The Caves

I recently organised a corporate dinner and drinks party at The Caves in Edinburgh and I truly can’t recommend them highly enough. From start to finish, the experience was exceptional. Lisa and the team were incredible, we had a large group with lots dietary requirements and nothing was too much trouble. Lisa's attention to detail and great communication took all the stress out of the equation. The venue itself is stunning. Amazing stone archways, perfect lighting and spades of history, The Caves creates an atmosphere that's both grand and intimate, perfect for an evening event. Our guests were genuinely wowed. The food was excellent, beautifully presented, delicious and thoughtfully prepared to suit all dietary needs without compromise. If you're looking for a unique, atmospheric venue with top-notch service and hospitality, look no further.

Beautiful space with a mix of different generations. Great Gig from the Gurriers. “ One Show Band “. First Band also very good. Unfortunately I forgot their name. We will be back 😎🇵🇹

Interesting venue. I was there for a wedding. Didn't think much of the exterior but once inside it is amazing.

I held my international group's member dinner here the evening of May 2nd, 2025. Everyone had a great time! The venue was so nicely decorated & so unique, the staff were AWESOME, and the food was very good. It is very hard to serve over 100 people a great meal. The pictures online are exactly what the venue looks like.Thank you to the great staff for a wonderful evening!

A great wee venue. Reminded me of the Cavern back in the day as the standing arrear is an arch. The band I saw rocked (Courette). A small bar situated around the corner from the stage. Prices as you would expected in Edinburgh. Overall, it was a great place to see smaller up and coming bands.

We just had our wedding in The Rowantree, and it couldn't have been better! Caroline ensured everything went to plan, and was so helpful and communicated with us regularly. The staff were excellent throughout - working a wedding can't be easy! The food was lovely, and the venue itself is just gorgeous, and so many of our guests commented on how great it was. They were also very accommodating of the food allergies some of our guests had. Highly recommend!

I recently photographed an amazing wedding at this truly unique and beautiful venue. Everything about it is awesome. The atmosphere, the location and the friendly staff make it one of my favourite wedding venues in Edinburgh. Highly recommended if you're considering getting married here.

This place was gorgeous. From the flames at the front entrance all the way through its many alcoves and off rooms. Great for a big event or just a fun night out. Staff were great. I was there drawing caricatures for a big event and it was a great atmosphere.

All I can say is what a joke The Caves bar management was last night. Waited a year and 8/9 months and traveled just under 2 for a gig only to be kicked out 5 minutes in for trying to help a miss understanding of speech, guy behind me at the bar shouted over "dae use take caird" and I heard the guy behind the bar say did he just ask if we sell gear, and I approched the bar and said with my card in my hand in front of them "he's asking do you accept card" and then I got a yes we do off one guy then no more than 1 minute later bouncers came and took the guys behind me in the line away then come back and took me away, was thinking what have I done I've not even been in there enough time to even slip up, and the bouncer explained to me and these 3 other guys who I had never met in my life that we weren't allowed back in because bar management had kicked us out for apparently asking the bar if they "sold gear", so I asked can I at least speak to the bar management who kicked us out and was refused, aye these guys were going off there heads but I was trying to be civil about it obviously I'm going to be angry about it but I'll still try and keep my head about me, and then they 3 guys left and then asked again can I speak to the management yet, and yet again was refused and was told I would need to wait till the end of the night after the gig was finished to speak to a manager, and we'll I was waiting on my friend coming out anyways at the end to get the bus home but I still tried asking, can a manager speak to me yet I've been kicked out unfairly for trying to resolve a misunderstanding, and kept being denied, then it comes to the end of the night and asked the bouncers, so now can I speak to a manager, and then was yet again told no you can't after waiting 3 hours in the cold because I don't know people from edinburgh so I couldn't meet up with anyone and I didn't want to sit in a pub myself so I just stayed outside and waited on my mate coming out, and the hope I'd get back into this gig, all I can say I'm sorely disappointed about not getting to see that gig and how poorly executed the situation was, totally unprofessional If the guy who kicked me out gave me an explanation as to why I was kicked out so early into a gig that I'd paid to see, I maybe wouldn't have such a strong bad opinion about this place, all it would've took was no more than 2 minutes of time to explain what actually happened to see if it could be solved. People had seen it happen and heard what I said and tried complaining to the bar management and they weren't interested to hear anything, basically seemed like a case of if your face doesn't fit your not welcome.

I've always walked by here for some reason; maybe it's because I'm a huge fan of Bannerman's which is basically just opposite on the other side of the street - but tonight I wandered in while I sorted through the stash of fliers and leaflets and postcards that you inevitably end up with during the Fringe season. The Caves is also a venue of sorts, with a lot of stages littered around their courtyard type area, but the main box office is in the bar itself, which is a nice way to entice people in. I presume when it's not Fringe season, there's no box office and it's just a bar. And that's fine. It's big, spacious, well lit without being burn your eyes bright at night. There's lots of nooks and crannies to find a place to sit or get out of the way of the crowds if that's your thing. Big choice of beers and ales, the Williams Brothers draft was my tipple of choice tonight and was damn nice too. Staff are quick and friendly, and during this busy time, that's no mean task, due to the sheer numbers of people, many of whom seem to have forgotten how to drink responsibly or have some basic human courtesy... like the guy in front of me who basically spat his order at the poor woman behind the bar then ignored her to talk to his friend and just threw the money on the bar, and held his hand out for change, still not looking. Fair play to the bartender who still displayed him politeness and courtesy above and beyond. At the end of the day though, Cowgate is packed with bars and The Caves is fine, but it is just a bar; there's not a lot to distinguish it from the herd (Herd? COW-gate? Geddit?) and maybe that's why I've always just walked by...

If you are ever invited to go to the Caves- DO IT! It usually is open for particular events, rather than everyday club nights and can host a variety of music tastes. What makes this place so amazing is the fact that it's in actual caves, with many secret corridors and rooms- all of which are open during the Fringe. The upstairs bar and balcony is great to have a drink and chill and watch the people downstairs. The atmosphere is further enhanced by the cool lighting and the dark and heavy furniture and decoration, which anywhere else would look tacky but here it somehow works brilliantly. It certainly has a lead as far as ambiance is concerned and it basically represents one of those clubs that totally sums up the city you are in- it represents what you expect to find from a secret Edinburgh. If only it was open more often! Oh and keep you eyes peeled for the Cow backside on the corner, as theire are no big signs for the entrance of the Caves.

I went to see a gig here with my friend, its exactly as described inside, the caves, you get that dark, damp, actually quite cosy feeling in the caves, the caves are lit up. Were the actual gig is is quite a large room, quite dark, no seats really. There are a few levels to the caves, upstairs is a seating area and standing social area and a bar. The toliets downstairs have a pretty cool vintage rock decor. Brilliant place to have a concert in and a cool experience, from outside it looks like your walking into a normal bar then you enter the caves and its quite amazing , never been In the caves before and I would go back again. Can get quite cramped and crowded in here but its a great spot to explore although I didn't get to explore the caves too much , it was too crowded but there's definitely more in the caves.

This is a pretty damn cool space! I visited for an Edinburgh Fringe show (Frankenstein: Unbolted - well worth seeing!) and didn't know anything about the venue until we got here. Clue: there's not just one cave - there's many! We queued outside and got into the show quickly and the space was super cool. It reminds me a lot of the Arches and similar venues in Glasgow with the stone arched roof, but in a very cool way. For seeing a show it was very comfortable and atmospheric. I didn't get to see much more of the space than the room we were in as we headed back out as soon as the show was done, but now that I know this space is here I'd definitely head back for another show in the future.

I've never gone to The Caves unless I was attending a gig. One notable gig was an evening of pop-songs being read dramatically a la Will Shatner. It came complete with a cardboard cut-out of the man himself on stage and everyone got stickers with his face on them! The caves is a reasonably unique venue. I say 'reasonably' because underground isn't all that unique in Edinburgh, especially not around Cowgate, but The Caves has managed to turn itself into something special. the seductively low lighting and various nooks make you feel like you're somewhere secret and special. Upstairs, the balcony overlooks the stage and gives a great view, and a great sound I must say. the decor is quite eclectic and the womens bathrooms are really nice! Overall, I probably wouldn't go here on a night out, I'm not even sure it's an option, but I would keep The Caves for special gigs and quirky events for which it seems ideally suited!

Just returned from a friend's wedding at The Caves and ... just ... WOW! What a venue! So much atmosphere and despite obviously not being purpose built, all the different little areas and quirky features of the cave layout lend themselves really well to events. We got some faaaaaaaaabulous pics with such amazing backdrops. I was worried it might look a bit Adam's Family but the way the venue staff had decorated it with lots of candles and flowers somehow managed to create an enchanting romantic yet still quite edgy and cool look. Fabulous location - it was really easy for me (from out of town) to find cheap accommodation nearby which was a real bonus.

This is my favourite venue in Edinburgh. Not only because they put on really good nights, but because it's such an interesting space. Plus, it's in the Cowgate, so in contrast with all the other terrible Cowgate spaces, it gets many a thumbs up and high-fives and all that jazz. It's a real labyrinth, and if you're sneaky enough when you're in there, there are doors to be opened, and underground corridors to be prowled. Or discovered, is the more accurate word. It just feels like you're in Edinburgh underground city when you're in there and that's just too good to miss out on. There are really high ceilings, and it feels like a gothic dungeon. You should definitely go there if you see a good night on. You'll feel like Dracula might swoop down at you at any moment. Which is good, right?

The Caves are an intensely amazing experience. Usually open for very special events (notably for Fringe shows), the Caves have a very exclusive feel since you know you can't experience them on just any old night of the week. Floodlit, dingy and occasionally dripping with water, the Caves are in actual fact very well kept and have bars etc inside. You feel like you're in a swanky bunker, or burrowing into a secret underground society, but whatever it feels like it's damn good. I saw a cracking show in here a few years back called "24 Ways To Die". It was an amazing performance executed by a fantastically flamboyant cast, but The Caves definitely heightened the experience and lend to it being more memorable. I wish they were open all year round, but maybe that would detract from their appeal. They serve us well as a secret annual portal to another realm.

I have attended many different types of events at The Caves and they have all been enchanting. One of the great things about Edinburgh is the history and architechture allows for amazing buildings/venues like this. The venue is a serious of winding caves and vaults, which will probably lead you to get lost at some point. There is so much history related to this place that it really sets it apart from other venues. We had our first night of Freshers Week here and it truely was outstanding. As students spending our first night away from home, with many of us new to Edinburgh's nightlife we were all amazed by this mysterious place. To me, bars were a plain room with a bar in the middle and some seats either side. Not underground caves! It really was a great introduction to Edinburgh. There is a real Gothic, mysterious feel to this place and it add that extra special touch to an event. They cater for all types of events here including weddings, corporate events, private parties and gigs. This venue really is unique and spectacular, if you are invited to an event here you simply must attend!

Huge venue? Check. Gorgeous surroundings and stone-vaulted ceiling underground? Check. Loads of bars? Check. The Caves is only open for one-off nights unlike most clubs, but you can guarantee anything that's put on here will be good. If nothing else, it has the reputation of always being a good night - but without being pretentious like so many other Edinburgh clubs - and so there's always a really good atmosphere. Recently, they've also turned their hand to private events too. I went to an end of year uni ball here, and it was absolutely excellent, from the great service to the quirky surroundings. It's not often you can say you've sat in the vaults underneath the Old Town and had a 3-course dinner and champagne reception one night, and the next time you're there be at UV drum & bass club night! There are two dancefloor areas downstairs, but what I love about it the most are all the little winding passages and nooks and crannies, where you'll stumble across cute little 6-person seating areas, or a balcony overlooking the dancefloor. Basically, if you haven't been already then you need to get yourself along at the next available opportunity.

The Caves is somewhere I didn't even know about before I was invited there for a friend's 30th birthday. This may not be surprising, as it is underground, and thus not immediately noticeable. It's a gem of an events venue - not something you'd expect from a windowless cave. I think that I wasn't in the biggest of the rooms they have, but in one of the smaller bar areas, which had a small dance floor-esque space at one end of it. It provided a great cosy atmosphere, and definitely helped the party to go off with a bang. There was just about enough seating for everybody, and it didn't feel too cramped. There's not much more I can say that hasn't already been said about this place. A great, quirky venue that you should visit at least once!

An amazingly atmospheric club choice, built into Edinburgh's most haunted South Bridge Vaults. Seems to cater the corporate event market on weekday nights. but keep an eye on the weekend clublistings, departure lounge is my particular favourite, and Vegas! has set up camp here on occassion too. Used as the Underbelly's Baby Belly during the Fringe. Ess

Wow. What a fantastic venue. If you're familiar with the Arches in Glasgow, then The Caves has the same 'wow factor' but everything is on a much, much smaller scale. I was massively impressed with this venue when I went to see Bonobo recently, you really do feel like you're in a castle dungeon...with alcohol. My only complaint would be the prices: two drinks for £9? Ouch, ouch, ouch!

The Caves is a fantastic venue, one of but few in the city of Edinburgh. In case you're wondering about the name, it literally is a big empty cave with a stage at the far end. This makes for some fabulous acoustics and some great band noise in general. Keep your eyes peeled, there are usually some pretty exceptional gigs lined up for this place.

For Me this is a very cool place to the wedding, is very unusual but is unique. There is something Interesting dining in such a building... maybe is not a proper place for a summer time but others season I love it.

Looking like a scene from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, the bar of the Underbelly Caves is an enchanting experience of everything that murky lighting and cobwebs can offer. I do not mean to sound derogatory; in fact this is one if the coolest most interesting bars I know of, anywhere. Gone from this realm is the blasting music of the modern world. Remaining is, well, lots of dust and cobwebs, though everything that needs to be clean is quite up to standards and the chunky coffee tables and chairs are much more to be desired than anything Ikea could offer. (Saying that, I hope they aren't part of an Ikea 'rustic pirate' range, that would be the most disappointing news in the world). Candles flicker from the walls and by the creaking, winding stairs lurks the oldest, boniest drinker in the city.

I had my wedding in The Rowantree last month and it was simply perfect. The staff really know what they are doing and are very helpful. The venue is beautiful in it's own right so is stunning without loads of expensive decoration. For my budget I could have chose a hotel and made it nice with decorations but it would never have had the wow factor The Rowantree had. Everyone loved it and the food was delicious. Yes it's quite dark for photos but it's a cave so to be expected. I highly recommend it for an autumn or winter wedding.

I know The Caves as a gig and club venue, but I know they hire the space out as a wedding venue too. It's located in the heart of Edinburgh's Old town and the massive brick arches support South Bridge. I love how they illuminate the space, using coloured lighting and candles creating an unique atmospheric venue. The main vault houses the stage for bands and DJs. There is a balcony which overlooks the stage too, which seems to re-create itself throughout the evening, from sturdy timber tables and chairs - to soft leather couches at night. There's no seating in the main stage area, so if you need a rest of to chill out, pop up to the balcony via the fire escape like steps by the bar. Oh and the sound is great in here too!

I really, really like The Caves. I wish it was actually a full time night club or bar, because I'd be keen to attend this underground party and events venue quite regularly. I've been to The Caves on several occasions for private parties, and the atmosphere of the venue brilliantly suits general merriment and fiesta indulgence. The low lighting, arched cave ceilings and character laden interior make The Caves a fantastic place to dance, drink, and do dark deeds in dark corners (nothing too bad, maybe just a cheeky smooch). Anyway, the point is that hanging out in The Caves makes you feel very cool and underground, because, well...you are underground, but also because partying in a sultry lit cave with no view of the outside world makes you feel like you're part of something no one know about for a few hours. Parts of The Caves feel like you've gone back in time a few hundred years, or you're on a film set where something spooky is about to occur. One off club nights are held here now and again, so get in on one if you fancy having a peek at this venue, or else crash someone's wedding if you fancy a more challenging manner of gaining entry.

Any time I go there, I find something new I have not seen before - it is really awsome place for gothic parties, banquets, etc. The actual name of the place is 'The Cave', I don't have a clue where the plural has come from, but the original name is a tribute to one of Plato's essays of the same name. If you climb the stairs just before the bar counter on the second floor on your right you will find an expert from the essay throwing light on the concept of the cave. The last time I visited the bar was to take part in a Venetian masquerade organized by my uni - all I can say is that I enjoyed it and wish there were more such events because they make you travel beyond the boring every day life existence.

The location is small and quite cramped. Feels like they try to squeeze in as many tables as possible to maximise the space. Not for anybody who doesn't like tight spaces. Sometimes get a snoobish type of feeling from their staff, for instance, their email reply would say something about how the manager is experienced in managing high class venues etc or how exclusive their venue is. Service is quite rushed and stressful, feels as though they are underhanded. The good point is that it is underground in a 'cave' and the lighting will look quite nice because of the small space. I wouldn't recommend this place for a party however as the attitude of the staff is more important to me for an enjoyable experience.

Went there recently for a wedding. Amazing venue, the food was great and the staff very efficient. Probably the best wedding venue I have ever been to!