A Hood Reader Event: Spring Reset at Restoration Yard

Before summer diaries lock up and weekends disappear, claim one midweek evening for yourself.

On Thursday 30 April, Hood takes over Restoration Yard, set within the grounds of Dalkeith Country Park, for an evening of curated fashion, beauty insight and relaxed conversation in one of Scotland’s most atmospheric settings.

Just ten minutes from Edinburgh, it feels like stepping out of the city and into something calmer. You arrive through trees, cross the courtyard and the pace shifts almost immediately.

This is the kind of night that works best shared. Text the group chat. Call the friends you keep meaning to see. Book the tickets. Put it in the diary. No hosting, no planning, no back and forth over where to go. Just show up. We will do the rest.

From 5pm to 8pm, the store is ours.

The setting

If you haven’t visited before, Restoration Yard sits within the beautifully restored 18th century stable buildings at Dalkeith Country Park, a 1,000 acre estate combining woodland walks, heritage architecture and a tightly curated retail and dining destination. It has become a Hood habitual haunt for good reason. A park stroll becomes brunch, brunch becomes a browse and the browse becomes something you actually wear and love. 

The store has recently undergone a refurbishment, sharpening the layout and creating a lighter, more considered flow through womenswear, beauty, books, home and gourmet. The edit is tight. Brands are chosen for quality and longevity rather than volume.

What to expect on the night

Across the evening, that core edit will be layered with pop ups, tastings and short masterclasses woven throughout the space.

The highlight of the evening will be The Spring Reset Edit, presented live by Hood’s Nicola—this year reimagined as The Power of Nine. A fashion-led styling session exploring the subtle formula behind why some outfits simply work and others fall flat.

Nicola will break down the styling principle fashion insiders swear by: that the difference between getting dressed and looking truly put together often comes down to one thing—finishing the look. Through a live edit of key spring pieces, she will show how thoughtful layering, accessories and styling details can transform even the simplest wardrobe staples into something elevated, polished and intentional.

Because great style is rarely about buying more. It is about knowing how to build, refine and complete what you already own. Think smarter dressing, sharper styling and the small details that make the biggest impact.

Joining Nicola by popular demand is Hood Beauty Expert Karen Mason, whose beauty wisdom has made her a firm reader favourite after appearances on The Hood Podcast and our recent St James Quarter event, where guests were left hanging on her every word when it came to all things skin and beauty. Karen will join Nicola on stage to share her expert skincare advice, seasonal beauty tips and sage nuggets on achieving your best glow this spring.

Expect practical styling, expert beauty advice, plenty of inspiration and the kind of take-home tips you will use long after the evening is over.

Guests will be welcomed with a glass of fizz, or a soft alternative from Summer House Drinks, hopefully enjoyed once again in Restoration Yard’s Tuscan-inspired courtyard if the spring sunshine returns. Last year, basking in the evening light with a drink in hand and friends gathered in the courtyard felt like the ultimate celebration of the season — and we are hoping for a repeat. Please let it be - weather gods.

Adding to the atmosphere, East Pizzas will be firing up their pizza oven outdoors so guests can enjoy slices alongside their drinks, while inside the newly transformed café, Inverarity Morton will host a tasting of some of their best wines.

Throughout the evening, guests can also sample Italian produce from Tenuta Marmorelle, artisan cheeses from I.J. Mellis, chocolates from Sarunds, beers from Cold Town Beer, gins from Fidra Gin and drams from Leith’s own Woven Whisky Makers.

Beauty lovers will want to make time for the Raven Botanicals pop-up in store, where natural skincare and botanical beauty favourites will be available to sample, while Dook of Edinburgh will bring their award-winning soaps and bath salts — alongside the chance for guests to create their own bespoke bath salt blend to take home, crafting a luxurious self-care ritual tailored entirely to them.

So on the evening you can dip into a masterclass, pause for a glass, try something new and circle back for a second look. Structured enough to feel curated, relaxed enough to feel like your own night out.

Tickets 

VIP, £15

Entry, a glass of fizz (or a soft alternative), a curated Spring Edit goodie bag and £5 off a £25 spend on the night.

 General Entry, £10

Entry, a glass of fiss (or a soft alternative) and £5 off a £25 spend on the night.

Spaces are limited and we fully expect this evening to sell out. Whether you come for the styling advice, the beauty discoveries, the tastings or simply the excuse to gather your favourite people for a spring evening out, this is your sign to book now before diaries fill and tickets disappear.

Bring a friend, make a night of it and let spring start properly.