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 Charming 19th century pub |
3 Rose Street Edinburgh EH2 2PR United Kingdom +44 131 225 5276 |
This is a good place to have a civilised drink whilst on a shopping mission - it lies in the centre of town, near to THE shopping mecca of Edinburgh, Princes Street. It gets very busy at lunch times and is packed full of students in the evenings. Join the friendly regulars, who have been coming here for many years to enjoy the relaxed vibe around the original oak gantry bar. Over 70 whiskies and a solid range of cask ales are on offer, including the popular Abbotsford seventy shilling. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: andy orin |
 Shiny and contemporary cafe-bar |
197 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1PE United Kingdom +44 131 220 5277 http://www.belhaven.co.uk/pubs... |
Situated on the corner of the High and Cockburn, this bar is perfectly positioned for both tourists and locals for a daytime break or a night out. Enter the shiny contemporary space, take a pew at one of the solid wooden tables and be welcomed by the charming staff. Choose from a bewildering list of beverages, which includes some quality home-brewed and foreign beers, a good wine list and some enticing non-alcoholic refreshments. The food is fine and filling - on cool days try the soup of the day served with chunky bread. Sit outside when the sun appears and watch the procession of characters. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: chris nine |
 Photo: Tiffany |
 Photo: Louise |
 Photo: Sasha Hsuczyk |
 Flirt or be flummoxed in the unisex toilets |
126-128 George Street Edinburgh EH2 4JZ United Kingdom +44 131 220 6180 |
This is a contemporary bar at the west end of upmarket George Street. It is a popular venue for office nights out and "a wee glass of vino with the girls". It is very smartly done up and has a stylishly fun feel to it - the space is open plan with white walls and colorful artwork. There is a good selection of bottled beers, a limited choice of draught alcohol and a superb menu offering light snacks and dips. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Heaving hip-hop vodka bar |
54 George IV Bridge Edinburgh EH1 1EJ United Kingdom +44 131 225 6936 |
Bar Kohl was established in 1993 and claims to have been the Isle's first vodka bar. There are about 250 varieties of vodka to sample, including no less than 54 Finlandias flavors, including Strawberries and Cream, Cherry Pie and Highland Toffee. For those wanting to mix their tipples, there is a wide range of nips and a good selection of bottled beers. The decor is a minimalist mixture of wooden floorboards, long tables, church pews, steel chandeliers and the ubiquitous star logo. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alasdair Duncan |
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Cool bar with a vibrant atmosphere |
39-41 Broughton Street Edinburgh EH1 3JU United Kingdom +44 131 557 0627 |
This is a hip hang-out on one of Edinburgh's trendiest streets. Inside, the decor is bright blue and orange with some surreal touches. Despite its ultra-cool aura, it is a friendly place with welcoming staff and a great atmosphere. The food available is Scottish-modern with a heavy dose of Mediterranean and Mexican influences. Join the throng later in the week and enjoy the open plan drinking on your way to the clubs up the road. In the summer, the large windows open out and the crowd spills out onto the pavement. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Acoustic Underground |
2 Spittal Street Edinburgh, Midlothian EH3 9DX United Kingdom +44 131 229 5030 |
The Blue Blazer is better known for its wide selection of cask ales and malt whiskies than anything else. The place is well-designed with wooden floors, pews and a selection of Edinburgh prints on its walls. It has an old-world feel to it. The Lyceum lies just around the corner, so many theater enthusiasts stop by. Guests are entertained by bands that play great pub music. All in all, its a great place to hang, especially for those who love the color blue! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Myra Bell |
 Photo: Nick Ross |
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Multimedia club space |
6 New Street Edinburgh EH8 8BH United Kingdom +44 131 556 5204 |
This multi-faceted arts centre and clubbing space has a great vibe, a vibrant decor and a relaxing atmosphere. Dance to the eclectic beats and driving bass of the music played; clubs include Rejuvenation (jungle), The Moneyshot (various hip hop styles), Freequall (drum and bass, and hip hop) and Messenger Sound System (roots and dub reggae). The Bongo also has live acts, theatre, salsa dancing events and classical music nights. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: aneye4apicture  |
 Photo: Tom Donaldson |
 Photo: Tom Donaldson |
 Photo: Stuart Barrett |
 Photo: shannon mcclean |
 Photo: Calum Leslie |
 Photo: sutcliffe_3rd |
 Photo: trisha ward |
 Photo: stian westerhus |
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Real ale haven with a laid back atmosphere |
20 Young Street Edinburgh EH2 4JB United Kingdom +44 131 220 3530 http://www.realbeer.co.uk/ |
The Cambridge is located just off the Georgian New Town masterpiece, Charlotte Square. This establishment won a Pub of the Year award from CAMRA, the real ale society of Great Britain - they pride themselves on taking care of fine beers and serving full measures. There are always lots of special guest ales from around the country, and quality mainstays like Shiehailion cask lager and Caledonian 80 - to sample. Patrons rave about the great burgers and beer selections as well as the TVs for sports fans. The menu offers a variety of dishes ranging from burgers to pasta. Spare some room for a deep fried banana for dessert. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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70s retro vibe |
01/13/07 North Bank Street Edinburgh EH1 2LP United Kingdom +44 131 220 0054 |
The funky purple exterior is a statement of this bar's fun-loving intent. It appears slightly out of step next to the nearby Scottish Parliament at the Assembly Halls. On entering, the place screams 70s retro. Enter the groove of a Blaxploitation soundtrack surrounded by lava lamps, lurid red, green and violet walls, and kitsch curios. There are DJs from Thursday to Sunday and a cocktail happy hour between 4pm and 8pm all week long. Munch on nachos and spicy salads washed down with a pitcher of your favorite tipple. Bring your kinky afro wig and dig the scene. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lindsay D |
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1950s retro chic |
19 Blair Street Edinburgh EH1 1QR United Kingdom +44 131 220 0125 |
This fashionable 1950s-esque bar is a popular pre-club hangout. During the day it is a great place to soak up some formica-filled retro decor, sip a beverage and watch the world go by. Later on, it is always heaving with Edinburgh's beautiful crowd, refreshingly, they are chatty and not pretentiously aloof. There's also a handy confectionery counter for those with a craving for sweets. In the evenings, the place pounds with some eclectic beats, from deep house to hip hop. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Katy Yen |
 Opera, ballet, symphony and pop |
13-29 Nicholson Street Edinburgh EH8 9FT United Kingdom +44 131 529 6000 / +44 131 662 1112 http://www.eft.co.uk/ |
Before the birth of the Festival Theatre, opera seemed to have no real home in the Scottish capital. Several plans for an Opera House were suggested, shelved and eventually rejected. Instead of constructing anew, the decision was finally taken to refurbish and revamp the old Empire Theatre, and in the summer of 1994 a new, glass-fronted Festival Theatre was opened. The large stages are now graced by a variety of performances, from ballet and opera to drama and cabaret. During the Edinburgh International Festival, the theatre hosts many prestigious concerts. The summer Proms season with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra is another annual highlight. Prices vary so call for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Wendy |
 Photo: hettie mcfarlane |
 Photo: shannon mcclean |
 Photo: Greig Christie |
 Photo: Woodstock Taylor |
 Photo: danielle zheng |
 Photo: Kevin Rickis |
 Photo: gilltheaker |
 Photo: artinf |
 Photo: nwsk style |
 Photo: iris |
 Photo: Daniel McLaren |
 Photo: GOTARTOWSKI |
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Traditional style pub and Fringe comedy venue |
9A Holyrood Road Edinburgh EH8 8AE United Kingdom +44 131 556 5044 |
The Holyrood Tavern boasts an excellent location, set right in the heart of Edinburgh's most historical area. It tends to be especially bustling at weekends and during the Festival period, when there is a full program of mainly comedy acts. They have six cask conditioned ales and cask cider, malt and blended whiskies, and serve decent, reasonably priced bar meals. Why not stretch out on the big, well-worn sofas with a pint of good traditional beer and discuss the plight of Mary, Queen of Scots and her turbulent association with nearby Holyroodhouse Palace. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Refreshing sounds |
9c Victoria St Edinburgh EH1 2HE United Kingdom +44 131 225 2564 http://www.liquidroom.com |
The Liquid Room is located in the dark depths of Victoria Street, purveyor of all things dance and the occasional indie and rock act. As a live music venue, it sifts out the ropier local bands and offers up the only the best. The odd big name also pops up from time to time, and it is a pleasantly intimate venue for a gig. As a nightclub, it flirts with a housey image while remaining mostly mainstream. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Calum Barr |
 Photo: Rory Cooper |
 Photo: Graeme Latimer |
 Photo: Scott Russell |
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Light minimalist bar in contemporary hotel |
34 Bread Street Edinburgh EH3 9AF United Kingdom +44 131 221 5555 |
This bar/grill is part of the Point Hotel, and as such oozes contemporary class. Moreover, it is the place to be seen and to spot celebrities. Huge plate glass windows look on to the street and allow light to stream into the minimalist chrome-filled space. Monboddo was apparently a fun-loving judge who entertained the likes of Darwin, Boswell and Burns at his wild 18th century soirees. The bar offers exclusive wines, an extensive range of draught and bottled beers, lots of cocktails and house champagne. Taste some cut-price opulence during the 5p-8p Happy Hour, with all drinks. The Light Lunch menu is served from 11a onwards, changes daily and includes fresh ingredients in imaginative fusion dishes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Pre-clubbing fun and boule in the beer garden |
12a Broughton Street Lane Edinburgh EH1 3LY United Kingdom +44 131 557 6668 |
This is an archetypal bar in the Broughton Street area - relaxing, laid back and predominantly but not exclusively gay. Shoot some pool or if there is the merest hint of the sun, head for the open air courtyard with boule court (rare in Edinburgh). Spice up your visit with a pitcher of Mai Tai or one of the other cocktails. The Outhouse plays host to the occasional pre-club and literary event too. This modern and welcoming place was recently included in GQ magazine's top 50 bars in Britain. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrew Birkett |
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Pitchers and pogoing |
43B Frederick Street Edinburgh EH2 1EP United Kingdom +44 131 226 2224 http://216.221.181.6/ponana/si... |
Located below Cafe Rouge, Po Na Na shamelessly changes its character as the evening progresses. It begins as an after-work debrief, wind-down and drink-up joint, and progresses into an ever sweatier dance venue. The transformation begins mid-evening with the introduction of a DJ, and is completed at 11, when an entry charge is enforced. The music varies from funky house on Saturdays to 80s, 90s and dance on Mondays. Grab a pitcher and a bunch of friends, and watch the night unfold. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Dance institution spinning orgasmic sonic attacks |
The Venue, Calton Road Edinburgh EH8 8DL United Kingdom http://www.ren-com.com/pure/in... |
Pure is a house music institution and plays fortnightly to a packed crowd at The Venue. House/techno gurus Andy Weatherall, Derrick May and Orbital have all guested here, joining residents Twitch, The Bill and Sandy Paris who bring you the best in dance. Expect an eclectic mix of beats and a few surprises - founding member and DJ Brainstorm kicked it all off in 1990 by spinning Hawkwind's Sonic Attack record. Admission: is £9. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Georgian style concert venue |
Clerk Street Edinburgh EH8 9JG United Kingdom +44 131 668 2019 http://www.queenshalledinburgh... |
Established in 1979 in what was an elegant Georgian church, this concert hall is home to the BT Ensemble (originally the Scottish Baroque Ensemble) and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. This wonderful 850-seat auditorium plays host to a wide range of concerts, particularly jazz and blues. Musical luminaries such as Nina Simone, Marianne Faithful, Courtney Pine and David Helfgott have enjoyed the excellent acoustics here. The building also houses the Cafe Q, a self-service restaurant which hosts a changing monthly art exhibition. Call for a programme of upcoming events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kenny Lean |
 Theatrical performances |
Grindlay Street Edinburgh EH3 9AX United Kingdom +44 131 248 4848 http://www.infoser.com/infothe... |
Just off the bustling Lothian Road, the Royal Lyceum mixes mainstream, populist drama with adventurous explorations into new territories. It's a production theatre, which means it creates plays for the stage from scratch. Inside, they offer four theatre bars, the Tuscan Square for food and they still have ice-cream available at the interval. There are good disabled facilities, including audio-described performances. Take advantage of a unique service whereby you can hire some of their costumes - so perhaps that Heathcliff fantasy can come true after all. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Raw talent and raucous laughter |
5 York Place Edinburgh EH1 3EB United Kingdom +44 131 558 7272 http://www.thestand.co.uk/ |
Come here for comedy, seven days a week, from some of Britain's best-known comedians, alongside some lesser known names and a variety of up and coming (and terrified) hopefuls. This popular venue frequently offers other attractions like comedy quizzes, as well as a full program of Fringe Festival performances. They also run sporadic events such as "Whose Lunch Is It Anyway" where the show itself comes free with a meal or drinks. It is rowdy but good-natured and gets busy on weekends as it holds only 160 bodies, so book early. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: www.theedinburghblog |
 Photo: joelfrijhoff |
 Photo: Kevin Tierney |
 Photo: Stone Country |
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Gothic, American and Irish bars with a courtyard |
139 Cowgate Edinburgh EH1 1JS United Kingdom +44 131 622 6800 |
This is more than your average theme pub. There are four bars to choose from: drink from pitchers and shooters in the American; sip Guinness in the Irish bar's confessional booths; get spooked and spirited in the Gothic section; or join the throngs in the courtyard when the sun appears (which is rare, considering it is shaded). If you are still standing, there is free access to the dance venue upstairs. It attracts an assorted clientele, with the bulk being thirty-something's and a fair sprinkling of Edinburgh glitterati. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: www.theedinburghblog |
 Photo: www.theedinburghblog |
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Atmospheric old-school concert and club venue |
15 Calton Road Edinburgh EH8 8DL United Kingdom +44 131 557 3073 |
This is a good old-fashioned rock venue and is host to an eclectic mix of club nights. It is the antithesis to the so-called "superclubs" and is reassuringly grimy around the edges. Its size is such that the smaller touring bands don't rattle around, whilst allowing the bigger names to enjoy a more intimate performance, which is rare in these days of huge arenas and concert halls. Local bands get a look-in too, there are talent showcases to tempt the curious. Check out the latest listings for the various club nights, which include evenings of rock, house, techno, trance, drum and bass, and more besides. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |