CURRENT POPULATION: 468,070
% POP GROWTH: 0.98 %
CITY AREA: 262 KM2

CITY DENSITY: 1,785 INH/KM2
GDP PER CAPITA: £34,800
DIALLING CODE: +44

WITH FRIENDS
REDWOOD
33A ST STEPHEN STREET
TEL. 0131 225 8342
A recent arrival on Edinburgh’s restaurant scene, this intimate basement uses dark notes in the decor to hint at formality while exploiting every glint of natural light. And this is reflected in chef-proprietor Annette Sprague’s way with ingredients – natural flavours are brought out and enhanced in intriguing combinations. A signature salad marries nectarine, Serrano ham and soft goat’s cheese with strong leaves and sweetly flavoured spiced pecan nuts. The wine list is less exotic, but Redwood remains a treat for the tastebuds.

ENTERTAINING A CLIENT
FORTH FLOOR RESTAURANT
HARVEY NICHOLS, 30-34 ST ANDREW’S SQUARE
TEL. 0131 524 8350
Watching the sun set behind Edinburgh Castle from the window tables here puts the view on a par with chef Stuart Muir’s contemporary take on quality Scottish cuisine. The wine list is also an attention grabber, leaning more towards classic cocktails than old wines.  

CLOSING THE DEAL
THE ATRIUM
10 CAMBRIDGE STREET
TEL. 0131 229 7164
Head chef Neil Forbes’ philosophy of quality artisan produce, light handling, precise cooking and uncluttered presentation has garnered a Red Michelin Bib Gourmand. It has also helped create one of Edinburgh’s finest restaurants, while the impeccable sourcing policy stretches to the fully rounded wine list.

STYLE
THE VILLAGER
49 GEORGE IV BRIDGE
TEL. 0131 226 2781
Don’t be put off by the ‘bar dudes’ – they win awards for their innovative cocktail creations and attention to classic detail. Beer may be bought, but it is in the spirits and their presentation that you’ll find the essence of The Villager.

RELAX
THOMSON’S BAR
182-184 MORRISON STREET
TEL. 0131 228 5700
Perfectly placed for the EICC and financial quarter, this traditional bar uses the design standards of Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson to create a homely but Scottish ambience. Excellent beers keep the real ale fans happy, and combine with a good selection of malts.

VALUE
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS, ROYAL MILE
300 COWGATE
TEL. 0131 524 8400
A new build hotel in the heart of the Old Town, it has all the basic comforts you’d find with the Holiday Inn brand. There’s free Wi-Fi in public areas with cabled access in bedrooms, and a business meeting room. The hotel serves a continental breakfast but no evening meal.

BUSINESS
ROXBURGHE HOTEL
38 CHARLOTTE SQUARE
TEL. 0844 879 9063
The Roxburghe’s position on Charlotte Square, home to Scotland’s First Minister, is an enviable one. The facilities hit the high end of the comfort zone, with pool, spa, sauna and quality restaurant on site. But its size can mean the service lacks that personal touch.

BESPOKE
THE GLASSHOUSE
2 GREENSIDE PLACE
TEL. 0131 525 8200
Behind its gothic facade, this boutique hotel in the Eton collection makes the best use of its expansive rooftop garden, with airy views up to Calton Hill. Bedroom facilities are luxurious and the extensive business facilities provide a personal approach to any meeting.

The Old Town is compact enough to pack in some sightseeing between meetings. The alleys leading off the main thoroughfare between the Castle and St Giles’ Cathedral provide excellent opportunities, with splendid vistas and off-the-track pubs (www.edinburgh-royalmile.com).

Founded by distilling magnate Andrew Usher, the Usher Hall (www.usherhall.co.uk) is Edinburgh’s premier concert hall, and has recently reopened after refurbishment. The autumn programme mixes comedy with classical concerts from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, as well as folk icon Joan Baez.

The Discovery of Spain: Goya to Picasso (www.nationalgalleries.org) will take place at the Royal Scottish Academy on the Mound until 11 October, displaying more than 130 oil paintings by British and Spanish artists in a spectacular celebration of Spanish culture.

South Bridge in the Old Town appears to be an average, shop-lined street. But it straddles a valley on a series of 22 arches hidden beneath the buildings. Built as a warren of vaults, the arches are now used for such nefarious purposes as ghost tours and nightclubs.

WORDS BY THOM DIBDIN