Edinburgh, Scotland

After a quick stop for breakfast in Newcastle, we hit the road once again following my Durham graduation. This time, we were leaving the country for Edinburgh in Scotland. Edinburgh is a wonderful city, and I made a few visits throughout my time in Durham, including a trip to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. We thought we’d use the opportunity to see the city again, as well as tying in a trip to one of our favourite restaurants.

Arriving in Edinburgh

Just as we arrived in bonnie Scotland, so did the rain. Luckily, we did manage to see some of the city while dodging in between shops. We saw St Andrew Square, and dipped into Harvey Nichols.

We took a walk along Princes Street and saw the impressive Scott Monument. It’s so ominous and dark, a Victorian Gothic monument to famous Scottish author, Sir Walter Scott. Did you know it’s the largest monument to a writer in the world after the José Martí monument in Havana, Cuba?

On our way to lunch, we passed dozens more stunning buildings in Edinburgh’s iconic Gothic architectural style. Of course, you can’t miss Edinburgh Castle which is so visible from so many parts of the city.

We worked up quite an appetite by being stuck in the car through several hours of traffic into Edinburgh. There was only one thing for it: Kyloe. My mum received a recommendation for Kyloe by a friend who knows Edinburgh very well, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s a gourmet steak restaurant, so not one for vegetarians, I’m afraid. It’s pretty famous for its cow hyde chairs, and emphasis on aged, locally sourced steak.

Lunch at Kyloe, Edinburgh

If you’re planning on visiting Kyloe in Edinburgh, it’s a little difficult to actually access the restaurant. Enter from the Rutland Hotel on Rutland Street, and take the elevator up to the first floor. There aren’t really any signs. It does make it feel like a bit more of a hidden gem, however, and the food was great so I won’t complain.

First off, our lovely waitress gave us a bit of an education about steak. If you’re a fan, like myself, but would like to know more about the different cuts, flavours, and sizes of steak, make sure you ask. The staff will be more than happy to tell you anything you’d like to know about the steaks.

We started off with some freshly homemade bread, and a spiced hummus dip. The bread was delightful, although we weren’t so sure about the dip.

Onto the mains! My brother chose a fillet steak with fries, and was very happy. I tried a bit and can vouch that is was truly delicious.

Although a little naughty in a steak restaurant, myself, Mum & Paul chose to share the Beef Wellington, which serves 2-3 people. It took a little while to arrive as it was made to order, but oh my goodness was it worth it!? It’s served with a bone marrow gravy which was rich and heavenly. I picked beef dripping chips to accompany it, and both were absolutely delicious.

Kyloe is a truly wonderful restaurant, and the food is divine. We’ll for sure be back again next time we’re in Edinburgh.

A Walk Down the Royal Mile

Once again, it was time to burn off a few of those calories. We went for a wander along Edinburgh’s legendary Royal Mile. The Royal Mile is a string of streets that marks the primary path through Edinburgh’s old city. It flows between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, the distance of which is funnily enough around a mile. The buildings are incredibly historic and Gothic, and you’ll spot plenty of narrow passages and maybe an underground street. It’s the iconic scene that Edinburgh’s so famous for.

I tried on a tam o’ shanter in one of the tourist whiskey and tartan shops. What do you think?!

It was delightful being back in Edinburgh. It’s definitely one of my favourite cities in the UK, I just wish I wasn’t so far away! Last year I visited during the Fringe Festival and had a brilliant time. I’ll be back for more soon, Edinburgh, just you watch.

What do you like getting up to in Edinburgh? Have you been to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival? Where are your favourite restaurants in the city? Let me know below.