RYAN’S BUZZ

FREE DESSERT & BEER – THIS WEEKEND ONLY!

This Saturday and Sunday (the 15th and 16th) we’re offering a very special deal – book a meal and get we’ll throw in a complimentary dessert & beer! Enjoy a half pint of Innis and Gunn’s rum finish ale with pancakes (also made with Innis & Gunn) and served with candied pineapple crème patisseries, a coconut and Curacao gel and piña colada caviar!

Foster’s Gold

The Australians certainly know a few things about a hot summer’s day and a cold beer. From the stubbie, a small bottle specifically designed so it doesn’t warm up before you’ve finished it, to the neoprene Beer Glove, they can certainly teach us Pommies a lesson or two on that count. (We blame the fact that we generally get about three weeks of what the Aussies would consider “summer”)

So what better than Foster’s Gold, “The Posh Drop”, for the scorching Scottish summer?

As you’ve probably noticed from their “Good Call” ads on the TV, they’re not lacking in the humour department either – give one of the adverts a click and you’re not going to get a whole bunch of marketing speak about demographics and PPLs, instead they’re presenting a range of classic comedy, including Alan Partridge, Vic & Bob and the entire Fast Show collection, including the infamous Lost Episode! Scorchio!

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British & Irish Lions

We love our rugby here at Ryan’s! Why not come join us and watch the British and Irish Lion play their way around Australia? Every match will be played live on our 5 HD screens, so why not come along and enjoy breakfast and a beer! If you fancy organising a private party for you and your friends we also have a giant screen in Ryan’s Cellar restaurant. Email us at manager@ryansbar.com or call us on 0131 226 6669 for details.

 

Gearing up for the Edinburgh Marathon

 

We’re getting excited for Edinburgh’s marathon next Sunday! Ryan’s coffee shop will be   opening at 7.30am on Sunday so participants can enjoy a healthy, energy filled breakfast before they start. As well as our usual tantalising breakfast options we’re going to be including lots of high protein and carbohydrate-rich options. Including porridge and a jam-packed fruit salad!

We welcome the whole family to Ryan’s as our breakfast menu turns into a special brunch menu. Enjoy your day, come sun or rain!

 

Matching With Stewarts

Many thanks to both Stewart’s Brewing and everyone who packed out The Cellar Restaurant last Thursday for our second “Food & Beer Matching Night”.

In conjunction with the 30 Days of IPA project we’d put together a menu which uses the unique flavours of Stewart’s beers to enhance the taste of three very special courses, including “Ka Pai”, their new and very popular New Zealand inspired IPA.
read more→

The Great Edinburgh Beer Experiment

This year the 30 Days of IPA project (which we’re sure you’ve noticed we’re a part of) is doing something a little different – a scientific experiment to test one of the oldest beer legends out there, that the months-long voyage from Britain to India actually improved the flavour of India Pale Ale.

The original recipe

, around a hundred and fifty years old, had a slightly stronger ABV than most IPAs have these days, and with a lot of hops added at the final stages of brewing, two measures that were designed to preserve the beer for longer than was normal for brews of the time.

It wasn’t really to the taste of the time though, which was for sweet, malty ales – some went so far as to call it undrinkable – but by the time the beer had reached India it had mellowed and been transformed into a drink that could fetch high prices and would be served alongside the finest wines.

So to test this three different brewers have produced three different IPAs, two in traditional wooden casks and a third in a modern plastic lined aluminium cask. They have all been brewed to something close to the original recipe, so they should be able to survive our little plan…

One cask of each beer is currently being stored in a modern, climate controlled beer cellar. Three identical casks, meanwhile, are being stored in the hold of a small ship while it sails the Firth of Forth and the surrounding coastal waters for two months, constantly rocking the beer around and replicating some of the conditions it would have experienced in the 19th century.

But the final test is, as they say, in the tasting, which is where you, our (hopefully) ale loving reader come into the equation. We’ll be cracking all six casks open on 25th of April in The Counting House, the very apt 18th Century ballroom and function suite above The Peartree. We’ll then hold a blind tasting of all six beers to see if we can find any major change in the flavour and aroma.

This is a unique chance to sample some very unique beers which haven’t been brewed and conditioned in this manner for nearly two hundred years, and also an opportunity to be involved in a genuinely new piece of public science! Tickets cost £12.50 (£10 for students and CAMRA members), and are available at the bar while stocks last – for your money you get six half pints and a little place in the annals of human knowledge!

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Ryan’s Gets The Masterchef Seal Of Approval!

Gregg Wallace, esteemed judge of one of the UK’s favourite cooking shows ‘Master Chef’, celebrated this weekend at Ryan’s Bar!

The judge enjoyed an evening of drinking and banter with friends and the staff team and even let barmaid and Masterchef fan Mimi Reid wear his hat for the evening.

And much to the delight of the team, Gregg also gave one of their dishes the Masterchef seal of approval, describing the bar and restaurant’s chocolate and orange torte as ‘fackin brilliant’.

Read more here→

Gold Cup Day

Friday 15th March
The Cheltenham Fesival is one of the highlights of the racing calendar – join us for one of the biggest races of the year – will Long Run triumph again, or will we see a different name on this year’s Roll Of Honour? Big screen, free stovies and pies! More→

St Patrick’s Day

It’s the greenest day of the year! Join Ryan’s bar for all the usual shennanigans on the 17th of March -free hats, traditional Irish Stew and all the Jamesons and Guinness you can drink (in a responsible and sensible manner!). More→

National Butchers’ Week

We’re celebrating all that’s best about the Great British Butcher! We’re offering 50% off all meat dishes in The Cellar Restaurant until Sunday the 10th of March, so whether it’s a Stornoway black pudding starter or a full 16oz Scotch Beef steak, you can enjoy some of the finest British meat produce for half price!

Food & Beer Matching

Thursday 28th February – 7.30pm
3 courses, 4 different beers, £25

Everybody knows that matching food and wine is an art which can make or break a meal, but matching beers to foods is even more complex – beer has a far greater range of styles and varieties, and the flavours to be found roam across a huge spectrum.

Join Ryan’s Bar, The Cellar Restaurant and the beer sommeliers from Molson Coors as we explore a range of beers and match them against a specially created four course menu.

More Here→

RBS 6 Nations 2013

We love rugby, and the 6 Nations tournament is an annual highlight for Ryan’s. This year we’re playing host to the Italians, the Welsh and the Irish, so expect a large dose of singing and some fiercely competitive games! We’ll have all of the action live on several screens, including one HUGE one, and if you fancy a private sports bar for the afternoon our Cellar Restaurant can be hired for groups.

If you get peckish during the game we’ll be holding a barbecue during each match weekend, and the action doesn’t stop at the final whistle – you can celebrate, commiserate or just enjoy one of the most sociable sporting tournaments in the world with a DJ late into the night!

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Burns Night 2013

Burns spent much time in Edinburgh, and the city had a lasting impression on him.
Enjoy a traditional Burns Supper, or sample from the rest of our exclusive themed menu, as we celebrate Scotland’s most celebrated poet, Rabbie Burns. We’ll have live traditional music, or, if you feel like a quieter evening, The Cellar Restaurant’s private dining suites are available.

More info and menu→

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Ginger Grouse

Welcome to 2013! And with the new year comes a new drink of the month, and quite fittingly it’s a new take on some old favourites, traditional ginger beer and Famous Grouse whisky. The Grouse range has been steadily increasing over the years, from Snow Grouse (designed to go over ice) and the subtly finished Naked Grouse to Murrayfield limited editions and the exceedingly rare and pricey Famous Goose.

The latest addition is the aptly named Ginger Grouse, a blend of spicy traditional ginger beer and just a hint of classic Famous Grouse whisky adding a mellow smokiness.

Grouse Facts

• Grouse are one of the few vertabrates who eat pine needles.
• You’ll find The Macallan, The Glenrothes and Highland Park in a bottle of classic Famous Grouse.
• The tail feathers of the Black Grouse are a traditional hat ornament.
• The rare Scottish Capercaillie is a type of grouse.
• The bird you’ll find on the bottle is the Red Grouse which feeds mainly on heather.
• Famous Grouse’s quirky TV adverts are well known – browse some of the classic ads here.

Check out the Ginger Grouse facebook page here!

 

Coca Cola Designated Drivers

It’s that time of year again – the nights have drawn in, there’s a definite chill in the air, and festive lights are going up left right and centre, and Christmas parties stalk the streets. It’s also traditionally the time of year when the police put a lot of time and money into drink-driving campaigns, and with good reason, the statistics show that people are much more likely to be involved in a drink-driving related accident during December.

So don’t chance it – and to encourage responsible partying we’re teaming up with Coca Cola to provide free soft drinks to the designated driver with any group. From the 10th of December just buy a Coke at the bar, tell the staff that you’re a designated driver and the next one is free, courtesy of us and Coca Cola.

And if you’re lucky enough to be a passenger? Well, you don’t need us to tell you that Coke is one of the most versatile mixers out there do you? They also do a nice line in iconic Christmas adverts!

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HOGMANAY AT RYAN’S

Celebrate New Year in Edinburgh’s West End with The Cellar Restaurant at Ryan’s.

Enjoy canapés & champagne on arrival, a three course à la carte meal followed by coffee and shortbread.

At midnight, we’ll have a dram and a Black Bun to toast the bells and a spectacular view of the Edinburgh Castle fireworks (Street Party tickets not included).

Taxis at 2.30am guaranteed for all guests. Live piano, followed by a DJ until 3am.

£40 per person. Book now to avoid disappointment!

Our luxurious five course Hogmanay menu is now available here. For more information and bookings please email manager@ryansbar.com or call us on 0131 226 6669

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Wild Turkey American Honey

Wild Turkey American Honey is the new drink this month, and it’s a new twist on an old favourite. Wild Turkey 101 has been a staple of the Edinburgh bar scene for years, and any self-respecting bourbon collection will have a bottle of this complex overproof whiskey. It’s a fine example of the genre, but if you don’t like bourbon it may not be to your taste.

So, as malt whisky branched out into liqueurs like Drambuie and Baileys, Wild Turkey have tweaked their classic recipe into something slightly sweeter – but only slightly. This isn’t a sickly sweet liqueur, it’s simply a background of honey, vanilla and citrus which mellows the bourbon even further. Over ice it’s crisp and refreshing, mixed into a tall drink it becomes a perfect balance for citrus juices, cola or cranberry.

And this being the Scottish winter, well, you’ve got to try it in a hot chocolate, a shot in your coffee or as the basis for an alternative Hot Toddy.

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#EdinTravTweetup

On a slightly cold and drizzly Edinburgh night in October, around 30 explorers sought shelter and sustenance in The Cellar Restaurant at Ryan’s Bar for the sixth #edintravtweetup – find out how they got on here→

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Malibu Red

As you’ve probably noticed from the rather striking banners this month, Malibu Red is our current drink of the month. Everybody knows Malibu (and if you don’t, where have you been?), a smooth and sweet rum with a wonderful coconut flavour and aroma. Well now it’s being joined by Malibu Red, which still has the coconut hit, but is enhanced with a fiery, smoky tequila. It’s a fantastic drink, mellow and complex with great complementary flavours – try a simply shot over ice and you won’t be disappointed, but where this drink really shines is with mixers or as a full-on cocktail.

A Facebook survey has shown that pineapple is a particular favourite (hence the enduring if retro appeal of the Pina Colada), but cranberry, cola and lemonade are also proving popular…as are a huge number of different mixers, this seems to be one of the most versatile drinks out there at the moment!

To explore the official recommendations, take a look at the Malibu Red website, or if you want to get creative just pop into the bar and start mixing it up!

Malibu Red on Facebook
Malibu Red on Twitter

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Christmas @ The Cellar Restaurant

Our exclusive five course Christmas menu will be available from Thursday the 29th of November until Monday the 24th of December in The Cellar Restaurant.

We anticipate that as with previous years our booking diary will fill up quickly, so book your party now! Full details, menus and our booking form can be found here→

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Jeremiah Weed

Jeremiah Weed is our current drink of the month, and an interesting beverage it is. There’s two versions, the Root Brew and the Sour Mash Brew.

The Root Brew is based on that Mark Twain staple, root beer. For those who haven’t tried root beer, it’s similar to ginger beer, and like ginger beer it was traditionally slightly alcoholic, but is more commonly sold as a soft drink these days. Jeremiah Weed are taking a stand though, and re-introducing the classic grown-up root beer, and very nice it is too. Root Brew doesn’t have quite the same fiery bite as ginger beer, it’s more of a mellow hint behind the more traditional botanicals. Nice stuff!

The Sour Mash Brew adds that other Deep South staple, sour mash bourbon, for a ready made all-American classic.

Both come with a special glass – but in a welcome change from oversize flutes and miniature yard glasses, this one is simply a jam jar. Yes, a jam jar. With a handle. Brilliant!

Ideally sip one whilst slowly rafting down the Mississippi wearing a battered straw hat and singing the blues. Also available at the bar.

 Jeremiah Weed Website

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Summer Spritz!

Scotland has a long historic connection with Italy, from coffee to ice-cream there are Italians behind some of the most famous and best loved Scottish food and drink. Joining these ranks is Aperol, a semi-bitter aperitif. We’ve been stocking it for a few weeks now and it’s been flying, probably because it’s such a wonderful summer drink. The main flavour is orange and rhubarb with a slightly bitter hit from the various herbs used in the recipe, followed by a long and smooth floral/citrus finish – it’s reminiscent of a mellow Campari.

Bonus time – it’s only 11% ABV, so you can add it to sparkling white wine and soda for a crisp and refreshing long drink that won’t leave you feeling like you’ve been in the sun too long! Aperol is, in fact, the original base for the Spritz. Over the years the Spritz (also known as the Spritzer) has been “watered down” into a simple mix of white wine and soda, but if you want to try the original version (and a far superior one in our opinion) then just pop in and ask for an Aperol Spritz!

Surf ‘n Turf Summer Menu

Our incredible team in the Cellar Restaurant have spent the last few weeks testing, tweaking and perfecting the summer Surf ‘n Turf menu. With Scottish produce changing with the seasons it makes sense to update the offering – here’s a little taster of the new features:

Ryan’s Legend Burger

Thanks to @Jess_Jaensch and @Matt_wills8 for this brilliant pic of our Legend Burger!

IT’S BACK! 2-FOR-£15

Our famous Surf ‘n Turf deal is back! Enjoy two courses from our mouthwatering menu, including Sirloin, T-bone, Sea Bream and vegetarian options for just £15!

Available at limited times throughout the week. Click here for more details →

RYANS TV!

We’ve taken a camera behind the scenes to show you what the Cellar Restaurant is all about – mostly large slabs of succulent Scotch beef!

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COFFEE SHOP REVAMP

The famous Ryan’s Coffee Shop has had a refurbishment! Featuring local art, stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, free newspapers and of course the finest espresso based coffee concoctions it’s the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by.

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