As Edinburgh braces itself for Taylor Swift’s record-breaking trio of concerts at Murrayfield this weekend, savvy hospitality businesses are vying for a slice of the estimated 220,000 fans descending on the capital for the shows.
The American songstress’s Eras Tour is expected to break all records for Scotland’s biggest stadium shows ever on June 7, 8, and 9, as demand for tickets was so high that Edinburgh City Council granted organisers permission to increase the national stadium’s capacity from 67,130 to 72,990 each night.
Research by Barclays has estimated that Swift’s UK arrival is going to be worth £1bn to the economy, with analysts estimating that the average Swiftie will spend £848 on the experience, between food, drink, and accommodation.
So SLTN must tip its pink stetson to Mexican street food eatery Topolabamba, on Edinburgh’s Lothian Road, which has become ‘Taylolabamba’ for the weekend, with a new themed menu ready just in time to welcome these hordes of hungry, thirsty Swifties.
The venue’s reinvented menu, available from 6 to 10 June, includes a string of special dishes in tribute to Swift – including Taycos with Whos Afraid of Little Old Bean, Abodo Tofu & Pickled Onion and Carne Asada Steak It Off, as well as Now That We Don’t Guac, Mexican Tim McSlaw and Miss Ameri-Salsa. Fans are also invited to enjoy a Tequila Swift and finish off with Death By A Thousand Churros.
Iain Gallie from Taylolabamba said: “What better way to pay tribute to the world’s biggest pop star than by renaming our restaurant in her honour?
“Taylor Swift means almost as much to the city’s music fans as Topolabama does to the capital’s diners, and we’re sure she’d approve of this small gesture to show our appreciation for her bringing shows to the city.
“The impact she is going to have on Edinburgh – and Scotland as a whole – cannot be underestimated,” added Gallie. “Hotels are completely sold out, and public transport has even been extended with Scotrail adding additional services. Everyone is talking about it, it’s bigger than the Edinburgh Festival!”
