I am from Edinburgh – will I have tried it all?
We hope not all of it! Our Safaris hone in on small neighbourhoods where there is a real food culture – I hadn’t eaten all the food on any of the Safaris until I created the Safari and still the chefs are creating new dishes.
Which safari should I go on?
I love them all – Eat Scotland in the Georgian New Town profiles the best of Scottish food: Scottish cheeses, smoked salmon, whisky, haggis and scones, jam and cream. Eat The World showcases an area of Edinburgh which is fast becoming one of the coolest neighbourhoods with an international range of authentic cuisines – Swedish meatballs, Portuguese egg tarts, African curries and Greek orange cake and an area which is rapidly changing as the new tram line develops. The Sunday Stockbridge Market is a lovely way to start a Sunday morning and includes a visit to the Farmers Market. Leith Waterfront is all about the sea – on the shore and lots of seafood
Eat Scotland runs on Thursdays, Leith Walk on Fridays, Leith Waterfront on Saturdays and Sunday Stockbridge on Sundays. If you can’t find what you want, when you want, email Nell to ask if it can be arranged.
How much walking is involved?
We walk at a casual pace, with time to take pictures etc. The Leith Walk is shorter – about 2 and half hours and the New Town about three hours in total. At some of the venues we will stand to sample the food, but on the whole we will be seated around a table in a normal, relaxed restaurant situation.
What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
Please be sure and let us know if you (or anyone in your group) has dietary restrictions (e.g. vegetarian, diabetic, gluten allergy, etc.) when you purchase your tickets ie at least 48 hours notice. As long as we know well in advance, we can accommodate your needs.
Is the tour wheelchair and pushchair accessible?
Edinburgh has hills and cobbles and many of the restaurants and cafes we visit are quite small and not all have ramps, so not really.
What about taking children on the tour?
Children under five are free unless they want to participate in food tastings. You may bring a push chair on the Safari, but may have to remain outside, if the food establishment is busy.
But a word of warning – the Safaris are about three hours and some children have a limited attention span and therefore the Safari may not be appropriate for some of them. Parents who know their children best should assess the situation individually. Since there is a lot of standing and walking, please consider this when deciding whether the Safari is appropriate for your child.
Are Safaris offered only in English?
Yes, we only offer Safaris in English at the moment. Please email us if you would like to make arrangements for your own interpreter to join the Safari or if you are interested in a Safari in a different language – we will try to accommodate.
BOOKING THE SAFARI
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
Yes – click on book tickets and enter your chosen date. Tickets must be purchased in advance – within 24 hours through our secure website. If less than 24 hours please call Nell to see if we can fit you in.
Tel: +44(0) 7796 298163
Due to working with so many different restaurants and bars we cannot accept walk-up traffic on the day of the tours.
Can I book a private group Safari?
Yes, Edinburgh Food Safari is happy to try and accommodate group bookings – send us an email or call to discuss. Also we are happy to organise bespoke tours from hen lunches to corporate bonding.
DURING THE SAFARI
What happens if it rains or snows?
The Safaris take place regardless of rain, shine, or snow. Please dress for the season and on the day – wear comfortable shoes and if you think it might rain – an umbrella, though on the positive side, we go inside all the establishments on the Safari, so the focus is on eating inside rather than pounding the streets.
What if I am late?
It is a good idea to arrive at the meeting location 10 minutes prior to the Safari start time. We will leave promptly at the Safari start time. If you are late, you can call us to try and find the group, once they have left, but no guarantee.
How much food is served on the food Safari?
We visit between five and six different food and drink establishments on each Safari, so food sizes are starter size but we would say hold off having lunch!
Are any beverages served on the Safari?
Both safaris will include alcohol (soft drinks are also available). Additionally, fine Scottish tap water is provided on all our Safaris. And if you would like a drink matched to each tasting, why not add on the Drinks Package for £10 per person?
Are there loo stops available during the Safari?
Yes, plenty of toilet and hand washing facilities along the way.
Are pets allowed on safari?
Yes! On Eat The New Town we can offer dog-friendly donuts!
Can I shop during the Safari?
Yes, bring a small shopping bag.
AFTER THE SAFARI
Does the Safari end at the same place we meet?
Not always. However, detailed instructions are provided after ticket purchase with starting and ending point locations. We also send a follow up email with highlights of of where you have been and suggestions of other fun things to do on the safari, so no need to take notes! We also ask for some feedback as we want the tours to be the best possible representative of these areas and its food and people.
I enjoyed my Safari, can I come again?
Of course you can, and with a little warning we can adjust the destinations accordingly so you can have the same experience or a different one, whichever you like.
CANCELLED SAFARI
May I reschedule or cancel my food Safari?
You may cancel or reschedule a food Safari by emailing Nell nell.nelson@btinternet.com with a minimum of 48 hours notice – this will incur a £10 administration fee per booked ticket on cancellation.
Less than 48 hours notice from the start of the safari, we can’t guarantee a refund as restaurants and guides have already been booked.