Blog
Blog
Five Minutes with Pom Amsterdam
Meet Violet and Liesbeth Lotgering, the founders of one of our favourite womenswear collections POM Amsterdam – a big hit in The Store at Restoration Yard. The Dutch fashion duo talk inspiration, prints and wardrobe must-haves for autumn.
Who or what was the inspiration behind the birth of POM Amsterdam?
Violet: Our grandfather was the founder of the
well-known Dutch Talens paint factories. Creativity and entrepreneurship
therefore, run through our veins. Our grandparents always used to paint at
home. That was passed on to our father and later to me.”
Liesbeth: As a young girl, I used to make clothing from
old drapes on the sewing machine. I would use those clothes to dress up.
Can you describe process from conception to that first collection?
Violet: We always start by following the
trends, from which we pick the elements that are close to our brand and style.
From this we create a colour pallet, choose different materials and come up
with a concept and theme. From here I start painting and creating the prints.
Liesbeth: Our FW1920 collection for
instance was inspired by beautiful 17th and 18th century
illustrations that we found in old books, hidden away in a library of a castle.
Violet used these illustrations to create ‘Garden of Eden-like’ prints of owls,
giraffes, exotic plants and fruits. The ‘Secret Treasures & Hidden Gems’
collection was born.”
How would you describe the handwriting of the brand? Violet: Colourful, feminine and elegant, unexpected details, authentic, eclectic, brings a smile, high quality materials, hand-painted prints.
And Autumn/Winter 2019 – give us three words that encapsulate it?
Violet: Toile-de-Jouy, colourful, feminine
What are your favourite picks from this season’s collection for both of
you – and are they different standout items from each other?
Liesbeth: I love wearing the Hidden Gems Blue dress. The dress is
made of Cupro, which gives it a silky look. When I wear it, I instantly feel
dressed up. I can wear it to a party, however with cool sneakers I wear it
throughout the day.”
Violet: I feel really comfortable in
the Phantasy Festival Blue top and trousers. The outfit is tough and feminine
at the same time. As the top and trousers have the same print, It looks like a
jumpsuit together.
You describe each other as very different. Do different aspects of your
personalities come across in each collection?
Violet: Liesbeth and I work in synergy to
create the right POM-feeling in each collection. Liesbeth looks at the
collection from a commercial point of view and I look at it creatively. Both
our personalities and views come together in each collection.”
What key pieces need to be in every woman’s wardrobe this season?
Liesbeth: The POM
shawl: We have a wide range of beautiful shawls in various materials, such as
cupro, modal, wool or silk. And all shawls have a different print, designed
in-house. The rich colours and contrasting elements bring a smile to people’s
faces.
Violet: The POM
dress: All our designs are created to make women feel beautiful and special –
through elegant styles and feminine cuts and by using fun, unexpected details
such as refined buttons and colourful fringes. A POM dress can be worn for any
occasion – style-up for an elegant party or style-down for a casual day.
Say hello to POM Amsterdam’s Autumn/Winter Collection
Meet Thea, Our Wedding & Events Coordinator
Thinking of a wedding at Restoration Yard in Dalkeith Country Park? Set in wonderfully re-imagined 18th Century stables just a few miles from Edinburgh in Midlothian, Restoration Yard really is the perfect setting for your dream wedding. It’s a unique place to have some fun and let your imaginations run wild!
We know choosing a venue and planning your big day can be a little overwhelming, so we aim to make your experience as relaxed and easy as possible. Enter Thea Nichols, our friendly Wedding & Events Coordinator here to make your special dream wedding at Restoration Yard a reality…
Thea helping one of her brides on the day
THEA’S BACKGROUND
“I started off in hospitality eight years ago in a restaurant in the West End of Edinburgh and I found myself drawn to special occasions and organising events. I decided that this was where my obsessive spreadsheet making, colour coding and love of to do lists would best be served so my next move was to a hotel in East Lothian as Wedding and Events Coordinator. Fast Forward a few years, and a few different venues I now find myself in the best possible place for all things weddings and special events, Restoration Yard. The relaxed and truly personalised approach, makes this such a lovely place to work as I can remember each wedding I have done here because each one is just as memorable as the people that choose to get married here.”
What are your top 10 tips for couples?
1. Personalise it
Think of ways to bring both your personalities into the day. Guests really appreciate those personal touches that bring that unique to you element to the whole day. Keepsakes they can take away or ways in which they can add their own experience of your day – a book or a frame with a beautiful pen where they can note down their wishes for you both is always a hit.
2. Embrace the madness
No matter how much planning has gone into the day, there will always be a few small things that don’t go to plan on the day, but that is okay! No panic. Wedding coordinators are designed to flex and adapt. Often those glitches turn it treasured memories of a fun-filled day full of love.
3. All you need is love
The main goal on your wedding day is to marry your best friend – don’t lose sight of that! Nothing else really matters. So don’t sweat the small stuff and allow yourself to enjoy the whole experience from the day of your engagement right the way through your big day.
4. Go with your gut
Everyone will have an opinion on what you should have on your day, but be true to yourselves. Try to shut out all the noise of other peoples’ thoughts on how your big day should be.
5. Listen to the experts
Listen and work with your vendors and venue, they do countless weddings a year so will probably have some good advice. From the bridal boutique to the hairdressers and florists, these guys are a wealth of knowledge. Don’t discount their thoughts on even the littlest of details. Soak it up.
6. It’s all about you
Think about what you both want for the day FIRST, and then think about things from your guests’ perspective. What did you enjoy at other weddings and events. Can you bring a little of that experience to your day.
7. Be as wacky as you like
Don’t be shy if your plans aren’t the ‘norm’ – your suppliers and vendors will be happy to make your day personal to you. The more unusual the better! That’s what memories are made of.
8. See the bigger picture
Remember that marriage is not just one day, it is all the days that follow too so don’t stress yourselves out for the sake of one perfect day.
9. Bring everyone together
Plan activities for your guests to do – standing around and chatting is great ‘n’ all but giving both sides of the family some common ground is always a plus.
10. And most of all…
. . . Have fun planning!
. . . and any advice on what not to do?
The biggest mistake I’ve encountered being a wedding coordinator is time management, because there is so much to fit into one day.
I think people forget that time is still limited just like any other day. I would always recommend working in buffer points through the course of the day so, for example, if your photos take a bit longer, it isn’t a problem.
This being said, don’t forget to make sure you also take time to just be with each other. I always make sure that my couples have time to themselves whether this be five minutes whilst we’re getting all the guests seated or a walk together after the meal – these are the moments you will remember from your wedding day – being alone together and saying ‘Hey, we’re Married!’
Final words of wedding advice?
Do what makes you both happy!
Planning a wedding? We’d love to hear from you!
Whether you’re looking for a fairytale outdoor wedding ceremony in our historic Orangerie or at the local St Mary’s Church; A reception on the lawn, in The Kitchen or even a marquee in the grounds. There are so many options for a wedding at Restoration Yard and we’re here to help you plan your perfect day every step of the way. Download our wedding brochure HERE or email thea@restorationyard.com.
Photo credits to Craig Hayes, Ciara Menzies, Tamar Hope, Tony Marsh and Helen Pugh
Your Wedding in Your Words: Louise & Mark
WOW! We were blown away when we received the photos from Louise and Mark’s stunning wedding here at Restoration Yard in June.
It was such a joy to be part of this beautiful couple’s special day. Their wedding was filled with laughter and fun, and their personalities shone through in every little detail from the laid back styling to the funky saxophonist in the evening!
We caught up with our happy couple post-wedding to debrief and relive all our favourite moments. Here’s what they had to say… (scroll down for the full photo album!).
How did you meet?
We did the very “millennial” thing and met on Tinder. Perhaps a bit of a cliché but Mark moved to Edinburgh from Belfast 6 months before and didn’t know a soul. Louise on the other hand knew most of Edinburgh and still hadn’t managed to meet prince charming. It was an instant connection and after our first date we never looked back. We ate tapas and drank some wine and it has sort of stayed like that ever since.
When and where did you get engaged?
Our engagement was perfect and very “us” – neither of us are in to huge romantic gestures, so instead we always try to find love in the little things. Louise loves three things (aside from Mark): Our dog ‘Poppy’, the sun and walking on the beach. Mark proposed at 7am on our usual dog walk on our favourite beach (Belhaven Beach in Dunbar) on the sunniest morning I had ever seen. It was such a happy moment and completely took me by surprise.
How did you go about choosing a venue for your big day?
We knew we wanted a summer wedding and we didn’t want to wait very long so we quickly decided on summer 2019 and it felt right to do it a year to the date we got engaged. Neither of us are particularly formal and we love everything about the outdoors so we knew we wanted a venue that was going to be flexible and was a little bit different.
When did you first view Restoration Yard?
To be honest, we knew that the Restoration Yard was our perfect venue before we had even started looking. We live in Dalkeith and have a border terrier so we spend pretty much all our time at Restoration Yard and exploring the country park. We knew they did weddings so we made an appointment at the beginning of July and crossed everything that it would be perfect.
What did you think when you first saw it?
We were probably biased as we had already spent so much time there but looking at it through wedding planning eyes it was even more magical. The different spaces and the grounds are just incredible. However I think what I loved most was just the sense of calm I felt and still feel every time I go there, it is the most stunning, peaceful place.
What made you choose Restoration Yard?
We felt so lucky to be able to have our wedding in a venue that has such a big personal meaning for us both. Over the last three years we have had so many happy times together here and to be able to celebrate our big day with everyone close to us here was a dream come true.
Not only is it absolutely stunning, it allowed us to have the relaxed wedding we wanted but do it with such class. I wanted a wedding that represented Mark and I and Restoration Yard allowed us to create that instead of telling us what we could do and what people had done before.
Take us through your wedding planning process with the team here at Restoration Yard…
Initially we worked with Stephen who was brilliant at letting us come up with ideas and accommodating our ever-growing guest list. We met with Stephen several times to confirm the initial details and he was brilliant.
After the new year, we were introduced to Thea who to be honest has become such a good friend as well as being absolutely amazing at wedding planning. We were in touch with Thea weekly to run ideas by her, confirm suppliers, get advice and in the later stages do our food tasting and also drop daily packages of décor with her. Thea helped us with every aspect from the food to the music and without her we can truly say our wedding wouldn’t have been the same.
Tell us all about your wedding day…
We had 120 guests all day which included 10 kids! We wanted a traditional ceremony so got married in St Marys Church which is situated at the entrance to the country park. It was a modern take on a church wedding and it was wonderful.
Mark and I love to party so we had a saxophonist playing in The Orangerie for our reception. It was such an amazing sight to see our family and friends drinking and dancing in the most incredible setting with epic music. Our theme was very minimal and chic but we mainly just wanted everyone to party like we do.
Our first dance song was Wild Love by James Bay. We both love that song and I think it sums us up, we always want to adventure and have fun together. The words resonate with what we love about our relationship.
The food was EPIC – we went for prawn cocktail and pate to start, for main we went for chicken supreme and braised beef bourginon with greens, salad and mashed potato, and we then finished with cherry pavlova and crème brulee. It was a feast and nobody went hungry.
We left the tables super plain – the view from The Kitchen is spectacular and we didn’t want to interrupt that. We had some menu cards and as favours gave everyone a drink token which seemed to go down well.
For the top table we had floral hoops and M&L letters made by an amazing small business called MacMade. We also opted for no seating plan – we hate forced fun and wanted all of our guests to mingle and it worked perfectly – the room was buzzing.
Which suppliers did you work with?
Bride’s dress: Sophia Grace Couture
Bridesmaids’ dresses: ASOS
Grooms Suit: Custom made by Andrew Brookes Tailoring.
Ushers: Next
Photographer: Claire Fleck Photography
Videographer: Tracey Largue Photography
Flowers: Liberty Blooms. We also had wild flowers in the Orangerie which were grown by Louise’s mum and arranged by 2 friends.
Hair: Morena Crolla Hair
Make-up: Mark’s twin sister Lynne worked for Bobbi Brown so we hit the jackpot there!
Music: Sam Irvine was our saxophonist for the reception. We had Euan Lawrence at Tartan Entertainment for night time and also Shades of Sax for a guest hour slot on the sax at night.
Any special shout-outs?
Claire Fleck our photographer is the best in the world at what she does, her photos told a story and captured all the moments we probably missed. She is so lovely and I just would recommend her to everyone.
Euan – our mate and our DJ – is an absolute legend and the top guy at what he does. There isn’t a party without Euan and we are so lucky to call him our friend.
Sophia Grace Couture (where Louise purchased her wedding dress) – Naydene and Hannah are incredible. They made me feel so at ease the whole time, I wouldn’t have gone anywhere else.
What was your standout moment of the whole day?
We drove down from the church in a gorgeous vintage wedding car, the driver took us all the way round the park whilst we sipped champagne. To have that 10 mins just us 2 and see all our guests walking down as well as all the families out and about in the park was so magical.
Then we arrived and saw all of our guests dancing and drinking to our favourite dance song being played on the sax in The Orangery – it was a pinch yourself moment. Mark’s was obviously seeing me walk in .. haha I wish.
Have you been on honeymoon yet?
We have – in true Mark & Lou style we went on an adventure to Canada. 6 destinations in 3 and a bit weeks – we hiked, kayaked, cycled and drank our way across the west coast and it was incredible. Highlights probably seeing humpbacks and killer whales in the wild and then a grizzly bear stroll right in front of our car. We love being outside and there is no place like Canada.
Would you recommend Restoration Yard to other newly engaged couples?
We would recommend it one million % – if you want a venue that allows you to use your imagination and create a totally personalised day.
Restoration Yard isn’t like any other venue we looked at, they didn’t tell us what we could have they asked us what we wanted. They worked with us to make sure our day was as close to perfect as possible – I love it because every wedding will be unique and different just like every couple is. We wanted an informal wedding that was executed with class and that is exactly what we got.
The Photos…
Autumn '19 Fashion Show & New Collections
“Inspired by nature. Driven by design. Passionate about print.”
– Sisi Gibreel, Head of Retail
New season has arrived in-store at Restoration Yard and our buyers have excelled themselves. Their pick of the autumn 19 collections includes everyday must-haves as well as standout wardrobe icons – expect colour, print and intricate design details.
See it all full-scale in our autumn 19 fashion shows on Thursday 26th September. Yes, note the plural, due to demand we have two shows this season. One in the daytime at 12.30pm and one in the evening at 6.30pm, making it easier for busy women to have the chance to see the best of our collections. Just pick the time that suits you.
Be the first to see designs from some of your favourite RY brands – Pom Amsterdam, blank, Vilagallo, Part Two and Ilse Jacobsen. At our exclusive preview boutique shopping events, you’ll get styling tips from the RY team straight from the catwalk (with real models of all shapes and sizes) and take home a goody bag filled with treats.
A little more about this season…
Our buyers’ edit makes creating the perfect autumn closet easy, for every woman.
Inspired by designers’ focus on nature, the team has created an autumnal selection that celebrates the beauty of nature through print. Graphic reinterpretations of all things animal, flora and fauna adorn beautifully cut shirt-dresses, blouses and shell tops by internationally renowned brands Pom Amsterdam, blank and Vilagallo.
Sisi Gibreel, head of retail at Restoration Yard, explains:
“Perhaps, as we are all becoming more conscious of the increasing need to focus on caring for our world, designers are celebrating nature’s beauty. The ready-to-wear collections this season were awash with prints and patterns that put elements of the natural world – water, flowers and animals – to the fore. I feel its fashion’s way of reminding us how precious our world is by allowing us to wear the beauty of nature, everyday.”
Currently shortlisted for three major UK retail awards by fashion industry bible Drapers, Restoration Yard has been building its reputation for offering woman closet heroes as well as on-trend statement pieces since it opened its doors in 2016.
So alongside these standout printed pieces there are some more subtle autumnal must-haves – outerwear, knits, tops, blazers and trousers – that will have equal impact.
Ilse Jacobsen’s classic coat comes in range of new colours and the Swedish brand has added in a sleeker new cut to the collection that Gibreel is championing. Also, its ready-to-wear standout is its twist-front figure-hugging dress. Ottod’ame’s louche collection includes pinstriped trousers with red contrast piping, a camo print shift dress, silky champagne pleat-front top and a beautiful retro-collared polka dot blouse in tobacco and dusty pink.
Part Two’s strength has always been in its stunning staples. This season its knitwear is as soft and as luxurious as ever while its denim jumpsuit is an easy classic. In addition are some forever investments.
Sisi Gibreel explains:
“This season we have introduced some gorgeous faux-leather fronted trousers by one of our favourite collections – Part Two. Our customers wanted more trousers from us. We’ve always offered trousers but been better known for our tops, dresses and knits so we are excited that we’ve been able to answer demand with these leather-look cigarette pants as well as gorgeous jeans from Amazing Woman. Also, we love the tux-style softly tailored trousers from Vilagallo with their lurex ribboning detail.”
In addition to ready-to-wear, Gibreel has built on Restoration Yard’s accessories selection with sumptuous tan leather shoppers and rose gold shoulder bags from LA based brand Street Level and Greek designer Christina Brampti’s statement returns contemporary jewellery with its unique use of unexpected multi-materials.
“At Restoration Yard we want women to feel amazing inwardly and outwardly. Every season we buy with that in mind and this autumn we feel is particularly strong. Women will find easy must-haves for their everyday wardrobe as well as some surprising lust-haves that will allow them to express their more creative side,” finishes Gibreel.
Vegan and Gluten-Free Cakes at The Coffee Bar
NEW CAKES ON THE BLOCK Gluten-free gluttony!
These gluten-free beauties from ‘Glutteny‘ have just arrived in the Coffee Bar and they might just be our new favourite treat…
Joining our existing selection of
heavenly ‘free-from’ cakes by ‘Rawnchy‘, these
mouth-watering slices are lovingly made in Edinburgh using locally sourced
ingredients. Best of all? They taste equally as delicious – if not
more! – as all our other scrumptious cakes.
We know
there’s nothing more frustrating than finding your favourite cake, dessert, or
occasional indulgence and then being denied the pleasure of eating it. All of Glutteny‘s and Rawnchy‘s cakes are baked with
care and attention so have no fear, coeliacs!
Work begins on new lamp-lit pedestrian walkway
Dalkeith Country Park invests £260,000 to create a safe, lit-up pedestrian walkway from Dalkeith town into the heart of the estate.
Dalkeith Country Park has been granted planning permission for a footpath and lights project designed to create safer pedestrian access through the estate from the town of Dalkeith.
The work will begin on August 19 and last approximately six weeks. This £260,000 investment will provide visitors to the estate a well-lit walking route into its heart, direct from the town of Dalkeith and its wider public transport network.
Approximately 660 metres in length, the new path comprises 21 energy efficient LED Victoriana-style lampposts chosen to be in-keeping with Dalkeith Country Park’s overall aesthetic and the existing historic lights at the park’s entrance.
It will run from Dalkeith’s Town Gate entrance down to the estate’s accessible Laundry House car park and the 18th century stableyard that houses Restoration Yard’s store, restaurant and Wellbeing Lab. Square timber bollards, sympathetic to the woodland landscape, will separate the path from the estate’s Town Gate vehicle access road.
Remko Plooij, managing director at Dalkeith Country Park explains:
“It has long been our ambition to create a safe, well-lit path from Dalkeith town into the park. Projects like this take a long time to come to fruition so we are excited that the works are beginning so soon and this pathway will be in place in time for our Spectacle of Light experience and all our other exciting Christmas events this December.
“We’re continuing to look at ways to improve the visitor experience of the park and its offering, particularly our loyal local visitors. This project is part of our commitment to maintain this historic estate for generations to come to enjoy. We are also delighted to be working with local companies to achieve this safe walkway.”
For more info on the Park, visit www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk and www.restorationyard.com or check out the Park’s social media channels: Facebook @DalkeithCountryPark, Twitter @DalkeithCP, and Instagram @dalkeith_country_park.
Restoration Yard's Store is Shortlisted for Three Top Retail Awards
Restoration Yard’s store has been shortlisted as finalist in three key categories in the UK retail industry’s top recognition awards.
Drapers Independents Awards 2019 celebrates the very best independent fashion retailers and brands from across the UK and Ireland. These awards are particularly coveted because the judging panel comprises experts from within the retail sector and past winners.
As well as being in the running for Best New Retailer and Best Visual Merchandising and Store Design, the team is also delighted for Retail Assistant Abbie Hunter who has been selected as one of four finalists in the Rising Star in the Independent Sector category.
As Sisi Gibreel, head of retail at Restoration Yard says:
“We are so proud to be finalists in three categories. It’s such an achievement and a real nod of recognition to the team. It takes a lot of hard work to make a store a retail experience not to be missed but the team here strives for that every day.
Every single member of our team is passionate and creative. I’m particularly proud of Abbie. She’s an invaluable asset to the team and a fantastic ambassador for Restoration Yard. Even though she is so young, her customer service manner is always consistent and every customer is given her full thoughtful attention and service.”
The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony in London on 11 September 2019. Wish us luck!
Meet Abbie: Retail Assistant & Rising Star
We couldn’t be more proud of Abbie Hunter, our superstar Retail Assistant who has been shortlisted for the ‘Rising Star’ award in this year’s Drapers Independent Awards!
With an incredible work ethic, fun energy and warm friendly demeanour, it’s easy to see why Abbie has caught the Drapers judges’ eyes – and our visitors love her too.
Abbie began her journey here as part time sales staff on the weekends. Our head of retail Sisi Gibreel recalls:
“I remember Abbie, on my first day working at RY, turning up for the staff meeting in her school uniform. Back then she was quite quiet and shy, but always willing, keen to help wherever she could, and never flinched from any task given to her, be it spending the day in the ticket hut, helping with an overnight stock take or modelling in our seasonal fashion shows!”
“Since then she has grown so much in confidence (now a full time member of senior sales staff), becoming an invaluable asset to the team and a fantastic ambassador for Restoration Yard. Even though she is so young, her customer service manner is always consistent and every customer is given her full thoughtful attention and service.”
The winners of Drapers Independents Awards will be revealed at a ceremony in London on 11th September 2019. Good luck Abbie!
Abbie’s Top Picks
We love Abbie’s unique style and distinctive flare for fashion (keep an eye out for her incredible mannequin and window displays in store!) so we asked her to share her ten favourite items in store now…
Posh Kebabs Book, £12.99
Part Two Sunglasses, £29.95
Eden Mill Raspberry, Vanilla & Meringue Liqueur, £22.95
Kew Gardens Coconut Soap, £6.50
Claudio Lugli Bee Shirt, £79.95
Miller Harris Tea Tonique Eau de Parfum 100ml, £105
Alex Monroe Posy Twist Ring, £205
Bee Fayre Rhubarb & Raspberry Tea Lights, £8.95
Diforti Aragostine, Pistachio, £3.50
Roka Bantry Backpack in Medium, £55
Meet Rory McNamara: Retail Supervisor & Foodhall Expert
Tell us a little bit about your role here at Restoration Yard?
I’m part of the retail team here in the store, with a particular focus on our incredible foodhall. It’s a really exciting place to be at the moment as it’s growing fast and we’re always discovering new and exciting products!
We’re also in the process of further developing our own range of Restoration Yard products (you may have spotted some of our delicious biscuits, jams, marmalades and colour-changing gin) which sees us scour the country for the highest quality suppliers and ingredients to produce something a little different to the norm.
What do you love most about your role?
Every day is completely different!
I love going to trade shows and having suppliers come to visit us here at Restoration Yard. It’s a great opportunity to discover and sample amazing new products, but also really interesting to meet the people behind the brands and hear the incredible stories behind their creations.
Obviously another great thing about working here is the beautiful setting! You feel completely transported the second you walk through the park gates and everyone here is so lovely and passionate about what they do.
Rory’s foodhall favourites…
Rory has quickly become our go-to person for the inside scoop on all the latest food & drink products, so we asked him to share his current foodhall favourites…
1. Olives Et Al Dressings
These delicious dressings are SO versatile, you can add them to almost anything!
Perfect stirred into soured cream with smoked salmon or try something a little different by stirring some into hummus for a refreshing dip.
Olives Et Al Punchy Beetroot & Thyme Dressing and Marinade, £4.95.
2. Diforti Aragostine
Ask the RY team and they’ll probably all tell you this is their favourite item in the foodhall!
Delicious flaky pastry filled with cream – I love ‘hazelnut chocolate’ but the lemon, white chocolate and pistachio flavours are all equally amazing. Total heaven.
Diforti Aragostine Hazelnut Chocolate, £3.50.
3. Supernature Infused Rapeseed Oils
I love to use a dash of this garlic-infused garlic oil in stir fries for a little extra flavour. I also get a huge buzz from the fact that it’s grown and produced from fields only a few miles away in Gorebridge.
Supernature Garlic Infused Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil, £2.95.
4. Cocoba Chocolate Truffles
Words simply can’t explain how heavenly these truffles are. PLEASE TRY THEM! Your world will never be the same again.
Cocoba Cocoa Dusted Raspberry Truffles, £7.50.
5. Born in the Borders Beer
I love the ‘plough-to-pint’ ethos behind this multi-award winning microbrewery. All their beers are created using barley grown in neighbouring fields and they also run a unique project called Wild Harvest, which uses locally foraged ingredients to flavour a separate range of beers.
Born in the Borders ‘Gold Dust’, ‘Dark Horse’ and ‘Foxy Blonde’ Beers, £2.95 each.
6. Restoration Yard
We’ve put a lot of love in to our own brand of products, sourcing only the highest quality ingredients to create unique recipes.
These ‘Highlanders’ have always been a favourite – they’re a real staple to have in the house for tea-time!
Restoration Yard Highlanders, £3.25, and Whisky Marmalade £4.95.
7. The Bonnie Sauce Co.
If you like spice then you’ll love the entire Bonnie Sauce Co range. A good splash of ‘Jalapeno & Lime’ adds an extra kick to burritos, wraps and curries.
The Bonnie Sauce Co. Hot Sauces, £5.95, and Set of Four, £19.95.
8. Olives Et Al Pitted Olives
I wasn’t a fan of olives until the incredible team behind Olives et al came to Restoration Yard for one of our popular ‘Meet the Maker’ events. They managed to convince me to sample their ‘Lemon & Coriander’ pitted olives and I’ve been addicted ever since!
Olives Et Al Pitted Green Olives – Lemon & Coriander and Chilli & Garlic, £4.75.
9. Old Curiosity Gin
I love that each bottle is concocted and distilled just a few minutes from Dalkeith, using naturally grown herbs from The Secret Herb Garden. Did I mention it changes colour when you pour in tonic? Genius.
Old Curiosity Apothecary Rose Colour-Changing Gin, £35.00.