Located in the grounds of the city’s hip Edinburgh College of Art, the Wee Red Bar is something of an institution for those of a certain age. Largely a student hangout – but open to and used by others – this is a step up from your usual sticky floored student gaff. As a small bar-come-gig and club venue, they put on a decent roll of live bands throughout the year (anything from indie rock and reggae to post-metal and acoustic sets) and the club nights (not to mention the cheap drinks) are largely sound.
Long-standing Saturday indie night The Egg doles up a solid roster of tunes from the likes of Pixies, Kraftwerk and Bowie. Throughout festival season in August, it works nicely as an arts venue, with a pop-up bar and café regularly appearing outside the college.