Pleasance Theatre, Pleasance Courtyard

Perhaps best known during the festival for its huge fringe festival programme, Edinburgh University's 300-capacity student union building at the Pleasance is also the venue for public events (such as the Edinburgh International Film Festival), debates, and the cabaret bar hosts weekly comedy acts and live music.

Pleasance at the Fringe

The Pleasance continues to grow each year and now that it occupies a complex with some 14 venue spaces, six bars and three cafes certainly lives up its moniker of Pleasance Grand.

At festival time, the Pleasance Courtyard turns into the biggest beer garden in the city, and assuming the weather is not too dreich, it's an excellent place to start an evening or spend an afternoon.

The programming tends to be of a high standard, featuring many international acts, particularly with an emphasis on comedy, music, musicals, dance, and cabaret