Insiders Guides
Here you can get a sneak peak at each of our Cities, from the reliable point of view of the local residents...
Find out things to do, places to see, and bars to hit!!
Aberdeen
For the insider's track to Aberdeen we asked local good time girl Ailsa Forbes for her top recommendations.
Friday Night
We start at The Wild Boar. It's a traditional pub that's great for a few drinks with friends to get the evening going.
My choice for dinner would have to be Les Amis, small and intimate with French staff. For after-dinner drinks we head to Revolution, the vodka bar. Very modern - with leather sofas and seats outside in the summer time. Great for a couple of hours drinking, with DJs providing the music.
Saturday morning
The Inversnecky Café is right at the beach - good for full cooked breakfasts.
Saturday means shopping, maybe at The Closet for vintage... More
Dundee
For the insider's track to Dundee, we asked local good time guy Steven
Anderson for his top recommendations.
Friday Night
The weekend starts at Drouthy Neebors, taking in some excellent live bands in the downstairs venue to get into the swing of things. The night finishes with a flourish at the Social, watching all the pretty people!
Saturday
The incredible Roll-in does the best bacon and egg roll. If the weather's good we head to Laings, which quite possibly has the biggest and best beer garden... More
Edinburgh
For the best local knowledge of Edinburgh, we asked local good time girl Mairead Modie for her top recommendations.
Friday Evening
We start at the Circus Café in Stockbridge - a converted bank and now a funky bistro. They have the best wine list and a lovely deli downstairs.
Then off to the Opal Lounge, a gorgeous, stylish late night drinking venue. This place is open until 3am, and is a favourite amongst the movers and shakers. They have an excellent cocktail list, especially the Long Island Ice Tea.
Saturday Morning
The best place for breakfast on a Saturday is Au Gourmand in Brandon Terrace. French Parisian café style, the omelettes are very tasty and the French staff are really lovely.
Then off to George Street for a spot of retail therapy including a stop at Harvey Nichols. I can't refuse a glass of wine in the restaurant on the 4th floor - the views are unmissable too.
A great late lunch venue is La P'tite Folie a casual French restaurant... More
Glasgow
For the insider's track to Glasgow's hot spots, we asked local good time girl Marissa Carrol for her top recommendations.
Friday Evening
The evening gets off to a great start at Booly Mardys' (it used to be Bloody Marys) in the West End. Great cocktails.
Then it's off to Mr Singh's for an Indian meal. The Chicken Chasni is out of this world and the peshwari nan is hard to beat too. It's also known as the favourite haunt for a number of well-known footballers!
After a good feed you can't fail with 54 Below, it's my local. A great bar to relax and unwind in with a very mixed crowd. Nice wines and good beer, what more could you want?
Saturday
The only way to start a Saturday morning is with coffee at Starbucks in Princes Square. A gorgeous shopping centre, inspired by Charles Rennie Mackintosh with all the best boutiques, high street and designer stores. Unrivalled people watching!... More
Inverness
For the Insiders track to Inverness, we asked local good time guy Ally Matheson for his top recommendations.
Friday Night
I love to start the weekend with dinner and a movie. The Mustard Seed is a beautiful building set on two levels and serves great food. It's fairly informal and very reasonable. Right next to the river - you can't beat it. Then we're off to Eden Court, a fantastic arts venue with a theatre and cinema.
Saturday morning
I normally head to The Castle restaurant for a good fry up, the best way to start your weekend.
Weather permitting, a game of golf is normally the order of the day. There are quite a few courses nearby, but Bonar Bridge (a public course) is really excellent and the setting is gorgeous.
The coffee shop in Mealmarket close does an excellent bowl of soup, with some fairly unusual varieties - just the thing to keep you going 'til teatime!
An afternoon walk up Ben Wyvis is a must. A three hour ascent with breathtaking views of the whole of the North, or some mountain-biking above Clachnaharry - South Loch Ness...More
Stirling
For the insider's track to Stirling, we asked local good time guy Andrew Lumsden for his top recommendations.
Friday Evening
We start the night at O'Neills where live music is the order of the day. Drouthy Neebors is also a good venue with really friendly staff. Then off to the Tollbooth for a spot of dinner. A music and arts venue, this restaurant does great fixed price menus - good food and the perfect start to the weekend.
Saturday
For breakfast it has to be Beanscene for one of their espresso-based coffees and a muffin or pastry. Then off for a walk around the castle. There are some really quiet spots like Douglas Gardens near the Kings Old Buildings - great to take in the view of the Highlands.
After building up a good appetite The River House does great lunches. Set on a lovely lake (albeit man made) there is also decking with tables and chairs set out, so you can take advantage of the good weather while munching away.
On Saturday night it has to be an Indian meal. The East India Company has a very traditional raj-style interior. My favourite places for drinks on a Saturday night are Pivos and Cambio, which are...More
