Edinburgh Cocktail Week has marked the beginning of autumn for five years now; we say that’s officially a tradition. One hundred bars from all over the city join the fun from 6–15 October, with Cocktail Village at Festival Square hosting 22 pop-up bars, food, live music and DJs; it’s free entry with a Cocktail Week wristband. There’s also a clutch of openings to celebrate, including Fat Hippo, The Botanist and Rosa’s Thai (who also opened in Glasgow last month). And if you want pizza news, the builders have finally moved out of 19 Blackfriars Street and Three Blind Mice have moved in. It’s a gorgeous spot for their pies and small plates.

In Glasgow, the gang behind Old Salty’s have launched JoJo Macs in St Vincent Street; majoring in grill skills, their burgers and lobster are the main events. The much-missed Wee Lochan has made a triumphant return, with the former head chef launching The Wee Lochan Kitchen in Dumbarton Road. They’re running right through the day with a particularly lush brunch menu.

Paul Kitching’s untimely passing left a huge gap in Edinburgh’s dining scene; chef Stuart Ralston will step into the breach at the former 21212 kitchen with Lyla, a seafood-focused fine-dining experience. Finally, if the autumn winds in the capital are making you all shivery, our reviewer was charmed by the warm hospitality and generous spicing at Haldi, a family-run Indian bistro up Newington way. Alternatively, Edinburgh’s Whisky Festival rolls into Murrayfield on 14 October. And if that doesn’t warm your cockles, not much will.

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