In the 12th century, Leith was Scotland’s gateway to the world. On this food tour – the past will come alive: as we imagine ships weaving out the port, laden with coal, grain, fish and hides, with more ships arriving at The Shore area bringing in spices, timber – we’ll walk through the former timber market Timberbush,( ‘bush’ comes from the French ‘bourse’ ). Cloth, and whale oil ( you can see one of the original harpoons on the Shore) also arrived at Leith and very importantly, wine, especially from Bordeaux. Now many of the warehouses have been converted into flats and restaurants.
As well as being a hub of medieval commerce, it was in Leith that the first rules of golf were drawn up for use on Leith Links in 1744.
A home for stranded sailors has been transformed into a stunning boutique hotel, but the angel above the door still remains vigilant for all its inhabitants.
This food safari is a circular tour – easily accessible from The Shore tram stop and equals a very good lunch with seafood being a focus.
You’ll experience some of these on this food tour around Leith waterfront:
- We start kedgeree – made with smoked haddock and curried rice – brought back by Scottish soldiers who had been serving in India, in the former ferry waiting room
- As its a Saturday we will visit the Farmer’s Market for fabulous hand crafted pies which go brilliantly with a beer from one of Leith’s newest breweries : Campervan’s Lost in Leith in a former whisky warehouse
- Sangria, aubergine crisps drizzled with honey, homemade pesto, Spanish olive oil, and sourdough bread in an old ship chandlers, which is now a cool Spanish bar
- Afternoon tea of warm scones, homemade jam and clotted cream served with tea which is blended in Leith.
Leith waterfront is such an exciting part of Edinburgh to visit and we hope you will join us on this wonderful food and drink tour : )
