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AN INSIDER'S GUIDE TO EDINBURGH: AUTUMN EDITION

Lauren Anderson is a Luxury Brand Consultant and friend of our founder. In this autumnal guide, she takes us through her Edinburgh routines and must-sees for this time of year. We've already got this one bookmarked for our next weekend in the Scottish capital. Continue reading to find out more.

 

Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your background and your connection to Edinburgh?

My name is Lauren Anderson and I live between Stockbridge and the West End with my husband and golden doodle Bailey. We moved back to Edinburgh from New York during the pandemic, to have a bit of a reset and sought some comfort coming home and being closer to family. My husband and I both met in Edinburgh back in 2005, whilst I was at university and working part time in Harvey Nichols. We moved to London not long after we met and I started my 12 year long career with Net-a-Porter, which also took us to New York to start a new life and careers and we loved living in Brooklyn for 8 years. I also held senior roles at Moda Operandi and most recently Dr. Barbara Sturm. In the last year I started my own brand consultancy, working with luxury fashion, fine jewelry and beauty brands on client experience, business development, and special projects. Whilst currently based in Edinburgh, I travel constantly to work with my clients and it's always wonderful coming home to a place like Edinburgh.

How do you like to practise wellness and self-care in the city, especially as the nights get darker? 

I hate the dark mornings and nights! So I try to really start my day as early as possible and do a little exercise and get outdoors as much as I can which really helps my overall wellness. I do reformer pilates at Hone on Howe Street at least twice a week in the mornings to start my day. On the mornings I don't go to a class, I always roll out my mat in the living room around 8am and do a Melissa Wood Health mat pilates. I've been hearing great things about Pilates by Bryony too, which I want to try. I just found a place on Broughton Street that does Infrared Sauna sessions (Solstice Centre) that I really want to start using, as I always feel amazing after an infrared sauna. They also have the PEMF mats that I really want to try too to help feel energized in the dark colder months especially. And I walk my dog twice a day either around Inverleith Park or the Dean Gardens - she helps keep me active!  

Are there any spots we should go to for an autumnal moment in Edinburgh?

On a Sunday, walk along the river from Dean Village and finish at the Stockbridge market for a coffee and pastry. 

We’re going out for dinner with friends, where should we make reservations asap?

I love Montrose - I love sitting in their wine bar and ordering small plates or The Palmerston. We love sitting at the bar and having a negroni whilst struggling to narrow down what we want to order!

What does your perfect autumn day off in Edinburgh look like?

A walk around Stockbridge, having a coffee in Fortitude. Stop by Dick's and Toast. Have a look at the books in Golden Hare books. Picking up some cheese and treats from IJ Mellis to take home. And if we have the dog, we can't walk past Just Dogs without popping in for something our dog probably doesn't need!

What is a “tourist trap” that you secretly love in Edinburgh?

Hmmm... Maybe the Bon Vivant. Always a great vibe and food. Or Dishoom - just always great.

Are there any local artists/musicians/creatives you’re a fan of that we should check out this season?

Our friend Jonathan Freemantle is an Edinburgh based artist. We have a large scale piece of his work in our living room that we love. Check him out, he's awesome!

How do you stay connected to a sense of “home” and “cosy” in a busy city like Edinburgh?

I'm all for home and cosy! I prefer to stay close to the quieter areas like Stockbridge which has a village-like feel without feeling like you are in a city. After getting home from a trip or even a long walk, I like to light the fire, candles, play some soft tunes like Hollow Coves or Bon Iver whilst we cook, and then watch Netflix with my LED mask on!

Last but not least, do you have any hidden gems you can share with us for our next visit to Edinburgh before the Christmas crowds arrive?

Sotto, a very new Italian restaurant in Stockbridge. They do great lunch specials and amazing wine. The Edinburgh Mercantile store in Stockbridge, run by our friends Roz and David, they have the best curation of luxury goods and homeware. Druid candles - my friend Harriet who founded Druid has the most amazing candles. My favourites are Hibernate and Courtyard.
 

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