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A CHRISTMAS TRIP TO EDINBURGH

December 21, 2018 in TRAVEL
edinburgh christmas 2018

Last weekend, David and I went on a festive weekend trip to Edinburgh. We stayed in serviced apartments, went to the Christmas market, and enjoyed two delicious meals out.edinburgh christmas marketedinburgh christmasbaileys bar edinburgh christmasEdinburgh’s Christmas markets are amazing. It must be great for people living in Edinburgh to have this on their doorstep! The main one is huge and has 4 different levels – all through Prince’s Street Gardens. There’s stalls selling food and gifts, and there are two bars – one offering a stunning view over the whole setup. The smaller market is on Castle Street and it’s all food and drink stalls where you can grab your lunch, dinner or a cheeky chocolate treat. It’s been on my bucket list for years, to visit all the traditional Christmas markets in Europe like Switzerland and Germany, but so far I haven’t made it out of the UK at this time of year.edinburgh christmas marketjohnnie walker bar edinburgh christmasedinburgh christmas big wheelWe went to both markets on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday the main market was packed, and the enforced one-way system came in handy; although it was still too busy to actually get up to the stalls and see what was on offer. On Sunday morning, it was a lot quieter and we really got to explore and have a few Baileys hot chocolates. If you want to see much better photos of Edinburgh’s Christmas Market, visit this post.edinburgh christmas castle streetLov Raclette Edinburgh Christmas MarketracletteMimi’s Bakehouse On-The-Go edinburgh christmas marketchocolate brownie with cream mimi's bakehouse on-the-goFor lunch on Saturday, we went to the quieter stalls on Castle Street. We went to the Lov Raclette stall and had Haggis Bonbons, followed by a traditional Raclette cheese and turkey sandwich with skin-on fries. We were stuffed, but we still managed to squeeze in an epic hot raspberry chocolate brownie with cream from Mimi’s Bakehouse On-The-Go – heavenly!Braid Apartments by MansleyBraid Apartments by MansleyBraid Apartments by MansleyBraid Apartments by MansleyAfter all that food and freezing cold weather, we headed back to our apartment to chill out before dinner. We were staying at Braid Apartments by Mansley, on Thistle Street. This is just off Prince’s Street, George Street, Castle Street and St.Andrew’s Square – the hubs of all the Christmas fun and splendor in Edinburgh. These apartments are chic and comfortable, and they all have a full kitchen, as well as a living room and connected bedroom. It’s a great way to get all the services of a hotel, but with the self-catering amenities of an apartment. The reception was also manned 24 hours, so there was always someone on hand if we needed anything.Braid Apartments by MansleyBraid Apartments by MansleyThe bathroom was huge and bright, with a large and powerful shower, as well as luxurious toiletries and towels. We had a really comfortable night’s sleep and we would definitely return again.Taisteal restaurant EdinburghTaisteal restaurant EdinburghTaisteal restaurant EdinburghFor dinner on Saturday night we went to the amazing family-run Taisteal restaurant. This was a new find for us, but we’ll definitely return here for any special meals. The food is high-class modern Scottish with an Asian twist, using the finest local ingredients. It’s actually listed in the Michelin Guide and if you go, you’ll understand why. The flavour combinations are incredible, and everything was cooked to perfection.Taisteal restaurant EdinburghTaisteal restaurant EdinburghFor starters we had Pan-Fried Scallops with Satay Sauce, Black Pudding & Pomegranate (£10) and Vanilla, Saffron & Butternut Squash Risotto with Mimolette Cheese and Walnuts (£6.50). I would never have thought of putting black pudding and satay sauce together, but it’s insanely good.Taisteal restaurant EdinburghTaisteal restaurant EdinburghFor our main courses we had Grilled Venison with Grilled Artichokes and Wild Mushroom & Truffle Raviolo (£19) and Pan-Fried Hake with Crab Cannelloni, Courgettes and a Brown Butter Crumb (£16). We also shared a Parmesan and Truffle Mash (£6), because who can ever have enough Truffle?!Taisteal restaurant EdinburghFor dessert we had Chocolate & Peanut Butter Fondant with Peanut Brittle and Hazelnut Ice Cream (£6.50). I always maintain that I don’t like peanut butter, but every time I have it in a dessert, it blows my mind. I think I need to find more ways to combine chocolate and peanut butter! We also had the Salted Caramel Baked Alaska (£6.50), which looked like a work of art and had the most delicious caramel flavour.Zest edinburgh indianFor lunch on Sunday, we headed to Indian restaurant Zest for a good curry. The first thing that struck us about this place as soon as we had entered, was how friendly the staff were. They were so proud of the food that they serve there and had a real passion about it. Everything they said came to be true, as the meal was delicious, full of flavour and very filling (as all good Indian meals should be).Zest edinburgh indianWe began with Popadoms (95p each) and a Pickle Tray (£1.95). I had pickled anything, but David really enjoyed it. I could happily snack on plain popadoms for days. For our starter, we had Assorted Kebab (£6.95) and Vegetable Pakora (£4.50). The meat was great quality, and it was cooked well and seasoned perfectly. The pakora was deliciously crispy, just as I like it.Zest edinburgh indianFor our main course, we shared Parathas (£3.50 each) and Basmati Boiled Rice (£3.25). For curries, we had the Tandoori King Prawn (£17.95), the P297 Special (£11.95) and the Zest Special Lamb Shank (£15.95). The prawns were the largest, plumpest and juiciest that I have had in a long time. The lamb was beautifully tender, and all three of the sauces were so intense in flavour, but not all that spicy at all. You really got to experience all the flavour combinations rather than just being blasted with heat.

We had such a great weekend in Edinburgh, and we would definitely return and visit all of these places again.

Braid Apartments by Mansley, 27 Thistle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1DX

Taisteal, 1-3 Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, EH4 1HU

Zest, 15 N St. Andrew Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1HJ

Everything in this post was provided complimentary for review, but all opinions are my own.

You can see more of what i’m loving, and what i’m doing, over on my Instagram.

Tags : Couples travel, edinburgh, Edinburgh apartments, edinburgh Christmas, Edinburgh dining, Edinburgh restaurants, edinburgh’s Christmas, romantic holiday ideas, Travel

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ABOUT ME

ABOUT ME

Laura Pearson-Smith is an ex beauty journalist that's obsessed with luxury skincare and makeup. She's all about that glow! She is also a luxury travel writer and always has a trip planned. Laura has a chic style and enjoys sharing her life and loves.

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PR sample — Happy #texturetuesday 🥳 This is t PR sample — Happy #texturetuesday 🥳 This is the brilliant new scalp treatment from @tresemmeuk - you get hair posts 2 days in a row! The Tresemme Purify & Hydrate Exfoliating Pre Shampoo Scrub is currently half price in Superdrug for just £3.02!
💆🏻‍♀️
This scrub is helping my hair to last longer between washes as my problem is that my roots get greasy fairly quickly. It does take a while to rinse out, but it’s worth that extra effort. The exfoliant is coconut shells! It also has menthol in it which is really refreshing & awakening in the morning.
💆🏻‍♀️
Adding this into my routine before a hydrating shampoo really deeply cleans my roots and stops them getting oily so fast, meaning that my roots and ends progress at the same dirtiness pace!
😂  #tresemme #tresemmé #scalptreatment #scalpcare #scalpscrub hairtreatment #hairtreatments #haircareroutine #haircareproducts #haircareproduct #haircareproductsthatwork #beautycommunity #beautyreview #beautyreviews #beautyreviewer #bbloggers #bbloggeruk #skincarecommunity #skinfluencer #instabeautyblogger #instabeautyblog #ukbeautybloggers #ukbeautyblog #goodhairdontcare #goodhairvibes
PR sample — You’ll have seen a lot of this pro PR sample — You’ll have seen a lot of this product over the last couple of weeks & it’s for good reason. It very much is, indeed, a miracle. In just 8 seconds, as your conditioner, this will give you the smoothest, sleekest, softest hair you’ve ever had. I’ve just ordered 2 more bottles.
🙌🏻
The L’Oreal Dream Lengths 8-Second Wonder Water is £9.99 and you’ll get no more than 10 applications per bottle, but it sure is ‘worth it’. Wonder Water is a breakthrough damaged hair treatment, in a rinse-out liquid conditioner formula that’s powered by Lamellar Water Technology. Moisturising agents and amino acids target dry, damaged areas of hair, forming thin layers called Lamella to smooth hair’s surface instantly transforming lengths for silkier, shinier and healthier-looking hair. 
🙌🏻
I’m honestly not sure I’ll ever use another conditioner again. You need it, go buy it. Now, now, now!
💗  #selfcaresunday #loreal #lorealparis #lorealhair #loreal8secondwonderwater #loréal #hairconditioner #hairtreatment #hairtreatments #hairsmoothing #hairsmoothening #hairrepair #haircareroutine #haircareproducts #haircareproduct #haircareproductsthatwork #beautycommunity #beautyreview #beautyreviews #beautyreviewer #bbloggers #bbloggeruk #skincarecommunity #skinfluencer #instabeautyblogger #instabeautyblog #ukbeautybloggers #ukbeautyblog #goodhairdontcare #goodhairvibes
PR sample — There’s only a few more days to ge PR sample — There’s only a few more days to get your hands on this month’s epic @mintdbox - it’s a fantastic box this month, as usual. Now is the time to jump on board as a subscriber as I’ve been told March’s box is a super special one!
💗
In February’s box you get 4 full-size luxury skincare products (worth £212) for just £70! We all need some self-care time at the moment & that’s the theme of this month’s box!
💗
The Oskia Renaissance Mask is a cult favourite & I’ve loved it for years. It’s a thick lush balm that you lather on your face, leaving it for 20 mins to do it’s amazing exfoliation & radiance-boosting work. The Kora Organics Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum brightens, boosts skin elasticity, diminishes the appearance of lines and hydrates the skin too. The Aromatherapy Associates Rose Bath & Shower Oil is a heavenly treat. I apply it around my shoulders and chest, breathing  in the calming aroma, before getting into the shower. Finally, Prismologie’s Rose Quartz & Rose Balm soothes your mind and nourishes the skin on your body. It leaves you with a little bit of lustre too 💫 
💗  #mintdbox #beautysubscription #beautysubscriptionbox #luxurybeauty #luxuryskincare #luxuryskincareproducts #highendbeauty #highendskincare #skincareaddicts #skincareaddicted #skincarejunkies #skincareobsessed #butfirstskincare #skincarefirst #selfcaresunday #bbloggersuk #bbloggeruk #ukbblogger #bbloggers #instaskin  #skincarecommunity #instaskincare #igskincarecommunity #igskincare #beautycommunity #oskia #aromatherapyassociates
💗 💗
PR samples — What amazing makeup have you discov PR samples — What amazing makeup have you discovered recently? These are all fairly new in my collection but I’m already in love. The only one I haven’t used yet is the Charlotte Tilbury eyeshadow quad, but how pretty is it?!
🥰
@ctilburymakeup Hyaluronic Happikiss in Pillow Talk
@ctilburymakeup Hollywood Flawless Eye Filter in Diva Lights
@lancomeofficial Lash Idole Mascara
@lauramercier Blush Color Infusion in Passionfruit
@lauramercier Lip Glacé in Rose Gold Accent
@marcjacobsbeauty Glam Glitter Eyeshadow in Glitter Rock
@marcjacobsbeauty Le Marc Lip Creme in Cream & Sugar
🤩  #lauramerciercosmetics #lauramercier #lancôme #lancomelashidole #lancomemascara #marcjacobsbeauty #charlottetilburymakeup #charlottetilburyhyaluronichappikiss #charlottetilburyeyeshadow #makeupcollector #makeupaddicts #makeupaddicted #makeupjunkie #makeupobsession #ınstamakeup #instamakeuplovers #makeupstash #newmakeup #newmakeupproducts #makeupcommunity #beautycommunity #skincarecommunity #ukbeautyblog #ukbeauty #ukbeautyblogger #makeupfavorites #makeupfavourites #glasgowbloggers #skincareaddict
Gifted — I am beyond ready for the weekend. This Gifted — I am beyond ready for the weekend. This week hard been so full-on work wise, from all sides, and I’m knackered. I just want to lie in and read @tatlermagazine under my @finebeddingco  pink coverless quilt. It’s honestly like a big, soft, fluffy cloud & you just pick it in the washing machine & it’s super-fast drying too!
☁️  #finebeddingco #beddingdecor #luxurybedding #beddingset #beddingsets #beddingstyle #luxuryhomedecor #luxuryinterior #bedroominspo #bedroomideas #bedroomstyling #bbloggersuk #bbloggeruk #beautycommunity #skincarecommunity #dreamingoftheweekend #weekendmood #weekendreading #skincareinfluencers #skincarebloggersuk #skinfluencer #relaxandunwind #relaxationtime #selfcareaccount #selfcarepage #beautypage #beautyfeed #selfcarefirst #beautyaccount
PR sample — Happy #texturetuesday 🥳 This is t PR sample — Happy #texturetuesday 🥳 This is the brilliant new scalp treatment from @tresemmeuk - you get hair posts 2 days in a row! The Tresemme Purify & Hydrate Exfoliating Pre Shampoo Scrub is currently half price in Superdrug for just £3.02!
💆🏻‍♀️
This scrub is helping my hair to last longer between washes as my problem is that my roots get greasy fairly quickly. It does take a while to rinse out, but it’s worth that extra effort. The exfoliant is coconut shells! It also has menthol in it which is really refreshing & awakening in the morning.
💆🏻‍♀️
Adding this into my routine before a hydrating shampoo really deeply cleans my roots and stops them getting oily so fast, meaning that my roots and ends progress at the same dirtiness pace!
😂  #tresemme #tresemmé #scalptreatment #scalpcare #scalpscrub hairtreatment #hairtreatments #haircareroutine #haircareproducts #haircareproduct #haircareproductsthatwork #beautycommunity #beautyreview #beautyreviews #beautyreviewer #bbloggers #bbloggeruk #skincarecommunity #skinfluencer #instabeautyblogger #instabeautyblog #ukbeautybloggers #ukbeautyblog #goodhairdontcare #goodhairvibes
PR sample — You’ll have seen a lot of this pro PR sample — You’ll have seen a lot of this product over the last couple of weeks & it’s for good reason. It very much is, indeed, a miracle. In just 8 seconds, as your conditioner, this will give you the smoothest, sleekest, softest hair you’ve ever had. I’ve just ordered 2 more bottles.
🙌🏻
The L’Oreal Dream Lengths 8-Second Wonder Water is £9.99 and you’ll get no more than 10 applications per bottle, but it sure is ‘worth it’. Wonder Water is a breakthrough damaged hair treatment, in a rinse-out liquid conditioner formula that’s powered by Lamellar Water Technology. Moisturising agents and amino acids target dry, damaged areas of hair, forming thin layers called Lamella to smooth hair’s surface instantly transforming lengths for silkier, shinier and healthier-looking hair. 
🙌🏻
I’m honestly not sure I’ll ever use another conditioner again. You need it, go buy it. Now, now, now!
💗  #selfcaresunday #loreal #lorealparis #lorealhair #loreal8secondwonderwater #loréal #hairconditioner #hairtreatment #hairtreatments #hairsmoothing #hairsmoothening #hairrepair #haircareroutine #haircareproducts #haircareproduct #haircareproductsthatwork #beautycommunity #beautyreview #beautyreviews #beautyreviewer #bbloggers #bbloggeruk #skincarecommunity #skinfluencer #instabeautyblogger #instabeautyblog #ukbeautybloggers #ukbeautyblog #goodhairdontcare #goodhairvibes
PR sample — There’s only a few more days to ge PR sample — There’s only a few more days to get your hands on this month’s epic @mintdbox - it’s a fantastic box this month, as usual. Now is the time to jump on board as a subscriber as I’ve been told March’s box is a super special one!
💗
In February’s box you get 4 full-size luxury skincare products (worth £212) for just £70! We all need some self-care time at the moment & that’s the theme of this month’s box!
💗
The Oskia Renaissance Mask is a cult favourite & I’ve loved it for years. It’s a thick lush balm that you lather on your face, leaving it for 20 mins to do it’s amazing exfoliation & radiance-boosting work. The Kora Organics Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum brightens, boosts skin elasticity, diminishes the appearance of lines and hydrates the skin too. The Aromatherapy Associates Rose Bath & Shower Oil is a heavenly treat. I apply it around my shoulders and chest, breathing  in the calming aroma, before getting into the shower. Finally, Prismologie’s Rose Quartz & Rose Balm soothes your mind and nourishes the skin on your body. It leaves you with a little bit of lustre too 💫 
💗  #mintdbox #beautysubscription #beautysubscriptionbox #luxurybeauty #luxuryskincare #luxuryskincareproducts #highendbeauty #highendskincare #skincareaddicts #skincareaddicted #skincarejunkies #skincareobsessed #butfirstskincare #skincarefirst #selfcaresunday #bbloggersuk #bbloggeruk #ukbblogger #bbloggers #instaskin  #skincarecommunity #instaskincare #igskincarecommunity #igskincare #beautycommunity #oskia #aromatherapyassociates
💗 💗
PR samples — What amazing makeup have you discov PR samples — What amazing makeup have you discovered recently? These are all fairly new in my collection but I’m already in love. The only one I haven’t used yet is the Charlotte Tilbury eyeshadow quad, but how pretty is it?!
🥰
@ctilburymakeup Hyaluronic Happikiss in Pillow Talk
@ctilburymakeup Hollywood Flawless Eye Filter in Diva Lights
@lancomeofficial Lash Idole Mascara
@lauramercier Blush Color Infusion in Passionfruit
@lauramercier Lip Glacé in Rose Gold Accent
@marcjacobsbeauty Glam Glitter Eyeshadow in Glitter Rock
@marcjacobsbeauty Le Marc Lip Creme in Cream & Sugar
🤩  #lauramerciercosmetics #lauramercier #lancôme #lancomelashidole #lancomemascara #marcjacobsbeauty #charlottetilburymakeup #charlottetilburyhyaluronichappikiss #charlottetilburyeyeshadow #makeupcollector #makeupaddicts #makeupaddicted #makeupjunkie #makeupobsession #ınstamakeup #instamakeuplovers #makeupstash #newmakeup #newmakeupproducts #makeupcommunity #beautycommunity #skincarecommunity #ukbeautyblog #ukbeauty #ukbeautyblogger #makeupfavorites #makeupfavourites #glasgowbloggers #skincareaddict
Gifted — I am beyond ready for the weekend. This Gifted — I am beyond ready for the weekend. This week hard been so full-on work wise, from all sides, and I’m knackered. I just want to lie in and read @tatlermagazine under my @finebeddingco  pink coverless quilt. It’s honestly like a big, soft, fluffy cloud & you just pick it in the washing machine & it’s super-fast drying too!
☁️  #finebeddingco #beddingdecor #luxurybedding #beddingset #beddingsets #beddingstyle #luxuryhomedecor #luxuryinterior #bedroominspo #bedroomideas #bedroomstyling #bbloggersuk #bbloggeruk #beautycommunity #skincarecommunity #dreamingoftheweekend #weekendmood #weekendreading #skincareinfluencers #skincarebloggersuk #skinfluencer #relaxandunwind #relaxationtime #selfcareaccount #selfcarepage #beautypage #beautyfeed #selfcarefirst #beautyaccount
PR samples — I wanted to share a sneak peek at t PR samples — I wanted to share a sneak peek at tomorrow’s alifewithfrills.co.uk blog post on 4 sustainable & ethical beauty brands to know! @wedo_act @greenpeopleuk @nudestixskin & @_labuskin - have you tried them?
💗  #sustainablebeauty #ethicalbeauty #organicbeauty #organicbeautyproducts #veganbeautyproducts #veganbeautyuk #sustainableskincare #ethicalskincare ##skincareaddicts #skincareaddicted #skincarejunkies #skincareobsessed #bbloggersuk #bbloggeruk #ukbblogger #ukbeautyblogger #ukbeautybloggers  #instaskin #skincarecommunity #instaskincare #skinalgo #skinstagals #skinstasquad #365inskincare #skincarerecomended #skincarefeed #beautyfeed
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