;)
Edinburgh food festivals in October 2016
With its array of eateries, bars and restaurants Edinburgh is a great city for foodies no matter what the time of year. But if we had to choose our favourite time to explore the capital’s culinary delights we would have to say that October is best.
Let us give you a run down of just some of the food events taking place over the next month – each with its own distinctive twist, designed to please the palate of any true foodie.
Scottish Vegan Festival (1st October 2016)
Head to the Corn Exchange at the start of October and you’ll be met by the tremendous sights and smells of The Scottish Vegan Festival. There will be plenty of stalls full of tasty treats, utilising an array of ingredients – some familiar; some less so. Food is not the only thing on the agenda, though, with films and live music to add a little extra spice to your day.
Don’t consider yourself to be vegan? That’s no excuse not to try some of the delicious dishes on offer. And after this experience you will be sure to want to build in the odd meat and dairy-free days into your diet.
Standard tickets are just £2 and VIP tickets are £15. For those getting there early in the day, free goodie bags with food samples will be given out at 10am. It’s also worth mentioning that this festival is organised by Farplace Animal Rescue with profits going towards animals in need.
Edinburgh Coffee Festival (1st October 2016)
The Edinburgh Coffee Festival is a must for caffeine fiends. With stalls, stands, demonstrations and interactive workshops all packed into Summerhall, this year’s event is set to build on the great success of the 2015 festival.
Two thousand visitors and more than 30 exhibitors are expected through the doors to showcase hot beverages, sweet treats and much more. The finest chocolatiers, regional bakeries and sweet producers will stand shoulder to shoulder with expert baristas to give your palate a very pleasant punch.
With live music playing throughout the day, street food stalls and a courtyard bar, the Edinburgh Coffee Festival is bound to keep attendees entertained all day long. Visit the Edinburgh Coffee Festival website for full programme details.
Oktoberfest (5th – 9th October 2016)
Edinburgh’s Oktoberfest is always full of cheer and good spirits, helped along by the bountiful selection of German beer, food and great music. Such is the reputation of Munich’s annual beer celebration that the concept has now been exported around the globe. And this splash of German culture in the heart of Edinburgh is a great way to initiate oneself in the ways of the stein, dancing on tables and frothy, delicious beer.
Held in the heart of the city at the Red Square in Princes Street Gardens and set over 5 days, there is plenty of time to dust off your Lederhosen and join in this festive celebration of Bavarian culture.
Edinburgh Restaurant Festival (6th – 16th October 2016)
This October, Edinburgh foodies have the perfect excuse to wine and dine till their heart’s content. With discounts and special offers on some of the finest culinary establishments, the Restaurant Festival is an opportunity to sample some great new dishes at the many restaurants, cafes and bistros of the city.
Gin Festival Edinburgh (7th – 8th October 2016)
From the 7th to the 8th of October Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange will play host to the largest Gin event in the UK. With over 100 gins new and old, this is every gin-lover’s dream. Talk to experts in the gin industry to find out more about how each is produced using different flavours, making them suited to different accompaniments. Whether you are a gin advocate or new to spirits, there will be no shortage of welcoming staff on hand to give advice. Drink tokens are £5 each and a complementary Gin Festival glass is provided to help you remember the day!
Wish autumn’s best events and festivals were a short walk away? Arrange your tour of Quartermile today by calling 0845 000 2525.