The best Scottish food events for the season of mellow fruitfulness

Here are a few of our best happenings

NEGRONI O’CLOCK

Hear the distant clinking of ice cubes? That’s because Edinburgh Cocktail Week is back, from Friday 2nd to Sunday 11 October, with wristbands starting from £8. This time, they’re slightly more starry, as the Cocktail Village on Festival Square will include pop-up bars from Dawyne Johnson’s brand Teremana Tequila, and Crossfire Rum, which is co-owned by The Rolling Stones. That’s as well as a presence from 23 other brands, from Whitebox Cocktails to Moet & Chandon. There are also over 120 city venues, including new bar Understory, who are offering £6 (or £9 for the premium versions) drinkies as part of the event.

edinburghcocktailweek.co.uk

ATTENTION BEER FANS

As they also offer cocktails, cider, street food, live music and good chat, you don’t HAVE to love beer to visit the celebration of Scotland’s independent breweries that is North Hop, but it definitely helps. This year’s event, with tickets starting from £10 per session, will be at Inverness’ An Seomar for the second time, on Friday October 16 and Saturday October 17. Expect over 60 craft beers on offer, with last year’s breweries including Cromarty Brewing Co, Brewtoon and Simple Things Fermentation.

11-19 Church Street, northhop.co.uk

KITCHEN TAKE-OVER

On October 8 and 9, top seafood restaurant Ondine in St Andrews, will have a kitchen take-over, courtesy of executive chef of Brown’s Hotel, Andrew Sawyer, and the head pastry chef of The Balmoral, Ross Sneddon. On October 8, you can try an afternoon tea created by Sneddon, for £35pp, and on October 9, there’s a dinner created by the duo for £65pp. There is also an option to experience two nights’ bed and breakfast, with dinner on the 9 October included, from £1300 based on two sharing.

Seaton House, 76 The Scores, St Andrews, opentable.co.uk

WARM UP

There are only three good things about autumn and they are knitwear, hot chocolate and melted cheese. If you agree with the latter, then you should know about five star hotel The Fife Arms’ Fondue Hut, which is launching on October 19 and running until March 7, 2027. There will be a cosy hut, complete with log fire, and fondue that’s made with Swiss cheeses, Schlossberger and Appenberger.

Mar Road, Braemarr, .thefifearms.com

FOODIE MINI-BREAK

Visit Skye when there are fewer camper vans on the road. It’s still just as lovely in the ‘ber’ seasons, and you can stay for a more affordable price, especially as the renowned foodie destination The Three Chimneys is offering their Wee Winter Break, from October 21 until March 31 2027. It includes overnight accommodation and breakfast for two guests from £275 per room, per night, based on two people sharing on a bed and breakfast basis. For a gourmet experience, the package starts at £535, and they’ll chuck in a four-course dinner in the 5 AA star restaurant.

Colbost, Loch Dunvegan, Isle of Skye (01470 511258, .threechimneys.co.uk)

MEAT FREE

Discover the power of plants, at the Scotland Vegan Autumn Festival, which is returning to Paisley for a second time on Saturday October 17. There will be 80 stalls, which will offer pies, bakes, chocolate and other treats, with vendors including Soft Serve Cartel Ice-Cream, Edinburgh doughnut purveyors Considerit, and Cremaura Tequila. You’ll also find non-edible goodies including homewares, skincare, beauty products and gifts. Admission £5.

Lagoon Leisure Centre, 11 Christie Street, Paisley, www.veganeventsuk.co.uk