][1]The Edinburgh Fringe officially gets underway in one week and the city is going into overdrive as it readies itself for the onslaught.
Likely to be popular is the Aperol Spritz Garden which is moving from its previous George Street location to St Andrews Square.
Running from next Thursday to the 25th of August, the Garden promises to be a ‘Venetian hideaway with a modern twist’.
World music
Look out for orange groves, idyllic water features, beanbags, and grassy picnic areas. A full programme of live world music on the Aperol Spritz Showcase Stage will keep the vibe smiley.
The square will also play host to the Famous Spiegeltent and The Stand in the Square, a new outpost of the long established comedy club.
The 5pm Dining blog has become rather partial to Aperol. Tall glass filled with ice, three fingers of gin and a good slosh of Aperol, all topped up with soda water – makes for a splendid breakfast.
Perfect serve
The Italians go for a lighter version. This is how Aperol recommends you make their perfect serve.
You will need ice, soda, Prosecco, a slice of orange and a bottle of Aperol. Obviously.
Take a large wine glass and add the ice. Pour in the Prosecco, followed by the Aperol and a splash of soda water. Top with a slice of orange. Apparently, this serving avoids the Aperol settling at the bottom.
Try and aim for about three parts Prosecco to two parts Aperol.
Naturally, 5pm has lots of fantabulous dining offers around Edinburgh city centre. Amarone is just next door to St Andrew Square or you could browse this little lot.
Chin chin!