Photo of
Jonathan Trew
August 6, 2014

 

[Craig Sandle will be keeping an eye on guests in his kitchen][1]
Craig Sandle: your dinner is in safe hands.

 

While Glasgow recovers from throwing a massive Games party, Edinburgh has just started cranking up the music and making sure that everyone has a drink as the various August festivals get underway.

Everything from cars to broom cupboards are being used as venues; the Royal Mile is full of bright-eyed, young thesps glowing with possibly misplaced optimism and my nearest pub seems to have slapped 50p on the normal price of a pint.

Yes, sir, Edinburgh has gone festival crazeeee.

Naturally, there are still one or two spots where one can appreciate all the artistic endeavours without being caught up in the madness. Over at The Caledonian hotel, Craig Sandle and his kitchen brigade have put together a tempting menu of festival specials.

Tattoo menu

To celebrate The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Galvin Brasserie de Luxe is opening at the earlier time of 5pm for dinner every day throughout August. They are also running a special three course Tattoo menu packed with seasonal ingredients.

Available for lunch and dinner, it costs £16.50 for two courses and £19.50 for three.

Up the stairs in The Pompadour by Galvin, Chef Sandle is running a special festival menu, Served 5.30pm-7pm, Tuesday to Saturday, it costs £26 for two courses, £30 for three, and would be ideal for a meal before catching a concert at the Usher Hall or a show at the Trav. Try and bag one of the tables with views of the Castle for maximum effect.

Champagne tasting with dinner

Thursdays in The Pomp look special. Every Thursday during August, Peter Adshead, the restaurant’s charming sommelier, will be giving a tasting on a variety of vintages from different Champagne houses.

A three course dinner will then be served in the dining room. The cost is £45 per person, including sommelier-matched wines with dinner.

[Peter Adshead: knows his way around a wine list.][4]
Peter Adshead: knows his way around a wine list.

Go out with a bang

Capping it all off, the Edinburgh International Festival comes to a dramatic close with a spectacular firework display from Edinburgh Castle.

Diners at The Pompadour by Galvin can enjoy views of the fireworks after enjoying the seven course gourmand menu with the option to include sommelier-selected wines to accompany each course.

This takes place on Sunday 31 August, 5.30pm-9pm. The seven course gourmand dinner is £68 a head or £120 with matched wines.