CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Tim Spector: The Science of Good Mood Food

Join Tim Spector and Intelligence Squared at Assembly Rooms on Thursday 22nd October for a live show that will reveal the science of the connection between gut health and human well-being!

Tim Spector: The Science of Good Mood Food

About Tim Spector: The Science of Good Mood Food

22nd October 2026
7pm
Assembly Rooms
54 George Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 2LR
£49.99 / £34.99 / £19.99
Visit the event website here

For centuries society has failed to appreciate the intimate connection between the food we eat and the overall quality of our lives. Even in modern times companies and governments have oversimplified dietary advice with messages that tell us how calorie counting and low-fat diets can improve our health. Meanwhile obesity and diabetes rates continue to rise.

That’s the argument of Tim Spector – scientific co-founder of Zoe, Professor of Epidemiology at Kings College London and among the top 100 most cited scientists in the world. According to Spector, how our body digests the food we eat dramatically depends on the makeup of our gut bacteria.

On October 22, he joins Intelligence Squared at Assembly Rooms for a live show that will reveal the science of the connection between gut health and human well-being. Spector will explain how the gut and the brain are connected, how the trillions of microbes in our intestine operate and why a balanced microbiome promotes heart, brain, and metabolic health, while imbalances can lead to to weight gain, high blood sugar, diabetes, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.

Sponsored Links

Napier Uni
Children's Classic Concerts
Arc Inspirations
Escape The Past
The Chocolatarium
King Pins
Cancer Research UK

Other Events at Assembly Rooms

Motown by Candlelight

18th April 2026

Put of your dancing shoes, grab your Baby Love and get ready to experience the Rhythm Of The Night, at the ultimate Motown celebration at the Assembly Rooms in April!

READ MORE

Lucy Darling: Simply Darling

20th April 2026

Award-winning performer Carisa Hendrix stars as charming socialite and cocktail enthusiast Lucy Darling when she brings 'Simply Darling' to Edinburgh's Assembly Rooms on Monday 20th April!

READ MORE

James B Partridge - Primary School Bangers

21st April 2026

Viral sensation and Britain’s favourite teacher James B Partridge is bringing his hit live show Primary School Bangers to the Assembly Rooms Edinburgh as part of his biggest ever UK tour.

READ MORE

Edinburgh Careers Fair

23rd April 2026

Meet local and national employers face-to-face, and apply directly for hundreds of vacancies at the Edinburgh Careers Fair at the Assembly Rooms on Thursday 23rd April.

READ MORE

Portraiture from the Fleming Collection

23rd April 2026

Director of the Fleming Collection, Theodore Albano, brings us on an exploration of four centuries of Scottish Portraiture in this talk at the Assembly Rooms.

READ MORE

80s, 90s & 00s Silent Disco

24th April 2026

After selling out the first two shows in Edinburgh Assembly Rooms, the spectacular 80s, 90s & 00s Silent Disco returns on Friday 24th April!

READ MORE

Greg James: All the Best for the Future

25th April 2026

Join Greg James for a hilarious evening in celebration of his new book, All the Best for the Future, at the Assembly Rooms on Saturday 25th April!

READ MORE

The Music Of Taylor Swift By Candlelight

1st May 2026

It's time for a total sing-along spectacular! The Music of Taylor Swift by Candlelight comes to the Assembly Rooms Edinburgh on Friday the 1st May!

READ MORE

John Kay’s Edinburgh Street Characters and Visitors to the City

1st May 2026

Eric Melvin, an established and respected local historian, gives the talk on artist and engraver John Kay (1742 – 1826).

READ MORE

The Music of Adele by Candlelight

2nd May 2026

Featuring hit after hit, The Music of Adele by Candlelight comes to the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh on Saturday 2nd May!

READ MORE

Edinburgh’s Craft & Flea Market

3rd May 2026

Don't miss Edinburgh's Craft & Flea Market, a collection of independent makers, collectors, designers and creatives all under one roof at the Assembly Rooms on Sunday 3rd May!

READ MORE

In the Air Tonight

8th May 2026

Relive the magic of Phil Collins' greatest moments, from his Genesis roots to his incredible solo career, with the ultimate live tribute at Assembly Rooms on Friday 8th May!

READ MORE

Edinburgh Uncorked Wine Festival

9th May 2026

Join Wine Events Scotland at the Assembly Rooms on 9th May for Edinburgh’s only independent spring wine festival – Edinburgh Uncorked – a celebration of wines from all over the world!

READ MORE

Keith Brymer Jones and Marj Hogarth

15th May 2026

Fresh from filming the third series of Channel 4's Our Welsh Chapel Dream, Keith Brymer Jones and Marj Hogarth invite you behind the scenes of their creative partnership in this new show!

READ MORE

An Evening With Douglas Stuart

16th May 2026

The Portobello Bookshop team are absolutely thrilled to announce that they will be hosting the launch of Douglas Stuart's new novel, John of John, at Assembly Rooms on Saturday 16th May!

READ MORE

The Mersey Beatles

17th May 2026

The Mersey Beatles – the world’s favourite Liverpool-born tribute to the Fab Four - return to the Assembly Rooms on Sunday 17th May!

READ MORE

Afrikaans is Lekker

19th May 2026

Join Assembly Rooms for the first celebration of Afrikaans is Lekker in Edinburgh. Come visit Steve, Liezel Pieters and Snotkop at the Assembly Rooms on 19th May. It's going to be a party!

READ MORE

Tinariwen

21st May 2026

Exchanging Kalashnikovs for guitars after participating in the 1990 Tuareg rebellion, Tinariwian really are rock ’n’ roll rebels. Catch them at The Assembly Rooms on Thursday 21st May!

READ MORE

Betwixt the Sheets LIVE with Dr Kate Lister

23rd May 2026

Join historian Dr Kate Lister for a riotously entertaining and equally enlightening evening as she brings her award-winning podcast Betwixt the Sheets LIVE to the Assembly Rooms stage!

READ MORE

Céline Dion By Candlelight

29th May 2026

Céline Dion by Candlelight comes to the Assembly Rooms on Friday 29th May, jam packed with your favourite hits and guaranteed to Love You Back To Life!

READ MORE

The Music Of Ed Sheeran By Candlelight

30th May 2026

The Music Of Ed Sheeran By Candlelight is finally here and it's guaranteed to be the PERFECT night out at The Assembly Rooms Edinburgh!

READ MORE

Scotland 2050 Conference

2nd June 2026

Where do we want Scotland to be by 2050? Join leaders in politics, business, and civic society for Scotland 2050 – the nation's premier inclusive platform for shaping the future!

READ MORE

Capella Edina: Spring

3rd June 2026

Explore the pastoral sounds of Spring with Capella Edina and the esteemed oboist Ralf Ebner at the Assembly Rooms Edinburgh on Wednesday 3rd June!

READ MORE

The Elvis Revolution 2026

6th June 2026

Join 3 of the world’s leading Elvis Tribute Artists, Louis Brown, Ciaran Houlihan and Dylan Taylor as they take you on a magical journey back in time to when Elvis Presley ruled the musical industry

READ MORE

Too Much Too Young

13th June 2026

Too Much Too Young is a powerhouse nine-piece band dedicated to celebrating the music and legacy of the 2 Tone movement. Catch them live at the Assembly Rooms on 13th June!

READ MORE

The Makings of a Murderer ‐ The Undercover Detective

20th June 2026

Prepare for an unforgettable evening of true crime at The Adam Smith Theatre as Peter Bleksley reveals the harrowing reality behind solving murders and battling the criminal underworld.

READ MORE

Enchanted - The Ultimate Princess Concert

21st June 2026

Enchanted - The Ultimate Princess Concert is a heart-warming and magical musical experience that brings the beloved songs of fairy tales to life in a truly enchanting candlelit setting.

READ MORE

Lenny Henry: Still At Large

22nd June 2026

Expect big laughs, heart and a celebration of the many versions of Lenny Henry when he comes to The Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh on Monday 22nd June with his new show, Still At Large!

READ MORE

Battle of the Boybands - Silent Disco

27th June 2026

Silently loud and completely unforgettable! Battle of the Boybands-Silent Disco come to the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh on Saturday 27th of June for a night you'll never forget.

READ MORE

The Music of Bruce Springsteen by Candlelight

3rd July 2026

Get ready to experience The Boss's greatest hits at Edinburgh's Assembly Rooms on 3rd July, where a powerhouse live band brings the magic of Springsteen to life for a brilliant candlelit night!

READ MORE

The Music Of Westlife By Candlelight

4th July 2026

Get ready to relive boyband magic as a world-class cast performs Westlife's greatest hits by candlelight... an unmissable, singalong night of bliss that'll have you flying without wings!

READ MORE

The Carole King and James Taylor Songbook

5th July 2026

Experience the timeless hits of Carole King and James Taylor brought to life by a multi award-winning ensemble at the Assembly Rooms Edinburgh on Sunday 5th July!

READ MORE

William Dalrymple - The Relentless Rise of the East India Company

7th July 2026

Do not miss the remarkable story of India and empire as it has never been told before, when William Dalrymple comes to the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh on Tuesday 7th July!

READ MORE

December 10

10th July 2026

Britain's brand-new boyband December 10 have announced their December 10: The Next Step tour will kick off in Edinburgh on Friday 10th July at the Assembly Rooms!

READ MORE

The Music of James Bond

11th July 2026

Step into the thrilling world of 007 for an unforgettable evening that's guaranteed to leave you both shaken and stirred as The Great British Film Orchestra presents The Music of James Bond!

READ MORE

Dear Evan Hansen

6th August 2026 - 17th August 2026

A Fringe premiere! Dear Evan Hansen at the Assembly Rooms, is a deeply moving, contemporary musical about anxiety, connection and the search for belonging.

READ MORE

Mythos: Ragnarök

6th August 2026 - 29th August 2026

Back for its fifth consecutive year at the Fringe, join Loki, Thor and the Norse Gods in this five-star groundbreaking blend of mythological storytelling and high-octane wrestling!

READ MORE

By A Thread

6th August 2026 - 30th August 2026

Australian circus at its best, By a Thread is an exploration of trust and risk six meters above the ground, don't miss it when it returns to the Edinburgh Fringe for 2026!

READ MORE

A Play On Words

6th August 2026 - 30th August 2026

Don't miss this uproarious backyard comedy where two not-so-average average Americans spar in a relentlessly fanatical pursuit of what is said, what is intended, and what is!

READ MORE

The Problem

6th August 2026 - 30th August 2026

Twilight Theatre Company return to the Edinburgh Fringe after their sold-out shows in 2024 with The Problem, a rapid-paced, last-chance comedy by Fringe First winner Brian Parks!

READ MORE

In Pour Taste: A Comedy Wine Tasting Experience

6th August 2026 - 30th August 2026

Returning after two sellout Edinburgh Fringe seasons, comedians Sweeney Preston and Ethan Cavanagh and a guest wine expert guide you through five wine tastings and at least five jokes!

READ MORE

1 Astonishment 2 Many: Chris Dugdale

6th August 2026 - 30th August 2026

Chris Dugdale, the only act ever to win the Edfest Bouquet five times, returns to the Fringe with 1 Astonishment 2 Many... a dynamic blend of mentalism and magic!

READ MORE

Come From Away

19th August 2026 - 30th August 2026

With soaring music and a deeply moving story, Come From Away tells of the spirited locals of Gander and the stranded passengers who unexpectedly came together in the wake of September 11th.

READ MORE

In The Name of Love: The Diana Ross Story

6th September 2026

Prepare to be taken on a spellbinding journey visiting one of the greatest musical stories ever told when The Diana Ross Story returns to the Assembly Rooms in September!

READ MORE

Tom Gilbey: Absolute Filth

11th September 2026

Tom Gilbey is hitting the road, bringing his trademark energy, humour, producer Fred and some questionable bottles of plonk to theatres across the country including Edinburgh's Assembly Rooms!

READ MORE

Suzannah Lipscomb & Kate Williams: To Kill A Queen

12th September 2026

Join acclaimed historians Suzannah Lipscomb and Kate Williams at Assembly Rooms on Saturday 12th September for this unmissable live event exploring Mary, Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I!

READ MORE

Drag Me to the Musicals

13th September 2026

Don't miss a night celebrating the world's biggest musical hits when Drag Me to the Musicals comes to the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh on Sunday 13th September!

READ MORE

Whitney Houston By Candlelight

18th September 2026

Get ready to experience the best of Whitney Houston at this epic live concert, starring Kieshia Chun and her Million Dollar Band, in the beautiful Assembly Rooms!

READ MORE

Enter THE CASTLE with Jon Ronson - Mystery, Crime & Unmoored Men

19th September 2026

In this brand-new live show Jon Ronson, bestselling author of The Psychopath Test, brings us on a perilous journey with his new book!

READ MORE

Love Hurts - Rock Anthems & Power Ballads

20th September 2026

Experience a thunderous night of legendary rock anthems and power ballads as the spectacular Love Hurts show comes to the Assembly Rooms with the heartbreak soundtrack of a generation!

READ MORE

The Beast UK: Iron Maiden Tribute

25th September 2026

The Beast UK have taken the Iron Maiden Tribute scene by storm, don't miss the chance to see them live at the Assembly Rooms on Friday 25th September!

READ MORE

Copacabana Magic – The Barry Manilow Tribute Show

26th September 2026

Copacabana Magic, the World's premier show chronicling the story of one of the greatest showmen of all time, the legendary Barry Manilow comes to the Assembly Rooms on Saturday 26th September!

READ MORE

Jay Rayner: Nights Out in the Kitchen

27th September 2026

Join wit, raconteur, and occasional pastry-wrangler Jay Rayner, for a couple of hours of intense foodie insight, fabulous dinner ideas and the occasional dodgy one too.

READ MORE

Thomas Green: Brainstorm

4th October 2026

Comedian Thomas Green is taking new show Brainstorm across the UK in 2025 & 2026 which will see him perform at the Assembly Rooms on Sunday 4th October!

READ MORE

Jeremy Bowen: Truth Under Fire

9th October 2026

Join BBC's International Editor, Jeremy Bowen at the Assembly Rooms on 9th October. It's an essential evening for anyone who wants to understand the world as it is, not as we wish it to be.

READ MORE

John Barrowman: My Life In Musicals

10th October 2026

John Barrowman is back with his brand new show - My Life In Musicals, a glittering evening celebrating the greatest West End and Broadway musicals, don't miss him at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh!

READ MORE

Northern Live - Do I Love You

17th October 2026

Northern Live - Do I Love You is a fantastic Northern Soul show featuring an 11-piece live band... don't miss it when it comes to the Assembly Rooms on Saturday 17th October!

READ MORE

My Royal Life: An Audience with Lucy Worsley

23rd October 2026

Prepare to be entertained, enlightened, and thoroughly charmed as Lucy Worsley reveals the secrets, stories, and splendours of Britain’s royal past.

READ MORE

The Music Of Coldplay By Candlelight

24th October 2026

Calling all Coldplay fans... you've been waiting for 'Something Just Like This'! The Music Of Coldplay By Candlelight returns to the Assembly Rooms on Saturday 24th October!

READ MORE

Dire Streets

25th October 2026

Dire Streets will bring to life the classic songs of one of the world's greatest guitar bands when they come to the Assembly Rooms on Sunday 25th October!

READ MORE

Uncovering Ancient Egypt with Bettany Hughes

8th November 2026

Step into the golden sands of Ancient Egypt with award-winning historian Bettany Hughes as she brings the land of the pharaohs vividly to life at the Assembly Rooms!

READ MORE

An Evening with Ruby Wax

20th November 2026

Join Ruby Wax live on stage at the Assembly Rooms on Friday 20th November where she will be sharing the moments that shaped her extraordinary life – with humour, heart, and her unmistakable edge!

READ MORE

Legends Of The 60’s Show

22nd November 2026

Join a multi award-winning all-star cast of musicians and singers for the musical masterpiece that is the Legends of the 60's Show when it comes to the Assembly Rooms on Sunday 22nd November!

READ MORE

Gary Delaney: Gary On Laughing

28th November 2026

Gary Delaney is back with his brand new show, Gary On Laughing, don't miss him live at the Assembly Rooms Edinburgh on Saturday 28th November!

READ MORE

Step Into Christmas

16th December 2026

This Christmas concert feel good show at Assembly Rooms on Wednesday 16th December, brings all the magic of the season to life, with all you favourite songs, you will know and love!

READ MORE

Scott Bennett - Stuff

14th March 2027

Award-winning Comedian and Award-winning Product Designer, Scott Bennett is desperately trying to cleanse his life of stuff, but is this even possible anymore?

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Open Pass Scotland
Fayre Play
Edinburgh Tartan Parade
Wonder & Co
Renfrewshire Council
Kids Pass
Rabbies Tours

Similar events you might like...

Find Out Fridays

Find Out Fridays

Selected dates between 15th August 2025 - 26th June 2026

Explore a different theme each week on Friday afternoons, during school term-time, with our Learning team at the National Museum of Scotland.

READ MORE
Guided Looking: An Artwork Audio Described

Guided Looking: An Artwork Audio Described

Selected dates between 29th January 2026 - 30th April 2026

Join Fiona Johnston, audio describer, as she describes various artwork and objects from the Royal Collection at the Palace of Holyroodhouse!

READ MORE
Information Lecture: Help and Healing on the Spiritual Path through the teaching of Bruno Groening

Information Lecture: Help and Healing on the Spiritual Path through the teaching of Bruno Groening

Selected dates between 22nd February 2026 - 13th December 2026

A lecture about spiritual healing and help through the teaching of Bruno Groening is taking place at The Open Door Community Centre, Edinburgh on various dates throughout the year.

READ MORE
Tribe Talks

Tribe Talks

Selected dates between 26th February 2026 - 14th May 2026

Tribe Talks bring together bright minds and engaging topics to spark inspiration, encourage meaningful conversations, and help the community learn, grow, and do better together!

READ MORE
Palace Page Turners

Palace Page Turners

Selected dates between 7th March 2026 - 5th December 2026

Many authors have been inspired to pick up their pen to write about the Palace of Holyroodhouse... the Palace Page Turners sessions explore these literary works followed by a hearty discussion!

READ MORE
National Museum of Flight Expert Talks

National Museum of Flight Expert Talks

Selected dates between 17th April 2026 - 16th October 2026

From April to October, learn more about the collections and the history of East Fortune Airfield with the National Museum of Flight's series of free expert talks!

READ MORE
Doing Science on the Roof of the World

Doing Science on the Roof of the World

18th April 2026

Join an international team from the Research Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology in Nepal and the University of Edinburgh to explore the urgent issue of Antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

READ MORE
Refashioning Bill Gibb

Refashioning Bill Gibb

18th April 2026

Join Dr Shane Strachan and Christine Rew at Dovecot Studios for a special talk and book launch celebrating the life and legacy of pioneering British fashion designer Bill Gibb!

READ MORE
SCGA: Scotland and the State of World Trade

SCGA: Scotland and the State of World Trade

20th April 2026

Join two expert panels at Edinburgh Futures Institute to discuss the latest developments in the international trade system and what they mean for Scotland and the UK.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Napier Uni
Children's Classic Concerts
Arc Inspirations
Escape The Past
The Chocolatarium
King Pins
Cancer Research UK
Open Pass Scotland
Fayre Play
Edinburgh Tartan Parade
Wonder & Co
Renfrewshire Council
Kids Pass
Rabbies Tours

Popular Events

Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes
An intoxicating drama where life imitates art with fateful consequences, Matthew Bourne's The Red Shoes will dazzle your senses and break your heart when it comes to the Festival Theatre Edinburgh!
One Day: The Musical
The Royal Lyceum Edinburgh and Melting Pot present the World Premiere of One Day The Musical, a celebration of love, fate, and the moments that define us forever.
An Evening With Louis Theroux
Louis Theroux comes to Edinburgh for a rare live appearance at the Festival Theatre, offering audiences the chance to step inside the mind of one of Britain's most distinctive documentary makers!
Silver Stacking Ring Workshop
This beginner-friendly Silver Stacking Ring Workshop from Silverbean Jewellery at Portobello Town Hall is perfect whether you're new to jewellery making or just looking for a fun afternoon!
Edinburgh Tartan Parade
Returning for its second year on Saturday 9th May, the Edinburgh Tartan Parade is fast becoming a major cultural highlight in the capital and is a joyful celebration of Scotland's living heritage!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall