - http://bit.ly/1OYyRqO. Also we recommend liking their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/brodies1867) as there are often great competitions running! Otherwise we look forward to welcoming you to Skerries or for an overnight stay in one of our gorgeous rooms!

Royal Highland Show 2015

Here at The Dunstane Hotel we get very excited at this time of year. Well, to be fair we're always excited about something going on in Edinburgh, but the Royal Highland Show (18th-21st June 2015) gives the city a special buzz! Our luxurious rooms are booked up by exhibitors and visitors alike, all needing a peaceful place to relax and a good dinner in our Skerries restaurant after a busy day. With over 5,000 livestock being exhibited and around 180,000 visitors at the show the show is almost unrecognisable from its humble beginnings in the Canongate area of Edinburgh.

First held in December 1822 and it showcased just 60-75 cattle, 8 sheep and according to The Scotsman at the time, "two beautiful pigs"! The Royal family have had a keen interest in the show since the early 1900's and Queen Victoria started a long line of Royal patrons of the show. George VI, father of current patron, Her Majesty The Queen, bestowed the title of Royal to the show in 1948. For 130 years the show moved between Edinburgh, Glasgow

and Perth until it found a permanent home at Ingliston in 1960. This year is the 175th Royal Highland Show and it already looks like it will be an especially busy year for both Royal Highland Show and The Dunstane!

The Highland Show really does have something for everyone. You definitely need at least a full day to get round everything, even if you're not in the agriculture business you can't help but appreciate the quality of the livestock from the gentle giants of the equine world to champion dairy cows. Of course, the Highlands are not complete without Scotland's most famous livestock the - Highland "Coo"! If after all that livestock is still not impressing, well the Royal Highland Show exhibitors have a lot more to throw at you!

If you fancy a laugh be sure to catch the terrier racing or for something with more of a'wow factor' there are incredible falconry displays or catch the Show Jumping to see the bond between horse and rider at it's best. There's plenty for the kids to get involved with too, getting up close to some of the animals, take a ride on a tractor or get creative and put those little hands to good use in the craft tent. There is a whole shopping area and of course no event like this would be complete without the Food Hall!


So we need to stop now, if we tell you everything that's happening not only would we run out of space to type, but it would spoil the surprise! Rooms book up fast at The Dunstane so give us a call soon and we'd love to see your pictures and hear about your experiences at the Royal Highland Show 2015, get in touch on our facebook page www.facebook.com/dunstanehotels or on twitter @The Dunstane 



For details and tickets for the Highland Show visit http://royalhighlandshow.org/

Christmas and New Year Delights in Edinburgh

There’s never a bad time to visit Edinburgh but there are some times during the year when it is the perfect place to be. One of those perfect times is during Christmas and New Year and in truth there is no better place on earth to be than the City of Edinburgh. We at The Dunstane appreciate that we are right in the hub of the action and we love that we can share the New Year experience with our guests from all around the world.

Festive Season in Edinburgh

Our four star boutique hotel is the ideal place to be when the weather outside is frightful. We can offer you something so delightful, so if you have no particular place to go, it is more than likely to snow! See what we did there? Your warm, cosy room will have free Wi-Fi and late checkout options. You can also experience fine dining with a money-off voucher for our restaurant.

Happy Hogmanay!

Hogmanay is a big deal in Scotland and in some respects is more important than Christmas. It has grown in stature over the years because of the growth in media and TV coverage. Years ago, back in the 1970’s when Andy Stewart and Kenneth McKeller used to do skits on the Hogmanay Show on TV, it was seen all over the world. Those nostalgic days are recreated here at the Dunstane and while we have moved forward in terms of our services and technologies, we have also kept our hotel as traditional as possible so that you can appreciate the ideal taste of Edinburgh when you come and stay with us for Christmas and New Year.

When you join us, here at the Dunstane, this Hogmanay you can expect a delightful menu, including Amuse Bouche, Salmon, steak Tartare, fresh halibut, Highland venison, pumpkin and chestnut risotto, poached mulled wine pear and chocolate and Highland Park whisky tart. Now, that is worth coming and spending Christmas and Hogmanay in Edinburgh for if nothing else! How about it, come and join us, but book early!

The Dunstane - Mother's Day Lunch

The Dunstane - Mothering Sunday Lunch 30th March 2014

What do you have planned for your Mum this weekend? Here at Dunstane we love spoiling your Mums! Bring her along to The Skerries for lunch this Sunday and treat her to a scrumptious three course meal - HALF PRICE! We think our Mums are so special that we will give you a 50% discount on her meal. Choose from our Roast Topside of Orkney Beef, Isle of Aaran Smoked Salmon, Haggis Bon Bons or Pan - Fried Orkney Sea Bass. Book your table now and your Mum will eat with us half price!

MENU

Cream of Parsnip Soup

Isle of Arran Cold Smoked Salmon, Horseradish Cream and Homemade Walnut Bread

Haggis Bon Bons, Pickled Turnip and Sauce Soubise 

Homemade Gnocchi, Watercress Cream 

***

Roast Topside of Orkney Beef, Roast Potatoes, Spring Vegetables and Rosemary Gravy 

Pan-Fried Sea Bass with Creamed Leeks, Shallots and Wild Mushrooms

Corn Fed Chicken Breast, Crushed Peas, Tapenade and Tomato and Herb Dressing

Celeriac and Loch Arthur Cheddar Pithivier with Rocket Salad

***

Dark Chocolate Parfait, White Chocolate Cream and Raspberry Jus

Rhubarb, Ginger and Pear Cheesecake

Selection of Homemade Ice-creams

3 Course £21.95

Book now! Call 0131 3376169

reserve@thedunstane.co.uk

Quote Mother's Day Offer!

*One Mum per table of 4.

The Dunstane - New Skerries Menu Launch

The Dunstane - New Skerries Menu Launch

The Dunstane and Skerries has always been well known for it’s Seafood platters and home cooked, fresh delights. Following the massive 2012 refurbishment, we thought it would be a nice change of pace to try our hand at fine dining – which has worked excellently! We have sourced one of Edinburgh’s finest chefs and really become experts in our food and service.

2014 has been our big year of change (even our name!) and with that we have decided to bring in some of our old Dunstane style. We are going to continue our fine dining appearance and service, keep the option of the fine dining dishes on the menu, and add some of our oldest favourites too on our new menu!

We have brought back Dunstane legends like our Dark Island Steak and Ale Pie, Orkney Sirloin Baguette, and Haddock in Tempura Batter! We announced our big change on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest – and our restaurant has been fully booked ever since!

Our Head Chef, Martin Collins, really does take great pride in his food and sources every single ingredient from only the very best local suppliers.

Take a look at our new menu!

Remember, we always have promotions running and do cater for special events and private functions too! If you require any information, just let us know on 0131 3376169 or email reserve@thedunstane.co.uk.

We also have more information at www.thedunstane.co.uk on our special offers and upcoming events.

The Dunstane - Edinburgh Street Markets

The Dunstane - Edinburgh Street Markets

Renowned for its fantastic array of immersing street markets, each boasting an enticing collection of bespoke items, tantalising treasures and unique prizes, exploring Edinburgh certainly makes for an exciting escape. Indeed, from fresh local ingredients to clothing and trinkets, choose to discover the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh’s exciting street markets and enjoy a range of indulgent treats for all to enjoy.

Choose to stay at one of the most luxury hotels in Edinburgh and explore Edinburgh’s fantastic street markets. Indeed, The Dunstane will ensure you enjoy an excellent escape in sheer exclusivity as you immerse yourself in Edinburgh’s array of enticing delights. Treat yourself to a fantastic stay in one of our relaxing rooms as well as delicious food in our excellent Skerries Restaurant where you will be able to enjoy the finest local ingredients in true style.

Indulge yourself with a truly luxurious stay at The Dunstane and explore the fantastic variety of treats and prizes on offer at Edinburgh’s array of street markets. Choose to discover St. Mary’s Market where you will find an excellent collection of bespoke arts and crafts, music and clothes which will make for the perfect gift. Additionally, the Edinburgh Farmers Market offers a truly enticing array of scrumptious food and ingredients to cater for all manner of tastes. Indeed, you will be able to enjoy hot street food in true style before immersing yourself in the rapturous crowds as you explore the fantastic food treats on offer.

Explore one of Edinburgh's many amazing markets on your trip to The Dunstane

Perfect for guest of all ages to enjoy, Edinburgh’s street markets will ensure a truly unforgettable and immersing visit. Certainly, a variety of enticing delights and tantalising treats will ensure you enjoy a fantastic escape of exciting pleasure!

With that being said, don’t hesitate to immerse yourself in Edinburgh’s street markets as you stay in one of the most luxury hotels in Edinburgh. Indeed, The Dustane will facilitate in ensuring you enjoy a truly fantastic escape in sheer style! 

For more information contact The Dunstane on 0131 337 6169 and someone from our lovely team will get back to you as soon as possible.