Deep Fried Mars Bar

Yep that's right, this post is about the well-known Scottish delicacy called the deep-fried Mars Bar. This horrendously unhealthy (but surprisingly tasty) item is said to have been invented in the famous Haven Chip Bar in Stonehaven in 1995, but can now be found throughout Scotland. The Mars bar is dipped in batter used for fried fish, sausages etc and fried in chip fat. To make sure the chocolate doesn't melt, it is usually chilled beforehand.

Connaisseurs will recognise the location of this poster as Cafe Piccante on Broughton Street.

We Love Ice

And another clear sign that spring is fast approaching! (OK it's a little Photoshop-tastic, but who cares!!)

Addressing the Haggis

Today we celebrate Robert Burns' 250th Birthday - well actually, we did it yesterday (partly to give us a chance to sleep off the whisky and partly to have the party coincide with Mr Dido's birthday). We organised a proper Burns Supper at our house, complete with all the toasts and addresses. This is my good friend Alex addressing the Haggis, and doing so brilliantly!!

Royal Mile 6 - Dark Angel

When I asked to take a picture of this handsome character he pointed at his sign saying “Photos = Coins” (see below). I assume that he is one of those living statues, but he was obviously enjoying a break in the sunshine outside one of the Royal Mile’s many old pubs.

Come back tomorrow for the next instalment of the Royal Mile tour (I am still away).

P.S. I wonder what ‘One Good Turn’ would be for the Dark Angel of the North.

Royal Mile 3 - Whisky Heritage...?

One of the distinctive features of the Royal Mile is the people trying to lure you into their heritage/panoramic/ghostly visitor attractions whilst wearing fancy or period dress! This guy has ditched the more traditional period costume in favour of a whisky barrel to promote the Scotch Whisky Experience, at the top of the Royal Mile.


The girl to the left in the beautiful red frock is promoting Gladstone's Land, a 17th century house owned by the National Trust for Scotland. I particularly like the very un-period shoes!

Come back tomorrow for the next instalment of the Royal Mile tour (I am still away).

Strawberries and cream

Well there's no other word for it; the weather this weekend has been absolutely rubbish! Nevertheless, when it's the Wimbledon final you have to create your own little bit of summer, and there's no better way to do this than with the traditional combo of (Scottish!) strawberries and cream! As I post this the rain has now also reached SW19 because a few minutes ago play was halted in the third set.

Wine leaves?

Drinking wine al fresco - who doesn't love summer?! I took this picture from the other side of a beer garden in New Town.