Monthly Archives: August 2004

Petit Paris in Edinburgh

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After the long weekend, it was up early again on Tuesday to catch the Tuesday 7.55 Easyjet flight to Edinburgh.  Flight left on time and arrived on time to a beautifully sunny Scottish day.

After work booked into the hotel, prices now down because the festival had ended.  The streets were a lot quieter than the week before.  Had a quiet pint of IPA in a pub listening to a Scottish folk band from Glasgow while waiting for a table to become vacant at the Petit Paris.  I’m sure I saw the band last week in the Rose and Crown on Rose Street.

Back at the Petit Paris I sat in the basement.  Had their Terrine for starter, followed by the delicious lamb fillet.  Got talking to the occupant from my neighbouring table, who was a dark wild haired girl, Phoenix, up from London for the Fringe.  She had been singing her own peace songs on the Royal Mile.  Seemed to belong to a campaign group who were trying to install a new ministry into government called the ministry of peace.

I was back to bed at the relatively early time of midnight.

Scottish Parliament and its clocks

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Had a couple of days in the office this week, and then it was back to Scotland for three days.

Weather was on and off showery.

Never made it out to any posh eateries at night, had a couple of basic lunches at Tiles and Café Royal with Mary.

Saw a Comedy show at midnight at the Assembly rooms.  It was called the Best of Fest.  It was excellent, but I’m afraid other than a magical acoustic guitarist called Antionio Forcione, I cannot remember any of their names.

Hotel was the same Rutland hotel, next week when I’m back there I will at least have an ensuite room.

Amazing, but Selina’s Graham came up to Edinburgh by sleeper on Friday to commission the clocks in the new Scottish Parliament.  Then he was back down by train to England at 2.00.  So I never saw him.

Back home from RBS

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Friday, left the bank early to catch the 4.35 flight back to Luton.  Left on time, arrived on time.  TV crew at the terminal taking pictures of us as we got off.  Maybe I will be on the next series of Airport.  Who knows?

Rhythm Sharks in Edinburgh

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Thursday was a dry day without rain but overcast.  Went to All Bar One for lunch with Mary Devine and Ed Aldridge, nice but small Caesar Salad with blackened Salmon.

Oh dear, walked past the Petit Paris and was spotted by the waiter.  He wondered why I was still in town.  I had told them on Monday that this was the end I was going away.

Met Ed in the evening at the Guildford Arms.  This was the first day of their Folk and Blues Festival.  The place was mobbed, and we seemed to be standing in the walkway.  Caledonian Breweries sponsored the event, and every one of their beers was available. I drank the IPA, and also their Porter.  A really dark and tasty beer.

As we entered a band called Yard Of Ale were playing, they are on every night starting and ending the evening. They are probably Scotland’s best acoustic pub band, music spans 30 years incl. Folk, Skiffle & Country. Anchoring event for 10th year. The band: Peter Gillan, Colin Mackenzie & Alistair McDougald.  They were not my cup of tee, and luckily they were soon off.  They played Lonnie Donnegan songs, and Ralph McTell Streets of London.

Next on were the Rhythm Sharks. Sandy Tweedale on vocals & guitar with Gary Martin on vocals & harmonica & slide guitar. Major driving force of the Scottish Blues scene.  They only get together to play once a year at the Guildford arms.  They were very good.  Can’t remember the numbers they played, but it was all Blues.

Back to my hotel before midnight!!!