Hidden Trax

This episode we chat with Kilted Donut co-founder Lena about all things sweet, sticky and doughy! This local business can be found on Great Junction Street, with selection of indulgent and ever-changing flavours. These freshly-baked donuts are an absolute treat, as was chatting to Lena. Plus, for the first time ever, all listeners can nab 15% off at The Kilted Donut online shop!! Just use code HIDDEN15 at the checkout. 

This episode, we speak to mother and son duo Paula and Stevie, part of the family who have set up Sabzi on Ferry Road. Their Punjabi street food pop ups are wonderfully delicious, with a changing menu weekend to weekend. They're looking to open the shop up properly in July, and took the time to tell us a bit about the story behind their business!

From green grocers to refillable shopping stores, sustainable deliveries to workers co-ops, Edinburgh's eco, ethical, sustainable business community is growing from strength to strength. We spoke to four local business owners about their experiences – and why they believe it is important to invest local, and think global.  Thanks to our guests The Edinburgh Tool Library, Weigh-to-Go, The New Leaf Co-op, and Easter Greens!And a huge thanks to our wonderful sponsors for this episode, Farrout Deliveries.Show Notes:Taimi has set up Courageous Co-operation to support other co-operatives set up and thrive - through offering co-op relevant training, facilitation and mentorship.You can find out more at www.courageouscooperation.co.uk

In this Hidden Trax Chat, we speak to Mrs Boon, owner of Tanjore - a well loved South Indian restaurant in Edinburgh’s Southside. Famous for their delicious dosas and distinct curries, this family-run local business is held in a special place in many hearts. Mrs Boon’s infectious positivity, friendliness and passion for South Indian cuisine seeps through Tanjore - and her storytelling is definitely not something to miss.

This episode we spoke to Giselle, co-founder of Bellfield Brewery. Specialising in great tasting gluten-free, all vegan, craft beers, their range can now be found across Edinburgh, and beyond – including in their own taproom! In this chat, we got to find out more about the Bellfield story and their journey as a local independent business in Edinburgh...

In this #hiddentraxchat, we speak to Machina Co-Founder Steve Glencross about how he started the business, what’s stands out about Edinburgh, and what’s to come in the world of speciality coffee.

The Dunsmores. the family behind the wonderful Paolozzi lager, run this local, independent, family-run brewery in Edinburgh. Their aim? To make beer beautiful. Their hugely popular range has been a huge hit over the past five years, and we loved catching up with Kirsty Dunsmore and finding a bit more about the story behind the brewery.

"The beauty of Edinburgh and Glasgow is the fact that there are communities within the cities.. you've got the culture of a big city, and even more small shops than a village or a small town."Iain Mellis founded his cherished cheesemongers back in 1993, when he first set up shop on Victoria Street. Over the last two decades, the family business has expanded to multiple premises and supplies wholesale to restaurants all over town. This local, independent business has kept Edinburgh (and Glasgow) well stocked with the finest Scottish dairy about. We loved hearing the Mellis story, and hope you enjoy! (Apologies for any audio blips - remote recording in the age of COVID/Zoom is a challenge!)

In our next #hiddentraxchat, we bring you this gem of a conversation with the managing director of Valvona & Crolla – Francesca Contini! We get to grips with her incredible family history, and Valvona & Crolla's life in Leith since 1934! This isn't one to miss...And a huge thanks to Francesca!

"Its about helping people discover what's around them, and make the choice to shop local...every time."Tom Harries set up the Edinburgh Lockdown Economy in a weekend, at the start of lockdown. His mission? Helping Edinburgh residents choose to shop locally, by listing independent businesses in one, accessible place. In a matter of months, his tiny team of mostly volunteers have created a website which now promotes over 800 local businesses. We grabbed a quick chat with Tom, to find out a bit more about what he does – and he does it!

We're in some strange, difficult times; especially difficult for local business owners, who have been forced to close, adapt, and furlough staff. Hidden Trax has three core values – one of these is the celebration of local, independent businesses. In response to this crisis, we've gathered some interviews and audio from four Edinburgh business owners: Robi Lambie (Cairngorm Coffee) / Kate Harahan (Neal's Yard Remedies) / Iain Mcpherson (Panda & Sons, Hoot the Redeemer, Nauticus) / Lewis Ritchie (It's All Good Cafe). We've also got a big bunch of locals and Hidden Trax Creators to shout out their fave Edinburgh independent businesses. Tune in, for this wee snippet of Edinburgh life.

We've worked alongside none other than The National Galleries of Scotland to create our latest #hiddentraxchat, showcasing the Galleries, and Edinburgh's art world! Join Annika, Sarah and David in exploring the goings on of the Capital's art scene, and discover more about some of the Gallery buildings and exhibitions. Guests: Sarah Calmus - Edinburgh artist, core team member of Hidden Door Festival, vice president of Visual Arts Scotland, and Hidden Trax Creator!David Faithfull - Edinburgh artist, printmaker, tutor at ECA, board member of SSA. Host: Annika Neilson - Edinburgh artist, and Hidden Trax Creator!

爱丁堡是哈利·波特系列的诞生地，和我们一起在对角巷的原型漫步，发现霍格沃茨魔法学校的灵感源泉，并去汤姆·里德尔的墓地一探究竟。Start Point: Top of Victoria Street, EH1 Handy Map: http://tiny.cc/WizardEdin

在爱丁堡的城中小山上尽享全城美景，远眺福斯湾和苏格兰北部高地，并欣赏亚瑟王宝座和彭特兰丘陵的英姿。Start Point: Near Howies, Waterloo Place, EH1. Handy Map: https://tinyurl.com/y4rbvz5h

Professional photographer, tutor and Edinburgh College of Art graduate Cora, is fresh from working with Steve McQueen in London. She returned home to take us along her Photography Trax, showing off some of her favourite places to grab a snap - and important photo hangouts in the city. Start: Waterloo Place, EH1 / Map: https://tinyurl.com/photographyeditrax

Best pals Ellie and Claire are keen podcasters, feminists and two Aussies living in Edinburgh. They take us on a feminist walk, checking out all the history hotspots around the Southside of Edinburgh! Start: National Museums Scotland, Chambers Street, EH1 Map: https://tinyurl.com/feminism-Edinburgh

No one in Edinburgh loves beer as much as Siobhan does! Known as the @britishbeergirl on Instagram, Siobhan guides you around some of her favourite beer spots in town in our latest #hiddentraxjourney! Get walking, and get those pints in! Start: Six Degrees North, Howe Street, EH3 Map: https://tinyurl.com/beeredinburgh

#hiddentraxchats with... Matt Carroll and Robi Lambi - owners of Fortitude Coffee and Cairngorm Coffee!Hosted by our coffee Creator and Edinburgh barista, Axel, the chat covers Edinburgh's independent coffee scene, the Disloyal 7, the challenges of setting up your own business, the origin of coffee beans, and the third and fourth wave coffee industry. Both Matt and Robi run coffee businesses that are considered pillars in Edinburgh's coffee scene. This is a great chance to get their insight and thoughts on all things coffee in the city!

It is the fourth and final Festival Edition special! This week we chat to guests about their comedic and fantastic shows, and interview a writer and director who've brought Shakespeare into the 21st Century!This is a listen-only podcast!x

We're back! Listen in for another Festival Edition special podcast made in collaboration with The List Magazine. This episode is all about Gig Theatre, and features guests Lee Jones, Maryhee Yoon & Cara Baldwin, and Maud Lee & Zoe Ní Riordáin. Find out why these wonderful Fringe performers and writers have delved into the world of Gig Theatre and what live music has done to make their shows must-sees! This is a listen-only Trax, so sit back and relax!

The List Magazine are joining Hidden Trax for a series of Festival-edition podcasts, where they'll be discussing everything Fringe! This second episode focuses on 'The Edge of Theatre', with guests Emily, Alex and Harry – discussing Queer Theatre, Fringe of Colour, Cabaret, Sci-Fi and TransFringe.This is a listen-only podcast!

The List Magazine are joining Hidden Trax for a series of Festival-edition podcasts, where they'll be discussing everything Fringe! Listen to this first episode for their top five picks, across music, comedy and theatre – as well as some of their Festival gripes!This is a podcast! Our LISTEN-ONLY Trax start wherever suits you!

After becoming best mates at an 'Edinburgh Far East Lifestyle Meetup' group in Edinburgh, Lily & Jeff spend their time seeking out the best, authentic East Asian food in the city! Listen to their foodie podcast and discover Edinburgh’s hidden dim sum delights and best bowls of steaming pho.This is a podcast! Our listen-only Trax start wherever suits you!

Hidden Door Festival is a hugely successful, volunteer-run, multi-arts festival in Edinburgh, that reclaims unused spaces and turns them into venues and exhibition spaces. Two integral members of the HD team, Hazel & Sarah, take you around some of the seminal Old Town sites. Start: Corner of East Market Street & Jeffrey Street, EH1 Map: https://tinyurl.com/hiddendooroldtown

Hidden Door Festival is a hugely successful, volunteer-run, multi-arts festival in Edinburgh, that reclaims unused spaces and turns them into venues and exhibition spaces. Two integral members of the HD team, Hazel & Sarah, take you around some of the seminal Leith sites. Start: Custom Lane, Customs Wharf, EH6. Map: https://tinyurl.com/hiddendoorleith

Fashionista and local artist, Annika, is a lover of everything vintage, recycled and second-hand. Walk with her through some of Old Town’s hidden vintage shopping gems, exploring Aladdin’s caves full of jewels, 50’s dresses and off-the-wall hats! Start: Carnivale Vintage, Bread Street, EH3. Map: http://tiny.cc/vintageshopping

Edimburgo es el lugar de nacimiento de Harry Potter. Camina con nosotros por el original Diagon Alley, vea la inspiración para Hogwarts, y echa un vistazo a la tumba de Tom Riddle. Start: Top of Victoria Street, EH1 Handy Map: http://tiny.cc/WizardEdin

De cette petite mais belle colline, admirez l’horizon merveilleux; regardez les Highlands et le Firth of Forth vers le nord, Arthur’s Seat et au dessus de la ville vers les collines des Pentland. Start Point: Outside Howies' Restaurant, Waterloo Place, EH2 Handy Map: https://tinyurl.com/y4rbvz5h

Admira el maravilloso horizonte desde esta pequeña pero bella colina. Mira al norte hacia las Highlands, al otro lado del Firth of Forth, a Arthur’s Seat y sobre la ciudad hacia las Colinas Pentland. Start: Outside Howies' Restaurant, Waterloo Place, EH2 Handy Map: https://tinyurl.com/y4rbvz5h Survey: tiny.cc/TraxSurvey

Camina por la Royal Mile, desde la catedral al palacio, mientras aprendes sobre la grandeza y la tragedia de la vida de María, Reina de Escocia. Start: Outside St Giles' Cathedral, EH1 Handy Map: http://tiny.cc/MaryQueen Survey: tiny.cc/TraxSurvey

Découvrez le Royal Mile, de la cathédrale au palais, tout en apprenant la grandeur et la tragédie de la vie de Marie, Reine d’Ecosse. Start: Outside St Giles' Cathedral, EH1 Handy Map: http://tiny.cc/MaryQueen Survey: tiny.cc/TraxSurvey

Édimbourg est le lieu de naissance de Harry Potter. Marchez avec nous sur le Chemin de Traverse original, découvrez d’où vient l’inspiration pour Poudlard, et jetez un coup d’oeil à la tombe de Thomas Riddle (aussi connu sous le nom Tom Elvis Jedusor). Start: Near the top of Victoria Street, EH1 Handy Map: http://tiny.cc/WizardEdin

Axel is back! This time, he takes us around Bruntsfield’s best coffee hotspots on this caffeine-focused Trax! Start: Machina Espresso, Brougham Place, EH3 Map: https://tinyurl.com/bruntsfieldcoffee

In this whisky wander, single malt Mark reveals a few of his most beloved watering holes. Start: Usquabae, Hope Street, EH2. Map: https://tinyurl.com/whiskymarktwo

He’s the ambassador for Glenfiddich, and an Edinburgh native: let single malt Mark show you a handful of his favourite spots to grab a dram. Start: The Balmoral Hotel, Princes Street, EH2. Map: https://tinyurl.com/whiskymarkone

Take a guided walk up Edinburgh's famous, extinct volcano for some of the best views of the city and the sea! Start: Scottish Parliament Map: https://tinyurl.com/arthursseatsummit

Famous for its quirky, atmospheric, hideaway bookshops, Edinburgh is the perfect place for book lovers from far and wide. Start: Edinburgh Books, Westport, EH3. Map: https://tinyurl.com/bookloverelisa

Stockbridge boasts the Water of Leith, great coffee, cheese, art shops, and wonderful pubs: explore all of this and more with area newbie Joe! Start: Entrance to Inverleith Park, Arboretum Place, EH3. Map: http://bit.ly/joestockbridge

Joe is back to guide you around the second half of Edinburgh’s enchanting Royal Botanic Garden. Start: Royal Botanic Garden East Gate, Inverleith Row, EH3. Map: http://bit.ly/JoeBotanics2

Walk through the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden with gardener and landscape lover Joe. After his recent move to Edinburgh, he is keen to show you the best foliage in town! Start: Royal Botanic Garden West Gate, Arboretum Place, EH3. Map: http://bit.ly/joebotanic1

Our coffee aficionado explores the Southside's best espresso and shows you some hidden caffeine gems! Start: Baba Budan, East Market Street, EH1. Map: https://tinyurl.com/southsidecoffeetour

Young local artist Annika takes you on a journey around her favourite contemporary art spots, covering everything from photography to tapestry! Start: Dovecot Studios, Infirmary Street, EH1. Map: https://tinyurl.com/annikaart

These days known as Edinburgh's clubbing mecca, the Cowgate is the grungy, dirty, beating heart of the city's nightlife – with a fair whack of history to boot! Start: Kickass Hostel Greyfriars, Cowgate, EH1. Map: https://bit.ly/2JC6TXs

Ex-president of Edinburgh's University Students' Association, Briana, takes you on a trip down memory lane and around the University of Edinburgh's central campus, showing off some of the most significant, historical, beautiful (and ugly) university buildings! Start: Bristo Square, EH8. Map: https://bit.ly/2HyDn2G

Tread through Leith's unsettled past, visiting crucial sites in the area's sectarian struggles, and hearing memories from experienced Leithers along the way! Start: Ferrylee Care Home, North Junction Street, EH6. Map: https://bit.ly/2QjdPt6

Eat and drink your way around Leith, through the eyes of this American, who’s made Scotland her adopted homeland! Start: Polentoni, Easter Road, EH7. Map: http://tiny.cc/AmericanLeith

From the perfect long black to an oat milk flat white, take a walk through central Edinburgh and learn about the city’s third wave coffee scene, while sipping on an espresso to go! Start: Fortitude Coffee, 3 York Place, EH1. Map: http://tiny.cc/CoffeeWE

Bitesize strolls through quirky Edinburgh spots: explore Rose Street’s chequered history and get some top tips on pubs and things to do in the area! Start: East End of Rose Street, corner with South St David Street, EH2. Map: http://tiny.cc/RoseStr

Blow-by-blow history of Edinburgh’s famous castle, and some of the events that have shaped this Scottish fortress - all told from outside the Castle gates! Start: Deacon Brodie's Tavern, Lawnmarket, EH1. Map: http://tiny.cc/TheCastle

Visit some of the pubs and venues hosting live music throughout the week, as selected by Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter, Peach. Start: Leith Depot, Leith Walk, EH6. Map: http://tiny.cc/LiveMusicEdin

What are those special brass cobbles found in odd formations all over Edinburgh’s Royal Mile? Find the answer and more, including the tale of the last public execution in the city! Start: The corner of St Mary’s Street and the Royal Mile, EH1. Map: http://tiny.cc/Setts