Just yesterday I was walking down Dalkeith Road to meet some guests at the lovely Gatekeeprs Cottage @ Blacket Estate, when I realised how interested I was in everything I saw. Hosting a hoard of independent shops and intriguing looking cafes, bars and hideaways, I got home and brushed up on my Newington knowledge.
First of all, mere twenty minutes’ walk from the Royal Mile and Princes Street the lovely area of Newington has much more to discover than first meets the eye. Initially over crowded, the area was able to come to bloom after the erection of North Bridge in 1772 and the subsequent migration of residents to the North, to the now known New Town of Edinburgh city. The highly commercial streets of Minto and Dalkeith offer everything for the residents, without having to venture to the actual city centre. Adjoining Newington are the areas of the Meadows and Holyrood Park, and what is more - Newington is enriched by the large, beautiful Georgian townhouses that used to house doctors, lawyers and the like.
Newington has become very popular with students, professionals and families alike, due to its proximity to University of Edinburgh’s main campuses and its ideal location just close enough to city centre without being in the middle of it. The Blacket district in 1972 became the first part of the City of Edinburgh to be designated a conservation area. The unified architecturally impressive stone villas and terraces, spaciously constructed amongst generous and lavish trees and gardens. Newington offers quick access to the Royal Mile, the Pentlands, Portobello alike, enabling the perfect experience when visiting Edinburgh. And Holyrood, which includes the access to Arthur’s Seat, the Scottish Parliament and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. A quick, easy bus access is also available to the eminent Rosslyn Chapel. Finally finished with its renovation, the Chapel is once again ready to impress the many mystery seekers. And as you’re there, you might as well pay a visit to the nearby Temple village, where the headquarters of the mysterious Knights Templar are – the secret society that is said to be behind many of the mysteries surrounding Rosslyn Chapel itself.
After all the hiking, exploring, climbing and sightseeing hunger would be the top most sensation, I would assume. Some tips on the best Newington has to offer, but for those who wish to be spoiled during their trip as well as for those wanting to have a quiet night in and cooking their own meal. To start with, if you wish to get some of the best ingredients, you do not have to wander all the way to the Castle Street Market in Edinburgh city – instead, with Earthy Foods on Ratcliffe Terrace you can explore “a celebration of the best and tastiest local, seasonal and organic produce” to be found. Between the three stores Earthy Food has, they sell food and drink from over 100 local producers, as well as supporting artisan producers, fair-trade growers and co-operatives from further afield. What could be a better guarantee for the best?
Unsurprisingly Newington is also home to some of the best eateries in the city. And to start with, the descriptions flying about in consideration of Celadon Thai Restaurant on Causewayside is the "top notch" place to eat with an "entirely faultless" service, delicious authentic food and good value. Absolutely delish! And for a dining experience to remember, the charming little family oriented Café Cassis on Salisbury Road is sure to please even the pickiest culinarist! And for the meat lovers out there – I’ve been told the best steaks are served at Los Argentinos; with more of a cafe vibe than a restaurant, this is a relaxing place to grab an authentic starter, an excellent steak and all in excellent tasty and plenty to money value you’ve never seen before (well, in Edinburgh). Argentinian Steak is what this place is all about, yes there are Grilled Chicken and Fish options on the menu, but the steak is the real speciality. Mouth waters just thinking of the scrumptious portions of outstanding food… I believe it's food-o'clock now!
Làmh fhada is cead a sìneadh!