What you didn't know about Edinburgh . . . Edinburgh has more restaurants per head of population than any other British city Edinburgh is a centre of excellence for industry and research sectors including medicine, finance, science and technology, architecture and the arts Edinburgh's weather is fairly temperate with annual rainfall the same as Rome, Frankfurt or New York Edinburgh is Europe's festival capital with over 60 art galleries and museums, 5 major performing arts theatres, numerous visitor attractions Harry Potter was written in a coffee shop in Edinburgh called the Nicholson Café on the bridges in Edinburgh’s old town. The Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) will be undergoing a £30m expansion and will be one of the most flexible in the global meetings industry with transforming floor technology allowing the space to be used for exhibitions, banqueting, auditorium. Where to stay There is an array of accommodation in Edinburgh. From five star luxury hotels to modest bed and breakfasts. Accommodation is scarce during the popular summer events, and virtually impossible during the Edinburgh International Festival. The Sheraton Grand is an ideally placed hotel with five star service and award winning spa facilities – check out the roof top hydro-pool! The Sheraton will play host to the International Press Institute congress in May 2006 which Integrity will be organising. www.sheraton.com/grandedinburgh Amongst other hotels are the Scotsman Hotel ( www.thescotsmanhotel.co.uk ), Balmoral, Caledonian Hilton ( www.hilton.co.uk/caledonian ), Radisson SAS Hotel Edinburgh ( edinburgh.radissonsas.com ), Bonham ( www.thebonham.com ) To find accommodation in Edinburgh visit www.edinburgh.org/accom Special forthcoming events There are two big dates in the Edinburgh social calendar – one will occur at the end of year and the other throughout August. "Hogmany" is becoming a bigger and bigger celebration in Edinburgh with the street party attracting in excess of 1 million visitors. The party has extended beyond just that of the 31st of December with events occurring in the lead up to Christmas and between Christmas and New Year – candle lit processions, winter wonderland and German Christmas markets. www.edinburghshogmanay.org www.gildedballoon.co.uk/wwonderland The world famous Edinburgh Festival takes place in the last two weeks in August and there is a buzz in the city during this time like no other. The largest fringe festival in the world takes place with artists from all over the world flocking to Edinburgh to perform comedy, dance, theatre etc. There is also the Edinburgh book festival which has attracted such big names as JK Rowling and Zadie Smith in the past. There are other festivals which take place at this time for everything from film to science. Click on the link below for more details. www.edinburghfestivals.co.uk Getting there Edinburgh International Airport is situated approximately 7 miles from the city centre to the west of the city. A number of airlines operate direct flights from Edinburgh to destinations across Europe including Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Malaga, Prague and Warsaw. Approx flight times to Edinburgh from: London:1h 25m, New York 11h, LA 15h, Toronto 12 h 15m, Sydney 25h 25m. There is an express bus service to Edinburgh city centre (number 100) which runs every 10 minutes at peak hours and every 30 minutes in the evening. A single ticket cost £3 and a return £5, tickets can be bought on the bus. Bars and restaurants Bars Indigo Yard, 7 Charlotte Lane 0131 220 5603. A stylish bar situated in the west end of Edinburgh, it also offers a good selection of food. The Last Drop Tavern, 74 Grassmarket 0131 225 4851. A traditional pub situated in the old town grassmarket area. Opal Lounge, 51a George Street 0131 226 2275. Ultra trendy bar that does food all day and has DJs playing in the evening for those who want to dance the night away. The Jam House, 5 Queen Street 0131 226 5875. Part owned by Jools Holland this is Edinburgh’s newest venue which promises great live music, good food and good times. Restaurants The Witchery, Royal Mile 0131 225 5613. Located in Edinburgh Castle’s shadow, this is one of the most infamous restaurants in Edinburgh offering excellent food and a large number of wines. Martin Wishart, 64 The Shore, Leith 0131 555 3557. The only restaurant in Edinburgh to receive a Michelin star, the food speaks for itself. Thai Lemongrass, 41 Bruntsfield Place 0131 229 2225. A restaurant which has built up a great reputation and is very popular. Maison Bleue, 36 Victoria Street 0131 226 1900. This French style restaurant is situated in the heart of the old town. Fishers in the City, 58 Thistle Street, 0131 225 5109. One of the best seafood restaurants in Edinburgh. Browns, 131-133 George Street, 0131 225 4442. Good quality, reasonably priced cuisine just 5 minutes away from the main shopping area. Blonde, 75 St Leonards Street, 0131 668 2917. A modern restaurant serving delicious food. The Apartment, 7-13 Barclay Place, 0131 228 6456. A modern Scottish restaurant with a laid back atmosphere and excellent food. If you would like to talk to someone about what Edinburgh can offer you in terms of conferences and meetings please call Cecile Picot on 0131 624 6040 or email enquiries@integrity-events.com