5 Hidden Gems in Edinburgh

Description:

St. Bernard's Well, located in the Stockbridge neighborhood of Edinburgh (just 15 minutes outside of the city centre), is a round Roman-style temple whose legendary and "miraculous" mineral waters are purported to have cured various ailments including arthritis, back aches and blindness.

Its history (courtesy of FortuneCity): Legend has it that it was originally discovered by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, the founder of the Cistercian Order, in the 12th Century. After being poorly received at court, and suffering from a sickness, he went to live in a cave near the Water of Leith. There, he was attracted to the spring by the birds which visited it and he drank its healing waters until his strength returned. Tradition says that it was rediscovered in 1760 by three Heriot's school boys who were fishing nearby. Chemical analysis would later reveal that the water was similar to the sulphur springs at Harrogate in Yorkshire. The mineral well soon became a popular resort for those afflicted by the fad for 'taking the waters'. By 1764, the well was so great an attraction that accommodation in the Stockbridge area was at a premium during the summer season. In August 1788, the well was bought... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

A perfect restaurant for those in a particularly romantic mood.

Description:

Ye Old Famous Peacock Inn is a classy and quaint restaurant in Newhaven (a harbour and fishing village on the Firth of Forth within the city of Edinburgh, between Leith and Granton. It has about only 5000 inhabitants). Fittingly so, since many locals visit the Peacock Inn to taste some of the best fish and chips in the city. Come with your girl friends and enjoy an early evening fish tea party next to the inn's cozy fireplace. This restaurant is certainly a hidden gem in Edinburgh - not many tourists even know of its existence!

Visit the website to see what else is on the menu.

History of restaurant, courtesy of Old Peacock Inn:

Thomas Peacock was a vintner of Newhaven who petitioned the Edinburgh Town Council in 1767 to grant him a few of the links and the houses on them. His petition was successful and the peacock quickly proved to be a most popular resort and an asset to the village.

Many famous people patronized the peacock. Charles Reade while studying the life of the fisher-folk for his novel "Christie Johnstone" stayed here and was long remembered by a pane of glass in one of the windows, inscribed not only with his name but bearing also the autograph of sir Henry... read more

Description:

Montpelier Bar and Brasserie in Bruntsfield is a stylish and dynamic restaurant and bar. The restaurant recently revamped its image adding - in their own words - "a cluster of gigantic Chesterfield sofas, some luxurious tub velvet chairs (you might want to cancel any afternoon appointments prior to taking a pew in one of these fellows) and chic floral designs on the walls."

Offering a range of foods from cheese boards to monkfish, the day and evening menus are delicious and for the most reasonably priced. It is a local favorite and usually crowded during most week nights, particularly on Sundays. Some patrons have complained that the music is too loud, the service too slow and the diners too pretentious. Judge for yourself!

Our Local Expert Says:

A must for those enthralled by vintage wines, whiskeys, brandies and more!

Description:

Courtesy of BestPubs.co.uk:

"It's hard to know how to describe the interior of this pub! From the outside it looks just as any other pub but, once inside, the amount of 'things' adorning the ceiling and walls is amazing. There is no theme here though there are quite a few clocks around. Hanging from the ceiling there are ships, chinese umbrellas, tools, oars and all kinds of bits and bobs that look like they have been collected over many years. Maybe it is because of the clutter that the place looks so comfortable and homely. There are many rooms along the passage way leading to the main bar with a large room to one side for eating. The bar itself has hundreds of different whiskies lined up behind it and sat on one side is a large iced champagne bucket with drink already chilled costing £4.95 a glass. Vintage wines are available as are a good selection of Brandies, Rums etc. Good quality cigars are displayed on the bar. It is a nice touch when drinks are handed over the bar on a wooden tray along with a small dish of nibbles! The menu is based on Scandinavian Smorrebrod and reads well and there is a huge choice. Outside is a good sized beer garden. This is one place to revisit a few... read more

Description:

Sometimes you just want to watch a movie no matter where you are. Why not watch one at the luxurious Dominion? This family-run cinema has a very cozy feel, entirely in keeping with the status of its owners. Enter the evocative 1930s art deco interior and choose between the four screens. Movies tend towards family flicks, but you will find the odd "18 or over" cropping up on the programme. Light bites and refreshments are on sale in the cafe until the end of the show.

Although slightly more expensive than the standard chain-movie theater, the Dominion offers comfy chairs, leather double sofas and electric recliners in screen halls 1 and 2.