Photo Essay: Hotel Missoni's Bar, Edinburgh

 The view of the bar at Hotel Missoni: sleek design.

We didn't stay at Missoni's Edinburgh hide-away (sadly our budget didn't stretch that far) but my mum and I managed to pop in for a drink and a rare sit down on our Edinburgh mini-break. The welcoming staff outside the hotel were really genuine and didn't discriminate against non-guests such as ourselves, even though we were blatantly gawping at the decor and weren't set to have a full meal here. We never felt looked down upon, which is one of the most important considerations for me when visiting somewhere that's beyond my budget. I'd been wanting to come here ever since I read about Missoni opening the hotel and I'm so glad it lived up to expectations.

 My mum, mid-conversation, at our table.

 Looking at the decor. Those glossy red tables were like lacquered nails.

 Screens showed the catwalk to bring home Missoni's design legacy.

About to tuck into the signature hot chocolate (£3.95 but worth it).

 What I presume is a giant cotton reel showing some of the brand's typical colour clash prints.

A larger-than-life vase is given an edgy geometric look.

If you're in the neighbourhood and wondering whether or not to step inside the foyer, definitely take the leap. You'll be able to enjoy top-notch design and a little oasis of calm in the heart of the city at this five star hotel.

1 George IV Bridge

Edinburgh

Lothian

EH1 1AD

I'm Off to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (Again!)

This week there may be less blogging as I'm off to Edinburgh for the yearly trip to see the Fringe in action, along with my partner in crime: my mum. I'll be keeping Twitter updated with our exploits (which look set to include a mixture of comedy, theatre and curry - not necessarily in that order) but I can't guarantee I'll be able to physically blog as the laptop is not part of the meagre luggage allowance. Hopefully when I get back then I'll have a bit of Edinburgh street style to show you, as well as an extensive collection of leaflets from the lovely (if very over-enthusiastic) leafleteers on the Royal Mile.

This year I won't be climbing the Monument with its claustrophobic staircase straight out of Hitchcock's Vertigo, but we do have plans to climb Arthur's Seat, the massive hill overlooking the city, where a man who changed his name by deed poll to Lionel Ritchie is said to hang out. It should be interesting to say the least.

[Photograph my own. Please ask before reproducing.]