Be spontaneous in Edinburgh

Teatime in Wonderland is a London-based blog written by French-born Coralie Grassin. It’s nearly ten years since Coralie started the blog and her serious passions – travel, food, family life in London – shine through her inspiring blogs and picture galleries. Time Out and Booking.com sent Coralie on a wing-it trip to Edinburgh. 

The destination was kept secret till the last moment. Suspense… My tickets are for Edinburgh!

My hotel, Motel One, was a mere 5 mins walk from the station, ideal. The rooms are modern – super comfy bed, tea kit on the side, free wifi and a touch of turquoise blue adding to the elegance. The lounge near reception mixes Victorian and Renaissance inspiration, tweed and vibrant colours. A great place to sip on a cup of tea on a rainy day.

The secret of a spontaneous week-end? The right balance with a little organisation and feeling free. Follow your heart. Be Alice-crazy.

The mission? Being a foodie reporter for a few days, finding quirky, under the radar delicious or fun addresses. Exciting!

Let’s talk food. I wanted to ‘eat local’ and have my radar on for the unusual. I started on the Royal Mile to have a look at St Giles Cathedral (there’s a café in its crypt – a good start in my search for the extraordinary). My request for tips on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  connected me with locals and this sent me to Oink on Victoria Street. They do a fantastic hog roast, super juicy and tasty. The pulled pork is served in a bun and you can add apple sauce stuffing… and haggis!

I head to a nearby farmer’s market, a Slow Food special.  A few chefs belonging to the movement had designed cute little dishes for a mere £3 each. Haybales had been turned into benches and tables (complete with a tartan tablecloth), musicians in kilts were playing folklore music, the sun was shining: Edinburgh is indeed a rather cool city.

Blue sky and full strength sunshine, hooray! This called for a drink. On my way to the Royal Mile, I noticed Makar’s Rest has a lovely little terrace, shaded by trees. The nearby table tells me the National Scottish Museum has a rooftop. Off we go!

Last stop of the day was the excellent Aizle restaurant, a must-go-to for all gourmets. There is no menu here, only a list of ingredients. Just cross off the ones you are not inspired by and the chef will add their magic, creating something just for you. £45 for 5 dishes is quite a deal too, you will not regret a single penny!

I never expected so many interesting gourmet and fun places in Edinburgh. As I headed back to my hotel, I pondered how much there was to do in so little time. Luckily I’d been able to search by location on Booking.com and sorted a boutique hotel by the station had been easy, so there was less walking and more time to dine.

It was drizzling when I got up but surprisingly, rain suits the city. I recalled the National Scottish Museum from the day before. Very few people know their fifth floor Tower Restaurant serves breakfast too. Order the Scottish wild mushroom omelette.

There was still a little time so I walked up Calton Hill. You will find the tiniest café, Milk, near the Collective art gallery. Nothing concludes a good trip like a slice of cake with an espresso and a view!