A Recap of the Autumn Woodland Walk Handwoven Launch Evening
Last month, we had the pleasure of opening the doors to our breathtaking castle-like Atelier, nestled on the outskirts of Edinburgh, for the launch of our exclusive Handwoven Autumn Woodland Walk tartan. With the theme of the evening being "Welcome to Our Home," we invited our inner circle, partners, and dear friends of the business to join us for a night of warmth, artistry, and celebration. It was an unforgettable evening filled with conversation, incredible food, exquisite drinks, and, of course, the finest Araminta Campbell designs.
A Warm Welcome
As our guests arrived, they were greeted with their choice of a ‘Heritage Gin & Tonic’ or a sparkling English white wine. We served two deliciously seasonal takes on the classic gin and tonic, featuring the organic Eight Lands Speyside Gin—a multi-award-winning gin crafted with nothing but pure Scottish spring water and organic ingredients. It’s made with care at the family-owned Glenrinnes Distillery in Speyside, where tradition meets innovation amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Highlands. Thank you to Eight Lands for gifting us their glorious Gin for the evening!
And what better way to pair it than with Walter Gregors small-batch tonic waters? These tonics are something truly special, hand-crafted in Aberdeenshire on the very farm where Walter Gregor himself once preached, with sweeping views over the Moray Firth. The dedication and love put into each bottle match the story and heritage of the land itself, making each sip truly refreshing.
Here are the two Heritage Gin & Tonic recipes we served on the night, featuring fresh, seasonal garnishes (including brambles foraged from our Atelier garden!):
Heritage Gin & Tonic with Apple & Cinnamon
A perfect blend for autumn’s crisp air!
-25ml Eight Lands Organic Speyside Gin
-Walter Gregors Apple & Cinnamon Tonic Water
-Garnish: Freshly sliced garden apple and an orange twist
Heritage Gin & Tonic with Brambles, Fig & Rosemary
Rich and fragrant, with a touch of foraged goodness.
-25ml Eight Lands Organic Speyside Gin
-Walter Gregors Original Tonic Water
-Garnish: Freshly picked brambles, fig slices, and a sprig of garden rosemary
For those seeking a non-alcoholic option, we also served Summer House Drinks, Walter Gregors’ sister brand. They craft their sparkling soft drinks with herbs grown on their family farm in Aberdeenshire, infusing every sip with lavender, mint, ginger, and other delights. These drinks offer a burst of fresh, farm-to-bottle goodness.
Araminta Birse-Stewart
Sipping in Style with Simpson’s Wine
As the evening unfolded, we were thrilled to pop open bottles of Simpson’s Wines’ Flint Fields Blanc De Noirs, a sparkling white that brought just the right touch of elegance to our Autumn Woodland Walk launch. Crafted from estate-grown Pinot Noir, this award-winning gem from the chalk slopes of Kent made our crisp autumn evening all the more luxurious. This sparkling white has beautiful notes of pâtisserie and citrus peel, and delicate hints of quince and rosehip. And with its smooth, dry finish? Well, let’s just say our guests were happily coming back for more!
We are so grateful to them for generously gifting us this beautiful sparkling wine—it was the perfect pairing for a magical evening, and we can’t wait to raise a glass with them again!
A Night of Nattering & Yapping
After raising our glasses, the evening flowed with conversation. We loved the chance to chat about all things Araminta Campbell, welcoming our guests into the heart of our Atelier. Our talented team gave personal tours, providing a behind-the-scenes look at how our creations come to life. From a sneak peek at our brand-new Autumn Woodland Walk tartan to handweaving demonstrations led by our artisans, the evening was a testament to the craftsmanship and heritage we hold dear.
The Taste of Ror’s Kitchen
No evening would be complete without incredible food, and we were thrilled to have Ror’s Kitchen providing the culinary experience. Founded by Ruaraidh Menzies, a longtime friend of Araminta, Ror’s ethos of local sourcing and bespoke event enhancement was on full display. With salmon smoked on-site over a barbecue and canapés that were as delicious as they were beautifully presented, the food was a standout moment.
Some of our favourites from the evening included:
-BBQ celeriac with dill and pickled wild garlic flower
-Grilled venison with juniper salsa verde served in Yorkshire puddings
-Mini grilled cheese with Isle of Mull cheddar and heather honeycomb
-Hot smoked salmon with pomegranate gremolata
Ror’s passion for showcasing the best of local produce perfectly complemented the ethos of Araminta Campbell, creating a culinary experience as rich in tradition and creativity as our textiles.
Capturing These Special Moments
A huge thank you to Ditte from First Light Photography, who was an absolute bundle of joy and energy throughout the entire event. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and we loved having her with us to capture every special moment. From the smallest details to the grander scenes, Ditte’s artistry truly brought the magic of the evening to life. Thank you, Ditte, for being such an important part of our Autumn Woodland Walk launch.
A Heartfelt Thank You
As the evening came to a close, Araminta shared a few heartfelt words. Opening our Atelier and offering a glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into each piece was incredibly meaningful. It was a night full of connection, not just with the stunning designs, but with the people who help bring them to life—our team, our partners, and our treasured guests.
We are so grateful to everyone who joined us for this special launch and to all those who contributed to making the evening such a success. The warmth, kindness, and shared admiration for our work filled our hearts. Here’s to many more evenings of artistry, conversation, and community.
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