Category Archives: Edinburgh

The recession

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The recession, or what recession. The chaps in the pub seem to be very busy. I have not met anyone who does not have enough work. Commenting this sorry in Twitter, it was deemed I must come from an affluent area.

For me, an employee, chargeable work has been pretty busy in the last few months. Old projects have come to an end with Aberdeen going live with their upgrade.

A short visit to Edinburgh to sort out an infrastructure change for a long standing client in the life assurance business. Had a great meal at a Tapas bar, and then of course what visit to Edinburgh would be complete without a visit to Whistle Binkies and some local Scottish musicians.

More recently new projects in Shropshire and Caerphilly have kept me busy with software upgrades. Caerphilly was interesting from a drinking and eating perspective. First week a premier inn and one of those cheap pub chains. The food was crap, and the premier inn was the premier inn with Lenni Henry sized beds. Luckily the weather was warm, and I could escape out side to drink a few pints and tweet to my tweeps in the dark. Ah the reason I drank outside was to miss the pub quiz.

Week after stayed at the Bryn Meadows Golf and Country club. Cost not a lot more, but gym and Swimming pool and a lush bedroom. Food and drink not outrageous either, at least compared with major cities.

The week after only suites available at the BM rather to costly for the budget. So tried the Half Way house in Blackwood. Pub with some new modern rooms. Rather nice friendly eye candy serving in the bar, and the land lord came and shook hands. Even the regular Welsh customers came up and spoke with the English man. Alas did not escape the Tuesday pub quiz. I won’t mention my score. Excuse, I was in a team of my own.

Shropshire was for a couple of days, which turned into three. Stayed in a hotel which could be classed as a boarding house. Was OK. Nice restaurant near by for food, but rather pot luck on what was severed. Not sure how a sirloin steak with salad was transformed into fillet steak with vegetables.

Should have a new install coming up in Brummie land on return from holiday.

Holy Mackerel

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Fishers in The City Thursday night decided it was an eating night.  Thought I would have a Thai meal, so walked over to Thistle Street to try Dusit.  Dusit is probably the best Thai Restaurant in Edinburgh.  It is small and looked rather full with several people hanging around outside.  So I gave it a miss, because across the road was a fish restaurant called Fishers in the City.  This restaurant has a good reputation.  Despite not booking, they were able to find me a spot at the bar to eat.  Only just made it in time.  It was nice to see many minor celebrities being turned away at the door.

The place serves Fish, but does have meat for those who don’t fancy fish.  There are several fish types on sale as well as shell fish, cray fish and lobsters.

I started off with some some Scallops, and Mackerel for my main course.  Both these were quite simple, but excellently prepared.  The wine was a revelation, it was the house brand Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa.  Most definitely not a French brand, because it smelt and tasted so florally and fruity.  I don’t know the name of the wine, not that it matters because it is not on general sale in the UK.

I then headed back to the Royal Mile to take some photos.  These are in the gallery.  Then dumping the camera, I headed to Whistle Binkies for some Rock and Roll.  Here I heard the first set of a  Scottish band called Three Card Trick.  (Myspace)   They were very good.  Now I have a recording of them as my ring tone.

I want to announce my Edinburgh Gallery.

Firing Cheeseballs at a Dog

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The Edinburgh Crags

The Edinburgh Crags

Wednesday night in Edinburgh, the rain stopped and the sun came out to play.  Even managed to capture a picture of the sun on the Crags through my hotel bedroom window.  So with the dry weather, and the festival, it was time to go out and play.  First, a quick stop to fuel up with some food, from a kebab shop on the bridges.  Must admit the humus tasted of nothing,  not even adding politically incorrect salt helped.

The Pleasance Courtyard

The Pleasance Courtyard

Ah well, off the the Pleasance Courtyard where I managed to get a ticket for Greg Davies.  He was funny, telling the story of his life and the influences of other people on his life.  As is usual he picked on a few people from the front row to help him.  Despite foolishly sitting in the front row, I was bypassed.  Not so the blonde, busty lady sitting near by.  She had to help him with his story, which she amply did.

I managed to squeeze one more set in afterwards where I saw the AAA Stand-Up late.  This was three stand up comics Erich McElroy, Ryan McDonnell and Steve Allen.   Not quite so good, and the American Erich McElroy was not at all funny.

I want to announce my Edinburgh Gallery.

I am back in town

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Yes I am back in Edinburgh for a short stay, and the weather has welcomed me with a vengeance.  It has rained pretty well all day.  The festival is in full swing, but tonight I have taken it easy, eaten at a dry restaurant.  That makes me feel very good.  Won’t last though, I am sure I will partake on Tuesday.

The meal I had was at the Kurdish restaurant, Hanams.  Ate a starter of Baba Ghanoush, and Chicken Biryani for the main.  Both very good.

I want to announce my Edinburgh Gallery.