Assembly Rooms

Not a bad fringe venue, the lining up gets a bit much as they always seem to be running a little bit late, but thats what happens during the fringe isnt it. You will only get the bigger acts here as all the rooms are quite a big size and thank goodness well ventilated.

What I love as well, is that the seating is all a little elevated so if someone with a huge head sits in front of you, youve still got a chance to see something... Hugely important during the fringe.. Cute little bar just next door in the alley with seating, as well as an upstairs bar.

Massive foyer and this truly is a really beautiful building with high beautiful ceilings..The staircase is even really beautiful.

A beautiful venue on George Street. Many events take place here including private functions and performances. The Balcony Bar is particularly nice for a quick drink and nibbles.

The Assembly Rooms have several beautiful rooms that can be hired for events, weddings, exhibitions and performances. Most people have attended a fringe show here at least once. The large chandeliers are truly lovely. Many of the carpets were recently replaces and the place looks great. The staff are really helpful and are experienced event managers. I have run a few events there and the grandeur of the place can’t be overestimated. The venue has wireless internet access. As George Street is the centre of town, its location can’t be beaten.

The ballroom is simply one of the most stunning places to dance in Edinburgh. Unfortunately it is not used nearly enough for this purpose.

There used to be regular ceilidhs held here, for which it was perfect.

The Assembly Rooms is an Edinburgh institution and, during the summer, is home to one of the greatest Fringe venues the City has to offer.

Having only really been inside the Assembly Rooms during the festival, I'll make my apologies now if my review is rather Fringe-centric!

The venue itself is a beautiful Georgian hall with opulent staircases, chandeliers and dining rooms. During the festival, the Assembly Rooms become "Assembly George St" and host comedy, theatre and music in 4 or 5 converted theatres.

If you want to see big-names and popular events then Assembly George St is really the place to come. However, because it is in the new town, it does sometimes feel like it's not really part of the Fringe. The Gilded Balloon, Pleasance and the new E4 Udderbelly are all in close proximity to each other near the University and, as a result, there is a bit more of a buzz around that area. However, the class of shows at Assembly always seems to be that little bit better.

During the Fringe there are a number of bars and cafes on site which provide somewhat over-priced drinks to a captive audience! However, there is a bar to cater for everyone.

If you're a celeb-spotter than I can recommend lurking around the club bar frequented, in recent times, by stars such as Christian Slater and Ricky Gervais. However, you may find it difficult to get through the door without a VIP pass!

For those of us who don't mingle with the stars, the "Lane Bar" offers a nice atmosphere but can get rather busy. As the name suggests, this particular bar is situated in down one of the lanes by the side of the Assembly Rooms and is rather cramped.

If you're wanting to grab a quick drink during a show then you best bet is the "balcony bar" which serves all manner of refreshments. When the venue isn't too busy, the Balcony Bar also serves as a cafe and has free wi-fi access.

You haven't experienced the Fringe if you haven't been to the Assembly Rooms.

Behind the stage and under the seats the unconcealable splendour of the old ballroom shines through, and reminds every theatre goer of the elegant figures that would have graced this enormous and magnificent room for centuries. Look up at the ceiling and be awestruck. Even getting to your seats is pleasurable and walking up the splendid staircase makes you forget your converse and carrier bag, as the imagination switches them for a glass slipper and furs.