Unusual Venues for Hire in Edinburgh

Your Guide to Hiring Unusual Venues in Edinburgh

Not every event needs to go by the book nor does your venue choice. While Edinburgh’s incredibly atmospheric scenery cannot be ignored, when you add in an unusual and unique venue choice - well, you’ve got the potential for an event that you’ll be talking about for years to come.

The historic legacy of Edinburgh combined with its inventive approach to modern repurposing has yielded a wealth of interesting and cool places. Start your search in The Old Town, this district has many restaurants and clubs in quirky spaces, take a look at the amazingly atmospheric The Fettercairn Suite at The Scotsman Hotel. Is there anything more ethereal than a unique outdoor terrace?

The New Town also has a lot on offer for those with alternative tastes. The Mansfield Traquair, also known as the city’s “Sistine Chapel”, offers full service venues for any kind of occasion you could think of. Furthermore, several other of the city’s old churches have been repurposed as bars and restaurants and these are a definite win if you are hunting for stunning surroundings for a reception, party, wedding, or office event.

If you are looking to go to a truly fringe venue, consider some of the city’s old factories or warehouses. You have several choice locations to pick from including an old biscuit factory, a beer factory, and a granary. The industrial atmosphere of these old workplaces really appeal to modern tastes with their clean lines and exciting past. For these sorts of venues, check up towards Leith.

FAQs about Unusual Venues in Edinburgh

How much does it cost to hire an unusual venue in Edinburgh?

Straight hire fees are quite common among Edinburgh’s unusual event venues. They start at around £400 per session and reach up to £4,000 per day, depending mainly on the size and type of the venue. For short events, we recommend checking out spaces with hourly rates - the fees tend to stay within the £10-£30 per hour range. If you decide on a minimum spend venue, expect most venues in Edinburgh to charge between £50 and £1,000 per event. However, keep in mind that the most premium unusual spaces might ask for £5,000 and more minimum spend! Another convenient pricing type are per person packages, which usually cost from £20 to £90 per head. Remember that, depending on the type of venue and event, you might be subject to additional fees. (All data from Tagvenue.)

How do I choose the perfect unusual venue for my event in Edinburgh?

When you decide to book a unique event venue, make sure you don’t get too caught up in the ‘unconventional’ aspect and forget about everything else! Edinburgh is home to unusual venues of all types, so you just have to know what you are looking for. To make things easier, we’ve prepared a short list of questions you might want to ask yourself before making a decision:

• What kind of ‘unusual’ am I looking for? We understand, you want to get off the beaten path and hire a unique space. However, this idea covers a wide variety of venues: from converted industrial and historical buildings to modern spaces with unconventional amenities and decor, Edinburgh has almost anything you can think of. So make sure the venue fits the type and atmosphere of your event.
• What facilities does my event require? Sweeping your guests off their feet is one thing, functionality is another. Unique features are exciting, but remember to check all the equipment, additional spaces, and services the venue offers. If you’re looking for anything specific, like a projector, in-house catering, or free parking on site, you can mark it in our smart search filters. It will make browsing through your options much easier!
• Is the location convenient for me and my guests? Once you’ve chosen a few unusual venues that fit most of your criteria, keep the location in mind. Check public transport stations, major roadways, and the surrounding area. Edinburgh offers unique spaces for hire in practically every district, so you shouldn’t struggle to find the right spot!

In short, while looking for the right unusual venue in Edinburgh, always keep the practical features in mind, and check all the details thoroughly, then you’ll be good to go!

What are some of the most unusual venues available in Edinburgh?

Are you looking for the most unique of the unique? You’re in the right place! Here are some unusual venues in Edinburgh you simply can’t miss:

• NQ64 Edinburgh - Located on Lothian Road, this bar is a heaven for gaming fans! Classic console, retro arcades, and neon lights all around: this venue will turn any party up a notch. The cocktails are game-themed, too!
• Boxes 1-10 at BT Murrayfield Stadium - Ever thought of hosting your event with a view of Scotland’s largest stadium? This venue is home to the Scottish Rugby Union, and offers top-notch service for meetings, buffets, and receptions. It’s situated on Roseburn Street.
• Club Prive Conservatory at The Roseate Edinburgh - The glass windows and ceilings uncover a leafy paradise all around this private room! If you’re planning a classy yet unique dinner, meeting, or drinks reception, this venue in Coates is sure to impress.