According to recently released figures from the Local Data Company (LDC), Edinburgh has the highest restaurant density in the UK as expressed by the number of people per restaurant.

Within the city centre, the Scottish capital has just 1,771 people per restaurant. Surprisingly, central London comes in second with 2,033 people per restaurant.

Restaurants make up 12% of all retail and leisure sites in Edinburgh compared with a UK average of 5%.

And, of course, you can check out the menus and book into more than 400 of them via 5pm Dining.

World's Best Bars

While Edinburgh is known for the breadth and quality of its restaurants, it also has a reputation as a city with many a top notch drinking venue.

The World's 50 Best Bars 2018 recently announced their list of the best places in the world in which to wet your whistle.

None of Edinburgh's drinking establishments made the Top 50 but the capital did achieve two entries in the 51-100 section.

Panda and Sons which, as you know, is cunningly disguised as a barber's shop, has been hailed as the 61st best bar on the planet.

Bramble came in at number 67.

According to the list, the best bar in the world is Dandelyan in London.

Keen cocktail fans will know that Dandelyan was created by Ryan Chetiyawardana who, back in the day, could be found mixing drinks behind the bar at Bramble.

Gin festival this weekend

Sticking with the drinks theme, you may want to make a note in your diary for the The Big Big Gin Festival.

It takes place this weekend, Friday 12 and Saturday 13th October, at Edinburgh Corn Exchange.

Visitors will be able to purchase a wide variety of gins with premium mixes and garnishes as well as meeting the spirits' makers. Among the gins featured will be Achroous Gin (pictured) which is made in Leith.

Live entertainment, food, craft beer and Prosecco will all add to the fun.

The festival will operate a token system for buying drinks. We understand that tickets are going fast so skates on if you fancy it.

Tickets from here.