Visit as part of the ultimate three-day festive trip to Edinburgh -
As temperatures drop and the nights draw in, thoughts are turning to festive celebrations and getaways. Edinburgh has everything to offer for the perfect winter break, renowned for its Christmas and Hogmanay celebrations, and for those venturing to Scotland’s capital this festive season, there’s no better place to start than Johnnie Walker Princes Street.
Situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s West End – close to the city’s key attractions and shops – Johnnie Walker Princes Street is a state-of-the-art destination set over eight floors, offering something for everyone: from whisky aficionados to those sampling their very first dram:
Tours & experiences: Enjoy the immersive 90-minute Journey of Flavour tour (£28), where personal flavour preferences are mapped with drinks tailored to each individual’s palate. Or consider some of the wider whisky experiences such as the Whisky Maker’s Cellar or the Johnnie Walker History Adventure.
Food & drink: Visit the 1820 bar, offering everything from crafted cocktails with a festive twist to your favourite dram matched with locally-sourced dishes – best enjoyed with epic views of Edinburgh Castle and the city’s busiest street. Or, explore over 150 special bottles and one of a kind cask editions in the Explorers’ Bothy Bar – perfect for those looking to expand their palette and try new flavours.
Christmas shopping: As the largest Johnnie Walker retail store in the world, Johnnie Walker Princes Street stocks an unrivalled collection of both blended and single malt whiskies to suit all taste and budgets, as well as all the glassware and kit required to create the perfect serve at home. The ultimate destination to shop for dram lovers, the selection varies from personalised engraved bottles, to gift sets and exclusive blends.
New Year: Those visiting for Hogmanay can also book in to celebrate the New Year in style featuring a DJ set from Turn the Tables, a celebratory gourmet spread and of course, festive cocktails, highballs and drams. For an extra special touch, the menu includes cocktail ‘wines’ inspired by grape varieties that are favourites amongst the 1820 bar staff.
For the ultimate three-day festive itinerary, consider the following highlights in and around Edinburgh:
Day One
· Kick off with a wintry stroll around town, taking in the festive illuminations on George Street
· Visit Johnnie Walker Princes Street in the afternoon for the Journey of Flavour tour, followed by a Johnnie Walker highball at the 1820 bar
· Enjoy dinner in Edinburgh’s Old Town, followed by a dram in one of the infamous Grassmarket pubs
Day Two
· Venture out of the capital and visit Glenkinchie Distillery, the Lowland Home of Johnnie Walker. The short trip out of Edinburgh is worth it. to enjoy a tour of the beautifully reimagined Victorian warehouse and a tasting of its floral Lowland malt. This year, Glenkinchie will also be offering festive wreath-making classes for a souvenir to take home.
· When night falls, soak up a winter-wonderland at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Discover a mile-long outdoor twilight trail, complete with sparkling tunnels of light, immersive installations and larger-than-life illuminations
· Dine at Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s Explorers’ Bothy Bar, where small plates such as beef tartare and salt baked celeriac are served up alongside cheese and charcuterie platters. Explore the world of Scotch whisky via the impressive and extensive cocktail menu
Day Three
· Indulge in festive retail therapy with a walk along the boutiques of George Street and Multrees Walk, before exploring the Johnnie Walker pop-up bar serving whisky, hot toddies and more (November 14th- December 24th) down at St James Quarter shopping mall.
· Wrap up your trip in the heart of Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations, at the renowned Princes Street Gardens Christmas market, featuring the Forth One Big Wheel and a range of market stalls with trinkets, warming bites and mulled wine
Barbara Smith, Managing Director of Scotland Brand Homes at Diageo, says, “Christmas and Hogmanay are special times of year in Edinburgh, and we have a unique offering at Johnnie Walker Princes Street. With unrivalled views of the festivities, a bespoke winter drinks menu and a host of experiences and Christmas shopping options, there’s no better spot to kick off a festive getaway.”
To book your Johnnie Walker experience, and for more information, visit www.johnniewalkerprincesstreet.com
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