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How a Local Does the Edinburgh Fringe
Every August, Edinburgh changes overnight.
The places I’d recommend during festival season.
The City Comes Alive
One minute, it's your normal city. The next, there are street performers on every corner. Before you know it, someone's handing you a flyer every ten yards and there are tourists everywhere you look.
Honestly, even though I've lived here all my life, I still get a bit bamboozled by it all.
Customers always ask me what shows I'm going to see, but the truth is - I don't hit the Fringe that hard.
I'll catch a comedy show, make myself feel a bit cultured with some theatre, then spend the rest of my time eating well, having a few drinks and catching up with mates.
Back in my younger days it was more about making the most of the 5AM licence...
These days I'm a little more sensible, so if you're visiting Edinburgh this August, or a local wondering where to head, here's how I'd do it.
Escape the Crowds and Head to Stockbridge
If you're spending all day on the Royal Mile, you're missing one of the best parts of Edinburgh.
Jump on a bus or enjoy the scenic walk down to Stockbridge.
It's full of independent shops, brilliant cafés, proper pubs and some of the best restaurants in the city.
It's got character. No big chains, just people who genuinely care about what they do.
Pop Into PARA-DAIZA
If you're wandering down Raeburn Place, pop in and say hello.
August's a great time to visit because we've just had a delivery of new arrivals, including our latest Made in Scotland pieces. It's always nice seeing tourists discover the brand for the first time, but just as many locals call in after a coffee to see what's new.
No pressure, no hard sell. Just good clothing, good conversation and hopefully a few pieces you'll still be wearing years from now.
Find out more about us:
Lunch At Stockbridge Eating House
If I'm stopping for lunch, it's usually Stockbridge Eating House.
These guys are the real deal, proper seasonal ingredients. Great meat, good wine and lovely staff.
Find out more about them:
https://stockbridgeeatinghouse.co.uk/
Pint or Cocktail
A couple of minutes from the shop you'll find St. Bernard's Bar.
It's a cool little Speakeasy pub with loads of character. Friendly staff, a bit of Jazz on the turntable and banging Brief Encounters cocktails.
Find out more about them:
If You're Only Seeing One Comedy Show...
I'd head to The Big Show at Monkey Barrel Comedy for a selection of top comedy talent.
Not only has it got a cracking bar upstairs, but you can trust them to find the best comedy line-ups in the city.
Best bit? Once you're downstairs, you can order drinks straight to your seat.
Find out more about them:
Every Local Needs a Bit of Culture
I always tell myself that I'll see more theatre during the Fringe.
Reality is... I usually only manage one.
Otherwise, I feel guilty when customers ask: "Seen anything good?"
This year, me and my son (who hasn't read the book) are heading to an adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm. It's 75 minutes long and only seven quid. That sounds like my level of culture.
Find out more about it:
Paradise Palms
If your afternoon starts turning into a night out, it's got to include Paradise Palms. They've got all your festival fun under one roof.
Brilliant food and banging cocktails - I recommend their seriously good Spicy Margaritas.
Find out more about them:
https://www.theparadisepalms.com/
Then Next Door...
If you've still got some energy left...
Head next door to People's Leisure Club, a great new venue right next door to Paradise Palms. It’s got an absolutely stacked list of events during the festival, with comedy and shows every day and dance clubs every night.
I was there for the MOOVN night the other week and it was rocking.
Find out more about them:
More Than Just the Fringe
There's no doubt that August is a brilliant time to visit Edinburgh.
The city comes alive, the streets are buzzing and there's an energy you don't quite get at any other time of year.
But the truth is, Edinburgh isn't just a great city in August.
We welcome visitors all year round, and that's one of the things I love most about it. The Fringe might bring the crowds, but the independent shops, cafés, restaurants and bars that make this city special are here every day of the year.
That's why I always encourage people to get beyond the Royal Mile. Wander through Stockbridge, discover somewhere you've never been before, have a proper meal, support an independent business and enjoy the city at a slightly slower pace.
You don't have to cram everything into one day either.
Spread it over a weekend, take your time and enjoy it.
Or... do what I normally do.
Pack it all into one day, have a cracking laugh, a few drinks and a top night before heading home.
Either way, you'll soon see why Edinburgh keeps people coming back.
