Nakamura Motomichi + Babyshaker, The Skinny Mirrorball event, The Caves
Image: David Lemm
The Caves, Edinburgh
Venue details
The Caves
Niddry Street South
Edinburgh, EH1 1NS
Phone: 0131 557 8989
Website: www.thecavesedinburgh.com
Email: thecavesedinburgh@gmail.com
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Lost and forgotten, the Caves were rediscovered after 100 years. As the name suggests, this venue lies in cavernous depths of the hollow arches under South Bridge. The assorted bridegrooms and vaults date back to the 18th century, and for the most part have been left as raw stonewalls. The impressive main vault and main stage area is overlooked by a decent sized balcony, whilst the smaller vaults are used to host Fringe Festival events. Other than resident club nights Departure Lounge and Kapital, the Caves hosts assorted events, gigs and clubs, including regular bands-night The Mill. Drinks prices and cover charge can be hefty but a club experience in the Caves is unmatched by anywhere else in Edinburgh.
Events at The Caves
| Friday 30 January » | ||
|---|---|---|
| 08:00PM |
Bulleit Originals (Marlena Shaw) Clubs, Music: Marlena Shaw, the first ever female vocalist si... |
Until 02:00AM £5 advance, £7 on door |
The Caves is gloomy, dank and untreated but all in the most beautiful way imaginable. A hollowed-out, cavernous haven.
The Venue
Just off the rowdy area of the Grassmarket – all but hidden up a tiny cobbled side street – The Caves sits in all its cobwebbed glory. An ancient structure, steeped in history, it has been relatively untinkered with, other than to hollow out the vaults and restore it to its decrepit best. The upper balcony level is a little brighter and has been sparsely furnished with leather sofas, dark wood block tables and candle-lit wall sconces. Down in the depths of the lower level sits the belly of the cave, made up of two large – and numerous smaller – vaults. There's a bare-bones style down here, with little more than tea lights and church candles as decor.
Wherever you turn you're surrounded by damp-to-the-touch stone and it is all kept as naturalistic as possible; if the ceiling drips, they let it drip.
The Atmosphere
It would probably be impossible for The Caves not to have a chilled vibe. It transports you to another time and place, weaves you into its spell. For a busy club, it is incredibly relaxed and never seems to get too raucous but then again, who’s going to start a fight in an idyllic cave setting? The clientele is youthful and respectful of the unique club and the staff are just an extension of this relaxed approach. They do their job and serve your drinks but other than that they stay in the background.
The Music
The music policy is where The Caves displays a more experimental and modern side to its personality, where the old surroundings collide with new ideas. The music nights held at The Caves are fresh with modern jazz, African-infused world music, trip-hop and even more experimental offering. The regular and ridiculously popular club night, Departure Lounge that's hosted by DJ Astroboy and Mr Zimbabwe offers a particularly intriguing mix of alternative sounds. Plus, during Edinburgh Festival time The Caves morphs into a live music venue, under the name of The Underbelly.
The Drink There's a bar on both levels, each serving a fairly basic – but extensive – array of drinks. It is unfussy and there is something entirely fitting in this approach. Alongside a good selection of draught beers and Guinness there's also a small choice of wines. Far better to opt for the spirits which is far more wide ranging. Drinks prices start at £3 and are a small price to pay for such a memorable night out.
The Last Word
The Caves literally drips with history and atmosphere. It offers something completely unique and unexpected and is somewhere where memorable nights are made.
Contact details for The Caves:
tel: 0131 557 8989
email: thecavesedinburgh@gmail.com
This unique venue makes up the sub-structure of the 18th Century South Bridge, there is no venue more Edinburgh than the Caves. Or more Scottish than Scottish if you consider there was once so much Whisky stored here that it became known as “Whisky Row”. Every room has a story to tell and a special place in Scottish history -from vaults that served as the stables to the French Cavalry who were at one time body guards to the Royal Family, to remains of the houses that pre-date the Bridge itself – with the original terracotta floor tiles still intact!
Contact them on at hello@thecavesedinburgh.com
www.thecavesedinburgh.com