One of Scotland’s most famous hotels, James Thomson’s, The Witchery, located in the heart of Edinburgh’s gothic Old Town and a must-visit for food enthusiasts and travellers, celebrates its 45th Anniversary on Halloween and to mark the occasion The Witchery has unveiled its newly opened shop.

Located opposite The Witchery’s renowned restaurants on the Castlehill, within an historic Georgian building, the shop’s transformation reflects James’ passion for sustainability through creating unforgettable experiences by sympathetically transforming historic spaces and giving them new life. The Witchery Shop continues this tradition with the inventive use of reclaimed gilt oak-panelling, antique furnishings and period lighting echoing the atmospheric charm of The Witchery’s unique restaurants and suites and offering an unparalleled shopping experience.

The Witchery showcases its commitment to the environment with a curated collection of James’ favourite items, spotlighting some of Scotland’s finest designers and artisans.  Just as the restaurant supports local growers, butchers, fishermen, and foragers to create exceptional dishes, The Witchery Shop shines a light on the very best in Scottish craftsmanship and creative talent, whilst helping support traditional skills.

Visitors to the shop will discover bespoke products that embody The Witchery’s distinctive style. Among these is an exclusive tartan and tweed designed by renowned Scottish textile designer Araminta Campbell, crafted into the softest cashmere right here in Scotland using only the finest yarns. Additionally, the shop features an exquisite range of bespoke leather luggage meticulously crafted by Simon Harvey-Potts and his team at Mackenzie Leather, located in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town.

To celebrate the 900^th Anniversary of the City of Edinburgh, and 45 years since he opened The Witchery on Halloween, James Thomson commissioned MinaLima, to create an artwork inspired by The Witchery’s history, interiors and location in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, which will be launched and sold in The Witchery Shop from Halloween.  This is the very first print of Edinburgh by MinaLima, with only 500 signed limited edition prints available, proceeds will go to Edinburgh charity, Edinburgh’s OneCity Trust, which aims to fight inequality and exclusion within the city.

Limited edition prints, luxury cashmere and handcrafted leather goods are sold alongside items also served in The Witchery’s dining rooms, such as The Witchery’s own blend of speciality tea, Champagne, Malt Whisky, Gin, and decadent chocolates. The Witchery is proud to launch its first limited edition single-cask Scotch Whisky, a distinguished 10-year-old matured in an ex-sherry hogshead at Teaninich Distillery in the Highlands.  With rich aromas of liquorice and toasted pumpernickel, balanced by sweet tropical fruits and a hint of lime, this whisky offers a creamy texture with a fresh hazelnut finish. With only 204 bottles available, it is a must-have for whisky connoisseurs.
A bespoke Witchery Gin is being distilled on Halloween itself, at 45% alcohol, in celebration of the anniversary and has been crafted in collaboration with Lind & Lime Distillery.  The lively citrus notes pay tribute to the rich history of maritime trade in Edinburgh’s Port of Leith, while the classic London Dry style reflects The Witchery’s ability to navigate the last four and a half decades with elegance. Lemon evokes the era when citrus fruits were cherished for their freshness on long voyages and the inclusion of nettles and lavender adds a touch of Witchery magic.

The Witchery Shop also holds a secret – hidden within its walls, a secret door leads to a magical room, lined in The Witchery’s tartan, and adorned with stag antlers.  This private space is a nod to The Witchery’s signature intrigue and serves as the perfect setting for storytelling, sampling rare whiskies, and enjoying exclusive tastings.  The intimate atmosphere of this hidden sanctuary reflects the essence of The Witchery itself: a place steeped in mystery, where every corner invites discovery.

The Witchery Shop is more than just an exciting addition to Edinburgh’s Royal Mile offering, it is an extension of the rich narrative that has defined The Witchery for decades, offering guests the chance to bring a piece of its magic home with them.  Each detail, from the carefully selected items to the secret spaces waiting to be explored, ensures that the shop remains a destination in its own right, where the spirit of The Witchery continues to thrive.

James Thomson, Owner of The Witchery, comments: “Some of my earliest memories are of helping my grandfather in his grocery shop, and it was there that my dream of owning a shop began.  To now bring that vision to life at The Witchery feels like the perfect next step.  This shop not only extends our guests’ experience beyond the dining room and suites but also allows them to take home a small piece of what makes The Witchery so unique.”

Steven Allam, General Manager of The Witchery, comments:“The opening of The Witchery Shop brings a wave of excitement and energy to our already exciting offerings.  Myself and the entire hotel team are thrilled to embark on this new chapter.  It feels like a natural evolution of The Witchery, enhancing the guest experience while staying true to our heritage and commitment to excellence and the future of our planet.”