Stramash is a vibrant live music venue situated in Edinburgh's Old Town, accommodating up to 900 guests. Housed in a renovated church, it features three bars and a large stage for performances. The venue also boasts Edinburgh's largest HD screen, broadcasting live sports events. A mezzanine floor with a gothic-inspired bar is available for private functions. Operated by Bruce Taverns, Stramash is renowned for its energetic atmosphere and diverse entertainment offerings.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Free Entry and Affordable Drinks Stramash offers free entry, which is a significant bonus, and the drink prices are considered reasonable, especially for students. This makes it an accessible option for a night out in Edinburgh.
- Friendly Staff and Security Many reviewers have complimented the staff and door staff for being friendly and helpful. The security is also praised for quickly addressing any issues and ensuring a safe environment.
- Lively Atmosphere and Great Music Stramash offers a vibrant and energetic atmosphere with live music every night, including indie rock, Scottish ceilidh, and traditional highland dancing. The venue is known for creating a fun and memorable night out.
- Multiple Bars and Spacious Layout The venue has two floors with multiple bars, providing ample space to move around. The upstairs balcony offers a quieter area with seating and a good view of the stage.
- Unique Venue in a Converted Church The bar is located inside a deconsecrated church, providing a unique and visually appealing setting. The architecture adds to the overall experience, making it a special place to enjoy drinks and live music.
Criticised
- Bouncers Can Be Obstructive While security is generally seen as positive, some reviewers have mentioned that bouncers can sometimes be in the way, especially when going outside for a smoke. This can be a minor inconvenience.
- Crowded and Noisy Stramash can get very crowded and noisy, especially on weekends or during popular events. This can make it difficult to move around and have conversations.
- Inconsistent Bar Service Some reviewers have mentioned that the bar staff can be unwelcoming, irritated, or slow. This can detract from the overall experience, particularly during busy periods.
- Limited Drink Selection While the drink prices are reasonable, the selection of drinks, particularly wine, may be limited. This may not appeal to those with specific preferences.
- Sticky Floors A few reviewers have noted that the floors can be sticky, which is a common issue in busy bars and clubs. This can be unpleasant for some patrons.
The longer read
Stramash is a popular Edinburgh venue known for its lively atmosphere, live music, and unique setting within a deconsecrated church. Many reviewers describe it as a must-visit destination for a fun night out, often highlighting the energetic vibe and the quality of the live bands that perform nightly. The venue frequently features Scottish ceilidh music, encouraging audience participation in traditional Highland dancing, which many reviewers found to be a memorable and enjoyable experience. The bouncers are generally seen as friendly and helpful, and the door staff are particularly praised. The venue's layout includes a main floor with a dance floor in front of the stage and an upstairs balcony with a bar, offering a quieter space with a view of the performance area. Stramash attracts a diverse crowd, including both tourists and locals, all looking to enjoy the music and have a good time. The venue can get crowded, especially on weekends, but reviewers felt the experience was well worth it. Drink prices are considered normal for Edinburgh. The bar service is generally fast and efficient. Stramash is frequently recommended as a highlight of an Edinburgh visit, with many reviewers expressing a desire to return. The venue's atmosphere is consistently described as cozy, friendly, and welcoming. Although some reviewers noted the floors can be sticky, they still recommend the venue. The accessibility and inclusive atmosphere and music make it a great destination. The venue's transformation from a church is a significant aspect of its appeal. This architectural feature adds character and a unique ambiance to the experience.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 131 623 4353
- Website
- stramashedinburgh.com
| Mon | 17:00 - 3:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 17:00 - 3:00 |
| Wed | 17:00 - 3:00 |
| Thu | 17:00 - 3:00 |
| Fri | 17:00 - 3:00 |
| Sat | 16:00 - 3:00 |
| Sun | 17:00 - 3:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.5 against a median of 4.5 across the 144 places to eat we hold for Edinburgh, where the most-reviewed is Dishoom Edinburgh.
Still deciding?
- What types of cuisine and signature dishes does Stramash offer?
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- What is the best time or day to visit Stramash to avoid crowds and enjoy the best atmosphere?
- Is Stramash suitable for families and are there menu options for children?
- What makes Stramash unique compared to other restaurants in Edinburgh?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.