This Hamptons-Inspired Pop-Up Is Edinburgh's Summer Hotspot
If your idea of summer involves chilled rosé, good music and lingering in a beautiful courtyard long after lunch should have finished, there's a new spot in Edinburgh worth adding to your list.
Kimpton Charlotte Square has transformed its hidden Garden courtyard into The Garden Summer House, a seasonal pop-up inspired by the relaxed glamour of the Hamptons – and yes, it comes complete with rosé created by Jon Bon Jovi.
A Little Slice of the Hamptons
Running until the end of summer, the glass-roofed courtyard has been reimagined as an all-weather escape where Hampton Water Rosé takes centre stage.
Created by Jon Bon Jovi, his son Jesse Bongiovi and renowned French winemaker Gérard Bertrand, the award-winning rosé is available by the glass, bottle or as part of a cocktail menu designed for leisurely afternoons and golden-hour drinks.
Think peach, basil and lemon topped with a fruity popsicle in The Summer House Fizz, watermelon and chilli in the Heatwave Spritz, or lighter rosé-based serves including the Coastal Rosé and Pink Tide.
It's exactly the sort of menu made for catching up with friends on a summer afternoon.
The Snack Everyone Will Be Talking About
Forget crisps on the side. Here, they're the main event.
Taking inspiration from one of social media's biggest food trends, Kimpton has created two indulgent loaded crisp dishes.
The East Coast Crisps arrive piled high with smoked salmon, crème fraîche, dill, capers and pickled red onion, with the option to add Arenkha caviar if you're feeling particularly extravagant.
Meanwhile, The Garden Party Crisps combine whipped ricotta, parmesan, chilli, chives and truffle oil, with prosciutto available as an optional finishing touch.
Unexpected? Absolutely. But somehow it works.
Ice Cream Before Dinner? Why Not
Summer rules don't really apply here.
Dessert comes courtesy of Scottish favourite Giacopazzi's, with artisan gelato from the Borders served in flavours including Vanilla & Traditional Tablet, Highland Toffee Crunch, Perthshire Raspberry Yoghurt, Amalfi Lemon Sorbet and Whisky & Marmalade.
It's difficult to think of a better excuse to order pudding first.
Festival Season Gets a Rosé Upgrade
As Edinburgh Festival season gets underway, The Garden Summer House will spill beyond the hotel walls.
From 31 July (subject to licence approval), a Hampton Water Rosé cart will pop up on Rose Street serving cocktails in elevated Capri-Sun-style pouches, designed to be picked up before a Fringe show or enjoyed while wandering between venues.
It's festival drinking with a distinctly more stylish twist.
More Than Just Drinks
Alongside the food and cocktails, visitors can expect DJs, live music and a programme of summer workshops throughout the season, giving the courtyard an easy-going holiday atmosphere regardless of what the Scottish weather decides to do.
Because while we can't promise sunshine, we can promise somewhere that feels like it.
The Garden Summer House launches at Kimpton Charlotte Square and runs until the end of summer. For reservations and more information, visit the hotel's website.