Fringe Freeze: A Guide to Festival escapism

Is the Edinburgh Festival scene the ideal of escapism, or does one, thrown into the centre of such a maelstrom, need some time out? Here we look at options to consider whilst taking it all in. If it becomes too much...

Feature by Shelley Blake | 04 Aug 2008

The joys of Edinburgh in August! Theatre, music, comedy and creativity oozing from every possible orifice. The festive season is creeping underneath the skin of us all, with the sun finally shining and smiles appearing on even the most cynical of faces. The fantastic scale of talent and entertainment during Edinburgh’s world famous Festival is definitely something worth celebrating. Until...

…the crowds become a little too much and you begin to realise that the stop/starting of the casually strolling population is getting a tad infuriating. The bar queues are driving you sober and the toilet lines are intolerable, and the 15 minute walk to work is now 45 and the buses aren’t running and there’s no sanity and, and, and…

relax. Take a deep breath. There are ways to escape the madness. Maybe you just need a quite beer, with a seat. At a bar. Or perhaps a quick coffee between gigs ? Maybe you desire to see the creative chaos from a different view? A moment away in the wonderful wilderness? Here at The Skinny, we are all about keeping your festival drive ready and rearing so we are supportive of the school of escapism. Here are some hints on places for temporary respite during August.

TOP 5 ROUTES TO ESCAPISM:

DRINK

Borough Bar
72- 80 Causewayside
+44 (0)131668 22556
www.theboroughhotel.com

A leisurely walk from the heart of it all, The Borough Bar offers snazzy drinks and a classy reason for a leisurely laze about. Great for an off route cocktail or some tasty seafood, the Borough Bar offers an upmarket' retreat.

Roseleaf Bar/Café
23-24 Sandport Place
Leith
+44 (0)1314765268

Leith’s Roseleaf Bar is a vintage lover's delight. The mismatch antique interior, the sublime cocktails and the spunky staff make Roseleaf a perfect Fringe freeze.

Canny Man's
237 Morningside Road
+44 (0)1314471484

By far one of Edinburgh’s best pubs, The Canny Man's is an institution in itself. It is stated clearly on entrance to the bar: No cameras, No phones, No backpackers. Here, you can rest assured you will be safe and receive prompt service. The Canny Mans is well worth the stroll into Morningside, notwithstanding the reputed homophobia, racism and outright aggression of the regulars. The perfect antidote to festival friendliness.

Thistle Street Bar
39 Thistle Street
+44 (0)1314787029

The Thistle Street bar is located in the city just off George Street and, given the right timing, is a perfect spot for an escape in the beer garden. The friendly staff always have a special ale or two on rotation and bar snacks include fantastic toasties and stovies.

 

EAT

The Caley Sample Room
42 – 58 Angle Park Terrace
+44 (0)1313377404

The Caley Sample Room is located just west of the city, about a 20 minute walk from the centre. This laidback and friendly establishment puts on a damn fine Sunday roast and holds a good selection of beer. Tables are always available which makes it a grand venue to hide your face from the bustling streets.

ZULU Lounge
366 Morningside Road
Edinburgh
+44 (0)1314668337

Chocolate muffin heaven! Stroll south from the city past Tollcross and along Morningside Road. Keep walking down the hill until you see the zebra stripes. It’s small, and sometimes hard to get a seat, but walk in and look in the sweets cabinet. Whatever you leave with you will not be unsatisfied. You will be a happy fringe goer.

Scott’s Delicatessen
10 Gillespie Place
+44 (0)1312285200

This secret little delicatessen is where you will find the kindest and most welcoming people in the town. There’s always a seat, there’s always great coffee and it's right near Bruntsfield links park so you can sit on the grassy green and watch the world go by.

Dalriada
77 Promenade
Portebello Edinburgh
+44 (0)1314544500

For great food and a fabulous view of the Portobello promenade head to Dalridada. Be warned though - food is only served until 7pm. But if nothing else here’s a great place for a snack through the day or an early evening coffee.

Black Cherry
29 Grassmarket
+44 (0)1312258387

Although in the ‘heart’ of the city, Black Cherry is a fantastic café for a chilled out snack, a quick coffee or a cosy lounge. Cute and intimate, this 15 seated establishment acts as a great breather from a hectic day. Expensive, but hey - what do you expect at this time of year?

 

NATURE FIXES AND CITY ESCAPES:

Arthur’s Seat
Get your walking shoes on and head east! Arthur’s seat will be watching the festival from the best angle so why not take a stroll to the top and view the madness from 251 metres up. Arthur’s Seat is located near Holyrood Park and offers a breath of fresh air with spectacular views.

Duddingston Loch
This 8 hectare loch is located to the south of Holyrood Park and is a fabulous getaway for a picnic or a bottle of vino or two. With a ‘countryside’ side feel and gorgeous surrounds, Duddingston Loch is worth the 2 mile walk from the city centre.

The Botanics
Edinburgh’s botanical gardens are actually a world renowned centre for plant science and education. For £3 you can go on a guided tour, or listen to world recognised novelists and writers speak about their conservation and ecology work, or even listen to talking trees and their storytelling? Or maybe you could just grab a coffee on a late Sunday morning and take some time out from the world. Either way, a much appreciated place for escaping.

Water of Leith
Jump on Lothian buses numbers 44, 34 or 20 and ask to get off at the Water Of Leith information centre. Here you’ll find lots of information about the stunning walks along Edinburgh’s ‘secret stream.’ The summer months are the best time to explore the water of Leith with so many colours and flora scattered along the way.

The Hermitage
This is the most stunning green secret in Edinburgh. Located towards the south end of Morningside road, the hermitage is a lush little area filled with creeping paths through afairy filled forest. Put some chilled tunes in your ears and reflect on the days gone by in this chilled out wonderland