Edinburgh summer party venues (for that one week of summer)

Nothing says summer like a garden party and nothing says garden party like the botanical gardens. The John Hope Gateway is the largest event space in Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden, with a capacity of 350 for a reception and 250 for a seated meal. It’s sheltered with floor-to-ceiling windows looking at the green landscape, and if it’s not raining, there’s access to the decking.

For a smaller event, the Caledonian Hall and its neighbouring purpose-built pavilion offer another picturesque setting within the botanical garden. The hall (max. cap. 120 for a reception) was built as a herbarium and offers large windows with views, and high ceilings, and its pavilion with its Constantine doors makes it ideal for the actual sunny summer day and – should it prove dreich – boasts indoor heating.

Whatever the weather, there’s lush greenery and dedicated space and amenities for a Scottish summer party.

Elevate your summer party with five-star luxury. The Roseate, an iconic boutique luxury hotel in the heart of the capital offers a garden area, complete with covered seating, that’s ideal for barbecues, drinks parties, and summer corporate events.

The garden party ambience abounds: fairy lights, fur throws (for when the evening turns chilly), picturesque views, and your own bar – you’ll want for nothing. The open-air space can accommodate 80 for a drinks reception and 40 for a seated meal.

From the finest Scottish whiskies to equally fine Scottish produce, a party at the Roseate’s garden will celebrate the best of the Scottish summer.

When a best-kept secret gets included in a list of the best summer party venues in Edinburgh, it’s safe to say the cat’s out of the bag. Launching in 2024, Lochrin Rooftop Bar was awarded the Scottish Bar & Pub Hotel Bar of the Year.

Lochrin offers the best sunset views in the capital, outdone only by the castle. Modern, chic, and understated elegance, if you’re looking for exclusivity for your summer party, you can’t do any better than this rooftop with its picture-perfect views and stunning interior decor. The rooftop has a capacity for 100 guests with its intimate interior event space with a capacity for 40.

The hotel rooftop bar is located in the Lochrin neighbourhood, a 10-minute walk from Haymarket Station. Signature cocktails, chick interiors, and unbeatable views.

Chaophraya elevates Thai cuisine and their Edinburgh location elevates the dining experience. The covered terrace and Glassbox offer striking views of the capital you can appreciate regardless of the weather – misty summer rain or radiant sunset.

The terrace is an outdoor space with optional cover and has a capacity of 30 for a seated meal and 70 for a drinks reception. The Glassbox is the show-stopper of the restaurant, with views over Edinburgh Castle and the Firth of Forth. The Glassbox has a capacity of 24 for a seated meal and 30 for a drinks reception.

Located in the Castle district just a 5-minute walk from Waverley Station, these views paired with aromatic Thai cuisine, you could just about pretend you’re somewhere other than Edinburgh.

Located in the Fountainbridge area, Edinburgh Printmakers is a creative centre for printmaking and the visual arts, with a venue for summer parties and events in its café, courtyard, and community garden.

The café offers unique heritage features, a blank canvas event space, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The courtyard is an open space with unique, modern multi-use pods. If the weather’s unfavourable you can keep the party to the café or make use of the courtyard and garden when summer’s not in hiding.

Edinburgh Printmakers is a 10-minute walk from Haymarket train station or a 15-minute walk from Princes Street.