Rutland Hotel, Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s culture is steeped in tradition and historical significance, yet a new theme is emerging of late, sculpting the city’s status as a thoroughly modern European City. The theme is boutique, and the centre is scattered with hidden hangouts where food, drink and décor are all crisp, cool and modern. It would be rude not to try. I stayed in the elegant Rutland Hotel apartment, where each room seemed uniquely designed to delight and surprise. Its basement apartment where I slept for two nights was no exception; its rug that reminded me of marshmallows, velvet armchair that looked like a delicious chocolate orange, and mirror made entirely of magazines, were just a few of the details that made me feel part of the city’s quirky modern undercurrent, which seemed to flow out from its striking late-night venues and into my complimentary Nespresso maker. The Rutland restaurant, where I dined one evening, was as innovative with its use of space, matter and dimension as it was with its menu. A walk-in glass wine cellar and views of the city’s busiest shopping street were the embodiment of contemporary cool design. The menu was composed of trendy, tasty, takes on traditional dishes - clever but not intimidating, original but affordable. Hotel Missoni is another Edinburgh must for lovers of modernity. Its décor is bold; bright patterns, both light and dark, mix with an array of surfaces and textures to create a theatrical vibe. The lunch menu is as colourful as the décor, and tastes like Italy on a summer’s afternoon; did I mention the gelato on offer for dessert?