Naturally, the Commonwealth Games mean that the 5pm Dining blog has focused a lot on Glasgow recently.
But fear not, Edinburghers, we are keeping a weather eye on developments at the other end of the M8.
As you may have noticed, the weather has been scorchio of late; a fact which has made us spend most of yesterday dreaming of long, cool drinks.
Preferably with a kick.
Happily, help is at hand.
The eye-catching bar (pictured) in the G&V Royal Mile Hotel has just relaunched their Aperitivo Hour with a brand new cocktail menu.
The menu offers a selection of signature serves accompanied by complimentary Italian appetisers every Monday to Wednesday evening from 6pm to 8pm.
Aperitivo trolley
The cocktails are served from the bar’s rather snazzy Aperitivo trolley which is trundled up to each table. Customers then order their own bespoke take on six cocktails ranging from a classic Martini to a Smoked Ice Tea Margarita.
A cheeky aperitivo is the ideal prelude to dinner in the hotel’s award-winning Cucina restaurant.
You can check out Cucina’s 5pm offers here.
A hop, skip and a jump away, another venue with a distinct Italian flavour is making waves with its new cocktail menu.
Old Town Italian
Tucked away in the heart of the Old Town, the Italian restaurant and wine bar Divino Enoteca has unveiled a new selection of classic and freshly concocted cocktails.
We liked the look of the Basil Grande which mixes Absolut, Aurum, Chambord, strawberries, basil and cranberry.
To be honest, we don’t even know what Aurum is but that is not going to stop us from having a snifter or two.
Divino Enoteca’s 5pm offers and menus can be perused from here.
Hidden gem
Incidentally, in the evenings, when lit up with candles, fairy lights and lanterns, Divino Enoteca’s little courtyard is one of Edinburgh’s hidden gems.
][5]Bon Vivant wins international recognition
Finally, huge congratulations are due to The Bon Vivant. The Edinburgh bar scooped the Best International Restaurant Bar award at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans earlier this week.
The Thistle Street bar was up against Moscow’s Delicatessen and the Spitalsfield Bar at Hawksmoor and the Blind Pig at Social Eating House, both of which are in London.
Chairman of the International Judging Committee and Global Trade Advocacy Director for Bacardi, Jacob Briars said:
‘The Spirited Awards are regarded as the pinnacle of the industry. Fifty well-travelled industry veterans voted on the top bars around the world, with nominations from more than 40 countries.
‘This is the first year an international restaurant bar will be recognised, and the four finalists range from new openings to old favourites, and from Michelin-starred venues to relaxed (but no less excellent) eateries, all combining great food with some of the best drinks on earth in a seamless, professional manner.
Hard work and passion
‘The Bon Vivant’s recognition is a testament both to the amazing vitality of the Edinburgh hospitality scene, and to the hard work and passion of Stuart and his team. It is known around the world for its combination of high standards and relaxed atmosphere; I never visit Edinburgh without stopping here.’
The Bon Vivant is no stranger to industry recognition. It received a Scottish Style Award for Most Stylish Bar in 2011, won the 2013 Food & Travel Magazine Bar of the Year award, and has been recommended in the Michelin Guide in 2013 and 2014.
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