Brooks Hotel, Edinburgh

The other weekend, I headed up to Edinburgh for a few days, ready for some culture, shopping and mulled wine - well the Christmas market had arrived, it would've be rude not to...   My Sister and I stayed in Brooks Hotel, on Grove Street (EH3) which is about 10 minutes walk from the city centre/Princes Street. Classed as a boutique hotel, Brooks is a little different and has plenty of charm and character, from each of the individually decorated rooms to the cosy lounge with comfy sofas and a fire.
Unfortunately we had to leave earlier than planned, so I didn't have a chance to sit by the fire, drink in hand, but I'm sure I'll be back soon enough. We did however, get to spend the night in the hotel and had time to explore a few parts of the city we'd never visited; the portrait gallery, Yeni Meze restaurant (that feast below and their menu was so good, great if you need to check intolerances, all GF/DF/Nut free etc are clearly stated) and Edinburgh Castle - on a very wet, windy Sunday morning!
 
If you book direct with the hotel, breakfast will only cost you £1 and trust me, it's worth so much more. With a range to choose from; the cooked Scottish breakfast (which I'd recommend, that haggis - yes I tried it - is really good) smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, porridge with a dash of whisky if you like, plus all the usual juice/cereal/toast and fresh fruit. There's a very tempting afternoon tea and prosecco offer if you stay before 23rd December - hopefully there'll be something similar in the new year/early Spring!
Edinburgh Christmas market is always worth a visit; with an ice rink, Christmas tree maze, plenty of places to get mulled wine and a ferris wheel there's something for everyone. Even if you're like the grinch, you'll feel slightly festive having a walk around and seeing all the stalls with gifts and smelling that mix of crepes, waffles and bratwurst, mmm. It's still nothing compared to Berlin though, but I'd never expect it to be!
Have you been to Edinburgh? Where's the best Christmas market you visited?Thanks to Brooks for the complimentary stay. I'll be back soon for another night and that breakfast. Who knew I'd like haggis?!