Pivo (2-6 Calton Road, Edinburgh) – located east of the popular Princes Street, this is a Czech-themed bar, which has a following, due to the live rock bands it often books. Many of the patrons this bar attracts tend to be those who want to hang out, but not at a pricey dress-conscious disco.
Opal Lounge (51A George Street, Edinburgh) – unlike certain bars in Scotland, this one draws in a “yuppie” crowd. Small wonder that none other Prince William made this a regular hangout spot during his years at St. Andrew’s University.
Espionage (4, India Buildings, Victoria Street, Edinburgh) — Espionage is a labyrinth in the heart of Edinburgh city, at the edge of the Grassmarket, under the shadow of the castle. Spread over 5 floors our range of bars, dancefloors and secret spaces make Espionage a top-notch venue for every night and mood. The DJs there […]
Cloisters (26 Broughma Street, Edinburgh) – this bar, which has a decent selection of Scottish and UK ales, is very popular with students from Edinburgh University. Given that, the atmosphere is still relaxed (meaning that it will not be confused for a sports bar), and the food is considered good here as well.
Cabaret Voltaire (36 Blair Street, Edinburgh) – this underground-level venue hosts indie rock performances (during different evenings of the week). Otherwise, a dance floor is made available for DJ-driven dance music. The club’s name is a nod to the 80s New Wave band of the same name.
Bongo Club (37 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh) – this venue celebrates various elements of Britain’s underground club scene – from dub & bass, to jungle, R&B, garage (old school House music), Hip Hop, and other dance sounds.
Usher Hall (Lothian Road, Edinburgh) – this historic concert hall holds 2,900 spectators, and books a variety of musical acts. Acts can range from Rufus Wainwright, to classical music orchestras, as well as dance music DJing acts like Mogwai. See Usher Hall’s website for a list of upcoming events: www.usherhall.co.uk
The Caves (8-12 Niddry Street South, Edinburgh) — The Caves is a truly unique venue that makes up the sub-structure of the 18th Century South Bridge. There is no venue more Edinburgh than the Caves, or more Scottish, if you consider there was once so much Whisky stored here that it became known as “Whisky […]
South (4A King Street, Manchester) — a legendary part of Manchester nightlife, South is a bar on the student nightclub circuit tucked away behind Deansgate. South night club in Manchester was born in 1995 and is still going strong as one of the leading and original underground music clubs. Rightly proud of their underground roots […]
Sandy Bell’s (25 Forrest Road, Edinburgh) – given its old school pub vibe (which prides itself on the 35 malt whiskies on offer), this is the place for those who like Scottish folk music (which means live folk acts sometimes perform here). That also means standing room only – also cheap beer!