The Banshee Labyrinth

The Banshee Labyrinth at 29-35 Niddry Street is a multi-room venue in the vaults off the Cowgate in Edinburgh's Old Town, Scotland, combining a horror-themed bar, a small cinema and a live-music and club space. It is sometimes billed as Scotland's most haunted pub, a reputation that draws curious visitors alongside regulars who come for the late hours and the unusual layout. A warren of stone-walled rooms and corridors gives it the maze-like feel that its name suggests.

The crowd is eclectic: students, rock and alternative music fans, ghost-tour visitors and late-night drinkers, generally aged from late teens to forties. There is no formal dress code, and black clothing and band T-shirts are common but not required. The atmosphere is gothic and quirky rather than polished, and it is relaxed enough that first-time visitors do not feel out of place.

Music leans toward rock and alternative, with live bands and club nights on the programme, and the small cinema screens films and events, so visitors should check the schedule. The venue opens daily from late afternoon until about 3am. Entry is mostly free, though cinema and club events can charge from about £5 (~$7), and the cover varies by event. The bar serves beer, spirits and mixers at typical city-centre prices, with a standard selection rather than a specialist cocktail list. Bottle service and table reservations are not typical for the venue.

Queues are usually short, but weekend evenings and event nights can see a line at the door, particularly during the Fringe and festival season. Early evening is calmer and suits those who want to explore the rooms and the cinema before the crowd arrives. Its late-night opening makes it a good after-midnight stop when other bars close. The location off the Cowgate and close to South Bridge puts it next to several other clubs and bars, so it fits easily into a longer night out in the Old Town.