Business

Dundee Airport will offer direct flights to and from Belfast and London City from early next year.

Loganair is switching its existing Dundee service from Stansted to London City, and increasing the number of seats available.

The air link to the capital is supported by a Public Service Obligation (PSO) which protects routes that boost tourism, connect the UK and encourage economic growth.

The route is backed by funding from the government, Transport Scotland and Dundee City Council.

A larger aircraft will be deployed when flights move to London City from March 29, 2020.

An ATR 42-500 will replace the Saab 340 presently used to Stansted, increasing seat capacity from 33 to 48 seats on every flight.

The new aircraft will also cut carbon emissions per passenger by around 30% against the Saab 340.

The lead-in fare is being cut by £10 to £59.99 each way. The new Dundee-London City route will be served by two flights in each direction on weekdays and one on Sundays.

The carrier is also resuming year-round flights between Dundee and Belfast City from April 2 – the first between the two cities since the end of a previous service in 2012.

Fares start at £44.99 one way with up to six flights a week in summer and three a week during the winter.

Loganair chief executive Jonathan Hinkles said: “There are real benefits for our customers in this move to fly directly into UK’s capital, not least being the reduced travel time to the heart of the city.

“London City Airport is only ten minutes from Canary Wharf and 30 minutes from central London. It’s a substantial time saving on the Stansted Express journey.”

Mark Flynn, deputy convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee, said: “The announcement of these routes to and from Dundee into the heart of London and Belfast are attractive propositions for business and leisure travellers, making it quick and easy for them to get directly to and from the city.

“Our air link with the UK’s commercial centre is an important part of our travel infrastructure and a positive piece in the delivery of a strong and sustainable economy that will provide jobs, retain graduates and make Dundee a magnet for new talent.”

Scotland’s sunniest city has made it to the top spot beating nine other Scottish locations listed in the Sunday Times 2019 Best Place to Live Guide.

The judges in the annual Best Place to Live awards take into account much more than the mantra of location, location, location!

Appealing and affordable housing, access to good schools and low crime rates are taken into account when deciding on the winner of the Best Place to Live, as are attractive parks and green spaces, accessible cultural activities, good transport links and a strong sense of community spirit – all areas where Dundee scores high in official statistics.

The judges combine market research data with their own experience and insight to ensure the chosen locations truly are places where everyone can thrive.

Helen Davies, The Sunday Times Home editor said: Finding our very own best place to live now feels more important than ever, for our wellbeing and wealth, happiness and health. The Sunday Times has championed locations across the UK that we think are a great place to make a home.”

We say: There are many reasons Dundee’s been named Scotland’s Best Place to Live but for the most obvious, take a walk by the river. Only minutes from the city centre, seals, seabirds and dolphins can be seen from the banks of the River Tay – how many people can enjoy such a spectacular lunch break?

To access the full article about why Dundee has been named The Best Place to Live in Scotland published on 14 April 2019 go to thesundaytimes.co.uk/bestplacestolive #STbestplaces #DundeeIsNow

There’s never been a better time to eat out in Dundee, and with an increasing number of restaurants and cafes comes greater choice. Whether you have a full-time plant-based diet or just like to participate in Meat-Free Mondays, there is an impressive choice of vegan and vegetarian food in the city.

The Parlour

The Parlour was at the forefront of Dundee's culinary renaissance, offering inventive takes on standard menu items and giving vegetarians more than just a cursory nod. Lunchtime favourites such as sandwiches, salads, soups and tarts are seasonal and fresh. There is a spot of indulgence, however, with an array of cakes beckoning from under their cloches.

58 West Post, DD1 5ER 01382 203588

https://www.facebook.com/The-Parlour-cafe-275628722485933/

Avery & Co Ltd

With a full vegan menu available, there’s no close examination of the choices required to see what’s suitable. There’s also a separate gluten-free menu, and dairy-free options are also available. Vegetarians are also well catered for here, as are carnivores with Avery & Co managing that delicate and difficult balance of being able to satisfy all palates.

34 South Tay Street, DD1 1PD. 01382 201533

www.averyandco.co.uk

The Bach

Everything here is made from fresh, so apart from a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options, if anything on the menu appeals but there’s a meat element, just ask how they can adapt it to suit. And that’s not discriminating against the meat-lovers. If a veggie option looks good but could be improved by a little chicken, that’s possible too!

20 Exchange Court, Exchange Street. DD1 3DE. (Up a side street – look out for the car park and metal staircase) 0800 029 1750

www.the-bach.com

The Flame Tree Café

Also found on one of Dundee’s best foodie thoroughfares, this is the place for the right balance of healthy option and a little indulgence. A lovely healthy soup should always be followed by some cake! Most of the menu here is vegan, with the vegan BLT a particular favourite.

20A Exchange Street DD1 3DL 01382 204200

Search for The Flame Tree Café on Facebook

Dil’Se

Indian food is well-known for being friendly to those who prefer to avoid meat. For a little indulgence, try the stylish Dil’Se, which has been offering authentic Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine for 14 years now. Most of the dishes can be made with vegetable substitutes – they have a fine way with an aubergine!

99 Perth Rd, Dundee DD1 4JA. 01382 221501

Pacamara

For many West End residents, Pacamara filled the need for a great breakfast and brunch destination. It has quite a reputation for its coffee but it’s the brunches that fill up quickly so get in early. The menu offers loads of vegan and vegetarian options and a great selection for those who need to avoid gluten.

302 Perth Road DD2 1AU

01382 527666

Search for Pacamara Dundee on Facebook

Pay a visit to one of the many stylish bars in Dundee, and it’s likely that you can choose a refreshment that has been created right here in the city. Over the past few years Scotland has been producing delicious gins and imaginative craft beers – and you can find some of them here in Dundee.

Dundee Gin

The first release from Dundee Gin had the true taste of the city in every glass. Dundee Gin boss Peter Menzies wanted to create something that paid to the city’s heritage. Working with Mackay’s, the Arbroath-based preserve manufacturer, Dundee Gin blended the spirit with Mackay’s Dundee Marmalade to create Dundee Marmalade Gin, which flew off the shelves when it launched in December 2016, and was exported around the world. There is also has a traditional Tay Navy Strength Gin.
www.facebook.com/DundeeGin

Law Brewing Company

The Law is Dundee’s most ancient and prominent landmark. It has also given its name to one of the city’s breweries which, as well as being inspired by the hill, is driven by Dundee’s love of music. Law Brewing founder Danny Cullen describes its All-Nighter Golden Ale, inspired by Northern Soul dance events, as a refreshing golden beer with a heavy beat of tropical/citrus notes and a fast tempo of marmalade. Mods will love the target-themed packaging. Beer lovers will sing the praises of its taste.

Verdant Gin

In 2017, Verdant Spirits opened the first city distillery for 200 years. Based in the West End of the city, the first spirit to be bottled was Verdant Gin, a small-batch release that has proved popular with traditionalists and mixologists looking for something with citrus freshness but spicy undertones for their creations. The botanicals used are inspired by the routes that were once used by traders to and from the port of Dundee.

Verdant hopes to extend the range of spirits it offers in years to come.

71 Lager

The clean taste of 71 Lager, the Bohemian Pilsner produced by 71 Brewing, is reflected in its minimalist but slightly abstract packaging, highly appropriate for Dundee, a UNESCO City of Design. 71 Brewing, based in the former Blackness Foundry, says that it can thank the soft Dundee water for the taste of its Pilsner. Combine that with Czech noble hops and British Pilsner malt and it’s an ideal tipple for sitting out in beer gardens, while enjoying the Dundee summer.
www.71brewing.com

It’s 2017 which means Dundee has just over a year to ensure that it is the most welcoming city in Scotland for the opening of V&A Museum of Design Dundee. Now a remarkable initiative is underway to train everyone likely to meet a tourist and create an impression.

With up to 500,000 visitors expected that first year and 300,000 thereafter, taxi drivers, road sweepers and parking attendants are amongst those being put through the WorldHost customer service programme to ensure they offer the best possible welcome.

Amongst those to have already put her staff through the scheme is Claire Simpson, 41, proprietor of the family-run Tea and Cake shop on Exchange Street.