My Edinburgh: Olympic hopeful Keith Cook

Published on Saturday 21 January 2012 00:00

Reigning British fencing champion, Commonwealth silver medallist, Olympic hopeful and Edinburgh native Keith Cook on his hot spots.

How long have you lived in Edinburgh?

All my life. I was born in the old Royal Infirmary, raised in Pilton and now stay in Currie.

What is your favourite event in the capital?

Doors Open Day is amazing because you can go to places in Edinburgh that are not usually open to the public, like the overspill depot for all the paintings and sculptures for Scotland’s National Museums, based in Granton. Take a look at Ian Rankin’s book, Doors Open – it’s a great read.

What’s your idea of a good weekend away?

I’m jetting all over the place within the next few months to compete internationally for Olympic selection – Paris, La Coruna, Venice and Bonn. But nowhere is as good as having a weekend at home with my family – Joanne, my wife, my son Jamie, seven, and my daughter Imogen, four.

What’s your favourite shop in the city?

There’s a bakery in Newhaven called Mason’s. When I was younger my Gran and Grandad used to take me there for some fantastic big cream cakes – and their pies were amazing too. But of course, now that I’m in training, I would never indulge in those amazing sticky cream cakes. Well, only once in a while…

What’s the best local food outlet?

I’ve just discovered an amazing Chinese restaurant called the Imperial Palace on Longstone Road. I’ve been to China lots of times and found the food at the restaurant very authentic. Fantastic staff, amazing food, and very reasonably priced.

What do you like to do as a family?

We go to the cinema a lot – unfortunately, it’s to see things like Alvin and the Chipmunks. But it’s a good excuse for me to stuff my face with popcorn.

How about live music?

There’s a new band in Edinburgh called The Number 9s – they’re friends of mine from when I stayed in Pilton. I tell you, these guys are the next big band to come out of Edinburgh.

What’s the best view in the city?

I love to take a picnic up Blackford Hill with the family.

What’s your favourite green space?

You can’t beat a nice family walk around Harlaw Reservoir in the Pentlands. You can relax and lose yourself for a few hours in the breathtaking scenery and, on the odd occasion, I’ve even seen deer.

What physical activity in the city gets your pulse beating?

I really enjoy rock climbing with my brother Colin at Ratho.

What’s the best season in the city?

Summer – by a mile. Although unfortunately Scotland has the same temperature all year round.

What has been your favourite capital event over the last month?

The panto at the King’s Theatre. This year it was Cinderella and my family loved it. We were even surprised and delighted to see fencing as part of the action – though I think I should offer my services next time to really show them how it’s done.

What’s the biggest date in your diary this month and how are you going to celebrate it?

I’m representing Great Britain at a big international competition in Paris at the end of the month – if I make my goal, I’ll be cracking open the champagne.

Have you found any new capital discoveries recently?

Just before Christmas, when the kids were still at school, my wife Joanne and I were able to make it out for a nice quiet lunch, just the two of us together at The Blue Goose on Lanark Road, opposite the Water of Leith Visitors’ Centre. There’s a nice big roaring fireplace and the atmosphere is very relaxed.

Describe Edinburgh in one short, sharp sentence?

It’s bursting with culture and history, the scenery is breathtaking and I will love Edinburgh while the sands o’ life shall run.

Keith Cook runs Fencing Fun, a company which introduces the sport to primary school children.

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