Life & style, Issue 607

Streets of glory - Edinburgh Rat Race

Edinburgh will be reclaimed by hundreds of scurrying creatures this month. Claire Sawers meets the people behind the Rat Race

Taste Test - Meat Pies

Gregg’s Scotch Pie Gregg’s, various outlets, Scotland wide 70p We couldn’t do a meat pie test without saying ‘aye’ tae a pie – a traditional Scottish mutton pie, that is. The hot water crust pastry is crunchier and more robust than the flakier…

Nice and easy does it - Côte d’Azur

Richard Moore braves the glamour and the husband hunters of the Côte d’Azur and discovers a wealth of treasures

Flavours of the month - Festival Food

Food and Drink editor Donald Reid surveys what’s new in the eating out scene around Edinburgh as the Festival frenzy looms

Side Dishes - Food news to nibble on

MAKING USE OF the narrow first-floor space above Brel on Ashton Lane, Serge is a new wine bar serving a menu of snacks and small food, with the extensive beer list and main menu from Brel also available. Chilled tunes and regular tastings feature. Book…

Cocktail kudos

Shervene Shahbazkhani recently won the Scottish heats of the 42 Below Cocktail World Cup in Edinburgh with her innovative cocktail, ‘Bring the Beat Back’. She describes how she made it; ‘I tend to follow what my instincts tell me to make. Most cocktails…

Take three: Fringe firsts - new Edinburgh openings for the festival 2008

Olive Branch Bistro 44-46 George IV Bridge, 0131 226 4155, www.theolivebranchscotland.co.uk This intriguing site has hosted pioneering modern Scottish restaurant Dial as well as Marque Central scion Herbe Bistro. The dining space is one below…

Three places nearby the Côte d’Azur

Cannes Although most famous for the illustrious film festival that swamps the city in actor-types every May, Cannes' reputation for glamour is evident throughout the year. The main streets are packed with expensive boutiques, but most of the town's…

Three to try: adventure sports

Transgression Park Head to the top of Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal for a spin on your BMX, skateboard or inline skates. Not yet a consummate professional? Lessons and equipment hire are available for all three ‘freesports’. There is also a designated…