Boxing Day Ceilidh, drink tastings, menu specials, and a turkey dinner from Scotland’s National Chef … Bonnie & Wild Food Hall unveils its bumper Christmas offer

Edinburgh Food Hall Bonnie & Wild has unwrapped its bumper Christmas offer with a festive feast of seasonal specials, daily drinks tastings, extended trading hours, and even a Boxing Day ceilidh.

Known for its vibrant atmosphere, stylish interior and gorgeous food and drink, Bonnie & Wild in the St James Quarter has decked its halls with an eye-popping display of Christmas decorations – even drawing in crowds coming in especially to film the festive display.

“We’ve brought a bumper dose of Christmas sparkle to Bonnie & Wild,” says General Manager Kate Russell. “We’ve both traditional and creative Christmas specials from across our kitchens, including a fabulous turkey dinner by National Chef of Scotland Gary Maclean. On top of that we’ve daily whisky tastings in our Rarity bottle shop – perfect for anyone looking to try before they buy a very special bottle of whisky, rum, or gin.

“With late night shopping at St James Quarter during December, we’ve extended many of our kitchen hours in the run-up to the big day so shoppers won’t be left with tummies grumbling.”

Bonnie & Wild is also welcoming increased footfall from the many visitors to the nearby Christmas markets. “People know they can pop in for a warm seat and a bite to eat, plus our Christmas decorations are proving a draw too. We’ve had folk coming in just to record them for social media.”

With space for almost 400 guests, Bonnie & Wild’s Scottish Marketplace is promising guests they will be able to find a table during the Christmas period, despite there being a queue at peak times. “We’ve got the reputation for having Edinburgh’s fastest-moving queue,” says Kate. “So don’t worry – we will get you seated quickly, even large groups.”

While Bonnie & Wild’s main customer are shoppers coming to the St James Quarter, the Food Hall’s also become a top choice for Omni and Everyman cinema-goers, and Kate says she’s expecting to welcome theatre fans flocking to see Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat when it begins its run at the nearby Edinburgh Playhouse next week. “There’s always a great pre- and post-theatre buzz,” says Kate, adding: “From the moment you walk in, you can expect a warm Scottish welcome, first-class service, beautiful food and drink, and all in a stylish venue that shows off the best of Scotland, and once again our chefs are going all-out with Christmas specials.”

This Christmas, guests to Bonnie & Wild will be able to enjoy a traditional turkey dinner from National Chef Gary Maclean’s Creel Caught, Christmas-inspired pizza from east PIZZAS, cranberry and melted cheese roti from Sri Lankan kitchen Kochchi, savoury and sweet pancake combos from Stack & Still, chicken specials from Chooks, and an indulgent double smash burger from award-winning El Perro Negro. Sweet-toothed bakery Chulo’s Stuffed Cookies will have a different Christmas special each week. For warm drinks, Bonnie & Wild’s illy Caffè will be offering a selection of seasonal teas, coffees and hot chocolates, while the Food Hall’s three bars already have their winter cocktail menu up and running. From the upcoming Black Friday, the Rarity bottle shop will be hosting daily meet-the-maker events with the likes of Springbank, Bowmore and Isle of Harris all putting on tastings ahead of Christmas Day.

Kate adds: “And to wrap it all up, we have our Boxing Day ceilidh. Taking place on the last Thursday of every month, the White Heather Club is one of Edinburgh’s best free nights out – it’s great to see friends and families get together for a traditional Scottish ceilidh. We’re hoping our Boxing Day ceilidh will be extra special. It’s a great opportunity to burn off any excess calories, while also showing off your Christmas jumper!