Resident Advisors: James Snowdon, The Palmerston

Who are you and what do you do?
I run plates and fill up glasses at The Palmerston restaurant.

What’s been a highlight of the last twelve months for you?
I can barely remember what happened last week! The Palmerston was included in the NRA Top 100 Restaurants List for the third year in a row, so I would probably say that.

What’s coming up in the future for you?
We recently signed on a new project which is going to take shape in the next six to eight months – ready for Fringe 2026!

Where do you recommend people go in Edinburgh? Areas, attractions, walks etc?
Two of the best views in town are Carlton Hill and Blackford Hill. These spots are great if you want to get a bit of breathing space from the festival, and the views are ten times better than queuing to get up Arthur's Seat.

Favourite place to eat?
Ooft! So much to choose from! During the festival I'm going to get out of the city centre so I'm hitting up Fin & Grape – best seafood cooking in town with a solid wine list. Stu and the crew have created a proper neighbourhood restaurant which ticks all the boxes. Or Sabzi – proper hearty family-run Punjabi restaurant down on Ferry Road. The menu changes weekly, and they serve breakfast at the weekends – Stevie and his family have created something very special.

Favourite place to drink?
That's hard! For pubs, you can't beat a pint of Jarl at Kay's or sitting alfresco at Newbarns Taproom (especially on the last Sunday of the month during summer for some Big Dip action!) or nip into the Ensign Ewart – the best whisky bar in town, bang on the tourist trap that is the Royal Mile! It’s worth wrestling your way through street acts and TikTok dances!

For bars, this city is full of some of the best around so I'll give you three options. Post-work, you can't beat Old Pal in the West End and then if I'm venturing further than my doorstep, Hey Palu in Tollcross – amazing drinks and a top class team! Perfect for slipping into during the festival as they're right in the mix of it! If I’m heading down to Leith, it's got to be Nauticus, which is a vibe! Again, amazing drinks (solid whisky selection!) and the staff are a riot! Great if you want to escape the festival madness and explore Leith!

Why do you like living here?
What's not to like – it's a very manageable city, you've got everything on your doorstep (if you ignore my 'better connections for flights' comments coming up next!) There's a real community vibe in Edinburgh, no one is excluded and a lot of different groups all cross over (usually over a pint or six at Newbarns Taproom!). Everyone just wants to have a good time and you've got the whole of Scotland at your mercy! You could be out of the city and head first in a mash tun, up the top of a munro or on the Isle of Arran within a few hours of rolling out of bed!

What annoys you about living here?
After ten years of living in London, very little annoys me about Edinburgh; if I had to pick something, maybe better flight connections for weekend getaways.

Do you have an Edinburgh festival survival tip?
Embrace it! It's an amazing time of the year, the city is bouncing 24 hours a day for the month of August and there's something for everyone! I always make the most of the two-for-one offers early in the Fringe allowing you to get to a lot of shows without breaking the bank.