Thistly Cross Cider Takes Over Bonnie & Wild: A Boozy Food Collab Worth Buzzing About
Bonnie & Wild has always been a celebration of Scottish flavour, but this August, it’s turned things up a notch with a mouthwatering collaboration featuring Thistly Cross Cider. From cider-infused cocktails to creative dishes across the food hall’s top vendors, this pop-up is a spirited showcase of local craftsmanship, bold flavours, and cheeky culinary flair. Whether you're a cider connoisseur or just in it for the food, there’s something here to tempt every palate.
This August, Bonnie & Wild is turning up the heat with a packed calendar of events, launches, and pop-ups that celebrate the very best of Scottish food, drink, and culture. From a brand-new açai superfood kitchen to a month-long cider bar takeover, plus ceilidh dancing and exclusive tastings, the Edinburgh food hall is serving up something special every single day.
New Superfood Kitchen: Bowl Out Launched
Kicking things off, Bonnie & Wild welcomed its 14th food concept: Bowl Out, a vibrant new açai bowl kitchen offering a fresh take on breakfast, lunch, dessert, and takeaway. Expect nourishing açai berry sorbets, overnight oats layered with granola, honey, fruit, and coconut, all crafted to energize festival-goers and locals alike. Bowl Out joins a stellar line-up that includes Gary Maclean’s Creel Caught and El Perro Negro, twice crowned the UK’s best burger.
Fringe Ceilidh: The White Heather Club Returns
On Thursday, August 14, the legendary White Heather Club returns for its official Fringe ceilidh, promising a night of high-energy dancing with classics like Strip the Willow, Dashing White Sergeant, and Gay Gordons. Free to attend, the event celebrates three years of monthly ceilidhs at Bonnie & Wild, which have welcomed over 15,000 dancers since launching in 2022.
Craft Tastings: Whisky & Rum in the Tryst Bar
Adding to the festivities, Bonnie & Wild is hosting intimate tastings in its private Tryst bar:
August 14: East Neuk Spirits presents their Dorchadas rum range.
August 24: Fragrant Drops showcases their small-batch Scottish whiskies.
These exclusive sessions are perfect for spirit lovers and complement the regular Meet the Maker events at the Rarity bottle shop.
Cider Celebration: Thistly Cross Pop-Up Bar
Lothian cider legends Thistly Cross have taken over one of Bonnie & Wild’s bars for a month-long residency. Guests can sip on cider-infused cocktails like the Thistly Spiritz, Thistly Collins, and Dark & Thistly, while chefs across the food hall whip up cider-inspired specials. Participating kitchens include Kochchi, Chooks, Joelato, Illy Caffe, and more. I went along to try out some of their Cider offerings in both food and drink.
Bonnie & Wild might technically be a food court, but forget everything you remember about those grim shopping centre setups - plastic chairs, echoey voids, and the scent of stale chips lingering in the air. This is a whole different beast. Think warm Scottish hospitality, stylish seating, and a buzzing atmosphere that feels more like a lively marketplace than a pit stop.
With a mix of booths, communal tables, and cosy corners, there’s always a perch to settle into, even when it’s busy. The space hums with energy, thanks to a stellar line-up of food and drink vendors and an ambiance that’s equal parts elegant and inviting. It’s the kind of place where you come for a quick bite and end up lingering over dessert and a dram.
Cider Cocktails and Culinary Creativity: What’s Pouring at the Pop-Up
Head to the far end of the food hall and you’ll find the Thistly Cross Cider pop-up, an absolute gem for cider lovers. They’ve got the full line-up on draught: Traditional, Original, Whisky Cask, and a fruity selection including my personal favourite, the Elderflower. Crisp, floral, and dangerously drinkable.
We opted for the Traditional and the Dark & Thistly cocktail, both thirst-quenching and far too easy to polish off. If you’re after something refreshing with a proper Scottish kick, this wee corner’s got you sorted.
Must-Try Dishes Featuring Thistly Cross
Naturally, sipping Thistly Cross cider called for a proper cider-infused feast and the food hall didn’t disappoint. Several vendors have jumped on the cider bandwagon (with more likely to follow), serving up dishes that showcase Thistly Cross in all its glory.
Here’s what’s currently on offer:
Shetland Mussels in a Thistly Cross Cider and tarragon cream sauce – £15.95 from Creel Caught
Devilled Pork Bites glazed in Thistly Cross Cider – £7.50 from Kochchi
The Bonnie Hog with cider-braised onions – £13.00 from El Perro Negro
The De'Cider Sandwich with cider sauce – £13.50 from Chooks
We tucked into the Bonnie Hog and the De'Cider Sandwich; both rich, flavour-packed, and perfect companions to a pint of the good stuff. If you’re pairing food with cider, this is the way to do it.
Bonnie Hog Burger & Dark & Thistly Cocktail - From El Perro Negro, Bonnie & Wild Food Hall
If you’re after a burger that doesn’t mess about, the Bonnie Hog is your answer. This beast of a bite layers up double smashed pork patties; juicy, smoky, and seared to perfection with molten cheese, cider-braised onions, a fried egg that hits just right, and a whammy of hot mayo and BBQ sauce for good measure. It’s messy, it’s rich, and it’s absolutely glorious.
The cider-braised onions are the unsung hero here obviously - sweet and tangy, and with a hit of the cider, enough to make you feel like you’re eating something special. Every bite is a riot of texture: crispy edges, egg yolk, and that signature El Perro Negro umami punch.
Paired with the Dark & Thistly cocktail, it’s a match made in Scottish heaven. The cocktail’s deep, slightly smoky cider profile cuts through the richness of the burger, refreshing your palate between bites and keeping things from tipping into full food coma territory (though you’ll be close).
De'Cider Sandwich & Thistly Cross Traditional pint - From Chooks, Bonnie & Wild Food Hall
The De'Cider Sandwich is southern comfort with a Scottish twist and it absolutely delivers. A crispy, golden southern-fried chicken thigh takes centre stage, nestled in a soft bun with crunchy apple and white cabbage slaw that brings just the right amount of zing and freshness.
But the real star? That cider sauce with mustard and tarragon. It’s rich, herby, and slightly sharp, oozing luxuriously over the chicken like it knows it’s the main event. The tarragon adds a subtle aniseed lift that makes the whole thing feel elevated, without losing its finger-lickin’ charm.
Paired with a pint of Traditional Cider, it’s a flavour duet that sings.
We wrapped things up with a scoop (or two) of indulgent ice cream from Joelato, always a solid choice for a sweet finish. Word on the street is they’re crafting a cider-infused flavour to join the lineup soon, and if their past creations are anything to go by, it’s bound to be a belter.
So, whether you're sipping a Dark & Thistly or tucking into cider-braised mussels, Bonnie & Wild’s latest collab proves that cider isn’t just for drinking, it’s for dining, celebrating, and savouring. Head down before the month’s out to catch the Thistly Cross takeover in full swing, and don’t forget to bring your appetite (and maybe a few pals to share the feast). Tag your favourites, snap your cider pairings, and let the good times fizz.
Bonnie and Wild, 3rd Floor, St James Quarter, Edinburgh www.bonnieandwildmarket.com
I was invited by Bonnie & Wild to review their menu. Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.
TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.
Adele is a writer, reviewer and judge living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events), is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food, Scottish Bakers, Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards. Should you wish to work with, invite or collaborate with TartanSpoon, please email tartanspoon@yahoo.co.uk
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