ONE SQUARE, EDINBURGH – THE GIN, THE AFTERNOON TEA, AND THE PASS
11/11/2015
There are many things in life that warrant the phrase “blogger problems”. Be it, always eating cold food in restaurants because you take half an hour photographing it first. Or low wifi area’s meaning that you can’t instagram your #FWIS live. The constant battle between wanting to desperately try a new product but you haven’t photographed it yet, or travelling for an hour to get to your OOTD destination to realise you’ve forgotten your memory card. But the hardest one of all – in a total first world problem/”it’s totally not hard or a problem but blogger life” sense – is having such an amazing trip that there’s actually too much to write about.
I recently went away to Edinburgh to discover One Square’s very own One Square Gin – which, *spoiler alert*, is incredible – stay in the stunning Sheraton Grand hotel and Spa and generally just eat all the good food, drink all the good alcohol, see all the good sights and gain all the extra weight humanly possible in the space of 3 days.
Sounds like the perfect trip to me…
… and it was. It really was the most incredible trip, which is why I wanted to do a “3days in Edinburgh” type post however I have so many photographs and amazing restaurants/experiences to tell you about that I thought I would break it down for you (so that it doesn’t bore you to death take you 4 hours to read the post) into two posts. The first post focusing on the incredible One Square restaurant (which, side note, was the most accommodating place ever for a gluten free diet) and One Square Gin, and the second on all of the places that I’d recommend seeing/doing/staying in in Edinburgh (so keep your eyes peeled for a review on the gorgeous Sheraton Edinburgh and the most magical, mythical restaurant in that post!)
Sound like a plan? Sounds like the best plan you’ve ever heard, you say? Oh brilliant…
One Square Gin
So, One Square is a beautiful restaurant situated in the equally beautiful Sheraton, Edinburgh that not only makes the most incredible food – afternoon tea’s, dining at The Pass, the breakfasts of dreams for example, but more on that later – it’s recently brought out it’s own gin aptly named, One Square Gin. One Square, who already had their own Gin bar and a huge passion for the spirit, actually partnered with Pickering’s Gin who masterfully crafted the final masterpiece. With over 15 botanicals from all over the world including mediterranean liquorice, orris root, juniper, scottish heather as well as lemon, lime and anise to name but a few, One Square say that their gin is best served on the rocks, with fever tree tonic and garnished with pink grapefruit peel and thyme. Enjoying it best on the terrace looking over Edinburgh Castle. In 8 degree heat, we personally stuck to drinking by the gin bar but the rest I totally agree with. An absolutely stunning gin that has totally turned me from a red wine chugger drinker to a G&T kinda girl…
But we didn’t just receive the complimentary gin and tonic in our rooms, pictured above, we were lucky enough to attend a gin tasting session at One Square followed by some beautiful food from their new Paired menu (which in short, matches food to the perfect wine/beer) and it was the perfect start to our evening.
Afternoon tea
Next up on the “Oh my god this incredible restaurant does absolutely everything” list is the Afternoon tea. You all know I am the biggest pig afternoon tea fan so when I was told that a completely gluten free tea was totally possible, you could say I was just a little bit happy. And then I started to dig into the sandwiches… [insert heart eye’d and hand clapping emoji’s here].
After starting with the secret garden cocktail (because who can resist a name like that) followed by a mint tea because, balance (… my version of balance/health is as laughable as my ability to turn down cake) I then tucked into a mixture of salmon, ham, olive tapenade and duck gluten free sandwiches and each one was absolutely stunning. Leaving me desperate for more…
… and more food there certainly was. The most perfect mixture of sponge cakes, chocolate and berry tarts, white chocolate apple sauce pops – which I would be lying if I said didn’t blow my mind! – and various other chocolate/flap jack and mousse like beauties.
Oh, and scones. The most perfect, moist scones that gluten free dreams are made of.
I genuinely could not have been any more impressed with my gluten free afternoon tea from One Squared and highly, highly recommend checking it out if you’re ever in Edinburgh.
Dining at The Pass
Now, as much as I love Afternoon Tea and gin, the next experience is really, really special. I am blessed to be able to visit a lot of gorgeous restaurants, but dining at The Pass is an experience that I’ll never forget. 9 courses, sat in the kitchen watching the chefs work and a dessert that would blow anybody’s mind.
After powering through Duck sausage, beetroot mousse, goat’s cheese panna cotta, the dreamiest venison and roasted veg medley that I have ever eaten (seriously!) and chocolate orange brownies amongst many others sensational courses, we were then sent outside to wait whilst the chef prepared our final dessert. We had absolutely no idea what it could be, taking bets from fondue’s to DIY desserts, but none of us even got close.
We walked back in to a completely blank worktop – not quite the chocolate volcano that I guessed – to see the chefs start to smear fruit foams all over the table top (just in case anyone was in any doubt, “sweet foams” is definitely not the technical term). They then went on to add meringues, popping candy, flakes of chocolate – and so much more that I couldn’t possibly even remember – before cracking a chocolate egg open to reveal all the dessert goodness inside. From Gin ice cream to every fruit imaginable, and caramel cream to honeycomb crunch… this dessert was something that not only took my breath away/nearly made my hand drop off from the constant photography, but also gave me an experience that I’ll never forget!
So that brings this little One Square restaurant rave to an end. There are many restaurants that I really love, but not one has come close to One Square in terms of a) being so totally gluten free friendly and accommodating b) equally as good in each department (and I didn’t even get to mention how fab the breakfast was) and c) just being totally unique and creative in everything they do.
I mean, they even made their own gin. (Which was seriously good, have I mentioned that already? Oh I have, 20 times, sorry about that…)
I would love to know if you’ve visited the Sheraton Grand hotel and spa or the One Square restaurant before? Also, are you gin kinda girl/boy? I always love to hear your thoughts!
As always, thanks so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed this post.
I mean, how cute are these little herb bottles?! The whole place just looks and sounds amazing – the scones and the cocktail have really caught my eye haha – but also great that it's gluten free friendly and does a whole range of food. Looks like a fabulous place! xxx
nope never been but the food does look brilliant! Can you believe ive never been to afternoon tea! You really sold me on this one! Must find something really nice as this one to try asap! haha Pam xo/ Pam Scalfi♥
I know exactly what you mean….too many nice photos…is it acceptable to do a blog post of 100 photos or more? What a fantastic experience and that dessert table is amazing! I've never seen anything quite like it. Lots of love, Angie
OMG. I have no idea why I am reading this at lunch time when I know I only have halloumi cheese and pita bread in my kitchen *insert crying emoji* Everything looks SOOOO amazing and your pictures are lovely! Xx
I went up to Scotland in September for a mini break and it was so beautiful! Your photos are so beautiful and ohhh my word the food looks SO good. Was salivating so much at some of your instagram photos!
Looks like you had a great time. You also took some very beautiful photographs! And haha, I can really relate to the blogger problems. X! http://www.lemontierres.com
It all looks sensational! I need to start drinking gin! And I'll have some or all of the scones and cakes and then the dessert egg. Just an amazing post. Mouthwatering
Mmmm I love a good gin and tonic- I bet the tasting session was great! All the food looks incredible- especially that afternoon tea 🙂 Your food photos always make me drool
This place looks seriously incredible! And the gluten free afternoon tea is amazing, so great that they could cater for you so well! So envious of this amazing trip and glad you enjoyed yourself! x
This looks utterly divine, love, love, love your food shots here. I've just had a big shoot over on my blog and trying to decide on my new gravatar images! Help!
That dessert display looks really amazing – I love Edinburgh, my parents used to have a flat up there but I haven't been in years. Would really like to return!
This post just kept getting better and better. Amazed at gluten-free afternoon tea, amazing herby gin and then THAT chocolate egg! (Gobsmacked.) – did they tell you how much everything was? Or if they do it in hotels down south? Because this would make a pretty epic birthday treat for someone.
According to your photos and review I have no doubts that this restaurant has very creative staff – this dessert on your one of the last photos is divine, I have never seen anything similar and I totally agree wih it that it has something from volcano 😉
This sounds like such an incredible trip & omg the food looks divine! It definitely brings back memories from a good few years back when I visited the hotel. It was actually the summer when I was pregnant & all the staff were just amazing, plus I loved the city too x
Oh my god I am in heaven..or hungry hell either or hahah! I would love to visit Edinburgh as I have never been before although I am now sticking to a vegan diet so I've gotta make sure I am good. xxxx
Oh my God this looks incredible! If there are two things in life I love it's gin and good food so this is definitely on the list for when I hopefully visit Edinburgh next year xx
Thanks for this great post, i find it very interesting and very well thought out and put together. I look forward to reading your work in the future. Maharashtra Ration Card Status
The food looks so good!! Totally made me hungry now
Candice | Beauty Candy Loves
Doesn't it look amazing, it was so incredible!
xx
I mean, how cute are these little herb bottles?! The whole place just looks and sounds amazing – the scones and the cocktail have really caught my eye haha – but also great that it's gluten free friendly and does a whole range of food. Looks like a fabulous place! xxx
Sam // Samantha Betteridge
Oh I know, tell me about, I went slightly photo crazy with those 🙂 It was so gluten free friendly lovely, I couldn't recommend enough!
xx
nope never been but the food does look brilliant! Can you believe ive never been to afternoon tea! You really sold me on this one! Must find something really nice as this one to try asap! haha
Pam xo/ Pam Scalfi♥
Pam you are so missing out, Afternoon tea is the best!!
xx
I know exactly what you mean….too many nice photos…is it acceptable to do a blog post of 100 photos or more? What a fantastic experience and that dessert table is amazing! I've never seen anything quite like it.
Lots of love,
Angie
SilverSpoon London
Haha totally acceptable I reckon Angie! Isn't it spectacular? I was god smacked at the creativity!
xx
I honestly can't get over how pretty all your pictures are, and when it comes to afternoon tea, it's just too good to resist!
Jodie, xo // Jodie Loue
Ah thank you lady, that means so much. Yes, afternoon tea just gets me every time
xx
This food looks amazing! You seriously visit the BEST places! I have total food envy sitting here eating toast lol.
http://www.duchessoffashion.co.uk
Haha oh no, I get why toast isn't really cutting it right now 😉 It was so amazing though, can't stop thinking about it!
xx
Wow! Everything sounds and looks totally amazing! xx
Beautylymin
It seriously, seriously was. So yummy!
xx
OMG. I have no idea why I am reading this at lunch time when I know I only have halloumi cheese and pita bread in my kitchen *insert crying emoji* Everything looks SOOOO amazing and your pictures are lovely! Xx
Ally | http://www.glamoclock.com | Facebook Giveaway!
Haha oh no, that's the worst isn't it. Thanks hun, so pleased you liked the post!
xx
The afternoon tea looks amazing – one of my #bloggerproblems is having too many photos! x
Heather | Of Beauty & Nothingness x
It's so annoying isn't it, I just wanted to include so many more!
xx
A perfect place to chill out with friends.
Love the shots babe
The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin | Snapchat: bandwagonchic
Thank you Zarrah!
xx
Omg yummmmmmmm! I swear you're always at the best restaurants! Everything looks delicious and I love the Decor!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Ah thank you lovely lady, I was really lucky with this one, so delicious!
xx
*Drool*… That is all
Georgia | The Weekend Attic – Personal Style, Beauty and Lifestyle
Haha, drool indeed girly!
xx
You make me want to go back to Edinburgh because of your photos Elle! I would surely put on top of my lust to visit the One Square restaurant. Xx
eLLa
every LiTTLE thing07
Definitely go back Ella, it's SUCH a beautiful place!
xx
What a wonderful place! Those sweets look absolutely delicious!
Fashion Soup
They were gorgeous Aria, dreaming of them now!
xx
Looks gorgeous dear!
lena
http://skinnycature.com/giveaway-deichmann-meet-and-great-with-sylvie-meis-in-amsterdam-her-party-shoe-capsule-collection/
Thank you!
xx
This looks absolutely incredible! I'd love to go here, especially as I've never actually been to Edinburgh before so it gives me an excuse to go!
Katya | The Beauty Harbour
I couldn't recommend One Square, and Edinburgh enough. Both beautiful!
xx
The food looks so nice!
summerdaisy.net
Thanks so much Summer!
xx
Lovely photos. Also, the food looks amazing!
– Liz Lizo
http://www.LizLizo.com
Thanks so much hun!
xx
This looks absolutely amazing! I still really want to go to Edinburgh!
hellomissjordan.com xx
It's so beautiful lovely, highly recommend!
xx
I went up to Scotland in September for a mini break and it was so beautiful! Your photos are so beautiful and ohhh my word the food looks SO good. Was salivating so much at some of your instagram photos!
Robyn / Phases Of Robyn
Ah thank you lovely, so pleased you liked them!
xx
I am so jealous, the food looks utterly amazing, especially those cocktails!
Angie x | Chocolate & Lipstick || UK Beauty and Lifestyle Blog
Thanks so much hun, it was all so gorgeous!
xx
Looks like you had a great time. You also took some very beautiful photographs! And haha, I can really relate to the blogger problems. X!
http://www.lemontierres.com
Thanks so much, so pleased you liked them!
xx
It all looks sensational! I need to start drinking gin! And I'll have some or all of the scones and cakes and then the dessert egg. Just an amazing post. Mouthwatering
http://Leftbankgirl.blogspot.com
Mmmm I love a good gin and tonic- I bet the tasting session was great! All the food looks incredible- especially that afternoon tea 🙂 Your food photos always make me drool
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
This place looks seriously incredible! And the gluten free afternoon tea is amazing, so great that they could cater for you so well! So envious of this amazing trip and glad you enjoyed yourself! x
Martha Jane | http://www.marthajanemusic.com
This looks utterly divine, love, love, love your food shots here. I've just had a big shoot over on my blog and trying to decide on my new gravatar images! Help!
That dessert display looks really amazing – I love Edinburgh, my parents used to have a flat up there but I haven't been in years. Would really like to return!
Suze | LuxuryColumnist
Beautiful photos! All of the food and drink looks amazing and their presentation is so lovely! I bet you had such a lovely time there! 🙂 xx
This post just kept getting better and better. Amazed at gluten-free afternoon tea, amazing herby gin and then THAT chocolate egg! (Gobsmacked.) – did they tell you how much everything was? Or if they do it in hotels down south? Because this would make a pretty epic birthday treat for someone.
Saskia / girlinbrogues.com
Now this is a getaway, everything look amazing from the decor to the food, and great photos, love!
http://artadorned.com/
According to your photos and review I have no doubts that this restaurant has very creative staff – this dessert on your one of the last photos is divine, I have never seen anything similar and I totally agree wih it that it has something from volcano 😉
http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/
This sounds like such an incredible trip & omg the food looks divine! It definitely brings back memories from a good few years back when I visited the hotel. It was actually the summer when I was pregnant & all the staff were just amazing, plus I loved the city too x
Beauty with charm
Nice post! The food looks delicious 🙂
That trip must have been so much fun!! I'm jealous of all those pastries and treats, sounds delightful!
Sara // dearskim.com
Such great pictures!
WorldWideValery
Oh my god I am in heaven..or hungry hell either or hahah! I would love to visit Edinburgh as I have never been before although I am now sticking to a vegan diet so I've gotta make sure I am good. xxxx
Sounds like you had such a great time in Edinburgh, well photos are the proof 🙂 All these food, especially afternoon tea, looks so good! xx
http://www.elabellaworld.com
Wow fantastic pictures, this place looks amazing – food looks delicious too!!
By the way, you can get 15% off any watch from Daniel Wellington with the code 'DWelectricsunrise'. Visit my blog for more information:
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x
Oh my God this looks incredible! If there are two things in life I love it's gin and good food so this is definitely on the list for when I hopefully visit Edinburgh next year xx
Thanks for this great post, i find it very interesting and very well thought out and put together. I look forward to reading your work in the future. Maharashtra Ration Card Status