The Edinburgh Festival and Fringe are back with a vengeance, and while it's great to see the hustle and bustle return to the Capital, it can be overwhelming knowing where to go and what shows to see.
Luckily for those who want to incorporate food and drink into their festival experience, there are a number of shows, events and masterclasses as well as pop-up dining options.
One of the new shows for this year is the Edinburgh Gin Cocktails and a concert, which is running every Tuesday all month at the YOTEL on Queen Street.
Hosted by Edinburgh Gin's brand ambassador, Philip Kingscott, the evening takes place in Scotland's first 360-degree cinema.
Every show will have three different cocktails, so there's a excuse to go back again and again and live orchestral music is provided by the talented Classical.Scot.
We went along to the opening night to find out more about gin, botanicals and Edinburgh.
On arrival guests will be presented with a welcome drink before taking their seats in the cinema, which is light and airy and has a 350 degree screen running along the top of every wall.
Our first drink was a classic G&T, made with Edinburgh Gin's Seaside Gin. The film was or rolling clouds on a blue sky set to beautiful music - and an in-depth explanation by Kingscott on the botanicals of this gin, which include Macedonian juniper berries.
We then moved on to a gin mojito and a sweet Edinburgh Gin raspberry liqueur served in prosecco. The film then takes on a otherworldly feel, as Kingscott takes us on a journey of gin, Edinburgh and fascinating history.
We also find out about why Edinburgh Gin has certain flavours, such as rhubarb, and raspberry.
Kingscott is an entertaining, funny and natural storyteller, and his experience in performance and drama shows, while the cocktails are refreshing and tasting on a warm evening and the music is excellent.
The hour flies by and before we knew it we were back in the hustle of the city centre, refreshed and relaxed plus full of newly acquired knowledge of Edinburgh and its namesake gin.
Venue: YOTEL, 68-73 Queen St, Edinburgh
When: 9, 16 and 23 August from 6pm
Ticket price: £35
More information and tickets can be found here.
