5 versatile Edinburgh birthday party venues

Small in size but huge in atmosphere, The Wee Pub is tucked away in the heart of the Grassmarket and claims the title of Scotland’s smallest pub. A stone’s throw from Edinburgh Waverley Station, it’s easily accessible for guests travelling from different parts of the city.

The Wee Pub has a traditional Scottish charm, featuring rustic wooden furnishings and a warm, intimate atmosphere. The space is ideal for small gatherings, offering a snug setting for up to 20 guests. It can be privately hired for parties, with tailored drinks packages and a buffet menu at £14 per person available. The icing on the cake? The Wee Pub also offers gin tastings of the finest Scottish botanical gins.

Located just off Leith Walk, Leith Arches is the highly popular, highly in-demand Edinburgh event venue and for good reason. The blank canvas industrial space gets plenty of natural light, and is effortlessly cool, transforming for everything from birthday parties to weddings to product launches.

This converted railway arch venue has an industrial yet welcoming aesthetic, featuring exposed brick, high ceilings, and an open-plan layout. The venue can accommodate up to 180 guests and offers flexible private hire options, including different levels such as the mezzanine with a capacity of 60.

With in-house catering, including street food-style options, and a well-stocked bar, it’s a versatile space for birthday parties and celebrations.

Situated just off Edinburgh’s bustling Princes Street, the Wee Tap is a semi-private space within the Hanover Tap pub. The venue is well connected, with Waverley Station and several bus routes nearby.

The Wee Tap offers a relaxed, contemporary feel with a mix of industrial and rustic decor. Exposed brickwork, wooden accents, and soft lighting create a laid-back environment. The space accommodates up to 35 people seated and 65 standing and is available for private hire, with various drinks and pub grub food packages, PA system/speakers, and a 65-inch TV for friends and family to embarrass the birthday person with a slide show of best (worst) photos.

There’s a minimum spend of roughly £500–£1000 depending season and day of the week.

Tucked away beneath the 18th-century South Bridge, The Caves is a distinctive underground venue within Old Town. Just a short walk from Waverley Station, it offers a unique setting steeped in history – it once housed so much whisky it was known as Whisky Row.

With exposed stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and atmospheric lighting, The Caves provides a dramatic backdrop for a birthday party. The venue can host larger gatherings, with multiple spaces available for groups of different sizes.

For a party with a seated meal, there’s a minimum cover of 60 guests and a maximum capacity of 250. For a standing birthday party, there’s a minimum cover of 150 guests and a maximum capacity of 400. There’s a minimum food spend, speakers with an MP3 set playlist or you can bring in a DJ/live band – and in this kind of space? You’ll want to.

Situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town, Malmaison Edinburgh City offers stylish event spaces for those looking for a more suave birthday celebration. It is a short walk from Waverley Station and well-connected to tram and bus services.

The boutique hotel exudes sophistication, with chic interiors that combine modern luxury with classic charm. The Chez Mal Brasserie can be hired exclusively for up to 80 guests, or up to 45 people with a separate area for a welcome drink reception. The venue offers a range of food and drink packages, making it a suitable choice for those looking to host a refined celebration.