Matchday Meanders with Rhona Lloyd
We chatted to Scotland winger Rhona Lloyd about what she thinks makes Edinburgh tick as a rugby city, from suggestions for eating and drinking to local tips that can enhance your time in the Scottish capital.
Tell us about your relationship with the city?
I was born and raised in Edinburgh. I went to Tynecastle High School which is a stone’s throw from Scottish Gas Murrayfield, and I started playing rugby on the back pitches. I grew up watching Edinburgh Rugby and we’d go to Scotland games too. There was a time where our tickets were the very back row in the stadium, you couldn’t get any further back. So, I very much grew up in Edinburgh, connected to Murrayfield and the city.
Why is Edinburgh a great place for a Guinness Women’s Six Nations weekend?
Edinburgh is the perfect place for a Six Nations weekend because there is loads to do, it is a city that loves rugby, and the city centre is beautiful. It has so much history, so much green space and there’s something for everybody. It’s a fantastic city to visit and even better if there’s a Six Nations game on.
Where would you suggest fans go for the best pre-match coffee?
I’d suggest fans go to The Milkman. It is one that is very hyped up on social media, but I do think it’s a fantastic coffee shop. There’s two of them on Cockburn Street and I love that street. It’s one of my favourite streets in the city and it’s a great place to get a coffee and go for a wander down the Royal Mile to take in the atmosphere of the city and listen to some bagpipes before the match.
How about a post-match meal?
I recommend Ting Thai Caravan. I think it’s really good value for money. You get a lot of food and its really good food. Again, it’s in a cute area of the city, up near Edinburgh University where I studied, so it was a bit of a staple when I was there. They do a fantastic lunch deal if you want to go before the match and I recommend you get the rotis. They are incredible!
And a post-match pint?
I would try and get your hands on an Irn-Bru Sour. You can get this at The Black Cat on Rose Street and there’s a lot of really good pubs on that street. It’s good vibes, really cute and the Irn-Bru Sour is delicious.
Where would you go on a Saturday for brunch?
For brunch, Greenwood’s on Frederick Street. It does really good portions – you’ll definitely be full before the match. Again, a lovely area of town but Edinburgh has so many lovely areas, so I’ll say that for everywhere.
Non-game day activity?
I’d recommend going out to Swanston Farm if you can to see the Highland cows. You really feel like you are in Scotland once you’ve seen a Highland cow! My favourite area in the city is the Grassmarket. I recommend having a walk up the Vennel steps to get a great view of the castle or get some takeaway food and sit on the castle steps. It’s always got good vibes and a good buzz around there. At the weekend there’s a little market that you can pick up some local Edinburgh products from, so it’s definitely worth checking out.
Bonus local top tip?
My local tip would be heading up Calton Hill for sunset. It’s not a very long walk and it has great 360° views of the city. You can see Arthur’s Seat, you can see the city centre and you can see the water out by the beach. It’s a great spot to catch the sunset on a clear day. I can’t promise any good weather though!
And where should fans be when the anthems start?
When then anthems start you need to be in your seats at Hive Stadium! Get ready to join in with Loch Lomond afterwards too, that’s always a special moment on game day.
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