With the Met Office predicting rain and thunder showers in Edinburgh this weekend, we’ve taken a look at the best places to escape the rain in between watching Fringe shows and to grab something to eat or drink.
After a cloudy morning, thunder showers are forecast to hit the world’s largest arts festival on Saturday from 1pm-3pm, followed by showers until 8pm. On Sunday, after sunny intervals in the morning, light rain showers are forecast to last from 1pm until 7pm, with the rest of the night predicted to be cloudy.
There are lots of great bars and restaurants in and around the Fringe hotspots with the most venues, including at the Pleasance, George Street and Teviot Row. Among our choices for the best place to avoid the adverse weather are three suggestions by the Edinburgh University Students’ Association which is running The Garden at Teviot, Pleasance Courtyard and Teviot Row House.
Sharan Atwal, Students’ Association president, said: “One of my favourite things about Edinburgh is that we get to deliver the most amazing and vibrant cultural festival, Fringe! Our Association’s integral part in the festival means we can generate funds to support our students. We hope everyone who visits enjoys the city and has a great time visiting our venues!”
. Teviot Row House
Teviot Row House is a great place to stop, home to one of the city’s oldest bars, The Library Bar, which serves a varied menu both day and night. It also hosts Gilded Balloon who has a packed performance schedule. Grab a bite between shows while enjoying the impressive architecture of the world’s oldest student union building. Photo: Andrew Perry
. Cafe Andaluz
Cafe Andaluz has two city centre restaurants, at George Street and George IV Bridge, serving Spanish tapas, paella and Sangria all day long. These are the perfect locations for avoiding the rain during the Fringe, with the Assembly Rooms at George Street and the Fringe hubs at the Cowgate and Teviot Row just a stone's throw away. Photo: JON SAVAGE
5. Mariachi
Situated on Victoria Street, between the Grassmarket and George IV Bridge, this restaurant produces some of the finest Mexican food in Edinburgh, washed down with yummy cocktails, including delicious strawberry daiquiris. Due to its central location, Mariachi is a great spot to avoid the rain and re-fuel between Fringe shows. Photo: Google
6. The Garden at Teviot
The Garden at Teviot, next to Teviot Row House and Charles Street Lane (lined with beloved local food vendors including Mac Love, Screaming Peacock and Crema Caravan) offers colourful, covered beach huts (seating 6), two full-service bars, coffee from Edinburgh’s Throat Punch and delicious local produce from Ròst Eats. Photo: Andrew Perry
7. The Boozy Cow
If you've just caught a show at the Assembly Rooms at George Street and the rain is chucking it down then the Boozy Cow on Frederick Street is a great place to stop for some tasty burgers or exotic cocktails to take your mind of the weather. Photo: Greg Macvean
8. Holyrood 9A
A former Pub of the year winner, Holyrood 9A at Holyrood serves real ales and craft beers abound in a stylish, relaxed, wood-panelled pub offering gourmet burgers. Situated just down the road from the Fringe venues at the Pleasance this is a great place to escape the Scottish summertime rain during the world's largest arts festival. Photo: Ian Georgeson