Photo of
July 8, 2014

Researching the many hotels in Edinburgh can be an overwhelming experience. Scotland’s most touristy city has plenty of excellent places to stay. Here’s our reasons why you should consider Channings in Edinburgh’s West End.

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Leafy South Learmonth Gardens.

It was the home of an Antarctic explorer

Channings was once home to the Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton who stayed in the building when he was the secretary of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.

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One of the suites at Channings dedicated to Ernest Shackleton.

It was in Edinburgh in 1907 Shackleton presented to the Royal Geographic Society his plans for an Antarctic expedition.

A year later, he set off as captain of the Nimrod, the first of three expeditions to the South Pole. Although his team didn’t quite make it there, they broke records for the furthest south travelled.

Shackleton was knighted by King Edward VII for his efforts and is considered one of the greatest explorers and leaders in history.

Today Channings pays tribute to Shackleton by naming their top floor suites after Shackleton’s ships and displaying black and white photographs taken on his missions on the walls.

Channings also has a copy of his journey planner and the whisky he had on board.

It’s a chance to discover Edinburgh’s best secret neighbourhood

Located on the leafy South Learmonth Gardens lined with stunning town houses, Channings is in a beautiful part of town. Located in Edinburgh’s “village within a city” Stockbridge, it is a fifteen minute walk from the shopping hub of Princes Street, close enough to be near the action but far enough away to avoid the crowds which fill the old town during the summer months.

Traditionally the area of Edinburgh where artists, musicians and writers made their home, Stockbridge retains its bohemian vibe with antique stores, delis, independent restaurants and bars dotting the area. It is also home to the Royal Botantic Garden and the gorgeous Water of Leith.

It’s got great food

Channings Restaurant serves modern Scottish dishes inspired be the seasons; example dishes might be sweet cured Scottish salmon or a fillet of Ayrshire Pork.

The bar menu caters to traditionalists with British favourites such as beer battered fish and chips and pork sausages mash and caramelised onion gravy.

For a taster of Channings’ menu, watch our video of chef Adam  cook lamb with baby vegetables and aubergine puree.

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It’s got a secret garden

Channings makes use of its back garden with an outdoor seating area, perfect for al fresco drinking and dining during the summer months. Its location surrounded by the row of townhouses makes it the perfect city hidden gem.

See Channings garden in the video below.

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20% discount on bar menu or £26.50 for 2 courses on table d’hote menu at Channings Bar and Restaurant when booking on 5pm.